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February 22, 2026 22 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims’ Legal Rights in Madison Parish, Louisiana

Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice Against Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Nationwide β€” Now Serving Madison Parish Families

If your child was hazed in Madison Parish or at any university near Madison Parish, you have legal rights. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and will bring that same aggressive representation to Madison Parish families.

πŸ›οΈ The Hazing Crisis in Madison Parish & Nearby Universities

Madison Parish is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Madison Parish, and the consequences can be devastating.

πŸ“ Universities Near Madison Parish with Greek Life Presence:

While Madison Parish itself is a smaller community, students from the area often attend larger universities within driving distance where Greek life is active:

  • Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, LA) – Approximately 60 miles from Madison Parish
  • University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) – Approximately 40 miles from Madison Parish
  • Grambling State University – Approximately 50 miles from Madison Parish
  • University of Arkansas at Monticello – Approximately 70 miles from Madison Parish
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Approximately 120 miles from Madison Parish

These institutions have active Greek organizations, including fraternities and sororities with national affiliations that have documented histories of hazing.

⚠️ The Same National Fraternities Operate Near Madison Parish

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide maintain chapters at universities near Madison Parish:

Fraternity Documented Hazing Incidents Relevant to Madison Parish?
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz (2021) – $10M settlement; David Bogenberger (2012) – $14M settlement Yes – chapters at Louisiana Tech, ULM, Ole Miss
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (2017) – death; Leonel Bermudez (2025) – kidney failure (our case) Yes – chapters at Louisiana Tech, Grambling
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Max Gruver (2017) – $6.1M verdict; chemical burns case at Texas A&M Yes – chapters at Louisiana Tech, ULM
Phi Delta Theta Multiple hazing deaths and injuries Yes – chapters at Louisiana Tech, ULM
Kappa Sigma Chad Meredith (2001) – $12.6M verdict Yes – chapters at Louisiana Tech, Grambling

These are the same Greek letters your child may see on campuses near Madison Parish. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Madison Parish-area universities.

πŸ“œ What Is Hazing? Louisiana Law Explained

Louisiana has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes Β§ 17:1801, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of any school, college, or university, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

Examples of Hazing That Violate Louisiana Law:

Category Examples
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise leading to injury
Forced Consumption Forced drinking (alcohol poisoning), forced eating (until vomiting)
Psychological Abuse Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, isolation
Dangerous Activities Waterboarding, extreme weather exposure, confinement
Servitude Forced errands, cleaning, driving members at all hours

🚨 CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE IN LOUISIANA. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not justify hazing.

πŸ’” The Devastating Consequences of Hazing in Madison Parish-Area Schools

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” or “tradition.” It causes real, life-altering harm to Madison Parish families:

Physical Injuries:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – can lead to kidney failure (like our client in Houston)
  • Alcohol poisoning – can be fatal
  • Traumatic brain injuries – from beatings or falls
  • Broken bones – from physical abuse
  • Internal bleeding – from extreme physical exertion

Psychological Trauma:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – from abuse and humiliation
  • Anxiety & Depression – long-term mental health impact
  • Suicidal ideation – many hazing victims report feeling hopeless
  • Trust issues – difficulty forming relationships after betrayal

Academic & Financial Impact:

  • Dropped classes – unable to focus after trauma
  • Lost scholarships – academic performance suffers
  • Medical bills – thousands of dollars in treatment costs
  • Future earning potential – delayed graduation affects career

Wrongful Death:

  • At least one hazing death per year in the U.S. since 2000
  • Families left devastated, with no way to bring their child back

🏒 Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Madison Parish?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted hazing
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be personally liable
  • Members who participated in or witnessed hazing

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
  • Knew or should have known about hazing culture
  • Provided inadequate training or oversight
  • Deep pockets – millions in assets and insurance

3. The University or College

  • Failed to supervise Greek life
  • Knew or should have known about hazing risks
  • Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
  • Had power to suspend or remove dangerous organizations

4. Individual Members & Alumni

  • Participated in hazing activities
  • Hosted hazing events at their homes
  • Failed to stop hazing they witnessed

5. Housing Corporations

  • Owned fraternity/sorority houses where hazing occurred
  • Failed to maintain safe premises

πŸ’‘ Madison Parish families: Universities and national fraternities have substantial insurance policies and financial resources. They can afford to compensate victims β€” and they should.

πŸ’° What Compensation Can Madison Parish Families Recover?

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Category Examples Potential Value
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment $50,000 – $500,000+
Lost Wages Time missed from work or internships $10,000 – $100,000+
Pain & Suffering Physical pain from injuries $100,000 – $1,000,000+
Mental Anguish PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation $200,000 – $2,000,000+
Educational Damages Lost scholarships, delayed graduation $50,000 – $500,000+
Punitive Damages To punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) $500,000 – $5,000,000+

πŸ“Š Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Madison Parish Families Can Expect):

Case Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz (2021) Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 million
Max Gruver (2017) Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza (2017) Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ million
Andrew Coffey (2017) Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Leonel Bermudez (2025) Pi Kappa Phi Our case $10 million demanded

Madison Parish families: These results are possible for your case too. The same legal strategies apply.

πŸ” How We Prove a Hazing Case for Madison Parish Victims

To win a hazing lawsuit, we must prove:

  1. Hazing Occurred – Activities met legal definition of hazing
  2. Injuries Resulted – Physical or psychological harm documented
  3. Defendants Are Liable – They organized, participated in, or failed to stop hazing
  4. Damages Exist – Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering

πŸ“‚ Evidence We Use to Build Your Case:

Evidence Type Examples
Medical Records Hospital visits, therapy records, doctor notes
Photos/Videos Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house
Text Messages Group chats, direct messages about hazing
Social Media Posts, DMs, Snapchats about pledge activities
Witness Statements Other pledges, bystanders, friends
Fraternity Documents Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
University Records Hazing reports, Greek life policies
Expert Testimony Medical experts, hazing culture experts

Madison Parish families: We know how to gather and present this evidence to build a strong case β€” even if you’re not local to Texas.

🚨 What Madison Parish Families Should Do IMMEDIATELY

If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.

βœ… Step-by-Step Action Plan:

  1. πŸ₯ Seek Medical Attention

    • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
    • Document everything β€” medical records are crucial evidence
  2. πŸ“± Preserve All Evidence

    • Do NOT delete any texts, social media posts, or photos
    • Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
    • Save photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
  3. 🚫 Do NOT Confront the Fraternity

    • They will destroy evidence, coordinate stories, and intimidate witnesses
    • Let your attorney handle all communication
  4. πŸ“ Write Down Everything

    • Date, time, location of hazing incidents
    • Names of people involved
    • What was said and done
  5. πŸ“ž Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  6. 🚫 Do NOT Give Statements Without Legal Counsel

    • Universities, fraternities, and insurance companies will try to get statements
    • They will use your words against you
    • Let your attorney handle all communication
  7. πŸ“… Know Your Deadlines

    • Louisiana has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
    • Do not wait β€” evidence disappears, and your rights expire

πŸ›‘οΈ Why Madison Parish Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • We know how to build these cases and win
  • Madison Parish families get the same aggressive representation

2. Nationwide Service β€” We Come to You

  • Headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β€” but we serve hazing victims nationwide
  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
  • Video consultations β€” meet with us remotely
  • We travel to Madison Parish β€” for depositions, trials, and client meetings

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

  • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
  • We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
  • We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation

4. No Upfront Cost β€” We Work on Contingency

  • $0 upfront β€” you pay nothing to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • No win, no fee β€” if we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing

5. Bilingual Service β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

  • Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
  • Our staff is fluent in Spanish and can serve Spanish-speaking families
  • No language barriers to justice

6. Proven Track Record of Results

  • $10 million currently demanded in our hazing case
  • Millions recovered for personal injury clients
  • Hundreds of cases won in court
  • Former insurance defense β€” we know how to fight back

7. We Understand the Culture

  • Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach
  • We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures students face
  • We know how hazing thrives in these environments

8. Compassionate, Personalized Service

  • We treat Madison Parish families like family
  • You’ll have direct access to your attorneys
  • We keep you informed every step of the way

πŸ“ž Madison Parish Families: Contact Us Now

If your child was hazed in Madison Parish or at any university near Madison Parish, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

πŸ“… Free Consultation β€” Available 24/7

πŸ“ž Call: 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

πŸ“ Serving Madison Parish & All of Louisiana

  • Houston Headquarters: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
  • Austin Office: Serving Madison Parish families
  • Beaumont Office: Serving Madison Parish families
  • We travel to Madison Parish for client meetings, depositions, and trials

⚠️ Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Deadlines expire. Call now.

πŸ”₯ What Happens Next? The Legal Process for Madison Parish Families

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

  • We review your situation confidentially
  • We determine if you have a viable case
  • We explain your legal options

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

  • We send preservation letters to all defendants
  • We gather medical records, communications, and other evidence
  • We identify and interview witnesses

Step 3: Demand Letter

  • We send a demand package to defendants
  • We detail the hazing, injuries, and damages
  • We demand fair compensation

Step 4: Negotiation

  • We negotiate aggressively with defendants
  • We fight for the maximum settlement possible
  • If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

  • We file a lawsuit in the appropriate court
  • We conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
  • We prepare for trial

Step 6: Resolution

  • Most cases settle before trial
  • If necessary, we take your case to a jury
  • We fight for the compensation you deserve

Madison Parish families: We handle every step of the process so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

🚫 Common Myths About Hazing β€” Debunked

Myth 1: “It’s just tradition β€” everyone goes through it.”

Reality: Hazing is illegal in Louisiana. “Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. The law explicitly says consent is not a defense.

Myth 2: “If I report it, I’ll be blacklisted.”

Reality: Retaliation for reporting hazing is also illegal. We protect our clients from retaliation and social ostracism.

Myth 3: “I agreed to participate, so I can’t sue.”

Reality: Louisiana law says consent does not matter. Even if you “agreed” to hazing, you can still pursue legal action.

Myth 4: “Only the fraternity members are responsible.”

Reality: Universities, national organizations, and housing corporations can also be held liable β€” and they have deep pockets to compensate victims.

Myth 5: “I can’t afford a lawyer.”

Reality: We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Myth 6: “It’s not a big deal β€” it’s just a prank.”

Reality: Hazing causes serious injuries, psychological trauma, and death. It’s not a prank β€” it’s abuse.

πŸŽ“ Frequently Asked Questions for Madison Parish Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Madison Parish, but I’m not sure if it was “serious enough.” Should I still call?

A: Yes. Many hazing victims don’t realize how serious the abuse was until later. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for psychological trauma, humiliation, or other damages. Call us for a free evaluation.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still be held responsible?

A: Absolutely. Louisiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation if we pursue legal action. What should we do?

A: Retaliation is illegal, and we take it very seriously. We can:

  • Send cease-and-desist letters to prevent retaliation
  • File additional claims if retaliation occurs
  • Protect your child’s identity if necessary
  • Provide legal protection throughout the process

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • You pay $0 to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover
  • If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but most hazing cases take 12-24 months to resolve. Factors that affect timeline:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Number of defendants
  • Whether the case settles or goes to trial
  • Cooperation of defendants

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while fighting for maximum compensation.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Louisiana’s hazing law applies both on and off campus. If the hazing was related to fraternity/sorority activities, you can pursue legal action regardless of where it occurred.

Q: My child was hazed at Louisiana Tech/ULM/Grambling. Can you still help us even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Madison Parish and all Louisiana universities. We have:

  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
  • Video consultation technology β€” meet with us remotely
  • Willingness to travel β€” we come to Madison Parish for depositions and trials

Q: What if the fraternity has already been suspended or closed?

A: That doesn’t prevent you from pursuing legal action. In fact, fraternity suspensions often happen AFTER serious incidents β€” which shows they knew about the problem. We can still pursue:

  • The national organization (which still exists and has assets)
  • The individual members who participated
  • The university for failing to prevent hazing
  • The housing corporation that owned the property

Q: Can we file a criminal complaint in addition to a civil lawsuit?

A: Yes. Hazing is a crime in Louisiana. You can:

  • File a criminal complaint with local law enforcement
  • Pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation
  • Both can happen simultaneously

We can help you understand the criminal process and coordinate with law enforcement if needed.

πŸ“’ A Message to Fraternities Near Madison Parish

To the fraternities operating near Madison Parish:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma β€” if your chapter is near Madison Parish, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client in Houston?

  • Shut down
  • Charter surrendered
  • Criminal referrals initiated
  • $10 million lawsuit pending

That’s what happens when you haze students in Louisiana or anywhere in America.

If your chapter is engaging in hazing near Madison Parish, clean up your act now. Because when the next victim calls us, we will pursue every liable entity β€” and you will pay.

πŸ’” A Message to Madison Parish Families

To the parents, siblings, and loved ones of hazing victims in Madison Parish:

We know what you’re going through. We’ve seen the pain, the anger, the helplessness.

Your child trusted these people. They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.

That trust was betrayed.

We are here to help you turn that pain into accountability. To turn that anger into action. To make sure this never happens to another Madison Parish family.

You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now β€” and we will fight for you.

Call us. Let’s talk. Let’s get justice for your child.

πŸ“ž Contact Attorney 911 Now β€” Free, Confidential Consultation

Madison Parish families: If your child was hazed, call us immediately.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Madison Parish and all of Louisiana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

⚠️ Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Deadlines expire. Call now.

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