The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws & Legal Rights for Families in Pickens County, Alabama

If your child attends college anywhere in Alabama or across the Southeast, and you’ve heard whispers about “traditions,” “pledging,” or late-night activities that make you uneasy, you’re not alone. For families in Carrollton, Reform, Aliceville, and throughout Pickens County, the dream of college can turn into a parent’s worst nightmare when hazing enters the picture. What starts as harmless bonding can escalate to forced drinking, brutal physical abuse, psychological torment, and sometimes, irreversible injury or death.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and multiple individual members. His story—involving a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of food until vomiting, and extreme workouts that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—shows exactly how quickly “tradition” becomes tragedy. This Texas case demonstrates the depth of our hazing litigation expertise, an expertise we bring to serve families in Alabama and nationwide.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Pickens County who need clear answers about hazing, Alabama law, and what to do if your child has been harmed. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, break down your legal rights, examine patterns at Alabama universities, and provide actionable steps to protect your child and pursue accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
Evidence disappears fast. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Alabama and Beyond

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Hazing is no longer just about paddling in basements. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological manipulation, digital control, and activities disguised as “team building” or “bonding.” For Alabama students—whether at the University of Alabama, Auburn, Troy State, or schools further afield—hazing often follows predictable but dangerous patterns.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the deadliest form. This includes forced “beer pong” tournaments where pledges must drink every loss, “century club” challenges (100 shots of beer in 100 minutes), Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University showed how this “tradition” can be fatal—he was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey.

Physical Hazing has evolved from simple paddling to dangerous “workouts” that cause conditions like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), as seen in our University of Houston case. This includes:

• “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall sits until collapse
• Cold weather exposure in minimal clothing
  -**Forced endurance activities without proper hydration or rest
• Bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills pushed to dangerous extremes

Digital Hazing is the new frontier. Pledges are required to:

• Respond instantly to group chats at all hours (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
• Share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Post humiliating content on social media
• Participate in online “challenges” that are recorded and shared
• Maintain constant communication with “big brothers/sisters”

Psychological and Sexualized Hazing includes:

• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Public humiliation and degrading costumes
• Simulated sexual acts or forced nudity
• Racist, homophobic, or sexist role-playing

Where Hazing Happens in Alabama

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
• Marching Bands and performance groups
• Spirit Organizations and tradition clubs
• Academic Honor Societies and professional organizations

The common thread is power imbalance—older members controlling new members under the guise of tradition, with fear of exclusion as the enforcement mechanism.

Alabama Hazing Laws: What Pickens County Families Need to Know

Alabama’s Hazing Statute

Alabama Code § 16-1-23 defines hazing as: “Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off any school, college, university, or other educational institution’s property, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student.”

Key provisions affecting Alabama families:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor for individuals (up to 6 months jail, $3,000 fine)
• Organizational Liability: Organizations that authorize or knowingly allow hazing can face fines up to $5,000 per violation
• Consent is Not a Defense: Alabama law specifically states that consent of the hazing victim is not a valid defense
• Mandatory Reporting: Alabama requires certain school employees to report hazing incidents

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Prosecuted by the State of Alabama
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Standard: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”
• Common charges: Hazing, assault, battery, providing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In 2021, several University of Alabama students faced criminal hazing charges related to an incident at an off-campus house

Civil Cases:

• Filed by victims or their families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Standard: “Preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
• Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed
• Types of claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress

Federal Laws Affecting Alabama Hazing Cases

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination. Alabama schools receiving federal funds must investigate and address such incidents.

The Clery Act requires colleges to report certain crimes, including some hazing-related offenses, in annual security reports.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) requires enhanced hazing reporting and prevention measures at institutions receiving federal aid, with full implementation expected by 2026.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Alabama Hazing Cases?

1. Individual Students: Those who plan, participate in, or cover up hazing
2. Local Chapters: Fraternity/sorority chapters as legal entities
3. National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
4. Universities: When they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it
5. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
6. Alumni Advisors: Those who supervise or advise student organizations

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Alabama Families

The national landscape of hazing litigation provides crucial precedents and patterns that affect cases in Alabama. These cases show how courts view institutional responsibility and what families can potentially recover.

Fatal Alcohol Hazing Cases

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)

• Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, ~$3M from university)
• Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Louisiana enacted “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
• Civil settlement terms confidential but substantial

Timothy Piazza – Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017)

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• Delayed medical response led to death
• 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Severe Injury Cases

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta, 2021)

• Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
• Requires 24/7 care for life
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total

Texas A&M University (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 2021)

• Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs
• Suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Lawsuit sought $1 million
• Chapter suspended for two years

What These Cases Mean for Alabama Families

1. Patterns Repeat: The same fraternities involved in national cases (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta) have chapters at Alabama schools
2. Institutional Knowledge: National headquarters often know about dangerous traditions but fail to eliminate them
3. Cover-Up Culture: Delayed medical response and evidence destruction are common
4. Substantial Recovery Possible: Settlements and verdicts regularly reach millions of dollars for severe injuries and deaths
5. Individual Accountability: Chapter officers can face personal financial liability beyond organizational responsibility

Hazing at Alabama Universities: Campus-Specific Realities for Pickens County Families

Alabama has several universities with active Greek life where hazing incidents have occurred. Understanding each campus’s specific context helps Pickens County families navigate potential cases.

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus Culture: UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the Southeast, with deep traditions and significant social influence. For many Pickens County students, “going to Bama” means navigating a complex Greek landscape.

Recent Hazing Incidents:

• 2021: Multiple students faced criminal hazing charges related to incidents at off-campus fraternity houses
• 2017: Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter suspended for hazing violations
• 2014: Phi Gamma Delta suspended for hazing-related activities

University Response:
UA publishes hazing violations on its website and has implemented mandatory anti-hazing education for Greek organizations. However, the sheer size of the Greek system presents ongoing challenges for supervision and enforcement.

For UA Families:

• University police (UAPD) have jurisdiction on campus, but off-campus incidents involve Tuscaloosa Police
• Civil cases would typically be filed in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
• The university’s national reputation creates both pressure to address hazing and resistance to negative publicity

Auburn University

Campus Culture: Auburn’s Greek life is tightly integrated with campus traditions and athletic culture. The university has faced multiple hazing allegations across different organizations.

Documented Cases:

• 2020: Kappa Alpha Order chapter suspended for hazing violations
• 2019: Multiple organizations disciplined for hazing-related activities
• Ongoing concerns about “off-the-record” pledging activities

Unique Factors:
Auburn’s location in a smaller city means more hazing occurs in university-owned or supervised housing, potentially increasing institutional liability.

Troy State University

Proximity to Pickens County: As one of the closer universities to Pickens County, Troy State draws many local students. Its Greek system, while smaller than UA or Auburn, has faced hazing issues.

Known Incidents:

• Periodic suspensions of fraternities for hazing violations
• Emphasis on “tradition” that can cross into hazing territory
• Challenges with supervision given commuter student population

Other Alabama Schools with Greek Life

• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• University of South Alabama
• Jacksonville State University
• University of North Alabama

The Alabama-Fraternity Connection: National Organizations Present in Alabama

Many fraternities with national hazing histories have active Alabama chapters:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• National hazing incidents at Texas A&M, University of Alabama, University of Texas
• Multiple deaths and severe injuries nationwide
• Active chapters at UA, Auburn, Troy State

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• Stone Foltz fatal hazing at Bowling Green
• Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide
• Present at most Alabama universities

Phi Delta Theta:

• Max Gruver fatal hazing at LSU
• Louisiana felony hazing legislation resulted
• Chapters throughout Alabama

Kappa Alpha Order:

• Multiple hazing suspensions including at Auburn
• Tradition-heavy culture with documented risks

How Alabama Cases Compare to Our Texas Experience

While we’re Texas-based, the legal principles and investigative strategies we’ve developed in cases like Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi transfer directly to Alabama:

• Same national organizations with same dangerous traditions
• Similar insurance companies defending fraternities and universities
• Identical digital evidence patterns (GroupMe, deleted messages, social media)
• Parallel institutional responses (minimization, delay, internal “investigations”)
• Comparable medical issues (alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis, psychological trauma)

Our $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates exactly the kind of complex, multi-defendant litigation that Alabama hazing cases require.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important):

• GroupMe/WhatsApp/Discord messages: Show planning, threats, coordination
• Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
• Social media posts and DMs: Humiliation evidence, event documentation
• Location data and timestamps: Prove where and when hazing occurred
• Phone records: Show patterns of communication and control

Medical Documentation:

• ER records and hospitalization reports
• Toxicology screens (blood alcohol content)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Specialist reports for ongoing conditions
• Crucial: Tell medical providers hazing caused injuries for legal record

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries (take immediately and over several days)
• Damaged clothing or belongings
• Objects used in hazing (paddles, props, alcohol containers)
• Receipts for forced purchases

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files (prior violations against same organization)
• Campus police reports
• National fraternity risk management files
• Emails between chapter and national headquarters
• Alumni advisor communications

Witness Information:

• Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
• Roommates and friends who observed changes
• Former members who quit due to hazing
• Emergency responders and medical personnel

The Investigation Process

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation: Before anything is deleted or destroyed
2. Witness Interviews: Securing statements while memories are fresh
3. Records Requests: From university, national fraternity, medical providers
4. Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages and metadata
5. Expert Consultation: Medical, psychological, Greek life culture experts
6. Demand Package: Presenting evidence to defendants and insurers
7. Negotiation or Litigation: Settling or proceeding to trial based on response

Types of Recoverable Damages

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Lost earning capacity (if permanent injury affects career)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:

• When defendants’ conduct is particularly reckless or malicious
• Not available in all cases but can significantly increase recovery
• Designed to punish wrongdoing and deter future hazing

Settlement vs. Trial: What to Expect

Most Cases Settle:

• Approximately 95% of civil hazing cases settle before trial
• Settlements are often confidential
• Timing varies from months to several years
• Amounts depend on injury severity, evidence strength, and defendant resources

When Cases Go to Trial:

• Usually when defendants deny liability or offer inadequate settlements
• Trials bring public scrutiny that institutions often want to avoid
• Jury verdicts can exceed settlement offers but involve risk
• Our trial readiness often encourages better settlement offers

Practical Guide for Pickens County Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Sudden weight changes
• Signs of alcohol or substance abuse
• Frequent “accidents” or injuries

Behavioral Changes:

• New secretiveness about organizational activities
• Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
• Anxiety about phone notifications
• Defensiveness when asked about the group
• Personality changes (depression, irritability, fear)

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or assignments
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Financial Concerns:

• Unexplained large expenses
• Requests for money without clear reasons
• Purchases of alcohol or items for older members

Immediate Action Steps:

1. Prioritize Safety: If your child is in danger, call 911 immediately
2. Document Everything:
   • Write down what your child tells you (dates, times, names)
   • Photograph injuries
   • Screenshot any messages they show you
3. Medical Attention: Get professional evaluation, even if injuries seem minor
4. Legal Consultation: Contact an experienced hazing attorney before taking other steps
5. University Reporting: Consider formal reporting with attorney guidance

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Letting your child delete messages (destroys crucial evidence)
2. Confronting the organization directly (triggers evidence destruction)
3. Signing university settlement offers without legal review (may waive important rights)
4. Posting details on social media (can be used against you in court)
5. Waiting to see “how the university handles it” (evidence disappears while you wait)

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I truly had a free choice (no social pressure)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from university officials or my parents?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?

If You’re Being Hazed:

1. Trust Your Instincts: If it feels wrong, it probably is
2. Document Secretly: Take photos, screenshot messages, keep a private journal
3. Identify Safe Exits: Know how to leave situations discreetly
4. Use Safe Words: Establish code words with friends to signal need for help

How to Exit Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, trusted friend, RA)
• Send a clear resignation email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
• Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
• If threatened, report immediately to campus police and Dean of Students

Your Legal Rights in Alabama:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good faith protections)
• Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not the perpetrator
• You can request no-contact orders through the university if harassed
• Civil lawsuits can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed

For Witnesses and Former Members

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

• Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
• You may need your own legal counsel to navigate potential exposure
• Cooperation with investigations can sometimes lead to favorable consideration
• Many find that coming forward, while difficult, provides moral closure

National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
Anonymous reporting available 24/7

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

Our National Hazing Litigation Experience

While we’re Texas-based, our hazing litigation experience serves families nationwide. Our active representation in the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly the kind of complex, high-stakes litigation we handle. That case involves:

• $10 million lawsuit against university and national fraternity
• Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme hazing
• Multiple defendants: University, national headquarters, housing corporation, 13 individual members
• Detailed evidence: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, simulated waterboarding, forced consumption rituals
• National media coverage: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

What This Means for Alabama Families:
The same national fraternities, the same insurance companies, the same institutional defense tactics exist everywhere. Our proven capability against a major university and national fraternity in Texas translates directly to helping Alabama families.

Our Unique Qualifications

Insurance Insider Knowledge – Lupe Peña:
Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value and undervalue hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under intentional act exclusions
• Deploy independent medical exams to minimize injuries
  This insider knowledge is invaluable for maximizing recovery.

Complex Institutional Litigation – Ralph Manginello:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience (one of few Texas firms involved)
• Federal court expertise (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• 25+ years of complex litigation experience
• Not intimidated by universities or national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
• We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil cases
• Can advise witnesses and former members with potential exposure

Investigative Depth:

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, Greek life culture
• Experience obtaining deleted messages and hidden records
• Understanding of fraternity/sorority internal dynamics

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families nationwide.

How We Serve Alabama Families

For Alabama Cases with Texas Connections:

• If the national fraternity headquarters is in Texas
• If insurance companies are Texas-based
• If evidence or witnesses are in Texas
  We may be able to serve as lead counsel in Texas courts.

For Pure Alabama Cases:
We work with local Alabama counsel as:

• Co-counsel bringing our national hazing expertise
• Consultants on case strategy and investigation
• Referral partners when families need local Alabama representation

Our Process:

1. Free Initial Consultation: We listen to your story, review evidence, explain options
2. Evidence Preservation: Immediate steps to secure digital and physical evidence
3. Comprehensive Investigation: Identifying all potentially liable parties
4. Strategic Demand: Presenting compelling case to defendants and insurers
5. Negotiation or Litigation: Pursuing maximum recovery through settlement or trial

Contingency Fee Basis:

• No upfront costs
• We only get paid if we recover money for you
• Percentage comes from recovery, not your pocket
• This makes justice accessible regardless of family resources

Frequently Asked Questions for Alabama Families

Q: Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and cases against individual employees. Private universities have fewer immunity barriers. Every case depends on specific facts.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus at a private house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many successful hazing cases involved off-campus incidents.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Alabama?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death for personal injury claims, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Wrongful death claims also typically have a 2-year deadline. Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: Will our case be confidential or public?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: What if our child “agreed” to the activities?
A: Alabama law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

Q: How much is a hazing case worth?
A: Values vary widely based on injury severity, evidence strength, and defendant resources. National precedents show:

• Fatal cases: $1-14+ million
• Severe injury cases: $375,000 to multi-million
• Individual officer liability: Up to $6.5 million personally (Stone Foltz case)
  We evaluate each case individually based on medical costs, lost opportunities, pain and suffering, and other factors.

Q: Do we need an Alabama lawyer or can you help from Texas?
A: We regularly serve Alabama families through co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys. The same national fraternities, same insurance companies, and same investigation strategies apply regardless of state lines. Our national hazing expertise complements local counsel’s Alabama court knowledge.

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends the University of Alabama, Auburn, Troy State, or any college nationwide—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and insurance teams working to minimize their liability. You need equally experienced advocates on your side.

Why Call Us Now:

1. Evidence Disappears Fast: Group chats are deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade
2. Universities Control Narratives: Internal “investigations” often prioritize institutional protection
3. Statutes of Limitations: Alabama has strict filing deadlines
4. Your Child’s Recovery: Medical and psychological needs must be addressed immediately
5. Accountability Matters: Holding responsible parties accountable can prevent future harm

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, messages, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
• Answer all your questions about process and costs
• No pressure to hire us immediately

Contact Information:

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Spanish Services: Se habla Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly

Serving Families in:

• Houston, Austin, Beaumont, Texas
• Pickens County, Alabama
• Nationwide through co-counsel arrangements

Practice Areas Relevant to Hazing Cases:

• Wrongful Death: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Personal Injury: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/

Educational Resources:

• Evidence Preservation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our Active Hazing Case:

• Click2Houston: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Educational Videos:

• Evidence Documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
  Gold Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

• https://attorney911.com

National Anti-Hazing Hotline (Not affiliated with Attorney911):

• 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | 24/7: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)