Hazing Lawyer in Red River Parish, Louisiana | Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorney
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice
If your child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or worse because of fraternity or sorority hazing in Red River Parish, Louisiana, you’re not alone. The same national organizations that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have active chapters at universities near Red River Parish. The same culture of abuse, the same negligence, and the same cover-ups exist right here in Louisiana.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re representing a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening near Red River Parish, too.
We serve hazing victims and their families nationwide, including Red River Parish. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com
Why Red River Parish Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Case Right Now—And Winning
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the same kind of abuse that happens at Louisiana universities. We know how to build these cases, we know how to hold institutions accountable, and we know how to win.
2. We Know the Fraternities Operating Near Red River Parish
The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing nationwide have chapters at universities near Red River Parish, including:
- Louisiana State University (LSU) – Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and others
- Louisiana Tech University – Multiple Greek organizations
- Northwestern State University – Active Greek life
- Centenary College of Louisiana – Fraternities and sororities
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Red River Parish, we can help.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny your claim, minimize your injuries, or blame your child. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside, and we know how to dismantle them.
4. Federal Court Authority—We Can Sue Anywhere in America
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. If your child was hazed at an out-of-state university or by a national fraternity headquartered elsewhere, we can pursue your case no matter where it happened.
5. We Come to Red River Parish—Distance Is Not a Barrier
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we serve clients nationwide. If your child was hazed near Red River Parish, we’ll:
- Travel to Red River Parish for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Offer free video consultations so you don’t have to leave home
- Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
6. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
7. Bilingual Representation—Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families in Red River Parish are Spanish-speaking. We offer full legal services in Spanish, including consultations, case updates, and courtroom representation.
What Is Hazing? Louisiana Law Explains
Louisiana has strict anti-hazing laws under La. R.S. 17:1801, which defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of a school, college, or university, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
This includes:
✅ Physical abuse – Beating, paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, non-food substances (e.g., peppercorns, milk until vomiting)
✅ Sleep deprivation – Late-night activities, forced driving, exhaustion
✅ Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats, isolation
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
Louisiana law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Red River Parish?
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility. In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to supervise, ignored prior hazing incidents |
| University/college | Owned the fraternity house, failed to prevent hazing |
| Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Led and directed hazing activities |
| Individual members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Former members/alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Housing corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
| Insurance companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
We sue everyone responsible—so you get full compensation.
Medical Consequences of Hazing—What Red River Parish Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries, including:
1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown) – Like Our Client
- Caused by: Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls)
- Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark/brown urine, inability to walk
- Complications: Acute kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, death
- Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis
2. Alcohol Poisoning – The #1 Cause of Hazing Deaths
- Caused by: Forced binge drinking, chugging games
- Symptoms: Vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness, seizures
- Complications: Death, brain damage, aspiration pneumonia
3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Caused by: Beatings, falls, being struck with objects (e.g., wooden paddles)
- Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, mood swings, permanent cognitive impairment
4. Heat Stroke / Hypothermia
- Caused by: Exposure to extreme heat or cold (e.g., forced to strip in cold weather)
- Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, organ failure
5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)
- Caused by: Waterboarding, humiliation, threats, sexual abuse
- Symptoms: Nightmares, panic attacks, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts
- Treatment: Long-term therapy, medication
If your child was hazed near Red River Parish and is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately—and call us.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Red River Parish
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor
- Document all symptoms (muscle pain, dark urine, confusion, etc.)
- Keep all medical records and bills
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, objects used
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
- Write down everything your child remembers (dates, locations, names of perpetrators)
- Get witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will minimize the abuse
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- We’ll guide you through the next steps
- We’ll handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
- We’ll preserve evidence before it disappears
- We’ll file a lawsuit if necessary—before the statute of limitations expires
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com
Hazing Precedents: Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts & Settlements
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts award millions when fraternities and universities fail to protect students. Here’s what similar cases have won:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | VCU | $4+ million settlement |
These results are possible for Red River Parish families too.
Louisiana Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Louisiana has strong anti-hazing laws, including:
1. Criminal Penalties (La. R.S. 17:1801.1)
| Offense | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Hazing (no injury) | Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
2. Civil Liability (La. Civ. Code Art. 2315)
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for negligence
- Individual members can be sued for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Punitive damages may be awarded for egregious conduct
3. Consent Is NOT a Defense (La. R.S. 17:1801.2)
“The consent of the victim shall not be a defense to any prosecution under this Section.”
Even if your child “agreed” to hazing, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Why Red River Parish Families Should Act Now
1. Evidence Disappears Fast
- Fraternities delete texts, photos, and videos
- Universities destroy records
- Witnesses forget details
- The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case
2. Statute of Limitations (Deadline to Sue)
- Personal injury: 1 year from the date of injury (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3492)
- Wrongful death: 1 year from the date of death
- If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever
3. Fraternities Are Already Planning Their Defense
- They’ll blame your child (“They consented”)
- They’ll minimize the abuse (“It was just tradition”)
- They’ll offer lowball settlements to make the case go away
- Don’t let them win. Call us first.
What Makes Our Firm Different for Red River Parish Hazing Victims?
✅ We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial
Many personal injury lawyers avoid trials and pressure clients to accept low settlements. We don’t. We’re trial attorneys with 25+ years of courtroom experience, and we’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions.
✅ We’ve Beaten Insurance Companies Before
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how they think. We know their tactics, we know their playbook, and we know how to maximize your compensation.
✅ We Handle Cases Nationwide
Whether your child was hazed at LSU, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State, or any other university, we can represent you. We’ve handled cases in Texas, Louisiana, and across the country.
✅ We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations
You have nothing to lose by calling us. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide the best path forward.
✅ We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs
You pay nothing unless we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Fraternities Near Red River Parish with Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases have chapters at universities near Red River Parish. If your child was hazed by any of these organizations, call us immediately.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Red River Parish with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – kidney failure) | LSU, Louisiana Tech |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, including at Texas A&M and University of Texas | LSU, Louisiana Tech |
| Kappa Sigma | Hazing deaths, including at Louisiana State University | LSU, Northwestern State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death), UH hazing (2017) | LSU, Louisiana Tech |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death) | LSU |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death) | LSU, Louisiana Tech |
| Sigma Chi | Hazing lawsuits, including recent UT Austin case | LSU, Northwestern State |
These organizations have paid millions in settlements—and they’ll pay again for Red River Parish victims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Red River Parish
1. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?
Yes. Louisiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
2. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, death)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, beatings)
- Whether the university knew about prior hazing incidents
- Insurance coverage available
3. Can I sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
Both. National fraternities are legally responsible for supervising their chapters. If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued.
4. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Louisiana’s hazing law applies on or off campus. If hazing occurred at a private home, the homeowners (and their insurance) can also be held liable.
5. Will my child have to testify in court?
Most hazing cases settle before trial. If a trial is necessary, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
6. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases (especially with multiple defendants) can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
7. Can I afford a lawyer for a hazing case?
Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
8. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We take retaliation concerns seriously. We can:
- File protective orders to prevent harassment
- Advise on safe reporting to authorities
- Ensure your child’s identity is protected during litigation
Red River Parish Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal.
If your child was hazed near Red River Parish, you have the right to fight back. You have the right to justice, accountability, and compensation.
We’re Attorney 911. We’re fighting this battle right now—and we’ll fight for you too.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
We serve Red River Parish and all of Louisiana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.