Smith County Hazing Lawyer – Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorney

Protecting Students from Greek Life Hazing in Smith County, Tennessee

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Smith County, TN, you are not alone. Hazing is not just “tradition”—it is abuse, and it can cause life-altering physical and emotional harm. At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a major fraternity and university, and we are ready to fight for Smith County families who have suffered similar trauma.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Hazing Happens in Smith County—And It’s Illegal

Smith County is home to Cumberland University, where Greek life plays a significant role in campus culture. While many students join fraternities and sororities seeking brotherhood, sisterhood, and leadership opportunities, some organizations engage in dangerous hazing rituals that cross the line into abuse, assault, and even torture.

What Counts as Hazing in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 49-7-123), hazing includes any activity that:
✅ Endangers a student’s physical or mental health
✅ Involves forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
✅ Includes sleep deprivation, physical abuse, or humiliation
✅ Is required for membership, initiation, or affiliation

Examples of hazing we’ve seen in our cases:
⚠️ Forced excessive drinking (leading to alcohol poisoning)
⚠️ Extreme physical punishment (500+ squats, bear crawls, paddling)
⚠️ Waterboarding and simulated drowning
⚠️ Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
⚠️ Sexual humiliation and forced nudity
⚠️ Being struck with objects (paddles, belts, etc.)

Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “girls bonding.” It is a crime—and it can lead to serious injury, hospitalization, or even death.

The Hazing Crisis in Smith County & Nearby Universities

While our firm is based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Smith County, TN. We are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure due to hazing.

This Could Happen in Smith County

The same fraternities and sororities with hazing histories operate at Cumberland University and other nearby schools, including:

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN)
Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN)
Tennessee Tech University (Cookeville, TN)

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

Universities & National Organizations Know Hazing Happens—And They Do Nothing

In our current case:
✔ The fraternity had a prior hazing death (2017) and did not change its culture.
✔ The university owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred.
✔ The national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to stop it.

Smith County universities and Greek organizations have the same duty to protect students. When they fail, we hold them accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Smith County?

Hazing cases are complex, and multiple parties can be held responsible, including:

Defendant	Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter	Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Fraternity/Sorority	Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies
University/College	Failed to monitor Greek life, ignored prior incidents
Chapter Officers	Leaders who directed or allowed hazing
Individual Members	Those who participated in or witnessed hazing
Housing Corporations	Owned the property where hazing occurred
Alumni/Advisors	Hosted or facilitated hazing events

In our current case, we are suing:
✅ The local chapter
✅ The national fraternity
✅ The university (which owned the fraternity house)
✅ Individual members and officers

Smith County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Smith County

If your child has been a victim of hazing, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child says they’re “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis from extreme exercise or alcohol poisoning) may not show symptoms right away. Get them checked by a doctor.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✔ Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or objects used.
✔ Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails).
✔ Get witness names and contact information.
✔ Keep medical records and bills.
✔ Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

⚠ They will try to control the narrative.
⚠ They may pressure your child to sign documents.
⚠ Their lawyers will twist your words against you.

Before speaking to anyone, call us.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

✅ Free, confidential consultation – We’ll review your case at no cost.
✅ No upfront fees – We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
✅ We handle everything – We deal with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies so you don’t have to.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

What Compensation Can Smith County Families Recover?

Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Type of Damage	Examples
Medical Bills	Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment
Lost Wages	Time missed from work or internships
Pain & Suffering	Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD
Mental Anguish	Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
Punitive Damages	Additional compensation to punish the organization for egregious conduct
Wrongful Death	If hazing results in death, families can sue for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for a student who suffered kidney failure from hazing. Smith County families deserve the same justice.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Smith County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re in the courtroom fighting it right now. Our experience gives Smith County families an advantage.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and sororities will argue: “He/she consented to the activities.” Tennessee law says consent is NOT a defense to hazing. We know how to shut down this argument.

3. We Have Insider Knowledge as Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys (Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena) worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their tactics, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

4. We Travel to Smith County for Your Case

While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide, including in Smith County, TN. We will travel to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.

5. We Work on Contingency—You Pay Nothing Upfront

We understand that legal fees can be a concern. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

6. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Many hazing victims come from Hispanic families. We provide bilingual legal support so language is never a barrier to justice.

Smith County Hazing Cases We Handle

We represent victims of hazing in:
✔ Fraternities & Sororities
✔ Sports Teams (Football, Baseball, etc.)
✔ Marching Bands & ROTC
✔ Honor Societies & Clubs
✔ Military Academies & Prep Schools

Common injuries we see:
🚑 Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown from extreme exercise)
🚑 Alcohol Poisoning
🚑 Traumatic Brain Injuries (from beatings or falls)
🚑 Broken Bones & Internal Injuries
🚑 PTSD, Anxiety, & Depression
🚑 Wrongful Death

Hazing Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws to protect students:

Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123 – Hazing

Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to 11 months in jail and $2,500 in fines).
If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.
Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Tennessee’s “Max Gruver Act” (Pending Legislation)

Named after a Louisiana student who died from hazing, this proposed law would:
✔ Make hazing a felony in Tennessee.
✔ Require universities to publicly report hazing incidents.
✔ Increase penalties for organizations that cover up hazing.

We support this legislation and are working to ensure it passes.

What to Expect When You Hire Us

Free Consultation – We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.
Investigation – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.
Demand Letter – We send a formal demand to the fraternity, sorority, and university.
Negotiation – We fight for a fair settlement without going to court.
Litigation (if necessary) – If they refuse to settle, we file a lawsuit and take them to trial.
Recovery – You receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

We handle everything so you can focus on healing.

Smith County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling shamed, isolated, and afraid to speak up. But you don’t have to suffer in silence.

We are here to fight for you.

What Our Clients Say About Us

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris

Contact Us Today – Free, Confidential Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Smith County, TN, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach.

Call now for a free, confidential case review:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We serve Smith County and all of Tennessee. You pay nothing unless we win.