Hazing Lawyer in Maury County, TN: Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice
Maury County families trust their children to local colleges, universities, and Greek organizations, believing they’ll be safe. But when hazing crosses the line from “tradition” to torture, the consequences can be devastating — hospitalization, permanent injury, or even death. If your child has been a victim of fraternity hazing, sorority hazing, or other dangerous initiation rituals in Maury County or at nearby institutions, Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical punishment, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities, the same negligence, and the same failures exist at colleges near Maury County. We know how to hold them accountable — and we’ll bring that same aggressive representation to Tennessee.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Why Maury County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Winning
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the courtroom, in the media, and in the fight for justice today.
What happened in Houston can — and does — happen in Tennessee.
- The same national fraternities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others) operate chapters at universities near Maury County.
- The same “traditions” of forced drinking, physical abuse, and psychological torture exist in Tennessee Greek life.
- The same institutional failures — universities ignoring warnings, fraternities covering up abuse — put Maury County students at risk.
If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you with the same intensity we’re bringing to the Houston case.
2. Nationwide Experience — Local Commitment to Maury County
While we’re based in Texas, hazing is a national crisis, and we represent victims across the country. Our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier to justice for Maury County families.
We serve hazing victims in Maury County and beyond through:
✅ Federal court representation — Pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when institutions fail.
✅ Video consultations — Meet with our attorneys remotely from Maury County.
✅ Travel to Maury County — We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you do.
No matter where the hazing occurred — at a Maury County university, a nearby college, or across state lines — we can help.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know How They’ll Fight Back
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies and national defense firms. We know their playbook because we wrote it.
What this means for Maury County hazing victims:
- We anticipate every defense argument — “he consented,” “it was just tradition,” “the university didn’t know.”
- We know how to dismantle their delay tactics and lowball settlement offers.
- We understand the insurance structures behind fraternities and universities, so we know where the money is.
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers — you’re getting former insiders who know how to beat the system.
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
Our firm has a track record of multi-million-dollar recoveries in complex cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience directly applicable to hazing cases)
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- Federal civil rights litigation (experience with institutional negligence and cover-ups)
We don’t shy away from powerful defendants. Universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies have deep pockets and teams of lawyers. We level the playing field for Maury County families.
5. Compassionate, Bilingual Representation
We understand the trauma hazing victims and their families experience. Our staff is bilingual (English and Spanish), and we treat every client with the care and respect they deserve.
Maury County families are not just case numbers to us. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We’ll fight for you because we truly care.
What Is Hazing? Tennessee Law and Your Rights
Tennessee’s Anti-Hazing Law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123)
Hazing is illegal in Tennessee, and the law defines it broadly:
“Hazing” means any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Extreme exercise (forced calisthenics, running)
- Sexual abuse or coercion
Tennessee law makes it clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Maury County Hazing Case?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can — and should — be held accountable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Maury County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapters exist near Maury County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. — all have Tennessee chapters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property | Nearby institutions (MTSU, Columbia State, etc.) have Greek life |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who carried out abuse |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Off-campus locations where hazing occurs |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Deep pockets for settlements |
In our Houston case, we’re suing the fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and individual members. We’ll pursue the same comprehensive liability strategy for Maury County victims.
Common Hazing Injuries in Maury County — And How We Prove Them
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” — it causes real, life-altering injuries. Our firm has experience litigating hazing cases involving:
| Injury | How It Happens | Medical Consequences | Case Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, forced runs) | Muscle breakdown → kidney failure → hospitalization | Our Houston case: 4-day hospital stay |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Vomiting → choking → death | Stone Foltz (BGSU, $10M settlement) |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, head trauma | Permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, $110M+ settlement) |
| Broken Bones | Paddling, physical abuse | Surgery, long-term impairment | Common in fraternity hazing |
| Heat Stroke/Hypothermia | Exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ failure, death | Documented in military-style hazing |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | PTSD, depression, trauma | Increasingly reported in Greek life |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological torture, humiliation | Therapy, medication, lifelong impact | All hazing victims experience this |
If your child has suffered any of these injuries due to hazing in Maury County or at a nearby school, they deserve compensation — and the institutions responsible deserve to be held accountable.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Maury County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — Any communication about hazing.
✅ Photos/videos — Of injuries, hazing activities, or locations.
✅ Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
✅ Medical records — Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
✅ Academic records — Showing impact on grades or enrollment.
If you don’t preserve evidence now, it may disappear forever.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim.
- They may pressure you to sign documents that waive your rights.
- Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Let us handle all communications. Once you hire Attorney 911, they can only talk to us.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104).
- Evidence disappears quickly — witnesses forget, messages get deleted, fraternities destroy records.
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
What Compensation Can Maury County Hazing Victims Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to:
| Type of Damages | Examples | Maury County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, surgery, therapy, future treatment | Our Houston client: 4-day hospital stay for kidney failure |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries | Students may lose internships or part-time jobs |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | Waterboarding, forced exercise, humiliation |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | Many victims fear speaking out due to intimidation |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct | Waterboarding = torture; forced drinking = reckless endangerment |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. While every case is different, hazing victims in Maury County can recover significant compensation — especially when institutions knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it.
Universities and Greek Organizations Near Maury County — We’re Watching You
Fraternities and Sororities With Hazing Histories Near Maury County
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters at universities near Maury County, including:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Maury County With Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 death); Our Houston case (2025, $10M lawsuit) | Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, chemical burns cases | University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021, $10M settlement) | University of Tennessee, MTSU |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017, $6.1M verdict) | Vanderbilt, UT |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017, $110M+ settlement) | Vanderbilt |
To fraternities operating near Maury County:
We are tracking your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. If you haze students, we will sue you, your nationals, your housing corporations, and every individual involved.
To universities near Maury County:
The same failures that led to our $10 million lawsuit in Houston exist at your institutions. If you own fraternity houses, if you know hazing is happening, and if you do nothing to stop it, you will be held accountable.
Maury County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. Many are pressured to stay silent to avoid retaliation or social ostracism. But you don’t have to suffer in silence.
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for Maury County families with the same determination.
What Our Clients Say About Us:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
“They fight with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz
We treat Maury County families like family. You’re not just a case to us — you’re a person who deserves justice.
Next Steps for Maury County Hazing Victims
1. Call Us for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your legal options — at no cost to you.
2. We’ll Handle Everything
- Evidence preservation — We’ll make sure nothing is deleted or destroyed.
- Medical documentation — We’ll work with doctors to document your injuries.
- Negotiation — We’ll fight for a fair settlement so you don’t have to go to court.
- Litigation (if needed) — If they won’t settle, we’ll take them to trial.
3. You Focus on Healing
Hazing leaves deep scars — physical and emotional. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery.
Maury County Hazing Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if my child “consented” to hazing?
A: Consent is NOT a defense under Tennessee law. Even if your child agreed to participate, hazing is illegal. The fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Tennessee’s anti-hazing law applies on or off campus. If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowner (and their insurance) can also be held liable.
Q: What if the fraternity has already suspended the chapter?
A: That’s an admission of guilt. When a fraternity suspends a chapter after a hazing incident, it proves they knew about the misconduct. This strengthens your case.
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, including:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)
We’ll evaluate your case based on:
- The severity of injuries
- Whether the university knew about prior hazing
- The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, etc.)
- The financial resources of the defendants
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand the fear of speaking out. We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to prevent retaliation. Many hazing victims are afraid, but your bravery could save the next student from going through the same thing.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104). Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Maury County Families: It’s Time to Take a Stand
Hazing has been called “tradition” for far too long. It’s not tradition — it’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s time for it to end.
If your child has been hazed in Maury County or at a nearby university, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable. You can protect your child — and prevent the next family from going through the same nightmare.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you do. Maury County families deserve justice — and we’re here to fight for it.
