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St. Clair County (Earth/North America/United States/Alabama/St. Clair 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 16 min read
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Hazing Lawyers Serving St. Clair County, Alabama – Attorney 911

St. Clair County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s happening at universities near St. Clair County.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now—and we’re bringing the same fight to St. Clair County. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near St. Clair County. The same negligence exists at St. Clair County institutions. And we will fight for St. Clair County families with the same aggression.

If your child was hazed in St. Clair County—whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any student organization—you have legal rights. And we can help.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

(Available 24/7 for St. Clair County hazing victims and families)

Why St. Clair County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom today, and we’re bringing the same fight to St. Clair County.

2. Nationwide Representation – We Serve St. Clair County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including St. Clair County. We have:

  • Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
  • Willingness to travel to St. Clair County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Remote consultation options for St. Clair County families

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 try to minimize or deny claims. And we know how to beat them.

4. $0 Upfront – We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning St. Clair County families pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

5. Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español

We understand that hazing affects all students, including Spanish-speaking families in St. Clair County. Our team is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.

6. Proven Results – Multi-Million Dollar Settlements

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, including:

  • $10 million lawsuit currently pending in the Pi Kappa Phi case
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and hazing-related cases
  • Aggressive litigation against universities, national fraternities, and individuals

The Hazing Crisis in St. Clair County – What You Need to Know

Hazing Isn’t Just a “College Problem” – It’s Happening Near St. Clair County

Hazing isn’t limited to big universities. It happens at colleges and universities near St. Clair County, including:

  • State universities (e.g., University of Alabama, Auburn University, UAB)
  • Private colleges (e.g., Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College)
  • Community colleges (e.g., Jefferson State Community College, Wallace State Community College)
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) (e.g., Alabama State University, Tuskegee University)

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like – The St. Clair County Reality

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s torture. In our current case, we’re representing a student who was:
Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)
Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
Threatened with expulsion if he refused

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening at universities near St. Clair County right now.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing – What St. Clair County Parents Need to Know

Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – like our client
  • Alcohol poisoning (forced drinking leading to death)
  • Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
  • Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure to extreme weather)
  • Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
  • Permanent psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

These aren’t “accidents.” They’re preventable tragedies—and the institutions that allow them must be held accountable.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in St. Clair County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Fraternity/Sorority Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
University/College Failed to protect students; owned fraternity houses
Chapter Officers Directed hazing activities (president, pledgemaster)
Individual Members Participated in hazing
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their homes
Insurance Companies Coverage for institutional liability

The deep pockets:

  • National fraternities/sororities have millions in assets and insurance
  • Universities have substantial endowments and liability coverage
  • This isn’t about suing broke college kids—it’s about holding institutions accountable.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in St. Clair County

If your child was hazed in St. Clair County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

🚨 Step 1: Get Medical Attention

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation immediately.
  • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
  • Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

📱 Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
  • Write down witness names (other pledges, bystanders).
  • Do NOT delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing or incriminating.
  • Do NOT post on social media about the incident.

🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

  • Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
  • They may offer a quick settlement to make the problem go away.
  • Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney.
  • Do NOT give a statement to university officials or insurance companies.

📞 Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

  • The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
  • We’ll guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
  • Free, confidential consultation for St. Clair County families.

🏛️ Step 5: Report the Incident (Optional but Recommended)

  • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Alabama).
  • Report to the university’s Title IX office (if sexual assault was involved).
  • Report to the national fraternity/sorority (though they may try to cover it up).

Alabama Hazing Laws – What St. Clair County Families Need to Know

Alabama Criminal Hazing Law (Ala. Code § 16-1-23)

In Alabama, hazing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 3 months in jail
  • Fines up to $500

But here’s the catch: Alabama’s law is weak compared to other states. That’s why civil lawsuits—like the one we’re pursuing in Texas—are often the best way to hold institutions accountable.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Alabama

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, St. Clair County families can sue for:

  • Negligence (failure to protect students)
  • Assault and battery (physical abuse)
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress (psychological trauma)
  • Premises liability (if hazing occurred on university-owned property)
  • Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in death)

Alabama has no cap on pain and suffering damages, meaning juries can award millions for severe hazing injuries.

Precedent Cases – Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing lawsuits routinely result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some recent cases:

Case Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ million
Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Adam Oakes (VCU, 2021) Delta Chi Settlement $4+ million

These results are possible for St. Clair County victims too. If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages (if they missed work or internships)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

Why St. Clair County Families Can’t Wait

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

  • Text messages get deleted
  • Photos/videos get erased
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Organizations destroy records

2. Statutes of Limitations Expire

  • Alabama personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of injury
  • Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death
  • If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

3. Organizations Will Try to Silence You

  • Fraternities and universities will pressure victims to stay quiet.
  • They may offer lowball settlements to make the problem go away.
  • They don’t care about your child—they care about their reputation.

4. Other Victims May Come Forward

  • Hazing is rarely an isolated incident.
  • If you come forward, other victims may join your case.
  • Together, you can hold the organization fully accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in St. Clair County

❓ My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?

YES. Alabama law does not recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

❓ The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?

NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. If the activity was dangerous, illegal, or caused harm, the organization is liable—regardless of how long they’ve been doing it.

❓ We’re worried about retaliation. Will the fraternity come after us?

We take retaliation concerns very seriously. In our current case, our client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We will protect your family’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.

❓ My child wasn’t hospitalized. Do we still have a case?

Possibly. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a claim for:

  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Medical expenses (therapy, counseling)
  • Educational disruption (missed classes, dropped courses)

❓ We don’t live in St. Clair County. Can you still help us?

YES. While we’re discussing St. Clair County here, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

  • Students from St. Clair County attending out-of-state universities
  • Students hazed at universities near St. Clair County
  • Families of hazing victims anywhere in the U.S.

❓ How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • You pay nothing to hire us.
  • We only get paid if we win your case.
  • Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

St. Clair County Families: This Is Your Moment

Hazing has gone unchecked for too long. Universities and fraternities have prioritized reputation over safety for decades. But now, the tide is turning.

  • Juries are awarding millions to hazing victims.
  • States are passing tougher laws (like the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana).
  • Fraternities are being shut down after hazing scandals.
  • Universities are being held accountable for their failures.

Your child’s case could be the one that changes everything for St. Clair County.

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

(Available 24/7 for St. Clair County hazing victims and families)

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

We will fight for your St. Clair County family. We will honor your child. And we will make sure this never happens to another St. Clair County student again.

🔥 A Message to Fraternities Near St. Clair County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, and every other fraternity with chapters near St. Clair County:

We know who you are.
We know your corporate structures.
We know your insurance policies.
We know your hazing histories.

And we’re coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same pattern evidence that proved foreseeability in our UH case exists at your chapter.

If you haze students near St. Clair County, we will pursue every liable entity.

We already shut down Beta Nu at UH. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ A Message to Universities Near St. Clair County

To the University of Alabama, Auburn University, UAB, Samford University, and every other institution near St. Clair County:

You own the problem.

You own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs.
You own the oversight that failed to stop it.
You own the students who were harmed on your watch.

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

Act now—or face the same accountability.

📢 St. Clair County Families: Enough Is Enough

This is your moment to stand up. This is your moment to fight back. This is your moment to demand justice.

Call Attorney 911 now.
1-888-ATTY-911
ralph@atty911.com
attorney911.com

We’re ready to fight for St. Clair County. Are you?

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