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

Russell County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 15 min read
russell-county-featured-image.png

🚨 Hazing Victims in Russell County, Alabama: You Are Not Alone

If you or your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Russell County, Alabama — we can help.

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. We know how to win these cases. And we will fight just as hard for Russell County families.

📞 Call Now — Free Consultation — 1-888-ATTY-911

🚨 What Is Hazing? It’s Not Tradition — It’s Abuse

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of whether the person agrees to participate.

In our current case, hazing included:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until muscles broke down
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
  • Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing — they kept going

This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is illegal. This is grounds for a lawsuit.

⚠️ Hazing Happens Near Russell County Too

Russell County is home to Columbus State University in nearby Columbus, Georgia, and is within driving distance of major universities like Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and Troy University. These institutions have active Greek life communities — and where there’s Greek life, hazing often follows.

The same fraternities and sororities that operate at these universities have chapters across the country — including the ones we’re suing right now. If hazing is happening at one chapter, it’s likely happening at others.

If your child attends college near Russell County, they face the same risks.

💔 The Consequences of Hazing Are Devastating

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort — it can cause permanent physical and psychological damage, and sometimes death.

Physical Injuries:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure) — like our client
  • Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
  • Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
  • Broken bones from physical abuse
  • Internal bleeding from blunt force trauma
  • Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
  • Death

Psychological Trauma:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Trust issues and social withdrawal
  • Academic decline

Financial Impact:

  • Medical bills for emergency treatment, hospital stays, and ongoing care
  • Lost wages from missing work during recovery
  • Educational disruption — failing classes, dropping out, losing scholarships
  • Future earning potential — some injuries limit career options

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hazing Victim in Russell County

You have the right to hold those responsible accountable — including the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and individual members.

Who Can Be Sued:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted the hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise the chapter; ignored prior hazing incidents
University Failed to protect students; may own the fraternity house where hazing occurred
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated the hazing
Chapter Officers Leaders who directed or allowed the hazing
Alumni Allowed hazing to occur at their property

What You Can Recover:

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million — and precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can win millions for victims and families.

📋 What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed

If you suspect hazing, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention

  • Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately
  • Document all injuries, no matter how minor they seem
  • Request copies of all medical records

Why this matters: Medical records are critical evidence. Delaying treatment can hurt your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing
  • Write down everything you remember about what happened, including dates, times, and people involved
  • Get names and contact info of witnesses

Do NOT:

  • Delete any messages or posts
  • Talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
  • Sign anything from the organization
  • Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

  • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership — they will try to control the narrative
  • Do not give statements to university administrators — they protect the institution, not you
  • Do not accept settlement offers from insurance companies — they will lowball you

Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • $0 upfront — we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
  • We handle everything — we’ll deal with the fraternity, the university, and their lawyers so you don’t have to

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

🔍 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Russell County Hazing Case

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases — and we will bring the same fight to your Russell County case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny and minimize claims. And we know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court if needed. This is critical when suing national fraternities and universities.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility when pursuing national organizations headquartered in different states.

5. Proven Track Record

  • Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
  • BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex, high-stakes cases
  • Former insurance defense experience — we know how the other side thinks
  • Aggressive litigation — we don’t back down from powerful institutions

6. We Travel to Russell County

While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we will travel to Russell County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. Video Consultations Available

Russell County families can meet with us remotely via video call for free consultations. You don’t have to travel to Texas to get expert legal help.

8. Bilingual Services

Se habla español. We can serve Spanish-speaking families in Russell County without language barriers.

9. We Care About Your Family

We see hazing victims as people, not paychecks. We understand the trauma you’ve experienced, and we will fight for you with compassion and determination.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Russell County Families

Q: Can I sue even if I “consented” to the hazing?

A: YES. Under Alabama law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable. This is the law in Alabama and most states.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can hold the fraternity, its members, and even alumni accountable if hazing occurred at their homes or other off-campus locations.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Alabama, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, this deadline can vary depending on the circumstances. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Q: Will I have to go to court?

A: Most cases settle out of court. We negotiate aggressively with the defendants and their insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. However, if they refuse to offer a reasonable amount, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so you never pay out of pocket.

Q: Can I afford to sue a national fraternity or university?

A: Yes. National fraternities and universities have millions of dollars in insurance coverage. They have deep pockets, and we know how to pursue them. You don’t need money to fight — you just need the right attorneys.

Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Hazing victims often fear social or academic retaliation for speaking out. We will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their lawyers so you don’t have to. Your safety and confidentiality are our priority.

Q: Can you help if the hazing happened at a college outside Alabama?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide. If the hazing occurred at a university in Georgia, Alabama, or anywhere else in the U.S., we can evaluate your case and pursue justice.

🏛️ Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions

Hazing cases do win — and the settlements and verdicts can be substantial. Here are some recent examples:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110 million+ settlement (estimated)
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement
Tucker Hipps Clemson Sigma Phi Epsilon $500,000+ settlement

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits can — and do — result in multi-million dollar recoveries. The same legal strategies apply to Russell County cases.

📢 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Russell County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha — and every other Greek organization with chapters near Russell County:

We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing. We know your chapters operate under the same national organizations. We know you have the same “traditions.” We know you face the same risks.

If you haze students near Russell County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

To university administrators near Russell County:
The University of Houston is being sued for $10 million because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred and failed to protect students. If your university owns or controls Greek housing, you are liable too.

Clean up your chapters — or we will clean them out in court.

🎯 Our Message to Russell County Families

You trusted these institutions to keep your child safe. They betrayed that trust.

We understand the pain, the anger, and the helplessness you’re feeling. We’ve seen what hazing does to families — and we’re fighting to make sure it never happens again.

You are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

  • Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win
  • We travel to Russell County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Video consultations available — meet with us remotely
  • Se habla español — bilingual services available

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Call us today.

📍 Serving Russell County and Beyond

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in:

  • Russell County, Alabama
  • Columbus, Georgia (home to Columbus State University)
  • Auburn, Alabama (Auburn University)
  • Tuscaloosa, Alabama (University of Alabama)
  • Troy, Alabama (Troy University)
  • Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory)
  • And everywhere else in the U.S.

If your child was hazed at any college or university near Russell County, we can help.

🔗 Additional Resources for Russell County Families

  • StopHazing.org — Research and education on hazing prevention
  • HazingPrevention.org — Resources for students, parents, and educators
  • Clery Center — Information on campus safety and reporting
  • RAINN — Support for sexual assault victims (if hazing included sexual abuse)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988 (if your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts)

🚨 Act Now — Your Child’s Future Depends on It

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort — it can ruin lives. The physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial burdens can last a lifetime.

But you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold those responsible accountable. You have the power to protect other families from going through the same nightmare.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Today — 1-888-ATTY-911

We are ready to fight for Russell County families. Let’s get justice for your child.

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