The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws & Accountability for Tuscaloosa County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Alabama or Anywhere in the U.S., You Are Not Alone

The phone rings at 2:30 AM. Your child, a freshman away at college, is on the line. Their voice is strained, they’re making excuses about “pledge activities” that kept them out all night, and they brush off your concern about the bruise you noticed during your last video call. As a parent in Tuscaloosa County—whether your child is at the University of Alabama just down the road in Tuscaloosa, Auburn University, or any school across the country—that sinking feeling in your stomach tells you something is wrong. What you’re hearing isn’t normal college fun; it might be hazing.

Right now, in Texas, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The details are harrowing: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with the risk of permanent kidney damage. This is what modern hazing looks like, and it’s happening right now.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Tuscaloosa County and throughout Alabama who need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how the law protects victims, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to keep students safe. Whether your child attends the University of Alabama, Auburn, or any school nationwide, the patterns of coercion, secrecy, and institutional cover-up are tragically similar.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Tuscaloosa County families, understanding modern hazing requires looking beyond outdated stereotypes of harmless pranks. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digital, and designed to avoid detection while maintaining coercive control over new members.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing in Today’s College Environment

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and dangerous form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” chugging challenges, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where incorrect answers mean drinking. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University involved exactly this pattern—a pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a Pi Kappa Alpha event, leading to fatal alcohol poisoning.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, physical hazing now includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning.” In the Bermudez case at University of Houston, this meant 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session. It also includes sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The Northwestern University football scandal revealed sexualized hazing within athletic programs, demonstrating this problem extends far beyond Greek life.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming in meetings or on social media create lasting trauma. Psychological hazing often precedes physical escalation, breaking down resistance through humiliation and fear.

Digital/Online Hazing
This is the fastest-growing category. It includes GroupMe or Discord chat dares, “challenges” shared on Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 availability demands where pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours. Geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends adds another layer of control.

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and military-style groups
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common thread is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

The Legal Framework: Alabama Law and National Protections

For Tuscaloosa County families, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While we are Texas-based attorneys, we work with local Alabama counsel and understand how national legal principles apply to cases in your state.

Alabama Hazing Law Basics

Alabama has specific anti-hazing statutes that make hazing illegal. The Alabama Code defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health of any person
• Involves brutality of a physical nature
• Involves forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance

Key provisions Alabama families should know:

• Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor under Alabama law
• Organizations that knowingly permit hazing can face penalties
• Consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing charges
• Schools must adopt rules prohibiting hazing and appropriate penalties

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, assault, battery, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Both types can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many families find civil litigation provides more complete accountability and compensation.

Federal Overlay: National Protections That Apply in Alabama

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Schools must investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be reported.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the Daylen Dunson case (Pi Kappa Alpha president during Stone Foltz’s death), the court ordered him personally to pay $6.5 million.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. Chapter officers and “pledge educators” often face significant liability.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. In the Pi Delta Psi case (Chun Deng death), the national fraternity was criminally convicted.

University or Governing Board
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories. Key questions: Did they have prior warnings? Did they enforce policies? Were they deliberately indifferent?

Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Alabama Families Can Learn

The hazing incidents making national news aren’t isolated anomalies—they reveal patterns that repeat across campuses, including those where Tuscaloosa County students attend.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for hours. Dozens faced criminal charges, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Lesson: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence can be legally devastating.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant drinking led to fatal alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495%). Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Lesson: Legislative change often follows tragedy.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Family reached $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Chapter president Daylen Dunson was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million. Lesson: Universities and individuals face substantial financial consequences.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat, suffering fatal head injuries. National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Lesson: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlement. Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Alabama Families

These national cases establish precedents that benefit all victims. Common threads—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—appear in cases from Pennsylvania to Louisiana to Ohio. When your child faces similar patterns at an Alabama school, these precedents strengthen your case.

Alabama University Focus: Where Tuscaloosa County Students Attend

Tuscalo County families often send students to these major Alabama universities, each with its own Greek life landscape and hazing history.

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As the flagship campus just minutes from Tuscaloosa County, UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the country. With over 11,000 students involved in Greek life, the university has faced scrutiny over hazing incidents while implementing reforms.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
UA prohibits hazing and requires all student organizations to complete anti-hazing education. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, UA Police Department, and anonymous reporting options.

Documented Incidents & Responses

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon: In recent years, UA’s SAE chapter has faced allegations including traumatic brain injuries to pledges during hazing rituals, leading to lawsuits and increased scrutiny.
• University Response: UA has implemented stricter monitoring, required live-in advisors for fraternity houses, and increased transparency about disciplinary actions.

How a UA Hazing Case Might Proceed
Given UA’s proximity to Tuscaloosa County, cases often involve:

• UA Police Department for on-campus incidents
• Tuscaloosa Police Department for off-campus locations
• Civil suits filed in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
• Potential defendants: individual students, chapters, national organizations, and possibly the university

What UA Students & Parents in Tuscaloosa County Should Do

• Report immediately to UA Office of Student Conduct (205-348-8234)
• Document everything before evidence disappears
• Understand that geographical proximity means local media may cover cases extensively
• Contact experienced counsel who understands both Alabama law and national fraternity litigation patterns

Auburn University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Auburn’s Greek system includes approximately 7,000 students across 50+ chapters. The university has faced high-profile hazing cases while working to improve oversight.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
Auburn’s anti-hazing policy applies to all student organizations. Reporting options include the Office of Student Conduct, Auburn Police, and the hazing hotline.

Documented Incidents

• Multiple fraternities have faced suspensions for hazing violations in recent years
• Investigations have revealed patterns of forced drinking, physical abuse, and humiliation
• The university has responded with chapter suspensions, educational mandates, and increased advisor oversight

Legal Considerations for Auburn Cases

• Lee County jurisdiction for legal proceedings
• Coordination between Auburn University and local law enforcement
• Potential for multi-defendant litigation involving chapters and nationals

Other Alabama Universities

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

• Urban campus with growing Greek life
• Medical focus creates unique dynamics in hazing cases involving health profession students

University of South Alabama

• Smaller Greek system but similar risk patterns
• Mobile jurisdiction considerations

Troy University, Jacksonville State University, University of North Alabama

• Each has Greek systems with documented hazing incidents
• Local legal venues and university responses vary

The Common Thread: National Organizations Operate in Alabama Too

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile cases nationwide—Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi—have chapters at Alabama schools. Their national histories of hazing incidents create patterns of foreseeability that strengthen negligence claims when similar conduct occurs in Alabama.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Impact Alabama Cases

For Tuscaloosa County families, understanding the national landscape is crucial because the same organizations operate at Alabama schools.

Why National Histories Matter in Alabama Courts

When an Alabama chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters, that pattern shows foreseeability. National headquarters that have seen these patterns before have a heightened duty to prevent repeats. This legal principle strengthens cases against both local chapters and their national organizations.

Major National Organizations Present in Alabama

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
• Alabama Presence: Multiple chapters across Alabama schools
• Legal Significance: Pattern of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing establishes foreseeability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama; chemical burns case at Texas A&M
• Alabama Presence: Chapters throughout Alabama including UA
• Legal Significance: Long history of risk management failures strengthens negligence claims

Phi Delta Theta

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU) leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Alabama Presence: Active chapters in Alabama
• Legal Significance: “Bible study” drinking game pattern establishes known danger

Pi Kappa Phi

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State); Leonel Bermudez case (University of Houston, our current litigation)
• Alabama Presence: Chapters at Alabama schools
• Legal Significance: Pattern of physical and alcohol hazing across multiple chapters

Kappa Alpha Order

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
• Alabama Presence: Active in Alabama
• Legal Significance: Tradition of physical hazing known to nationals

How National Patterns Strengthen Alabama Cases

1. Foreseeability: When nationals know certain rituals are dangerous but fail to stop them, negligence claims strengthen
2. Punitive Damages: Reckless disregard for known patterns can justify punitive awards
3. Insurance Coverage: Pattern evidence can defeat insurance exclusions for “unforeseeable” events
4. Settlement Leverage: Nationals facing multiple similar cases often settle more favorably

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

For Tuscaloosa County families considering legal action, understanding the process is essential. While we are Texas-based, we work with local Alabama counsel and bring national experience to these cases.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord chats showing planning, coordination, or admissions
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content
• Recovered deleted messages through digital forensics

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
• Social media posts showing injuries or degrading acts
• Security camera footage from houses or venues

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
• Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Medical personnel, first responders

The Attorney911 Investigation Process

Our approach combines local knowledge with national resources:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
• Securing social media content before deletion
• Preserving physical evidence (clothing, objects, locations)

National Pattern Investigation

• Researching same-organization incidents nationwide
• Obtaining national fraternity records through discovery
• Identifying prior warnings and unheeded red flags

Local Coordination

• Working with Alabama co-counsel on state law matters
• Navigating local court procedures and jurisdictions
• Understanding university-specific policies and histories

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
• Future medical expenses (long-term therapy, medications)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and society
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages

• In cases of particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• Designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future hazing
• Available under certain circumstances in Alabama

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

National fraternities and universities typically have insurance policies, but insurers often argue:

• Hazing constitutes “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
• Certain defendants aren’t covered under the policy
• The incident occurred outside policy parameters

Our insurance defense background (Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney) gives us unique insight into:

• How insurers value and resist hazing claims
• Strategies to overcome coverage exclusions
• When to pursue “bad faith” claims against insurers

Practical Guides for Tuscaloosa County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Secretive phone use, fear of missing “mandatory” events
• Constant references to “traditions” they can’t discuss
• Financial drains (forced purchases, “fines,” unexpected expenses)

How to Talk to Your Child

• Ask open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority really going?”
• Listen without judgment if they start to open up
• Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any organization”
• Assure them: “We will support you no matter what happens with the group”

If Your Child Is Injured

1. Medical First: Get immediate medical attention
2. Document Everything: Photos of injuries, screenshot messages, save physical evidence
3. Write It Down: Contemporaneous notes of what happened, who was involved
4. Legal Consultation: Contact experienced counsel before confronting the organization

Working with the University

• Document all communications with administrators
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Understand the difference between university discipline and legal accountability
• Don’t sign anything without legal review

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

Exiting Safely

• You have the legal right to leave at any time
• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send written resignation to chapter leadership
• Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Evidence Preservation

• Screenshot group chats immediately
• Photograph injuries from multiple angles
• Save all digital communications (don’t delete anything)
• Write down names, dates, locations, details while fresh

Reporting Options

• University reporting: Office of Student Conduct, campus police
• Anonymous reporting: National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
• Law enforcement: Local police for criminal conduct
• Legal consultation: Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “We don’t want this embarrassing content seen”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; may be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
Instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Alabama Families

“Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer immunity barriers. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Alabama?”
Alabama classifies hazing as a Class C misdemeanor, but accompanying charges (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors) can be more serious. Other states have stronger felony hazing laws, which can influence settlement negotiations even in Alabama cases.

“What if our child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing in Alabama or any state with anti-hazing laws. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Alabama, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are always free.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Structure settlements to minimize payout

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello)

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on massive corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
• Economist collaboration for accurate damage assessment
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

National Investigative Resources

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, national files)
• Understanding of fraternity/sorority national patterns and histories
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

How We Serve Tuscaloosa County and Alabama Families

While based in Texas, we serve families nationwide through:

Co-Counsel Arrangements
We partner with local Alabama attorneys who handle:

• Alabama-specific court procedures
• Local jurisdiction requirements
• State law nuances

National Organization Experience
The same national fraternities and insurance companies operate in Alabama and Texas. Our experience with these organizations in Texas cases directly benefits Alabama families.

Consultation & Case Evaluation
We provide free consultations to Alabama families to:

• Evaluate case strength
• Explain legal options
• Recommend next steps
• Refer to qualified local counsel if appropriate

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—serving Hispanic families in Alabama and nationwide.

Call to Action for Tuscaloosa County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any campus—whether the University of Alabama, Auburn, or any school nationwide—we want to hear from you. Families in Tuscaloosa County and throughout Alabama have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

• We listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with qualified legal counsel who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Plain Text Resources for Tuscaloosa County Families

National Anti-Hazing Resources

• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• StopHazing.org: https://stophazing.org

Alabama University Reporting Contacts

• University of Alabama Office of Student Conduct: (205) 348-8234
• Auburn University Office of Student Conduct: (334) 844-1305
• University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Conduct: (205) 934-4332

Attorney911 Educational Videos

• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Statute of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Our Main Website

• Attorney911 Homepage: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful Death Practice Area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Practice Area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Whether you’re in Tuscaloosa County or anywhere across Alabama, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.