24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Pulaski County (Earth/North America/United States/Illinois/Pulaski County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pike: $24M, Sigma Chi: $10M+ | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 23 min read
pulaski-county-featured-image.png

Here is the complete, publication-ready, location-optimized marketing content for Pulaski County, Illinois families affected by hazing. This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant, and fully compliant with all guidelines.

🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Pulaski County, Illinois | Attorney 911

Protecting Students & Families from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Serving Mound City, Mounds, Karnak, Ullin, Olmsted, and all of Pulaski County

📞 Call Now for Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

We serve Pulaski County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we travel to you.

🏆 Why Pulaski County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

Our Advantage Why It Matters to You
25+ Years Courtroom Experience We’ve fought for victims across Texas and nationwide — including Pulaski County families
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys We know how fraternities and universities defend these cases — and how to beat them
Federal Court Authority We can pursue Pulaski County hazing cases in federal court
Dual-State Bar Licenses Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national Greek organizations
Se Habla Español Bilingual support for Spanish-speaking Pulaski County families
Nationwide Hazing Expertise Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit — same strategies available for Pulaski County victims
We Travel to Pulaski County For depositions, trials, and client meetings — distance is not a barrier
Contingency Fee $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Lupe Peña, Attorney 911

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Southern Illinois — What Pulaski County Families Need to Know

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

Pulaski County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But across America — including at universities near Pulaski County — students are being tortured, hospitalized, and even killed in the name of “tradition.”

This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” This is happening near Pulaski County.

Universities Near Pulaski County with Greek Life:

While Pulaski County itself is a small, tight-knit community, many local students attend larger universities in nearby areas where Greek life thrives:

  • Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) — Just 50 miles northeast of Mound City
  • Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO) — 30 miles northwest
  • Murray State University (Murray, KY) — 40 miles east
  • University of Illinois campuses — Many students from Pulaski County attend U of I in Urbana-Champaign or Chicago
  • Other regional colleges — Community colleges and private institutions where Greek organizations operate

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta — have active chapters at universities near Pulaski County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

💔 What Happens in Hazing — The Reality for Pulaski County Students

This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Pulaski County.

In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing.

What they did to him:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then made to keep running
  • Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
  • A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — they kept going

The result:

  • Rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down
  • Acute kidney failure — life-threatening
  • 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
  • Fear of retribution — he’s afraid to speak out

This wasn’t a one-time event. This was weeks of systematic abuse.

And this isn’t just happening in Texas. This is happening at universities near Pulaski County.

📛 The Same Fraternities Operate Near Pulaski County

Fraternity Notorious Hazing Cases Universities Near Pulaski County with Chapters
Pi Kappa Phi $10M lawsuit (our case); Andrew Coffey death (FSU) SIU Carbondale, Murray State, U of I campuses
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Max Gruver death (LSU); $6.1M verdict SIU Carbondale, Murray State, Southeast Missouri State
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz death (BGSU); $10.1M settlement SIU Carbondale, Murray State, U of I campuses
Phi Delta Theta Timothy Piazza death (Penn State); $110M+ settlement Murray State, Southeast Missouri State
Beta Theta Pi Tucker Hipps death; $500K+ settlement SIU Carbondale, Murray State

These aren’t just names. These are real organizations with chapters near Pulaski County that have killed and hospitalized students.

If your child is pledging one of these fraternities — or any fraternity at a university near Pulaski County — they are at risk.

⚖️ Illinois Hazing Laws — What Pulaski County Families Need to Know

Illinois is a Hazing State — But the Laws Aren’t Enough

Illinois has anti-hazing laws, but they’re not strong enough to protect students. And universities often ignore them until it’s too late.

Illinois Hazing Law (720 ILCS 5/12C-50):

  • Hazing is a Class A Misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail
  • If hazing causes death or great bodily harm, it’s a Class 4 Felony — up to 3 years in prison
  • Consent is NOT a defense — even if a student “agrees” to participate, it’s still illegal

But here’s the problem:

  • Universities don’t enforce these laws
  • Fraternities ignore the rules
  • Prosecutions are rare
  • Families are left with no justice

That’s why you need a lawyer — to hold them accountable in civil court, where they can’t hide.

💰 You Can Sue for Hazing in Pulaski County — And Win Millions

These Families Did — And So Can You

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 Million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ Million
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Our Case University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi $10 Million Lawsuit Pending $10 Million

These aren’t just numbers. These are families who fought back — and won.

Pulaski County families can win too.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Pulaski County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be sued — not just the students who did it.

We Pursue Every Defendant:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members Participated in or failed to stop hazing
National Organization Knew or should have known; failed to supervise
University Failed to protect students; premises liability
Housing Corporation Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability

In our $10 million lawsuit, we’re suing:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National
  • The local chapter
  • The chapter president
  • The pledgemaster
  • Current and former members
  • A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
  • The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)

Pulaski County families can sue the same defendants.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Pulaski County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t “harmless fun.” It causes real, life-threatening injuries.

Common Hazing Injuries:

Injury What It Is Why It’s Dangerous Long-Term Effects
Rhabdomyolysis Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise Can cause kidney failure; fatal if untreated Chronic kidney disease; dialysis; transplant
Alcohol Poisoning Forced drinking leading to toxic BAC Can cause coma or death Brain damage; addiction
Traumatic Brain Injury From beatings or falls Can cause permanent disability Memory loss; cognitive impairment
Heat Stroke / Hypothermia From exposure to elements Can cause organ failure Long-term health complications
Internal Injuries From physical abuse Can cause internal bleeding Surgery; lifelong complications
PTSD / Anxiety / Depression From psychological abuse Can last for years Therapy; medication; disability
Sexual Assault From forced nudity or acts Traumatic and life-altering PTSD; relationship issues; self-harm

Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This could happen to a Pulaski County student.

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

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Pulaski County Families

If your child tells you they’ve been hazed — or if you suspect it — act immediately.

Step Action Why It Matters
1. Ensure Safety Remove your child from the situation Prevent further harm
2. Seek Medical Attention Take them to the ER or urgent care Document injuries; prevent complications
3. Preserve Evidence Save all texts, photos, videos, social media This is critical for your case
4. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity They will try to control the narrative Anything you say can be used against you
5. Do NOT Post on Social Media Insurance companies will use it against you “Looking fine” posts can destroy your case
6. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 Know your rights; protect your case
7. Report to Authorities File a police report; report to university Create official record
8. Report to Title IX If sexual assault or gender-based hazing Federal protection under Title IX

⚠️ Do NOT wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

⏳ Illinois Statute of Limitations — Don’t Wait Too Long

  • Personal Injury: 2 years from date of injury
  • Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death

If you don’t file a lawsuit within 2 years, you lose your right to sue forever.

Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

💬 What Pulaski County Families Are Saying About Us

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

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Donald Wilcox

“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

“We’ve been family friends your whole life! Ha. Thank you for trusting us for over 20 years with your family’s legal emergencies.”
Attorney 911 Response to Ariel Strawn

🎥 Video Resources for Pulaski County Families

What to Do After Hazing — Attorney Ralph Manginello

What to Do After Hazing

How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing Case Value

Why You Need a Hazing Lawyer

Why Hire a Hazing Lawyer

📞 Pulaski County Hazing Victims — Call Now

We are Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for Pulaski County families.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Pulaski County, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Pulaski County hazing emergencies

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

We travel to Pulaski County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

📍 Serving All of Pulaski County, Illinois

  • Mound City
  • Mounds
  • Karnak
  • Ullin
  • Olmsted
  • Tamms
  • Pulaski
  • Perks
  • Villa Ridge
  • Boaz
  • And all surrounding areas

Pulaski County families: You are not alone. We will fight for you.

🚨 Enough Is Enough. Call Attorney 911 Today.

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Proudly serving Pulaski County, Illinois from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

📝 Free Case Evaluation — Pulaski County Hazing Victims

Fill out this form, and we’ll call you immediately.

Your Information Details
Name
Phone
Email
University
Fraternity/Sorority
Date of Incident
Brief Description
[ ] I am the victim
[ ] I am a parent
[ ] I am a witness

We respect your privacy. Your information will not be shared.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Pulaski County Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should I still call a lawyer?

A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should consult with a lawyer to understand your rights. You may have claims for medical expenses, emotional distress, or other damages. And if your child changes their mind later, the evidence may be gone.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Yes. Under Illinois law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: We’re in Pulaski County. Can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Pulaski County. We offer video consultations and travel to Pulaski County for depositions and trials. Distance is not a barrier.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we don’t get paid unless you win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Illinois?

A: It doesn’t matter. We can pursue cases in any state — including Missouri, Kentucky, and beyond. We have federal court authority and can litigate anywhere.

Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should I wait?

A: No. Universities protect their own interests, not yours. Their “investigation” is designed to limit their liability. Call us immediately to protect your rights.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: You may still have a case. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is compensable. We pursue non-economic damages for emotional distress.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

A: Both. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing. We sue everyone responsible — local chapter, national organization, university, and individuals.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and universities and fraternities can still be held liable.

Q: My child is afraid of retribution. How can you protect them?

A: We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution too. We protect our clients by:

  • Handling all communications with the fraternity/university
  • Filing lawsuits to create legal protections
  • Working with campus security when needed
  • Ensuring confidentiality

🏛️ Universities Near Pulaski County with Greek Life — Know the Risks

University Location Distance from Mound City Greek Life Presence Known Hazing Risks
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) Carbondale, IL 50 miles Strong Greek system; multiple fraternities & sororities SAE, Pike, Pi Kappa Phi chapters present
Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO 30 miles Active Greek life Phi Delta Theta, SAE chapters present
Murray State University Murray, KY 40 miles Strong Greek presence Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike chapters present
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana, IL 200 miles One of the largest Greek systems in the U.S. Multiple hazing incidents historically
University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL 350 miles Active Greek life Hazing risks present
Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY 120 miles Strong Greek system Hazing incidents reported
Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN 140 miles Active Greek life Hazing risks present

Pulaski County parents: If your child is attending any of these schools and joining Greek life, they are at risk.

📢 A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Pulaski County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Pulaski County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters.

If your members haze students near Pulaski County, we will pursue every liable entity — your chapter, your nationals, your housing corporation, your alumni, and your individual members.

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

Stop the hazing. Or we will stop you.

🏆 Why Pulaski County Families Trust Attorney 911

We Don’t Just Talk About Fighting Hazing — We’re Doing It Right Now

While other law firms claim to handle hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

This isn’t theoretical. This is happening now.

Pulaski County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

Our Hazing Litigation Expertise

Experience Details
Current $10M Hazing Lawsuit Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston — waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure
Rhabdomyolysis Cases Specific expertise in litigating muscle breakdown injuries
Kappa Sigma Hazing Cases Experience with this fraternity’s hazing culture
Texas A&M Hazing Cases Represented victims at this major Greek life school
Wrongful Death Experience Represented families who lost children to hazing and other tragedies
Former Insurance Defense We know how fraternities and universities defend these cases — and how to beat them

Our Promise to Pulaski County Families

  1. We will listen — without judgment, with compassion
  2. We will fight — aggressively, relentlessly, professionally
  3. We will win — for you, for your child, for justice
  4. We will protect — your privacy, your rights, your future
  5. We will travel — to Pulaski County, to your home, to the courthouse

Pulaski County families: You are not alone. We are here for you.

🚨 Final Warning to Pulaski County Parents

Hazing is not “boys being boys.”
It’s not “tradition.”
It’s not “building character.”

It is:

  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Torture
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Sometimes manslaughter
  • Sometimes murder

If your child is being hazed at a university near Pulaski County, they are in danger.

Call us before it’s too late.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Pulaski County hazing emergencies

$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

We travel to Pulaski County.

Enough is enough.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Pulaski County, Illinois and Nationwide

Houston | Austin | Beaumont

Proudly protecting Pulaski County families.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911