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Hazing Victims in Wakulla County Deserve Justice – We Fight for You
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Wakulla County. We Can Help.
Wakulla County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to protect their students. But too often, that trust is betrayed.
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a young man was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. He was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats. Struck with wooden paddles. Forced to eat until he vomited.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Wakulla County. The same hazing culture exists. And if it happens to your child, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
Why Wakulla County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Wakulla County. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – the same fight we’ll bring to Wakulla County if your child is hazed.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys previously worked for insurance companies. We know exactly how they try to minimize, delay, or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for Wakulla County families.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We are admitted to U.S. District Court and have experience in federal litigation. Whether your child was hazed at a university near Wakulla County or anywhere in America, we can pursue justice in federal court.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses – Texas and New York
Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities and universities with out-of-state headquarters.
5. No Upfront Costs – We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do
Hazing cases are taken on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Wakulla County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
6. We Come to Wakulla County
We will travel to Wakulla County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
The Hazing Crisis in Florida – Wakulla County Is Not Immune
Hazing is not just a problem in other states – it happens right here in Florida. Universities near Wakulla County have active Greek life chapters, including:
- Florida State University (Tallahassee) – 85 miles from Wakulla County
- University of Florida (Gainesville) – 150 miles from Wakulla County
- Florida A&M University (Tallahassee) – 85 miles from Wakulla County
- Tallahassee Community College – 80 miles from Wakulla County
The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at these schools:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Wakulla County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Is Hazing? Florida Law Explained for Wakulla County Families
Florida Statute § 1006.63 defines hazing as:
“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.”
This includes:
✔ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✔ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting
✔ Psychological abuse – Humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation
✔ Dangerous activities – Waterboarding, exposure to extreme weather, confinement
✔ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
Florida law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Who Is Liable in a Wakulla County Hazing Case?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be sued individually
2. The National Organization
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knew about prior hazing incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017) and did nothing
- Has deep pockets and insurance to pay damages
3. The University
- Failed to supervise Greek life
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Owns or controls fraternity/sorority houses (premises liability)
4. Individual Members
- Participated in hazing
- Failed to stop it
- Can be sued personally
5. Housing Corporations & Alumni
- Own or control property where hazing occurred
- Can be held liable for allowing dangerous activities
In our $10 million lawsuit, we are suing ALL of these parties – and we will do the same for Wakulla County families.
Medical Consequences of Hazing – What Wakulla County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It causes serious, life-threatening injuries, including:
1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)
- Cause: Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move
- Complications: Kidney failure (like our client), cardiac arrest, death
2. Alcohol Poisoning
- Cause: Forced binge drinking
- Symptoms: Vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness, respiratory failure
- Complications: Death (like Andrew Coffey at FSU in 2017)
3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Cause: Beatings, falls, head trauma
- Symptoms: Memory loss, headaches, mood swings
- Complications: Permanent cognitive impairment
4. Heat Stroke / Hypothermia
- Cause: Forced outdoor activities in extreme weather
- Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness
- Complications: Organ failure, death
5. Psychological Trauma
- PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
- Fear of retaliation (our client was too afraid to speak publicly)
- Suicidal ideation (hazing is linked to student suicides)
If your child is showing signs of hazing injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us – we can help preserve evidence and protect their legal rights.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Wakulla County
Step 1: Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Attention
- If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Take them to the Emergency Room – even if injuries seem minor.
- Document everything – hospital records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
- Save all communications – texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails.
- Get witness names and contact info – other pledges, bystanders.
- Do NOT delete anything – even if it seems embarrassing.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements.
- Anything they say can be used against them in court.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free consultation – we’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
- Evidence preservation – we’ll ensure critical proof isn’t destroyed.
- 24/7 availability – call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears fast – don’t wait.
Multi-Million Dollar Precedents – Hazing Cases Win Big
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what other families have won:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | LSU | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | FSU | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | VCU | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4M+ |
Our $10 million demand is in line with these precedents – and we will fight for the same justice for Wakulla County families.
Frequently Asked Questions for Wakulla County Families
1. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a university near Wakulla County?
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Wakulla County. If your child was hazed at FSU, UF, FAMU, TCC, or any other school, we can help.
2. What if my child consented to the hazing?
Florida law says consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
3. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- University/fraternity knowledge of prior hazing
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced alcohol, etc.)
4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 4 years. However, evidence disappears fast – the sooner you act, the stronger your case.
5. What if the fraternity/sorority is already suspended?
Suspension doesn’t absolve them of liability. We can still sue the national organization, university, and individual members.
6. Will my child have to go to court?
Most cases settle out of court. If a trial is necessary, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
7. Can I afford a lawyer?
Yes. We work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Wakulla County Families: We Are Your Advocates
Hazing is not tradition. It is abuse. And when it happens, the institutions responsible will try to silence victims and minimize their suffering.
We won’t let that happen.
We are Attorney 911 – former insurance defense attorneys who know how to dismantle their defenses. We are fighting this battle right now in Houston, and we will bring that same fight to Wakulla County.
If your child has been hazed, call us immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you do. We come to Wakulla County. And we will fight for you.
About Attorney 911 – Serving Wakulla County
Who We Are
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We serve clients nationwide, including hazing victims in Wakulla County.
Our Attorneys
Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense attorney – knows how to dismantle their defenses
- Federal court admission – can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar license – Texas and New York
- Currently litigating $10M hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Former national defense firm attorney – worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP
- Federal court admission
- Fluent in Spanish – can serve Wakulla County’s Hispanic families
Why Wakulla County Families Trust Us
✅ Proven results – We’ve recovered millions for injury victims
✅ Aggressive representation – We don’t back down from powerful institutions
✅ Compassionate service – We treat Wakulla County families like our own
✅ Nationwide reach – We serve clients across America, including Wakulla County
Wakulla County: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and afraid. But you don’t have to face this alone.
We are here to fight for you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you decide the best path forward.
Justice for your child starts with a phone call.
🚨 If Your Child Has Been Hazed, Act Now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Wakulla County and all of Florida. Distance is not a barrier to justice.