🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Marion County, Alabama — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ — Serving Marion County, Alabama Hazing Victims

📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

🔴 Marion County Parents & Students: Hazing Is Happening at Your Schools — And It’s Time to Fight Back

If you’re reading this, you already know the truth: hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s happening right here in Marion County, Alabama — at universities like Bevill State Community College, Northwest-Shoals Community College, and nearby institutions where Greek life thrives.

You’re not alone. We’re currently fighting this battle in court — right now — with a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operating in Houston have chapters near Marion County. The same negligence exists at Alabama institutions. And we will fight for Marion County families with the same aggression.

Marion County hazing victims deserve justice. We’re here to deliver it.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Marion County, Alabama

Hazing Isn’t Just a “Big School” Problem — It’s Happening Here

Marion County, Alabama may be a tight-knit community, but that doesn’t make our students immune to the dangers of hazing. In fact, smaller schools and community colleges can be even more vulnerable because oversight is often weaker, and peer pressure is even stronger.

Local Institutions with Greek Life Presence Near Marion County:

• Bevill State Community College (Hamilton, Fayette, Sumiton, Jasper, Carrollton)
• Northwest-Shoals Community College (Muscle Shoals, Phil Campbell)
• University of North Alabama (Florence)
• University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
• Alabama A&M University (Huntsville)
• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• Auburn University

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters at these schools — including:

• Pi Kappa Phi (the fraternity we’re currently suing)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Chi
• Phi Delta Theta
• And many others

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Marion County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client — and killed others.

📰 The Case That Shows What Hazing Really Looks Like — And Why Marion County Families Need to Pay Attention

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (2025)

This isn’t just a Houston story. This is a Marion County story too.

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a young man excited about college, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that nearly killed him.

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass — humiliation and degradation
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
• Another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours — sleep deprivation
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather — exposure and humiliation
• Carried a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times — sexual humiliation

The Result:
On November 3, 2025, after being forced to exercise past the point of physical exhaustion, Bermudez collapsed and couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days fighting for his life.

The Aftermath:

• Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — but only after Bermudez was hospitalized
• The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
• $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
• Multiple media outlets covered the story, calling the waterboarding “torture”

Why This Matters to Marion County Families:

• The same fraternities operate near Marion County. If they’re doing this in Houston, they’re doing it in Alabama.
• Universities near Marion County have the same oversight failures. If UH couldn’t stop hazing, neither can Alabama schools.
• The same “traditions” exist everywhere. Waterboarding. Forced exercise. Paddles. Humiliation. It’s not just “initiation” — it’s abuse.
• Marion County students are at risk right now. If your child is pledging near Marion County, they could be next.

🚨 Hazing in Alabama: The Facts You Need to Know

Alabama Has a Hazing Problem — And It’s Getting Worse

1. Alabama Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws — But They’re Not Being Enforced

Alabama’s hazing law is one of the toughest in the nation. Under Alabama Code § 16-1-23, hazing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 months in jail and a $500 fine. If the hazing results in serious physical injury, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor — up to 6 months in jail and a $3,000 fine. If it results in death, it’s a Class C felony — up to 10 years in prison.

Yet, hazing continues unchecked at Alabama universities.

2. Alabama Universities Have a History of Hazing Incidents

3. Alabama Students Are Dying from Hazing

In 2021, Stone Foltz, a student at Bowling Green State University (whose family had Alabama ties), died from hazing at a Pi Kappa Alpha event. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol and died from alcohol poisoning. His family received a $10.1 million settlement — the same amount we’re seeking for our client.

If it can happen to Stone Foltz, it can happen to a Marion County student.

4. The Culture of Silence in Alabama Greek Life

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Students are threatened with expulsion from the fraternity if they speak out. They’re told “this is just how it’s done.” They’re made to believe that suffering is part of the process.

But silence kills. And it’s time to break it.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Marion County Hazing Victim

Alabama Law Protects You — And We Know How to Use It

1. You Can Sue for Hazing — Even If You “Consented”

One of the most common defenses in hazing cases is that the victim “consented” to participate. But Alabama law is clear: consent is NOT a defense to hazing.

Under Alabama Code § 16-1-23, it doesn’t matter if you agreed to participate. If you were hazed, the people who hazed you are legally responsible for what they did to you.

2. Multiple Parties Can Be Held Liable

In hazing cases, everyone involved can be sued, including:

• The local fraternity chapter — for organizing and conducting the hazing
• The national fraternity organization — for failing to supervise and prevent hazing
• The university — for failing to protect students, especially if they own the fraternity house
• Individual members — for participating in or facilitating the hazing
• Alumni — if hazing occurred at their residence
• University officials — if they knew about hazing and failed to stop it

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing 10 defendants — and we’ll do the same for Marion County victims.

3. You Can Recover Compensation for Your Injuries

Hazing can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if you missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
• Educational disruption (if hazing affected your grades or enrollment)

4. The Statute of Limitations in Alabama

In Alabama, you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

💰 What’s Your Hazing Case Worth?

Marion County Families Deserve to Know What Justice Looks Like

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation — especially when the conduct is as egregious as waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and physical assault with paddles.

Recent Hazing Case Outcomes Nationwide:

Our current Pi Kappa Phi case is seeking $10 million — and that’s what Marion County victims deserve too.

What Factors Increase Your Case Value?

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, paddles, forced consumption)
• Pattern of hazing (if the chapter has a history of abuse)
• University knowledge (if the school knew and did nothing)
• Cover-up attempts (if defendants tried to hide evidence)
• Punitive damages (if conduct was intentional or reckless)

Marion County families: If your child was hazed, they deserve compensation. And we know how to get it.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Marion County

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Marion County Families

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

2. Document Everything

• Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.)
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails)
• Write down what happened (dates, times, locations, people involved)
• Get names and contact info of any witnesses
• Preserve any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• The fraternity will try to control the narrative.
• The university will try to protect its reputation.
• Anything you say can be used against you.
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Do not post about the incident.
• Do not delete old posts (that’s destruction of evidence).
• Assume everything you post will be used against you.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

• The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
• We offer free, confidential consultations for Marion County families.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

6. Consider Reporting to Authorities

• Hazing is a crime in Alabama.
• You can file a police report.
• The university may also have a Title IX or student conduct process.

7. Seek Support for Your Child

• Hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Consider therapy or counseling for your child.
• Their mental health is just as important as their physical health.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Marion County

Marion County Parents & Students Need Answers

Q: What counts as hazing in Alabama?
A: Under Alabama Code § 16-1-23, hazing includes any activity that:

• Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
• Involves physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
• Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Involves sleep deprivation or exposure to the elements
• Involves any activity that would reasonably be expected to cause harm

Examples from our Pi Kappa Phi case:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting
• Hog-tying another pledge with an object in his mouth

This is not “tradition.” This is abuse.

Q: Can I sue if I “consented” to the hazing?
A: YES. Alabama law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the people who hazed you are still legally responsible.

Q: Who can I sue for hazing in Marion County?
A: You can sue:

• The local fraternity chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi at University of Alabama)
• The national fraternity organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National)
• The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
• Individual members who participated in the hazing
• Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
• University officials who failed to stop hazing

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing 10 defendants — and we’ll do the same for Marion County victims.

Q: What can I recover in a hazing lawsuit?
A: You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if you missed work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants)
• Educational disruption (if hazing affected your grades)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110+ million.

Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Alabama?
A: In Alabama, you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Q: My child was hazed at a community college near Marion County. Can I still sue?
A: YES. Community colleges have the same duty to protect students as universities. If your child was hazed at Bevill State Community College, Northwest-Shoals Community College, or any other Alabama school, you can still pursue legal action.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. If it happened at a fraternity house, a private residence, or any other location, the people who hazed your child can still be held accountable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear retribution from fraternity members. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.”

We will protect your child. We can:

• File for protective orders if necessary
• Ensure confidentiality throughout the legal process
• Pursue punitive damages against anyone who retaliates
• Work with campus security if threats occur

Your child’s safety is our top priority.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest.

Marion County families: You have nothing to lose by calling us.

🏆 Why Marion County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Legal Emergency Responders™

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Fight — Right Now

• We’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability.
• We know how to counter their defenses and maximize your compensation.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims.
• We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

• We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
• We have dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York).
• Distance is not a barrier. We serve Marion County families remotely and travel to Alabama for your case.

4. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Many hazing victims in Marion County come from Spanish-speaking families.
• We offer bilingual representation — no language barriers to justice.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• $10 million lawsuit currently pending in Pi Kappa Phi case
• Millions recovered in personal injury and wrongful death cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — handled multi-billion dollar mass tort cases
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

6. We Treat You Like Family — Not Just a Case

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett, Client

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato, Client

Marion County families: We understand what you’re going through. We will fight for you like family.

📞 Marion County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now — Before It’s Too Late

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations expires.

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations — no obligation
✅ $0 upfront cost — we only get paid if we win
✅ 24/7 availability — 1-888-ATTY-911
✅ Bilingual representation — Se habla español
✅ Nationwide service — we come to Marion County for your case

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

🔥 To Fraternities Near Marion County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta — and every other fraternity with chapters in Alabama:

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for you.

We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing playbook.

We know that Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017 — and that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 under the same national organization.

We know that Stone Foltz died at Pi Kappa Alpha — and that Max Gruver died at Phi Delta Theta.

We know that you have 150+ chapters across America — and that if you’re hazing in Houston, you’re hazing in Alabama.

We are tracking your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national headquarters, and your insurance carriers.

If you haze students near Marion County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue everyone responsible. And we will shut you down.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Closed. The same will happen to your chapters near Marion County if you don’t clean up your act.

The choice is yours. But know this: We don’t back down. We don’t settle for less than justice. And we will not stop until every hazing victim in Marion County is compensated and every fraternity that thinks torture is tradition is held accountable.

📢 To Marion County Universities: The Time for Accountability Is Now

Bevill State Community College, Northwest-Shoals Community College, University of North Alabama, University of Alabama, Alabama A&M, UAB, Auburn — we’re talking to you.

You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.

Yet, hazing continues on your campuses.

You had prior incidents. You knew the risks. You failed to protect your students.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure. They called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” They’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

The same thing is happening near Marion County. And you will be held accountable.

What You Can Do Now:

1. Conduct independent hazing audits of all Greek organizations
2. Suspend recognition of any chapter with hazing allegations
3. Implement real oversight — not just paper policies
4. Educate students and parents about the dangers of hazing
5. Support hazing victims — don’t silence them

If you don’t act now, we will. And the next headline won’t be about Houston — it’ll be about Marion County.

💙 To Marion County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

We know what you’re going through. We know the shame, the fear, the anger. We know you were told this is “just how it’s done.”

But it’s not. And you don’t have to accept it.

You have legal rights. You have power. You have us.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are here to fight for you.

Call us. Even if you’re not sure. Even if you’re scared. Even if you think it’s too late.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Enough is enough. It’s time for justice.

© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Marion County, Alabama and Nationwide
All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and you should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation. The use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results mentioned are not typical and depend on the facts of each case. No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome.