Hazing Lawyers in Rapides Parish — Justice for Hazing Victims in Central Louisiana

If your child was hazed at a Rapides Parish university, college, or Greek organization, you have legal rights — and powerful options for justice.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities, sororities, and dangerous cultures exist at universities near Rapides Parish. Your family deserves the same aggressive legal representation we’re bringing to Houston.

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including families in Alexandria, Pineville, and across Rapides Parish. While based in Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and commitment to traveling for justice allow us to represent Rapides Parish families with the same intensity as local cases.

Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

The Hazing Crisis in Rapides Parish — What Families Need to Know

Hazing Happens at Rapides Parish-Area Universities

Central Louisiana is home to respected institutions where Greek life thrives — but behind those Greek letters, dangerous hazing traditions persist. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide operate at universities near Rapides Parish, including:

• Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA)
• Louisiana College (Pineville)
• Nearby institutions like Northwestern State University (Natchitoches) and University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The same organizations that waterboarded our client in Houston have active chapters at Louisiana universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Rapides Parish, they face the same risks.

What Hazing Looks Like in Rapides Parish

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” In our current case, we’re suing over:

• Waterboarding with garden hoses — simulated drowning
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• 500 squats and 100+ pushups until physical collapse
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation from forced late-night activities
• Humiliation rituals like carrying sexual objects

This is torture — not tradition. And it happens at Rapides Parish-area universities.

Why Rapides Parish Families Are Vulnerable

1. Small-town trust culture — Parents in Alexandria and Pineville often assume universities and Greek organizations will protect their children. They don’t expect torture.
2. Lack of local hazing litigation expertise — Most Rapides Parish personal injury lawyers don’t specialize in hazing cases. They don’t know how to sue national fraternities or universities.
3. Fear of speaking out — Victims fear retaliation from powerful Greek organizations with deep community ties.
4. Distance from legal resources — Major hazing litigation firms are typically in big cities. Rapides Parish families need attorneys willing to fight for them from afar.

We bridge that gap. We fight for Rapides Parish families with the same resources we bring to Houston cases.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Rapides Parish?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility — and we sue them all.

1. The Local Chapter

The Rapides Parish fraternity or sorority chapter that organized the hazing is directly liable. We pursue:

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
• Individual members who participated
• The chapter’s assets and insurance

In our Houston case, we’re suing the chapter president and pledgemaster personally.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance. They’re liable for:

• Failing to supervise their Rapides Parish chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Not enforcing their own anti-hazing policies

Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement admitted “violations” after our client was hospitalized. The same nationals operate near Rapides Parish.

3. The University or College

Louisiana universities near Rapides Parish have a duty to protect students. They’re liable for:

• Failing to monitor Greek life
• Ignoring complaints about hazing
• Allowing dangerous activities on campus property
• Not acting after prior hazing incidents

In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Louisiana universities face the same liability.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued personally. This includes:

• Chapter officers
• Active members
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Spouses who allowed hazing at their homes

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Insurance Companies

Multiple insurance policies may cover hazing injuries:

• National organization’s liability insurance
• University’s institutional insurance
• Chapter’s liability coverage
• Homeowners insurance (for off-campus events)
• Personal umbrella policies

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to maximize policy recoveries.

What Rapides Parish Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full compensation for all damages. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospitalization (our client spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure)
• Specialist visits (nephrologists, therapists)
• Future medical monitoring
• Rehabilitation costs

Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure require lifelong monitoring. Your child may need dialysis or a transplant.

Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from hazing activities
• Trauma from waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise
• Emotional distress from humiliation and abuse
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Fear of retribution (our client is afraid to speak publicly)

This is not “just hazing.” This is psychological torture.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Time missed from work during recovery
• Impact on academic performance
• Delayed graduation
• Career limitations from permanent injuries

A hazing injury can derail your child’s future.

Punitive Damages

When conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional, juries award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Our case involves:

• Waterboarding (war crime when done to enemy combatants)
• 500 squats causing kidney failure
• Striking with wooden paddles
• Forced eating until vomiting

This conduct justifies punitive damages.

Wrongful Death Damages

If hazing results in death, families can sue for:

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering before death

Louisiana has seen hazing deaths. The Max Gruver Act (named after an LSU student who died from hazing) made hazing a felony in Louisiana. Families have legal rights.

How We Fight for Rapides Parish Families

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Hazing evidence disappears fast. We act immediately to:

• Preserve text messages, GroupMe chats, and social media
• Secure photos and videos from hazing events
• Document witness statements
• Obtain medical records
• Issue preservation letters to all defendants

In our Houston case, we documented waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse within days of the incident.

2. Aggressive Discovery

We use court-ordered discovery to uncover the truth:

• Depose chapter officers and members
• Subpoena national organization records
• Obtain university Greek life policies
• Access security camera footage
• Review prior hazing complaints

We know what to ask — and where to look for hidden evidence.

3. Multi-Defendant Litigation

We sue everyone responsible to maximize recovery:

• Local chapter
• National organization
• University
• Individual perpetrators
• Insurance companies

In our Houston case, we named 10+ defendants, including the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National.

4. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to:

• Pursue Rapides Parish cases in federal jurisdiction
• Sue national organizations headquartered outside Louisiana
• Access broader discovery tools

5. Dual-State Bar Licenses

We’re licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages:

• Ability to pursue national fraternities headquartered in multiple states
• Experience with complex multi-state litigation
• Knowledge of different state laws

6. Contingency Representation — $0 Upfront

We represent Rapides Parish families on contingency:

• No upfront fees
• No hourly billing
• We only get paid if we win
• Free consultation

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Rapides Parish

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately. Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms.

• Go to the emergency room if needed
• Follow up with specialists
• Document all injuries and treatment

Our client’s kidney failure was only discovered after he passed brown urine — a classic sign of muscle breakdown.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Save everything:

Do NOT delete anything. Even if it’s embarrassing, it may be critical evidence.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to Anyone Without Legal Counsel

Universities, fraternities, and insurance companies will try to control the narrative. They may:

• Pressure your child to sign documents
• Offer lowball settlements
• Record statements to use against you
• Threaten disciplinary action

Do NOT give statements, sign anything, or talk to their representatives without an attorney present.

Step 4: Report the Hazing

Consider reporting to:

• Campus police
• University Title IX office
• Louisiana State Police
• Local law enforcement

Louisiana law requires universities to report hazing incidents. Failure to report is a crime.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Immediate case evaluation
• Evidence preservation guidance
• Aggressive legal representation

The statute of limitations in Louisiana is typically 1 year for personal injury claims. Don’t wait — evidence disappears and deadlines expire.

Why Rapides Parish Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now, and we bring that same intensity to Rapides Parish cases.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How they try to deny or minimize payouts
• How to dismantle their defenses

We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to:

• Pursue Rapides Parish cases in federal jurisdiction
• Sue national fraternities headquartered outside Louisiana
• Access broader discovery tools

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

We’re licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages:

• Ability to pursue national fraternities in multiple states
• Experience with complex multi-state litigation
• Knowledge of different state laws

5. Willingness to Travel to Rapides Parish

We come to you. For:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Bilingual Representation — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Rapides Parish are from Hispanic families. We provide:

• Consultations in Spanish
• Case communications in Spanish
• Translation of all documents
• Cultural sensitivity

No language barriers to justice.

7. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
• Significant recoveries in catastrophic injury cases
• Successful outcomes in federal court litigation

We know how to win against powerful institutions.

8. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

We treat Rapides Parish families like our own. Our clients say:

“They made me feel like family. I never felt like just another case.” — Former client

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

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz

The Rapides Parish Hazing Lawyer You Need

Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner

Why Rapides Parish families trust Ralph:

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney — knows how the other side thinks
• Federal court admission — can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar license (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage against national fraternities
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing case — fighting this battle right now
• Will travel to Rapides Parish — for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Rapides Parish families can reach Ralph directly:

• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911

Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney

Why Rapides Parish families trust Lupe:

• Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP) — insider knowledge of insurance tactics
• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Federal court admission — can pursue your case in federal court
• Bilingual (Spanish) — serves Hispanic families without language barriers
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise — exactly the type of cases hazing creates
• Aggressive litigator — “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy

Rapides Parish families can reach Lupe directly:

• Email: lupe@atty911.com
• Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911

Frequently Asked Questions for Rapides Parish Families

Can I sue if my child was hazed in Rapides Parish?

Yes. Hazing that causes injury is illegal in Louisiana. You can sue:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual perpetrators

Louisiana Revised Statute § 17:1801 defines hazing and makes it a crime. Civil lawsuits are separate and allow you to recover compensation.

What if my child consented to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense. Louisiana law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.

Louisiana Revised Statute § 17:1801.2:

“The consent of the victim shall not be a defense to any prosecution under this Section.”

No matter what your child agreed to, the hazing is still illegal and the perpetrators are still liable.

How much is my Rapides Parish hazing case worth?

Case value depends on:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Psychological impact
• University/fraternity knowledge of prior hazing
• Egregiousness of conduct

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, LSU)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Penn State)

Our current case seeks $10 million for a victim hospitalized with kidney failure.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Louisiana has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

For wrongful death claims, you typically have 1 year from the date of death.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and deadlines expire.

Will suing affect my child’s academic standing?

Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. Title IX and other laws protect students from retaliation.

We handle communications with the university to protect your child’s academic status.

Can you represent us even though you’re based in Texas?

Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Rapides Parish. Our services include:

• Federal court authority — can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
• Video consultations — meet with us remotely
• Travel commitment — we come to Rapides Parish for depositions and trials
• Local coordination — work with Louisiana counsel when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. Many hazing incidents happen at:

• Fraternity/sorority houses
• Private residences
• Off-campus apartments
• Hotels
• Retreat locations

We sue the individuals and organizations responsible, regardless of location.

Can I sue if my child wasn’t physically injured?

Yes. Hazing that causes psychological trauma is also actionable. You can sue for:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional distress
• Humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Psychological injuries are real and compensable.

What if the fraternity is already suspended?

Suspension doesn’t end liability. In fact, it can be evidence that:

• The organization knew about the hazing
• They took action only to limit liability
• The conduct was serious enough to warrant suspension

We pursue the national organization, individual perpetrators, and insurance companies regardless of chapter status.

How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We represent Rapides Parish families on contingency:

• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• No upfront costs
• We only get paid if we win
• Free consultation

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

Rapides Parish Hazing Resources

National Organizations

• StopHazing.org — Research, education, and advocacy
• HazingPrevention.org — Prevention resources and training
• Gordie Center — Alcohol education and hazing prevention (University of Virginia)

Louisiana-Specific Resources

• Louisiana State Police — Hazing reporting: (225) 925-6325
• Louisiana Board of Regents — Oversees higher education
• Max Gruver Foundation — Named after LSU hazing victim; advocacy and support

Local Rapides Parish Resources

• Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office — (318) 473-6700
• Alexandria Police Department — (318) 449-5099
• Pineville Police Department — (318) 449-5656
• Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) Title IX Office — (318) 473-6565
• Louisiana College Title IX Office — (318) 487-7011

Contact Attorney 911 — Rapides Parish Hazing Lawyers

If your child was hazed at a Rapides Parish university or college, call us immediately.

24/7 Hazing Hotline: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com/hazing

Free Consultation: We evaluate your case at no cost and with no obligation.

Se Habla Español: Bilingual representation available.

Serving Rapides Parish from Our Texas Offices

Houston Office (Headquarters)

1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 528-9070

Austin Office

(713) 528-9070

Beaumont Office

(713) 528-9070

We travel to Rapides Parish for client meetings, depositions, and trials.

The Rapides Parish Hazing Lawyer You Can Trust

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not harmless fun.

It’s torture. It’s assault. It’s reckless endangerment. And it has no place in Rapides Parish.

If your child was hazed, you’re not alone. We’re fighting this battle right now in Houston, and we’ll fight just as hard for Rapides Parish families.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your free consultation.

Enough is enough. It’s time for accountability.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™