🛡️ Hazing Victim Legal Support for Hardee County, Florida Families
Attorney 911: Your Legal Emergency Responders for Hazing Abuse in Hardee County and Beyond
🚨 Hazing in Hardee County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
Hardee County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They believe Greek organizations will provide brotherhood and sisterhood, not abuse and torture.
That trust is being betrayed.
Right now, in Hardee County and across Florida, students are being hazed. They’re being waterboarded. They’re being forced to drink until they vomit. They’re being made to do 500 squats until their muscles break down. They’re being struck with wooden paddles. They’re being humiliated, degraded, and terrorized.
And when they end up in the hospital—or worse, in the morgue—universities and fraternities close ranks. They call it “tradition.” They claim it’s “just college.” They say, “He agreed to participate.”
We say: Enough is enough.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. 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. He was forced to do 500 squats. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. The same fraternities that did this to him operate chapters near Hardee County.
If your child has been hazed in Hardee County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
📍 Why Hardee County Families Need Attorney 911
Hardee County is a tight-knit community with deep family values. Parents here work hard to give their children opportunities they never had. They send their kids to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, to grow—not to be tortured in the name of “brotherhood.”
But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Hardee County. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters across Florida. The same universities that have failed to stop hazing have campuses near Hardee County.
You need a law firm that:
✅ Understands the unique culture of Hardee County—where family, faith, and community matter
✅ Fights aggressively for victims—we don’t back down from powerful institutions
✅ Has proven results in hazing litigation—we’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case
✅ Serves Hardee County families with compassion and respect—we treat you like family
✅ Offers remote consultations and travel to Hardee County—distance is not a barrier to justice
💔 The Hardee County Hazing Reality: What’s Really Happening to Our Kids
Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen at “Big Name” Schools
Many Hardee County parents assume hazing is something that happens at large universities like UF or FSU—not at the schools their children attend. But hazing is everywhere.
Universities near Hardee County with Greek life include:
- University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa, FL (~60 miles from Hardee County)
- Florida Southern College – Lakeland, FL (~50 miles from Hardee County)
- Southeastern University – Lakeland, FL (~50 miles from Hardee County)
- Florida Polytechnic University – Lakeland, FL (~50 miles from Hardee County)
- Warner University – Lake Wales, FL (~40 miles from Hardee County)
These schools have active Greek organizations, including:
- Pi Kappa Phi – The same fraternity we’re suing for $10M
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Paid $6.1M in the Max Gruver case
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Paid $10M+ in the Stone Foltz case
- Beta Theta Pi – Paid $110M+ in the Timothy Piazza case
- Phi Delta Theta – Responsible for the Max Gruver death
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Hardee County, they face the same risks our client faced.
What Hazing Looks Like in Hardee County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s not “harmless fun.” It’s not “building character.”
Hazing is abuse. Hazing is torture. Hazing is assault.
Here’s what hazing looks like for Hardee County students:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Medical Risks | Psychological Trauma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings with paddles, forced exercise until collapse, branding, burning | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, broken bones, internal bleeding | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Forced Consumption | Drinking until vomiting, eating until choking, consuming non-food items | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, organ damage | Shame, humiliation, loss of control |
| Waterboarding/Torture | Simulated drowning with hoses or buckets, being held underwater | Drowning, lung damage, panic attacks | Extreme PTSD, fear of water, nightmares |
| Sleep Deprivation | All-night activities, forced wake-ups, no sleep for days | Hallucinations, impaired judgment, weakened immune system | Paranoia, anxiety, inability to focus |
| Psychological Abuse | Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, forced servitude | Emotional breakdown, loss of self-worth | Depression, anxiety, trust issues |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault | Trauma, STIs, unwanted pregnancy | Severe PTSD, sexual dysfunction, shame |
This is what is happening to students near Hardee County. This is what happened to our client in Houston. This could happen to your child.
🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Hardee County Parents Need to Know
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It can cause permanent physical damage—and even death.
1. Rhabdomyolysis: When Muscles Break Down
What it is: Rhabdomyolysis occurs when skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin can clog the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure.
What causes it in hazing:
- Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Prolonged muscle compression (being hog-tied, forced to crawl)
- Dehydration (common in hazing)
Symptoms:
- Severe muscle pain
- Weakness or inability to move
- Dark brown or tea-colored urine (sign of myoglobin in urine)
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Why it’s dangerous:
- Can lead to kidney failure (requires dialysis or transplant)
- Can cause cardiac arrest (from electrolyte imbalances)
- Can be fatal if untreated
Our client had this. He spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure.
2. Alcohol Poisoning: Forced Drinking Kills
What it is: When someone is forced to drink large amounts of alcohol in a short period, their body can’t process it. Blood alcohol content (BAC) rises to dangerous levels.
What causes it in hazing:
- “Bible study” drinking games (like the Max Gruver case)
- “Big Brother/Little Brother” forced drinking (like the Stone Foltz case)
- “Gauntlet” drinking (like the Timothy Piazza case)
Symptoms:
- Confusion, stupor
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Blue-tinged skin
- Unconsciousness
Why it’s dangerous:
- Can cause respiratory arrest (stop breathing)
- Can cause aspiration (choking on vomit)
- BAC of 0.30-0.40 can be fatal (legal limit is 0.08)
- Max Gruver died with a BAC of 0.495—more than 6x the legal limit
3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From Beating or Falling
What it is: A blow to the head or violent shaking can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to bleeding, bruising, or swelling.
What causes it in hazing:
- Being struck with paddles or fists
- Falling while intoxicated (like Timothy Piazza)
- Being shaken or thrown
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
Why it’s dangerous:
- Can cause permanent brain damage
- Can lead to seizures, memory loss, or personality changes
- Can be fatal if bleeding is not treated
4. Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Exposure to the Elements
What it is: Hazing often involves forcing students to be outside in extreme weather—either too cold or too hot.
What causes it in hazing:
- Forced to strip in cold weather
- Forced to run or crawl in heat
- Left outside for hours without shelter
Symptoms:
- Hypothermia (cold): Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, loss of consciousness
- Hyperthermia (heat): Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, confusion, fainting
Why it’s dangerous:
- Can cause organ failure
- Can be fatal in extreme cases
5. Psychological Trauma: The Invisible Injury
Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body—it destroys the mind.
Common psychological effects on Hardee County victims:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
- Depression: Feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in life
- Anxiety: Constant fear, panic attacks
- Suicidal Ideation: Many hazing victims consider or attempt suicide
- Trust Issues: Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
- Substance Abuse: Self-medicating to cope with trauma
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real. This trauma is real.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hardee County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed in Hardee County or at a university near Hardee County, you have legal rights. You can sue for compensation. You can hold the perpetrators accountable. You can force change.
1. Florida Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Florida has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country—but they’re not always enforced.
Florida Statute § 1006.63 – Hazing Defined:
“Hazing” means 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 brutality (paddling, beating, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of harm
Florida Statute § 1006.63(2) – Criminal Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Felony – Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | Felony – Up to 15 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
Florida Statute § 1006.63(8) – Consent is NOT a Defense:
“The express or implied consent of the victim may not be a defense to an action brought pursuant to this section.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they cannot be held responsible for being hazed.
2. Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges punish the individuals. Civil lawsuits hold the institutions accountable—and get you compensation.
Who can be sued in Hardee County hazing cases?
✅ The local fraternity/sorority chapter – They organized the hazing
✅ The national fraternity/sorority organization – They failed to supervise
✅ The university – They failed to protect students
✅ Individual members – They participated in or allowed the hazing
✅ Alumni who hosted hazing – They allowed it on their property
✅ Housing corporations – They own the property where hazing occurred
What can you sue for?
| Type of Damages | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | $100,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost earning capacity | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Educational Damages | Tuition for lost semester, scholarship loss | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | $100,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Total potential recovery for Hardee County families: $100,000 – $10,000,000+
3. Precedent Cases: Hardee County Families CAN Win
Hazing cases do not just settle—they win big. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Max Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (est. $5M+) |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4M+ |
These cases prove:
✅ Juries award millions for hazing victims
✅ Universities and fraternities pay when they fail to protect students
✅ Hardee County families can win—no matter where the hazing occurred
🔥 The Attorney 911 Difference: Why Hardee County Families Choose Us
Hardee County families have choices when it comes to legal representation. But not all lawyers are equipped to take on powerful universities and national fraternities.
1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10M Hazing Case
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively fighting one right now.
Our Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez – hospitalized with kidney failure
- Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH, chapter officers, housing corporation
- Damages Sought: $10 million
This is not theoretical. This is happening now. And we are bringing the same fight to Hardee County.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
What does this mean for Hardee County families?
✅ We know how insurance companies think – We’ve seen their playbook from the inside
✅ We know how they try to deny claims – We’ve used those tactics ourselves
✅ We know how to dismantle their defenses – We’ve trained others to use them
✅ We know where the money is – We know how to find and pursue every policy
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a former insider who knows how to beat them at their own game.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
Many hazing cases involve national fraternities with headquarters in other states. This means your case may need to be filed in federal court.
Attorney 911 is admitted to:
✅ U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (Houston)
✅ U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (Tampa/Orlando)
✅ U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida (Tallahassee)
This means:
- We can pursue your Hardee County case no matter where the fraternity is headquartered
- We can sue national organizations wherever they operate
- We can take on multi-state defendants without being limited by jurisdiction
4. We Offer Remote Consultations for Hardee County Families
We understand that Hardee County is a rural community, and traveling to Houston may not be feasible. That’s why we offer:
✅ Free video consultations – Meet with us from your home
✅ Phone consultations – Available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911
✅ Travel to Hardee County – We come to you for depositions and meetings
✅ Bilingual services (Se habla español) – We serve Spanish-speaking families
Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Hardee County families no matter where you are.
5. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Hardee County Families
We know that the cost of hiring a lawyer can be prohibitive, especially when you’re already facing medical bills and lost wages.
That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
✅ $0 upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
✅ We only get paid if we win – No win, no fee
✅ No hourly billing – We don’t charge by the hour
✅ We advance all case expenses – You’re not responsible for upfront costs
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery—so we are motivated to win the maximum possible amount for you.
6. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We don’t just talk about winning—we do it.
Recent Case Results for Hardee County Families to Consider:
- $10M+ – Currently litigating hazing case (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi)
- $2.9M – Wrongful death settlement (Bowling Green State University)
- $1M+ – Trucking accident settlement (catastrophic injury)
- $500K+ – Car accident settlement (brain injury)
- Case dismissed – Criminal defense (assault charges)
We have the experience to take on the biggest institutions—and win.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Hardee County
If your child has been hazed—whether at a university near Hardee County or anywhere in Florida—time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Follow these steps immediately:
🚨 Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- If your child is in immediate medical danger, call 911
- If they are unconscious, vomiting, or showing signs of alcohol poisoning, take them to the ER
- Do not let them “sleep it off”—alcohol poisoning and rhabdomyolysis can be fatal
📸 Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. DO NOT POST ANYTHING.
Evidence to save:
✅ Medical records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/videos – Injuries, hazing activities, locations
✅ Text messages – GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp
✅ Social media – Screenshots of posts about hazing
✅ Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges
✅ Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
✅ Financial records – Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without a lawyer
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
- Give statements to university administration alone
🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers
Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. They are not on your side.
If they contact you:
- Do not give a statement
- Do not sign anything
- Do not meet with them alone
- Refer them to your attorney
Remember: Anything you say can be used against you in court.
📞 Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Or email:
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We will:
✅ Provide a free, confidential consultation
✅ Explain your legal rights and options
✅ Send immediate preservation letters to the fraternity/university
✅ Begin gathering evidence before it disappears
✅ Handle all communications with the defendants
⏳ Step 5: Act Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Florida law gives you a limited time to file a lawsuit:
- Personal injury: 4 years from date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death
However, evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
🏛️ Who We Sue for Hardee County Hazing Victims
When we take on a hazing case, we don’t just sue the individuals who participated. We sue everyone who allowed it to happen.
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
Why they’re liable:
- They organized and conducted the hazing
- They failed to stop the abuse
- They threatened expulsion if pledges didn’t comply
What we pursue:
- Chapter assets
- Chapter insurance policies
- Individual member liability
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
Why they’re liable:
- They failed to supervise the local chapter
- They knew about hazing risks (pattern evidence)
- They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
- They have deep pockets and insurance
What we pursue:
- National organization’s assets
- National insurance policies
- Board of directors’ personal liability
Example: In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant because they knew about the “hazing crisis” and failed to stop it.
3. The University
Why they’re liable:
- They failed to protect students
- They owned the property where hazing occurred (premises liability)
- They had the power to regulate Greek life
- They knew about prior hazing incidents
What we pursue:
- University endowment funds
- University insurance policies
- Board of regents’ oversight failures
Example: University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded.
4. Individual Members (Chapter Officers & Participants)
Why they’re liable:
- They participated in hazing
- They failed to stop hazing
- They threatened or coerced pledges
What we pursue:
- Personal assets
- Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance
- Criminal charges (where applicable)
Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
5. Alumni Who Hosted Hazing
Why they’re liable:
- They allowed hazing on their property
- They participated in or facilitated hazing
- They have homeowner’s insurance that may cover liability
What we pursue:
- Homeowner’s insurance policies
- Personal assets
- Premises liability
Example: In our current case, a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because hazing occurred at their residence.
6. Housing Corporations
Why they’re liable:
- They own the property where hazing occurred
- They failed to maintain safe premises
- They have insurance policies that may cover liability
What we pursue:
- Property assets
- Insurance policies
- Premises liability
💡 Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Defeat Them
Universities and fraternities will use every trick in the book to avoid liability. Here’s how we fight back:
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Their Argument: “He agreed to join. He knew the risks. He could have left at any time.”
Our Response:
- Florida law says consent is NOT a defense (Florida Statute § 1006.63(8))
- Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent – Social exclusion, threats of expulsion
- Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to – Hazing is hidden until it happens
- Fear of retaliation prevents leaving – Many victims fear physical harm or social ostracism
Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition – Not Hazing”
Their Argument: “This is how we’ve always done it. It’s just part of the process.”
Our Response:
- Tradition does not justify abuse – Slavery, segregation, and child labor were once “traditions”
- Florida law defines hazing clearly – Any activity that endangers mental or physical health
- Waterboarding is not tradition—it’s torture – The U.S. government considers it torture when done to enemy combatants
Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”
Their Argument: “We had no idea this was happening. We have anti-hazing policies.”
Our Response:
- Universities have a duty to supervise Greek life – They can’t turn a blind eye
- Prior incidents prove they knew – If another fraternity hazed in 2017, they knew the risks
- They own the property – If hazing happens in a university-owned house, they are liable
- “See no evil” is not a defense – Willful blindness is still negligence
Defense 4: “The National Organization Didn’t Know”
Their Argument: “We can’t control every chapter. We didn’t know this was happening.”
Our Response:
- Pattern evidence proves they knew – Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017; our client was hospitalized in 2025
- They admitted to a “hazing crisis” – Their own words prove they knew
- They closed the chapter immediately – Shows they knew it was wrong
- They have oversight responsibility – National organizations are supposed to supervise chapters
Defense 5: “It Wasn’t That Bad”
Their Argument: “He wasn’t really hurt. He’s just exaggerating.”
Our Response:
- Medical records prove the injuries – Hospitalization, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
- Psychological trauma is real – PTSD, anxiety, depression are documented
- Juries don’t buy it – In the Max Gruver case, the jury awarded $6.1M for a hazing death
🎯 Our Strategy for Hardee County Hazing Cases
When we take on a hazing case, we don’t just file a lawsuit—we launch a full-scale legal assault.
Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence
- Subpoena text messages, social media, emails, and videos
- Obtain security camera footage from fraternity houses and university properties
- Interview witnesses before they forget or are intimidated
Phase 2: Aggressive Discovery
- Depose chapter officers, national leaders, and university administrators
- Request all hazing incident reports from the university and fraternity
- Obtain insurance policies to identify all available coverage
- Demand internal communications proving they knew about hazing risks
Phase 3: Media and Public Pressure
- Work with local Hardee County media to expose the truth
- Pitch stories to national outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, ESPN)
- Pressure alumni donors to withdraw support until reforms are made
- Advocate for legislative change to strengthen anti-hazing laws
Phase 4: Settlement Negotiation or Trial
- If the defendants offer a fair settlement, we’ll recommend acceptance
- If they lowball or deny liability, we’ll take them to trial
- We’ll present medical evidence, pattern evidence, and emotional testimony
- We’ll ask the jury to send a message with punitive damages
📢 Message to Hardee County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Hardee County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
If you haze students in Hardee County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your nationals, your university, and every individual who participated.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—if your chapter operates near Hardee County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.
To the universities near Hardee County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect students.
Act now—or face the same accountability.
💬 What Hardee County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911
We’ve helped hundreds of families across Texas and the U.S. Here’s what they say:
“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
“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
📞 Hardee County Families: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed—whether at a university near Hardee County or anywhere in Florida—you need to act now.
Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Or email:
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation
✅ Remote consultations – Meet with us from home
✅ Travel to Hardee County – We come to you
✅ Bilingual services – Se habla español
✅ $0 upfront costs – We work on contingency
We don’t get paid unless we win for you.
🏆 Our Offices Serving Hardee County
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hardee County, Florida.
Houston Office (Headquarters):
📍 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📞 (713) 528-9070
Austin Office:
📍 Serving Hardee County remotely
📞 (713) 528-9070
Beaumont Office:
📍 Serving Hardee County remotely
📞 (713) 528-9070
We also travel to Hardee County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trial preparation
🔒 Confidentiality and Privacy for Hardee County Families
We understand that hazing is a sensitive issue. Many victims fear retaliation or social stigma.
At Attorney 911, we protect your privacy:
✅ All consultations are confidential – We will not share your information without your permission
✅ We handle all communications – The fraternity/university will deal with us, not you
✅ We protect your identity – We can file lawsuits under seal if necessary
✅ We fight for your rights – You have the right to seek justice without fear
You are not alone. We are here to help.
📜 Frequently Asked Questions for Hardee County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still call?
Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, we can:
- Advise you on medical and psychological support
- Help you report the hazing to authorities
- Send a preservation letter to protect evidence
- Explain your legal rights in case you change your mind
2. The fraternity says it was “just a prank.” Is it still hazing?
Yes. If the activity:
- Endangered mental or physical health
- Was part of initiation
- Involved coercion or threats
- Caused injury or trauma
…then it is hazing under Florida law—regardless of what the fraternity calls it.
3. The university says they’ll handle it internally. Should we trust them?
No. Universities have a conflict of interest. Their goal is to:
- Protect their reputation
- Minimize liability
- Avoid bad publicity
They are not on your side. You need your own legal representation.
4. My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?
We can:
- File the lawsuit under seal to protect your child’s identity
- Seek restraining orders against fraternity members
- Work with university security to ensure safety
- Pursue criminal charges against those who threaten retaliation
5. How much is my child’s case worth?
Every case is different, but factors include:
- Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (if they missed work or school)
- Pain and suffering (emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (if conduct was egregious)
Recent hazing cases have settled for $1M to $110M. We will fight for the maximum possible compensation for your child.
6. We’re not in Houston. Can you still help us?
Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hardee County. We offer:
- Remote consultations
- Travel to Hardee County
- Federal court authority
- Experience with multi-state defendants
7. The hazing happened months ago. Is it too late to sue?
It depends. Florida has a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget
- The sooner we act, the stronger your case
Call us immediately to discuss your options.
8. My child was hazed at a community college near Hardee County. Can you help?
Yes. Hazing happens at all types of schools, including:
- State universities
- Private colleges
- Community colleges
- Military academies
- Trade schools
If your child was hazed, we can help—no matter where it happened.
9. The fraternity says they’ll pay for medical bills if we don’t sue. Should we accept?
No. Fraternities and universities will often offer to pay medical bills in exchange for a release of liability. This means:
- You waive your right to sue for pain and suffering, lost wages, or punitive damages
- They avoid accountability for their actions
- They get away with hazing without real consequences
Always consult an attorney before signing anything.
10. How long will a hazing lawsuit take?
It depends on the complexity of the case, but:
- Settlement: 6–18 months
- Trial: 18–36 months
We work as quickly as possible to resolve your case, but we won’t settle for less than you deserve.
🎓 Final Message to Hardee County Parents
Hardee County is a community built on family, faith, and hard work. You’ve sacrificed to give your children opportunities you never had. You’ve taught them to work hard, to respect others, to do the right thing.
You did not raise them to be waterboarded. You did not raise them to be forced to drink until they vomit. You did not raise them to be struck with wooden paddles. You did not raise them to be humiliated, degraded, and terrorized.
Yet this is what is happening to students near Hardee County. This is what happened to our client in Houston. This could happen to your child.
But you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold them accountable. You have the power to make sure this never happens to another Hardee County family.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We are not afraid of powerful universities. We are not afraid of national fraternities. We are not afraid to take them to court—and win.
If your child has been hazed, call us. We will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to our current $10 million case. We will honor your child. We will protect your family. We will make them pay.
Hardee County families: Enough is enough.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless we win for you.