π‘οΈ Hazing Legal Emergency Guide for Mississippi County Families
Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims in Mississippi County and Beyond
π¨ HAZING IS HAPPENING IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY β AND WE CAN HELP
Mississippi County families: hazing is not just a distant problem in big cities or major universities. It happens right here in Arkansas. It happens at colleges and high schools near Mississippi County. It happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other organizations.
If your child has been hazed in Mississippi County β or anywhere in Arkansas β we can help.
We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just hazing β it’s torture.
The same fraternities operate near Mississippi County. The same national organizations oversee chapters in Arkansas. The same culture of abuse exists here.
You are not alone. We are fighting this battle β and we will fight for Mississippi County families too.
π WHAT IS HAZING?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β regardless of their willingness to participate.
In Arkansas, hazing is illegal. It is a misdemeanor that can result in jail time, fines, and expulsion.
Examples of Hazing in Mississippi County and Arkansas:
- Physical abuse: Beating, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, non-food substances (e.g., peppercorns, milk)
- Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities, forced driving, early morning workouts
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, threats, isolation, verbal abuse
- Dangerous activities: Waterboarding, being struck with objects, extreme weather exposure
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
β οΈ Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, Arkansas law says consent does not matter.
π₯ MEDICAL EMERGENCIES FROM HAZING
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries. Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do extreme exercise.
Dangerous Medical Conditions Caused by Hazing:
| Condition | Symptoms | Hazing Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Severe muscle pain, brown/dark urine, inability to move, kidney failure | Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls) |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, unconsciousness, death | Forced binge drinking |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Headache, dizziness, memory loss, unconsciousness | Falls, beatings, paddling |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Shivering, confusion, loss of consciousness | Exposure to extreme cold or heat |
| Cardiac Arrest | Chest pain, collapse, no pulse | Extreme physical stress, electrolyte imbalances |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, social withdrawal | Psychological trauma from abuse |
π If your child shows any of these symptoms after hazing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
π WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS HAZED IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the situation immediately.
- Call 911 if they are in medical distress (e.g., unconscious, not breathing, severe pain, dark urine).
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care β even if injuries seem minor.
- Document everything. Ask for copies of all medical records.
- Tell the doctor your child was hazed. This creates a medical record linking injuries to the incident.
Step 3: Preserve Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save all evidence, including:
- Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails about hazing
- Social media posts (screenshots before theyβre deleted)
- Physical evidence (e.g., clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Witness contact information (other victims, bystanders)
β οΈ WARNING: Organizations may try to destroy evidence. Do not confront them without legal counsel.
Step 4: Report the Hazing
- File a police report with the Mississippi County Sheriffβs Office or local police.
- Report to the school/university (e.g., Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, local high schools).
- Report to the national organization (if applicable, e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon).
π Arkansas Hazing Hotline: Call the Arkansas Department of Education or local law enforcement to report hazing.
Step 5: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- Do not sign anything from the organization, university, or insurance company.
- Do not give a statement without legal counsel.
- Do not post on social media about the incident.
π¨ Organizations will try to minimize their liability. They are not on your side.
Step 6: Contact Attorney 911 β Mississippi County Hazing Lawyers
π Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation β Weβll evaluate your Mississippi County hazing case at no cost.
- No upfront fees β We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
- We come to Mississippi County β For depositions, meetings, and trials.
- Video consultations available β If you canβt travel, weβll meet remotely.
βοΈ YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY
1. Arkansas Hazing Laws
Arkansas has strict anti-hazing laws under Arkansas Code Β§ 6-5-201 to 6-5-207.
What Is Hazing in Arkansas?
Hazing is any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a group.
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Arkansas:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Misdemeanor β up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious injury | Felony β up to 6 years in prison and $10,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | Felony β up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fine |
π Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
Organizational Penalties:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Loss of recognition by the school
- Forfeiture of property
2. Civil Lawsuits β Holding Mississippi County Hazers Accountable
You can sue for financial compensation if your child was hazed. This includes:
Who Can Be Sued?
| Defendant | Why Theyβre Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing risks |
| University/School | Failed to protect students; owned property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise team/club |
What Damages Can You Recover?
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma from hazing |
| Punitive Damages | Additional money to punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing caused death, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
π° PRECEDENT CASES: HAZING CASES WIN MILLIONS
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Hereβs what other families have recovered:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement (major) |
π Mississippi County families: These results are possible for you too.
π― WHY CHOOSE ATTORNEY 911 FOR MISSISSIPPI COUNTY HAZING CASES?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
- We know how to build these cases β and we will bring that expertise to Mississippi County.
2. We Have Deep Hazing Litigation Experience
- Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of trial experience, including major hazing cases.
- Lupe Pena is a former insurance defense attorney β he knows how the other side thinks.
- We have successfully represented victims of fraternity and sorority abuse in Arkansas and nationwide.
3. We Know How to Sue National Organizations
- National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance.
- We know how to pierce their corporate shields and hold them accountable.
- We will pursue every liable party β from the local chapter to the national headquarters.
4. We Come to Mississippi County
- We serve all of Arkansas, including Mississippi County.
- We travel to Mississippi County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
- We offer video consultations for Mississippi County families who canβt travel.
5. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront for Mississippi County Families
- No upfront fees. You pay nothing unless we win.
- No risk. If we donβt recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
- We take the financial burden off your family so you can focus on healing.
6. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Many hazing victims in Mississippi County are Spanish-speaking students or families.
- We provide bilingual legal services β no language barriers.
π’ WARNING TO MISSISSIPPI COUNTY FRATERNITIES AND SCHOOLS
We are watching. We are coming.
If your organization hazes students in Mississippi County, know this:
- We track every chapter in Arkansas, including yours.
- We know your corporate structure, your insurance policies, and your assets.
- We have successfully sued national organizations and won millions.
- We will hold you accountable β financially and legally.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta β if your chapter operates near Mississippi County, you are on notice.
Universities and schools in Mississippi County β if you fail to protect your students, you will be sued.
ποΈ STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS β ACT NOW
Arkansas law gives you only 3 YEARS to file a hazing lawsuit.
- For personal injury: 3 years from the date of the hazing incident.
- For wrongful death: 3 years from the date of death.
β οΈ Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
π CONTACT ATTORNEY 911 β MISSISSIPPI COUNTY HAZING LAWYERS
If your child has been hazed in Mississippi County β or anywhere in Arkansas β call us now.
π¨ 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
π Website: attorney911.com
We serve Mississippi County and all of Arkansas. We come to you. We fight for you.
π‘ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) FOR MISSISSIPPI COUNTY FAMILIES
1. My child was hazed, but they donβt want to report it. What should I do?
- Encourage them to seek medical attention β even if they donβt want to report it.
- Document everything (photos, texts, medical records).
- Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We can advise you on your options without pressure.
2. The organization says my child βconsentedβ to hazing. Is that a defense?
- No. Arkansas law explicitly says consent is not a defense.
- Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
3. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
- Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.
- If it happened at a private residence, the homeowner may also be liable.
4. What if the hazing didnβt cause serious physical injury?
- You can still sue for psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
- Humiliation, threats, and emotional abuse are also forms of hazing that can support a lawsuit.
5. The organization offered us a quick settlement. Should we accept?
- No. First settlement offers are always lowball offers.
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
- We can negotiate for a fair settlement β often much higher than their initial offer.
6. My child is afraid of retaliation. How can we protect them?
- We can help file anonymous reports with law enforcement or the school.
- We can request protective measures from the court.
- We will protect your childβs identity during the legal process.
7. How much is my Mississippi County hazing case worth?
- It depends on the severity of the hazing, injuries, and liability.
- Precedent cases have resulted in millions of dollars in compensation.
- We will evaluate your case for free and give you an estimate.
8. Can we sue the school or university in Mississippi County?
- Yes, if they knew or should have known about the hazing.
- If they own the property where hazing occurred, they may be liable for premises negligence.
- If they failed to supervise Greek life or student organizations, they may be liable for negligent supervision.
9. What if the hazing happened at a high school in Mississippi County?
- High school hazing is also illegal under Arkansas law.
- You can sue the school district, coaches, and individuals involved.
- We represent hazing victims of all ages, including high school students.
10. How long will a hazing lawsuit take?
- Most cases settle within 1-2 years.
- Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer.
- We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
π EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR MISSISSIPPI COUNTY FAMILIES
1. Arkansas Hazing Laws
- Arkansas Code Β§ 6-5-201 to 6-5-207 β Full text of Arkansas hazing laws.
- Arkansas Department of Education β Hazing Prevention
2. National Hazing Prevention Resources
- StopHazing.org β Research and resources on hazing prevention.
- HazingPrevention.org β National organization dedicated to ending hazing.
3. Medical Resources for Hazing Injuries
- Rhabdomyolysis Information β Mayo Clinic
- Alcohol Poisoning Information β CDC
- PTSD and Trauma Resources β National Institute of Mental Health
4. How to Report Hazing in Arkansas
- Arkansas Department of Education β Report hazing at schools.
- Local Law Enforcement β File a police report with the Mississippi County Sheriffβs Office.
- University/School Reporting β Contact the Title IX office or student affairs.
π― FINAL MESSAGE TO MISSISSIPPI COUNTY FAMILIES
Hazing is not tradition. It is not brotherhood. It is not acceptable.
If your child has been hazed in Mississippi County β whether at a university, high school, fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other organization β you have legal rights.
You are not powerless. You are not alone.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now β and we will fight for you.
Call us today. The consultation is free. The justice is priceless.
π¨ 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
π Website: attorney911.com
Serving Mississippi County, Arkansas, and nationwide.