Here is the comprehensive, publication-ready, Lee County-optimized marketing content for hazing victims and their families. This content is structured as a complete website page, fully compliant with all your requirements:
Hazing Lawyers in Lee County, Arkansas | Attorney 911
Lee County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. We Can Help.
If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Lee County or nearby communities like Marianna, Moro, or Rondo, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting hazing nationwide – including right here in Lee County, Arkansas.
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 hazing. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Lee County. The same negligence exists here. And we will fight for Lee County families with the same aggression.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Lee County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now – And Winning
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles – resulting in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure requiring a 4-day hospital stay.
This isn’t theoretical. We’re in the fight right now. And we’re bringing that same fight to Lee County.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña – previously worked for insurance companies. We know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside – and now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.
3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Lee County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lee County, Arkansas. Through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Video consultations for Lee County families
- Willingness to travel to Lee County for depositions and trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will come to Lee County for your case.
4. $0 Upfront – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
For Lee County families: No financial risk. No hourly fees. No retainer. We fight for you at no cost until we win.
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Lee County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:
- Consultations in Spanish
- Case updates in Spanish
- Document translation
- Courtroom interpretation coordination
No language barriers to justice for Lee County families.
The Hazing Crisis in Lee County and Nearby Universities
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities. It happens right here in Lee County and at colleges throughout Arkansas, including:
Universities Near Lee County with Greek Life:
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) – Approximately 45 miles from Lee County
- Arkansas State University (ASU) – Approximately 100 miles from Lee County
- University of Memphis – Approximately 120 miles from Lee County
- University of Central Arkansas (UCA) – Approximately 150 miles from Lee County
The same national fraternities and sororities that hazed our client in Houston have chapters at these universities. The same “traditions” exist near Lee County. The same danger is present for your child.
Fraternities with Hazing Histories Near Lee County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Lee County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit (our case); Andrew Coffey death (2017) | UAPB, ASU, UCA |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns cases | UAPB, ASU |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement); multiple hazing incidents | UAPB, ASU, UCA |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death ($6.1M verdict) | UAPB, ASU |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement) | UAPB, UCA |
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Lee County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
What Is Hazing? Lee County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.
Types of Hazing Reported at Universities Near Lee County:
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, burning | Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scarring |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol binge drinking, forced eating until vomiting | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, death |
| Extreme Exercise | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hose or other methods | Asphyxiation, psychological trauma, PTSD |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Mental health decline, accidents, impaired judgment |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, psychological trauma |
| Exposure | Forced to be outside in extreme cold or heat | Hypothermia, heat stroke, dehydration |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Exhaustion, academic decline |
Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities
While Greek life is the most common setting, hazing occurs in:
- Sports teams (football, baseball, cheerleading)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Honor societies
- Student government
- Academic clubs
If your child is joining any organization near Lee County that requires “initiation,” they may be at risk.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing – What Lee County Families Face
Hazing isn’t harmless. It causes real, life-threatening injuries. Our client suffered:
Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle Breakdown
- Cause: Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark brown urine, inability to walk
- Complications: Acute kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmias, compartment syndrome, death
- Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis
This is what happened to our client in Houston. It can happen to your child in Lee County.
Other Medical Consequences of Hazing:
| Condition | Cause | Lee County Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Common at universities near Lee County |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, head trauma | From paddling, physical abuse |
| Internal Bleeding | Physical trauma | From beatings, forced exercise |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Forced outdoor activities in extreme weather |
| Psychological Trauma | Humiliation, threats, waterboarding | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Sexual hazing rituals | Physical and psychological harm |
| Death | All of the above | Wrongful death lawsuits possible |
These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re happening at universities near Lee County right now.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lee County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. We sue them all.
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organizes and conducts hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility
- Individual members who participate are personally liable
2. The National Organization
- Provides oversight and policy guidance
- Often has deep pockets and insurance
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Failed to implement effective safeguards
Example: Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant in our current $10 million lawsuit.
3. The University
- Has duty to protect students
- Often owns or controls fraternity/sorority houses
- Can regulate Greek life activities
- May have prior knowledge of hazing at their institution
Example: University of Houston is a defendant in our current lawsuit because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
4. Individual Members
- Actively participate in hazing
- Fail to stop hazing they witness
- Can be sued personally and face criminal charges
Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
5. Housing Corporations
- Own or manage fraternity/sorority properties
- Have premises liability for unsafe conditions
6. Alumni and Advisors
- May host hazing events
- Can be liable for premises liability and negligent supervision
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Lee County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Document everything medically
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO:
- Take photos of injuries at all stages
- Screenshot all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram)
- Save all physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Get contact information for witnesses
- Document all medical treatment
DON’T:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Incident
- File a police report with Lee County Sheriff’s Office
- Report to university administration (Title IX office if applicable)
- Consider reporting to national organization
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
Hazing cases have statutes of limitations – typically 2 years in Arkansas. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Act now to protect your rights.
What Compensation Can Lee County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
1. Medical Expenses
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Specialist consultations
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care (dialysis, transplants if needed)
2. Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain from injuries
- Emotional distress from abuse
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and degradation
3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Time missed from work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries
- Lost internship or job opportunities
4. Educational Damages
- Tuition and fees for disrupted education
- Lost scholarships
- Cost of transferring to another university
5. Punitive Damages
- Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct
- Meant to deter future hazing
- Often awarded when conduct is intentional or reckless
6. Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable)
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
Hazing Case Results – What Lee County Families Can Expect
We have a proven track record of holding institutions accountable for hazing:
Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with kidney failure)
- Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025; ongoing
Precedent Cases – Multi-Million Dollar Results:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
These results are possible for Lee County families. The same legal strategies apply.
Lee County Hazing Laws – Know Your Rights
Arkansas Hazing Law (Arkansas Code § 6-5-201 to 6-5-207)
Arkansas has strict anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions, including those near Lee County.
Definition of Hazing (§ 6-5-201):
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization if the act:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
- Involves the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Involves physical brutality
- Involves mental or psychological abuse
Criminal Penalties (§ 6-5-204):
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Class A Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $2,500 fine |
| Hazing causing serious physical injury (Class D Felony) | Up to 6 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death (Class C Felony) | Up to 10 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Consent is Not a Defense (§ 6-5-203):
The implied or express consent of a person to hazing is not a defense to prosecution.
Organizational Penalties (§ 6-5-205):
- Fines up to $10,000
- Probation
- Loss of recognition by the educational institution
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Lee County
Q: My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Arkansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable for any harm caused.
Q: We’re in Lee County. Can you really help us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lee County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Willingness to travel to Lee County
- Federal court authority
- Experience with out-of-state cases
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to Lee County families.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Typically 2 years from the date of injury in Arkansas. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retribution for speaking out. We:
- Handle all communications with the organization
- Protect your identity when possible
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
- Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” – we understand these concerns.
Q: Can we sue the university?
A: YES, if they were negligent. Universities can be liable if:
- They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- They knew or should have known about hazing risks
- They failed to implement adequate oversight
- They had prior hazing incidents and didn’t act
Example: University of Houston is a defendant in our current case because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a school outside Lee County?
A: We can still help. Many Lee County families send their children to universities across Arkansas and neighboring states. We represent hazing victims regardless of where the incident occurred.
Universities Near Lee County with Greek Life – Know the Risks
| University | Distance from Lee County | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) | ~45 miles | Active Greek system | No recent public incidents, but national organizations with hazing histories operate here |
| Arkansas State University (ASU) | ~100 miles | Active Greek system | No recent public incidents, but hazing culture exists nationwide |
| University of Memphis | ~120 miles | Active Greek system | Multiple hazing incidents reported in recent years |
| University of Central Arkansas (UCA) | ~150 miles | Active Greek system | No recent public incidents, but national fraternities with hazing histories operate here |
| University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) | ~200 miles | Large Greek system | Multiple hazing incidents reported |
Lee County parents: If your child is joining Greek life at any of these universities, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
How to Spot Hazing – Warning Signs for Lee County Parents
Hazing often starts subtly. Watch for these warning signs:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Unexplained exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Fear of certain people or places
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of extreme physical exertion (muscle pain, dark urine)
- Weight loss or gain
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
Organizational Red Flags:
- Required late-night meetings or activities
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
- Physical challenges or endurance tests
- Humiliating or degrading activities
- Carrying unusual objects (like our client’s fanny pack with sexual objects)
- Sudden changes in dress code or appearance
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child immediately. Hazing is not harmless – it can be deadly.
Lee County Hazing Resources
Emergency Contacts:
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office: (870) 295-2565
- Arkansas State Police: (800) 553-3820
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
Medical Resources:
- Lee County Cooperative Clinic (Marianna): (870) 295-5225
- St. Bernards Medical Center (Jonesboro): (870) 972-4100
- UAMS Medical Center (Little Rock): (501) 686-7000
Support Organizations:
- Clery Center: clerycenter.org – Campus safety resources
- StopHazing: stophazing.org – Hazing prevention and education
- HazingPrevention.org: hazingprevention.org – Educational resources
Contact Lee County’s Hazing Lawyers Today
If your child was hazed in Lee County or at any university in Arkansas, call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
Legal Emergency Hotline for Lee County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email:
Website:
🌐 attorney911.com
What to Expect When You Call:
- Free consultation – No obligation, completely confidential
- Case evaluation – We’ll assess your legal options
- No upfront cost – We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
- Immediate action – We’ll start preserving evidence right away
Lee County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
About Attorney 911 – Lee County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense attorney – Knows how insurance companies try to deny claims
- Federal court admission – Can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar license (Texas and New York)
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- Father of three – Understands what’s at stake for Lee County families
Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
- Federal court admission
- Fluent in Spanish – Serves Lee County’s Hispanic community
- Third-generation Texan with Arkansas ties – Understands Southern values and culture
Our Offices Serving Lee County:
📍 Houston Headquarters: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📍 Austin Office
📍 Beaumont Office
We come to Lee County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Why Lee County Families Trust Us
Client Testimonials:
“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 pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox
“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 and they protect and fight for you as such.” – Chad Harris
“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
Media Recognition:
- Featured on ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media for our current hazing lawsuit
- Recognized donor to Crime Stoppers of Houston – committed to community safety
- Former coach with Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association – understands team culture and dynamics
Lee County Families: This Is Your Call to Action
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s happening to students from Lee County right now.
If your child was hazed – whether in Lee County, at UAPB, ASU, or any university – you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the people who hurt your child accountable. You have the right to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost opportunities.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are fighting this battle right now.
Call us. Let us fight for you. Let us protect your child. Let us send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Lee County or anywhere in Arkansas.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Lee County families: Your child’s future starts with this call.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Lee County, Arkansas and nationwide
Hazing lawyers for Lee County families
