🚨 Hazing Victims in Saint Clair County Deserve Justice — Attorney 911 Fights for Students and Families

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Saint Clair County, Illinois, you are not alone — and you have powerful legal rights.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. This same hazing happens at institutions near Saint Clair County, and we are ready to fight for Saint Clair County families with the same strength and determination.

We serve hazing victims nationwide — including Saint Clair County — and can help you seek justice no matter where the incident occurred.

📞 Saint Clair County Families: Call Now for Immediate Help

24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you do.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

Common hazing activities reported at colleges near Saint Clair County:

• Physical abuse: Paddling, beating, excessive exercise (pushups, squats, running)
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances to the point of vomiting or injury
• Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities, forced driving, disrupted sleep
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, humiliation, threats, isolation
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects

This isn’t “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s illegal.

💔 The Hazing Crisis Is Real — And It’s Happening Near Saint Clair County

Hazing isn’t limited to big universities in Texas or Florida. It happens at colleges and universities right here near Saint Clair County, Illinois.

📍 Colleges and Universities Near Saint Clair County with Greek Life:

While Saint Clair County itself is home to Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), a community college with limited Greek life, several major universities with active Greek organizations are located within a short drive:

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) — ~20 miles from Belleville

  • Multiple fraternities and sororities
  • Active Greek life community
  • Known for student engagement and campus culture

• University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) — ~30 miles from Saint Clair County

  • Greek organizations present
  • Urban campus environment

• Saint Louis University (SLU) — ~25 miles from Saint Clair County

  • Private Jesuit university
  • Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities
  • High-profile student organizations

• Washington University in St. Louis — ~30 miles from Saint Clair County

  • Elite private university
  • Greek life with national fraternities and sororities

• Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO) — ~45 miles from Saint Clair County

  • Private university with strong Greek life presence

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, others — have chapters at these universities near Saint Clair County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Saint Clair County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

🏢 Who Is Liable? Everyone Who Allowed It to Happen

When hazing occurs, multiple parties are responsible — and we hold them all accountable.

Saint Clair County families: If your child was hazed at a university near Saint Clair County, we will identify every responsible party and pursue them aggressively.

💰 What Compensation Can Saint Clair County Victims Recover?

Hazing victims and their families can recover full and fair compensation for all damages caused by the abuse.

Our current hazing case seeks $10 million. This is not an arbitrary number — it reflects the full value of what our client endured and what he will face in the future.

Saint Clair County families: Your child’s case may be worth millions of dollars if they suffered serious injury or trauma.

⚖️ Illinois and Federal Law Protect Saint Clair County Hazing Victims

Illinois Anti-Hazing Law

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

(a) A person commits hazing who knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution if:

(1) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and

(2) the act results in bodily harm to any person.

Penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine
• Class 4 Felony — If the act creates a substantial risk of great bodily harm or death

Key Provision: Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.

Federal Civil Rights Claims

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681):

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

How Hazing Violates Title IX:

• Sexual harassment or assault during hazing is sex discrimination
• Gender-based hazing (e.g., different treatment of male/female pledges)
• Institutional failure to respond to known hazing that creates a hostile environment

Saint Clair County families: If your child was hazed at a public or federally funded university near Saint Clair County, we can pursue federal civil rights claims in addition to state law claims.

📋 What Saint Clair County Families Should Do Immediately

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Saint Clair County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach.

🚨 Immediate Action Steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
   • Document ALL injuries and symptoms
   • Request copies of all medical records

2. Preserve Evidence

   • Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or emails
   • Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
   • Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
   • Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Document Everything

   • Write down dates, times, locations of hazing incidents
   • List names of everyone involved
   • Note witnesses who saw or heard about the hazing

4. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
   • Do not give statements to university administrators alone
   • Do not sign anything from the organization

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
   • We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront

⏳ Why Time Is Critical for Saint Clair County Families

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Hazing Claims

If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Our client in Houston acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.

🏆 Why Saint Clair County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for You

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Student hospitalized with kidney failure from waterboarding and extreme exercise
• Media coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

2. Nationwide Service — We Represent Saint Clair County Families

• Based in Texas but serve clients nationwide
• Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Willing to travel to Saint Clair County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies
• We know how they try to minimize and deny claims
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
• Multi-million dollar personal injury and wrongful death cases
• Aggressive trial attorneys — we don’t back down

5. Compassionate, Bilingual Support for Saint Clair County Families

• Se habla español — no language barriers
• We treat every client like family
• You’re not just a case — you’re a person who deserves justice

🎓 What Saint Clair County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

The Reality of Greek Life Near Saint Clair County

Myth: “Hazing is just harmless fun — it builds character.”

Reality: Hazing is abuse disguised as tradition. It causes:

• Physical injuries — broken bones, burns, organ damage
• Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Death — at least one hazing death every year since 2000
• Academic disruption — dropped classes, failed courses, lost scholarships

Myth: “My child would never participate in hazing.”

Reality: 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. They stay silent due to:

• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Shame or embarrassment
• Pressure from members to “keep it in the family”

Myth: “Universities monitor Greek organizations.”

Reality: Many universities know hazing happens but choose reputation over safety. In our case:

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 at a different fraternity
• They did nothing to prevent it from happening again

The same negligence exists at universities near Saint Clair County.

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing Near Saint Clair County

Saint Clair County parents should watch for these red flags if your child is involved in Greek life or other organizations:

If you notice these signs, ask questions — and contact an attorney if you suspect hazing.

📚 Hazing Precedents: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Is Possible

These Cases Show What’s Possible for Saint Clair County Families

Saint Clair County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win big when victims step forward. The same legal strategies apply to your case.

💬 What Our Clients Say About Attorney 911

“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

“If you’ve been in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” — Devin Hebert

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato

“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

Saint Clair County families: We treat every client with the same care and dedication — because we truly care about justice.

📞 Saint Clair County Hazing Victims: Call Now — Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Saint Clair County, Illinois, you have legal rights — and you have powerful allies at Attorney 911.

Contact Us Today:

📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.

We serve Saint Clair County and all of Illinois — and hazing victims nationwide.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Saint Clair County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Saint Clair County. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Saint Clair County and all of Illinois. We have federal court authority and are willing to travel to Saint Clair County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never have to worry about hourly bills or upfront costs.

Q: What if my child participated in the hazing? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable for the harm caused. Many hazing victims feel pressured to participate due to fear of social retaliation or expulsion — this is coercion, not consent.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury? Can we still pursue a case?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, hazing can cause serious psychological harm — PTSD, anxiety, depression, academic decline. These damages are real and compensable. We pursue cases based on all types of harm, not just physical injuries.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For Title IX claims, you must file an administrative complaint within 180 days. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation from the fraternity or sorority?

A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retribution, and this fear is real. Our client in the UH case was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously and work to ensure your child’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.

Q: Can we sue the university if they didn’t directly participate in the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from known dangers. If the university:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement meaningful oversight
• Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing

Then they can be held liable for institutional negligence. In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred and had a prior hazing incident in 2017 — they are named as defendants.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. If it happened at a private residence, at an off-campus event, or anywhere else, we can still pursue the responsible parties — including the fraternity/sorority, national organization, and individual members.

Q: My child is an international student. Can we still pursue a case?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting your child’s visa status.

🔥 To Fraternities and Sororities Operating Near Saint Clair County:

We Are Watching. We Are Coming. And We Will Hold You Accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters near Saint Clair County.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Saint Clair County, know this:

• We track your house corporations, alumni chapters, and national structures
• We know your insurance policies and assets
• We document every hazing incident at every chapter
• When you haze students near Saint Clair County, we will pursue every liable entity
• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — and we will bring that fight to Saint Clair County

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.

Your chapter near Saint Clair County could be next.

🏛️ To Universities Near Saint Clair County:

The Same Institutional Negligence That Made UH a Defendant Exists at Your Campus. Act Now — Or Face the Same Accountability.

When universities:
✔ Own fraternity houses where hazing occurs
✔ Have prior hazing incidents and do nothing
✔ Fail to implement real oversight of Greek life
✔ Prioritize reputation over student safety

They become defendants in multi-million dollar lawsuits.

Saint Clair County families deserve better. Your students deserve better. Act now to prevent hazing — or we will hold you accountable in court.

🚨 Saint Clair County: Enough Is Enough

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless.

It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.

And it ends now.

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Saint Clair County, you have the power to stop it from happening to someone else.

Call us. Let’s fight together.

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

Free consultation. No upfront cost. Justice for Saint Clair County families.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Saint Clair County and nationwide
Houston | Austin | Beaumont

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.