Hazing at Alabama Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Pike County Families

When Your Child is Hurt at College: What Every Pike County Parent Needs to Know About Campus Hazing

Imagine getting that call no parent ever wants to receive. Your child—the one you sent off to college with dreams of football games, new friends, and academic success—is in the emergency room. They’re vomiting, disoriented, with inexplicable bruises or burns. When you ask what happened, you get vague answers about “fraternity bonding” or “team initiation.” They’re scared, ashamed, and begging you not to make a fuss. But something feels deeply wrong.

For families right here in Pike County—from the neighborhoods of Troy to the communities of Brundidge and Goshen—this nightmare scenario has become reality for too many Alabama parents. Your child might attend Troy University just down the road, or they might have ventured further to universities in Tuscaloosa, Auburn, or Birmingham. Wherever they are, when hazing turns dangerous, parents need answers, accountability, and experienced legal help.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Pike County families facing the unthinkable: a child injured, traumatized, or worse during what was supposed to be a college initiation or team-building activity. We’ll explain exactly what modern hazing looks like, Alabama’s legal framework, what rights your family has, and how experienced hazing attorneys can help you secure accountability and compensation.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
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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 (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
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

Understanding Modern Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or harmless traditions. In 2025, hazing represents a serious danger that can cause permanent physical injuries, lifelong psychological trauma, and even death. For Pike County families, understanding what hazing actually looks like—beyond the stereotypes—is the first step in recognizing when your child might be in danger.

The Three Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most deadly form of hazing. It includes:

Forced consumption of excessive alcohol during “big/little” nights or initiation events
Drinking games where incorrect answers mean dangerous alcohol consumption
Peer pressure to consume drugs or unknown substances
Chugging contests that push students beyond safe limits

Physical and Endurance Hazing
This involves physical abuse disguised as “conditioning” or “team building”:

Extreme calisthenics sessions (“smokings”) that cause rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Paddling or beatings with various objects
Sleep deprivation over multiple days
Food and water restriction
Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

Psychological and Digital Hazing
The newest and most insidious forms include:

Social media humiliation and public shaming
24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Forced creation of compromising digital content
Social isolation from friends and family
Psychological manipulation and verbal abuse

Where Hazing Happens in Alabama

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities: Both traditional Greek organizations and multicultural groups
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, and other sports teams at Alabama universities
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Particularly during band camp or pre-season
ROTC and Military Programs: Despite official prohibitions
Academic and Honor Societies: Even organizations focused on academic achievement
Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups: Cheerleading, dance teams, and campus spirit organizations

The common thread? Any group that uses initiation rituals, power imbalances between new and existing members, and secrecy can become a hazing risk.

Alabama Hazing Laws: What Pike County Families Need to Know

Alabama’s Hazing Statutes

Alabama takes hazing seriously under state law. Alabama Code § 16-1-23 defines hazing and establishes penalties:

Definition: Hazing is defined as any intentional, reckless, or knowing act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization connected with an educational institution.

Key Provisions:

Hazing that causes physical injury is a Class C misdemeanor
Hazing that causes serious physical injury is a Class A misdemeanor
Organizations that knowingly permit hazing can lose recognition and funding
Consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing charges

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Prosecuted by the state (district attorney)
Focus on punishment: fines, probation, potential jail time
Charges can include hazing, assault, providing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases

Filed by victims or their families
Focus on compensation for damages and accountability
Can proceed even without criminal charges
Burden of proof: “preponderance of the evidence”
Can target multiple defendants: individuals, organizations, national headquarters, universities

Federal Laws That Apply in Alabama

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal funds to:

Maintain public records of hazing incidents
Implement hazing prevention programs
Report hazing statistics transparently
Provide hazing education to students

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX obligations apply. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Alabama Hazing Cases

Individual Students
The people who directly participated in, organized, or encouraged the hazing.

Local Chapters and Organizations
The campus organization itself, if it’s a legal entity, and its officers.

National Fraternities and Sororities
Headquarters can be liable for failing to properly supervise chapters, enforce policies, or respond to known risks.

Universities and Colleges
Schools may be liable if they knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to take reasonable preventive measures.

Third Parties
Property owners, alcohol providers, and event organizers may share liability depending on circumstances.

National Hazing Cases: Lessons for Alabama Families

Why National Patterns Matter for Alabama Cases

Right now, our firm is handling one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This $10 million lawsuit alleges brutal hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. The case demonstrates exactly the kind of sophisticated investigation and aggressive litigation necessary when taking on powerful universities and national fraternities.

What happens in Texas matters for Alabama because the same national organizations operate across state lines. When a fraternity has a history of hazing incidents in other states, that pattern becomes evidence in Alabama cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Repeating Tragedy

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017)
Beta Theta Pi pledge died after consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol during a bid acceptance night. Security footage showed hours of delay before calling for help. The case resulted in criminal convictions and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017)
Phi Delta Theta pledge died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, strengthening hazing penalties.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017)
Pi Kappa Phi pledge died after being given a bottle of liquor during a “big brother” event. The tragedy led to FSU suspending all Greek life temporarily.

Physical and Ritual Hazing Cases

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013)
Pi Delta Psi pledge died during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of criminal charges and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)
Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage after forced drinking during a “pledge dad reveal” night. The case involved settlements with 22 defendants and highlighted catastrophic non-fatal injuries.

What These Cases Mean for Alabama Families

These national precedents show that:

Juries award substantial verdicts for hazing injuries and deaths
National organizations can be held accountable for chapter conduct
Delay in seeking medical care worsens outcomes and increases liability
Pattern evidence from other states strengthens Alabama cases

Alabama Universities: Hazing Realities at Schools Pike County Families Attend

Troy University: Your Local Campus Reality

Campus and Greek Life Overview
As Pike County’s own university, Troy hosts active Greek life with both fraternities and sororities. The campus culture includes traditional Greek organizations that conduct regular recruitment and new member education.

Hazing Policies and Reporting
Troy University prohibits hazing in all forms and provides multiple reporting channels through the Dean of Students office and campus police. The university maintains disciplinary records, though public transparency varies.

What Pike County Families Should Know

Troy PD and local law enforcement share jurisdiction depending on incident location
Civil cases may be filed in Pike County courts or where the injury occurred
Evidence preservation is critical – Alabama’s two-year statute of limitations applies
Troy’s commitment to hazing prevention must be matched by enforcement

Immediate Actions for Troy Families

Document everything immediately after discovering hazing
Report to both Troy University officials and local police if crimes occurred
Preserve digital evidence before group chats are deleted
Contact experienced counsel familiar with Alabama campus procedures

University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa

Greek Life Scale and History
As one of the nation’s largest Greek systems, UA has faced multiple hazing challenges. The university has implemented various prevention programs but continues to deal with incidents.

Recent History and Patterns

Multiple fraternity suspensions for hazing violations
Ongoing tension between tradition and safety
National organizations with histories at other campuses operating at UA

Legal Considerations

Tuscaloosa jurisdiction for local incidents
Potential for large-scale investigations given system size
Pattern evidence from national organizations relevant to UA cases

Auburn University

Campus Culture and Greek Life
Auburn’s strong Greek tradition comes with corresponding hazing risks. The university has faced public incidents and implemented prevention measures.

Notable Aspects for Legal Cases

Lee County jurisdiction for on-campus incidents
University’s relationship with national organizations
Historical data on prior violations useful for pattern evidence

Other Alabama Universities Pike County Students Attend

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Urban campus with different Greek dynamics but similar hazing risks in various student organizations.

University of South Alabama
Growing Greek system with prevention challenges common to expanding programs.

Jacksonville State University
Smaller campus where personal relationships can complicate reporting but don’t eliminate liability.

How Cases Proceed at Alabama Universities

Immediate Response
Universities typically conduct internal investigations through student conduct offices. These proceedings have different standards than courts and focus on campus discipline rather than compensation.

Criminal Investigations
Local police or campus police investigate potential crimes. Timing is critical as evidence disappears quickly.

Civil Litigation
Families can pursue compensation through lawsuits against responsible parties. These cases can proceed alongside criminal and university proceedings.

Key Evidence in Alabama Cases

University disciplinary records showing prior violations
National fraternity/sorority files documenting pattern awareness
Digital communications showing planning and cover-up attempts
Medical records documenting injuries and treatment
Witness statements from other participants or observers

National Fraternities and Sororities: Their Histories Matter in Alabama Cases

Why National Patterns Create Liability

When your child is hazed by an Alabama chapter of a national fraternity or sorority, that organization’s history in other states becomes critically important. National headquarters that know about hazing patterns but fail to implement effective prevention measures can share liability for Alabama injuries.

Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University (2021)
Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide for alcohol hazing
Pattern of “big/little” nights leading to alcohol poisoning

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Multiple alcohol-related deaths across decades
Known as “the deadliest fraternity” in some media reports
History of resisting reform until public pressure forced changes

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017)
Multiple chapter closures for hazing violations
Pattern of drinking games disguised as “education”

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University (2017)
Chapter suspensions for physical hazing
Currently facing our firm’s lawsuit at University of Houston

Kappa Alpha Order

Multiple suspensions including at Southern Methodist University
Physical hazing traditions despite national policies

What This Means for Alabama Lawsuits

National organizations’ histories establish:

Foreseeability: They knew or should have known these risks
Pattern and Practice: Repeated failures to prevent known dangers
Negligent Supervision: Inadequate oversight of local chapters
Punitive Damage Potential: Reckless disregard for student safety

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, and text message threads
Social media posts and private messages
Deleted content recovered through digital forensics
Location data and timestamps

Photographic and Video Evidence

Injuries documented over time
Event locations and conditions
Participant identification
Social media content showing hazing activities

Medical Documentation

Emergency room records and admission notes
Laboratory results (blood alcohol, toxicology, organ function)
Psychological evaluations for trauma
Long-term treatment plans and prognosis

Organizational Records

Chapter meeting minutes and planning documents
National fraternity policies and training materials
University disciplinary histories
Insurance policies and coverage documents

Witness Statements

Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
Former members willing to testify about patterns
Medical providers who treated injuries
University officials with knowledge of prior incidents

Types of Damages in Alabama Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawals, transfers, delayed graduation)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Therapy and counseling costs
Life care expenses for permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Losses)

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

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members
Punitive damages in egregious cases

The Investigation Process

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Secure digital communications before deletion
Document injuries and gather medical records
Identify and interview witnesses quickly
Preserve physical evidence

Phase 2: Discovery and Subpoenas

Obtain university disciplinary records
Subpoena national fraternity/sorority files
Gather insurance policy information
Collect social media and communications data

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

Medical experts to document injuries and prognosis
Economic experts to calculate lifetime costs
Greek life experts to explain organizational dynamics
Digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence

Phase 4: Settlement Negotiations or Trial Preparation

Demand packages based on comprehensive damages analysis
Mediation and settlement discussions
Trial preparation if fair settlement not offered
Ongoing advocacy for institutional reform

Practical Guide for Pike County Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes or withdrawal
Secretive behavior about organizational activities
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Financial strain from unexplained expenses
Declining academic performance
Defensiveness when asked about the organization

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns

Choose a private, calm setting without distractions
Use open-ended questions rather than accusations
Express concern for their wellbeing rather than judgment
Listen without interrupting when they do share
Emphasize that their safety matters more than any organization
Avoid ultimatums that might make them more secretive

If You Discover Hazing Has Occurred

Prioritize medical care – even if injuries seem minor
Document everything – photos, notes, screenshots
Preserve evidence – don’t let them delete messages
Contact experienced counsel before reporting
Follow legal guidance on reporting to university or police
Avoid public statements that could compromise the case
Support your child’s mental health with professional help

For Students: Your Rights and Safety Options

Is This Hazing? Questions to Ask Yourself

Would I do this if I truly had a free choice?
Am I being pressured or coerced?
Is this activity dangerous or degrading?
Would I want my family to know exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets?
Are only new members required to do this?

How to Exit Safely

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Document any retaliation or threats
Report safety concerns to campus authorities
Seek a no-contact order if necessary
Remember: No organization is worth your health or life

Protecting Your Rights

Alabama law protects you even if you “consented” to hazing
Good faith reporting for emergencies has protection
You have the right to medical care and mental health support
You can pursue compensation for injuries even if charges aren’t filed
Experienced attorneys can help navigate the process

Evidence Preservation for Students

Screenshot every relevant message immediately
Photograph injuries daily to document progression
Save emails and organizational communications
Write down details while fresh in memory
Identify witnesses who saw what happened
Don’t discuss details on social media

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What happens: Messages get deleted, injuries heal without documentation, memories fade.
Why it’s devastating: Cases become “he said, she said” without proof.
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.

2. Confronting the Organization First
What happens: Members lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses.
Why it’s devastating: You lose the element of surprise and critical evidence.
Better approach: Document thoroughly, then let your attorney make first contact.

3. Signing University Agreements Quickly
What happens: Families sign quick settlement offers that waive future rights.
Why it’s devastating: Compensation is often far below case value.
Better approach: Have every document reviewed by counsel before signing.

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys capture every post looking for inconsistencies.
Why it’s devastating: Social media becomes exhibit one for the defense.
Better approach: Maintain privacy and let your lawyer control messaging.

5. Waiting Too Long to Act
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run.
Why it’s devastating: Cases become impossible to prove.
Better approach: Consult an attorney within days, not months.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
What happens: Recorded statements get used against you, settlements are lowballed.
Why it’s devastating: Early misstatements undermine your entire case.
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response.

7. Assuming the University Will Handle It Fairly
What happens: Internal processes prioritize the institution over individuals.
Why it’s devastating: Real accountability requires external pressure.
Better approach: Parallel tracks – university process AND legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions for Alabama Families

Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, intentional misconduct, and certain federal claims. Private universities have fewer protections. Each case requires specific analysis of the facts and potential legal theories.

Is hazing a felony in Alabama?
Hazing that causes serious physical injury is a Class A misdemeanor under Alabama law. However, related charges like assault, providing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter in fatal cases can be felonies. The legal strategy often involves multiple charges rather than just hazing statutes.

What if my child “agreed” to the activities?
Alabama law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that true consent doesn’t exist when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion. This is particularly true for new members seeking acceptance in organizations.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Alabama generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but specific circumstances can affect this timeline. The discovery rule may extend time if injuries weren’t immediately apparent, and minor status can toll the statute. Immediate consultation is critical to preserve rights.

What if the hazing happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities can still have responsibility based on their relationship with organizations, and national fraternities maintain control regardless of location. Many successful hazing cases have involved off-campus houses, retreats, or third-party venues.

Will my child’s name be public?
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. When lawsuits are filed, various protections can minimize public exposure, including pseudonyms, sealed documents, and protective orders. We prioritize client privacy throughout the process.

How much does legal representation cost?
We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis – you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of financial circumstances.

What if there are also criminal charges?
We can provide guidance on navigating both criminal and civil proceedings. Often, waiting for criminal resolution before filing civil claims is not necessary or advisable. The two processes serve different purposes and can proceed simultaneously.

How long will the case take?
Timelines vary based on case complexity, defendant responses, and court schedules. Some cases resolve in months through settlement; others take years if litigation proceeds to trial. We provide realistic timelines based on your specific situation.

What organizations have the worst hazing histories?
Certain national fraternities have extensive documented histories of hazing incidents across multiple campuses. This pattern evidence becomes important in establishing what these organizations knew about risks and when they knew it.

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Complex Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need lawyers who understand how powerful institutions defend themselves—and how to overcome those defenses to secure accountability and compensation.

Insurance Insider Advantage

Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) brings unique insight to hazing cases from his 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
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

This insider knowledge means we don’t just react to insurance company tactics—we anticipate and counter them effectively. As Mr. Peña explains, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Managing partner Ralph Manginello has taken on some of the largest institutional defendants in the country. Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, representing victims against a billion-dollar corporation with unlimited legal resources.

That same experience translates directly to hazing cases where universities and national fraternities deploy teams of defense attorneys, expert witnesses, and institutional resources. We’re not intimidated by big names or deep pockets—we’ve faced them before and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including:

Working with economists to value lifetime losses
Securing compensation for future medical needs
Calculating reduced earning capacity
Documenting non-economic damages like pain and suffering

In hazing cases that result in permanent injuries or death, this experience ensures we properly value every aspect of your family’s loss.

Criminal and Civil Dual Capability

Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can:

Advise on interacting with law enforcement
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Counsel witnesses or participants with potential exposure
Understand plea agreements and their civil implications

Investigative Depth and Expert Resources

Hazing cases require sophisticated investigation. We bring resources including:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted communications
Medical specialists to document injuries and prognosis
Greek life experts to explain organizational dynamics
Economists to calculate lifetime costs
Psychologists to evaluate trauma and its impact

We investigate every case as if your child’s wellbeing depends on it—because it does.

Why Choose Us for Your Alabama Case

While we’re based in Texas, we serve families nationwide through:

Direct representation for cases with Texas connections
Co-counsel arrangements with local Alabama attorneys
Consultation and case evaluation for families anywhere

Our current representation of Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly the kind of serious, sophisticated hazing litigation we handle. When we take a case, we commit fully to uncovering the truth, holding every responsible party accountable, and securing the compensation families need to move forward.

Your Next Steps: A Clear Path Forward for Pike County Families

If You’re Considering Legal Action

Step 1: Document Everything Immediately

Write down everything your child has told you
Photograph any visible injuries
Screenshot text messages and social media content
Save emails and organizational communications
List witnesses and their contact information

Step 2: Preserve Critical Evidence

Do not delete any digital communications
Save clothing or objects from the incident
Request medical records from all providers
Back up digital evidence to multiple locations

Step 3: Consult Experienced Counsel

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation
Bring all documentation to your consultation
Ask questions about process, timeline, and expectations
Receive honest assessment of your legal options

Step 4: Develop a Strategic Plan

Decide on reporting to university or law enforcement
Plan for medical and psychological care
Consider immediate safety needs
Outline short-term and long-term goals

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 for a hazing case consultation, you can expect:

Confidential Discussion
We listen without judgment in a completely confidential setting. Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.

Thorough Case Review
We examine all available evidence, ask detailed questions, and identify missing information that needs gathering.

Clear Legal Explanation
We explain Alabama hazing laws, potential claims, liable parties, and realistic outcomes based on similar cases.

Strategic Options
We outline possible approaches, from immediate demands to formal litigation, with pros and cons of each.

Honest Assessment
We provide straightforward evaluation of case strengths, challenges, and realistic expectations.

No Pressure Decision
We never pressure immediate retention. We provide information so you can make informed decisions for your family.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

For Alabama Families Facing Hazing Crises:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:
Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Services Available: Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Peña for consultation in Spanish

Serving Pike County and Beyond

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve families throughout the United States. For Alabama families in Pike County—from Troy to Brundidge, from Goshen to Banks—we offer experienced hazing litigation counsel that understands both the legal complexities and the human impact of these cases.

Whether your child attends Troy University, University of Alabama, Auburn, or any other campus, if hazing has caused injury or trauma, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We bring the experience, resources, and commitment necessary to take on powerful institutions and secure the accountability your family deserves.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you turn a moment of crisis into a pathway toward healing, justice, and prevention for other students.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

Using Your Phone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

News Coverage of Current Hazing Case:

Click2Houston Report on UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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 Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Lawsuit:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

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 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com