🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Saint Johns County, Florida — Protecting Students from Abuse

Your child was hazed. We will fight for justice — no matter where in Florida you are.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. The same fraternities operate at universities near Saint Johns County. The same negligence exists at Saint Johns County institutions. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Saint Johns County families.

If your child was hazed at Flagler College, St. Johns River State College, or any other institution in Saint Johns County, we can help. Call our hazing emergency hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911

🏛️ Greek Life in Saint Johns County — What Parents Need to Know

Saint Johns County is home to Flagler College, a private liberal arts institution known for its historic campus and strong academic programs. While Flagler College does not have traditional Greek life with national fraternities and sororities, independent Greek organizations and student clubs do exist, and the culture of initiation and bonding activities can sometimes cross the line into hazing.

Additionally, many Saint Johns County students attend St. Johns River State College, which serves as a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education. While SJR State does not have traditional Greek life either, student organizations, athletic teams, and honor societies may engage in initiation rituals that can become dangerous.

Most critically, many Saint Johns County students attend universities elsewhere in Florida — including the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of North Florida, and Jacksonville University — where national fraternities and sororities operate chapters known for hazing incidents.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority anywhere in Florida, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Florida — It’s Happening Near Saint Johns County

Florida has a documented history of deadly and dangerous hazing incidents at its universities:

The same national fraternities involved in these incidents — Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta — have chapters at universities near Saint Johns County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Florida, they are at risk. And if they are hazed, we will hold every responsible party accountable — including the national organization, the local chapter, and the university.

🚑 What Is Hazing? — Know the Warning Signs in Saint Johns County

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of consent.

Common hazing activities reported in Florida and nationwide:

If your child is experiencing any of these activities, it is hazing — and it is illegal in Florida.

📜 Florida Hazing Law — Your Legal Rights in Saint Johns County

Florida has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all students in the state, including those from Saint Johns County attending universities elsewhere.

Florida Statute § 1006.63 — Hazing

Definition:

“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.

Criminal Penalties:

Critical Legal Point:

“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, consent is not a defense. The law explicitly states that hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim consented.

💔 What Hazing Does to Saint Johns County Students

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries — it leaves lifelong scars.

Physical Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can lead to kidney failure (as seen in our Houston case)
• Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Broken bones — from physical abuse
• Internal injuries — from forced consumption or physical trauma
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
• Death

Psychological Consequences:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from torture-like activities
• Anxiety and depression — from humiliation and abuse
• Suicidal ideation — from feeling trapped or worthless
• Trust issues — difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Academic decline — from stress, exhaustion, and trauma
• Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope

Academic Consequences:

• Missed classes
• Lower grades
• Lost scholarships
• Delayed graduation
• Dropped out of school

Hazing doesn’t build character. It destroys lives.

🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Saint Johns County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

In our Houston case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members
• A former member and his spouse

Saint Johns County families can pursue the same accountability.

💰 What Is a Hazing Case Worth in Saint Johns County?

Hazing cases can result in substantial financial compensation for victims and their families. Recent settlements and verdicts in Florida and nationwide show that juries and institutions take these cases seriously:

Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and UH is seeking $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure. Saint Johns County victims deserve the same level of compensation.

Types of Compensation Available:

Hazing cases are worth millions because the conduct is outrageous and the injuries are severe. Saint Johns County families should not settle for less.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Saint Johns County

If your child is currently being hazed, or was hazed in the past, follow these steps:

Immediate Actions:

1. Get Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
   • Document everything medically — this is critical evidence
   • Rhabdomyolysis symptoms (muscle pain, brown urine) require immediate emergency care

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
   • Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
   • Document everything: Write down dates, times, what happened, who was involved
   • Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization

   • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
   • Do not sign anything from the organization
   • Do not post about the incident on social media

4. Report to Authorities (Optional)

   • Consider filing a police report
   • Consider filing a Title IX report with the university
   • Note: You can pursue a civil lawsuit regardless of whether criminal charges are filed

5. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for Saint Johns County families
   • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win

Why You Need a Lawyer:

• Evidence disappears — organizations destroy records, delete messages
• Witnesses forget — memories fade quickly
• Statutes of limitations — you have limited time to file
• Insurance companies lowball — they will try to pay you as little as possible
• Defendants coordinate — they will try to minimize their liability

We know their playbook. We will fight for every dollar you deserve.

🎯 Why Saint Johns County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We are actively fighting Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know how these organizations operate
• We know how to maximize compensation

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Staff

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies
• We know how they try to minimize claims
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
• Can pursue cases in federal court if needed
• Critical for cases involving national organizations

4. We Are Dual-State Licensed

• Licensed in Florida and Texas
• Can handle cases involving out-of-state universities
• Can pursue national fraternities headquartered anywhere

5. We Offer Remote Consultations for Saint Johns County Families

• You don’t have to travel to Houston
• Video consultations available
• We come to Saint Johns County for depositions and trials

6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

• No attorney fees unless we win
• No financial risk to you
• We only get paid if you get paid

7. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Bilingual staff available
• Can serve Spanish-speaking families in Saint Johns County

8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Million-Dollar Results

• Recovered millions for personal injury victims
• Experience with catastrophic injury cases
• Experience with institutional negligence

🏛️ Universities Near Saint Johns County with Greek Life — Know the Risks

Many Saint Johns County students attend universities with active Greek life programs where hazing is a known risk:

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they are at risk. And if they are hazed, we will hold the organization accountable.

📞 Saint Johns County Hazing Hotline — Call Now

If your child was hazed anywhere in Florida, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing emergency hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if you win.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions — Saint Johns County Hazing Cases

1. My child was hazed at a university outside Saint Johns County. Can you still help?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Saint Johns County students attending universities anywhere in Florida or the United States. Our federal court authority and dual-state licenses allow us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?

No. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that does not justify hazing.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

Possibly. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement adequate oversight of Greek life, or if they knew or should have known about hazing risks, they can be held liable. In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house — they cannot claim ignorance.

4. What if my child was hazed at a community college or smaller school in Saint Johns County?

We represent hazing victims from all types of institutions — not just major universities. Hazing happens in:

• Community colleges (like St. Johns River State College)
• Private colleges (like Flagler College)
• Student organizations
• Athletic teams
• Honor societies
• ROTC programs
• Marching bands
• Any group that uses initiation rituals

If your child was hazed, we can help — regardless of where it happened.

5. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars depending on:

• The severity of the injuries
• Whether the victim was hospitalized
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, torture, etc.)
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior incidents
• The strength of the evidence

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. Saint Johns County victims deserve the same level of compensation.

6. What if the hazing happened months or years ago?

Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. However, there are exceptions:

• If the victim was a minor at the time, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• If the victim didn’t discover the injury right away (e.g., psychological trauma), the clock may start later
• If the hazing was part of an ongoing pattern, each incident may restart the clock

Do not assume it’s too late. Contact us immediately for a free case evaluation.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most hazing cases settle before trial. However, if the case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. We will:

• Prepare them thoroughly
• Protect them from intimidation
• Support them through the process

Our goal is to minimize stress on the victim while maximizing compensation.

8. What if the fraternity or university tries to intimidate my child?

This is common. Organizations often:

• Pressure victims to stay quiet
• Offer “apologies” in exchange for silence
• Threaten social or academic consequences

We will protect your child. Once you hire us:

• The organization cannot contact your child directly
• All communications go through us
• We handle all negotiations
• We shield your child from intimidation

9. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. Factors that affect timeline:

• Severity of injuries (longer treatment = longer case)
• Number of defendants (more defendants = more complex)
• Whether the case goes to trial (trial adds time)
• Cooperation of the defendants

We work as quickly as possible to resolve your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

10. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay no attorney fees unless we win
• We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Saint Johns County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing — What Saint Johns County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Be alert for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Unexplained exhaustion or sleep deprivation
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in appetite

Communication Patterns:

• New group chats or messaging apps (GroupMe, Snapchat, etc.)
• Code words or inside jokes you don’t understand
• Sudden reluctance to talk about their organization
• Defensiveness when asked about activities

Schedule Changes:

• Late-night activities with no explanation
• Early morning obligations
• Missing classes or appointments
• Being “on call” for older members

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses (trips, gear, “dues”)
• Requests for money with vague explanations
• Unexplained purchases of alcohol

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. If you suspect hazing, contact us immediately.

📢 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Saint Johns County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts and settlements in other states apply to your chapters in Florida.

Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Saint Johns County, know this:

• We track your house corporations, alumni chapters, and national organizations
• We know your insurance policies and corporate structures
• We know your hazing histories — Andrew Coffey, Maxwell Gruver, Stone Foltz
• We know how to pursue every liable entity — not just the local chapter
• We have former insurance defense attorneys who know your playbook

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit ongoing.

Your chapter could be next.

Clean up your culture. Enforce your policies. Protect your pledges. Or we will hold you accountable in court.

🏆 Our Commitment to Saint Johns County Families

At Attorney 911, we are more than just lawyers — we are advocates for justice.

When we took on the Pi Kappa Phi case, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. These are powerful institutions with deep pockets and experienced lawyers. But we also knew that someone had to stand up for Leonel Bermudez — and for every student who has been hazed.

We make this promise to Saint Johns County families:

• We will fight aggressively for your child
• We will hold every responsible party accountable
• We will pursue maximum compensation
• We will protect your child from intimidation
• We will treat your family with compassion and respect

Your child was hazed. That is not their fault. But fighting back is their right — and our mission.

📞 Call Now — Saint Johns County Hazing Emergency Hotline

If your child was hazed anywhere in Florida, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if you win.

Serving Saint Johns County, St. Augustine, St. Johns River State College, Flagler College, and all of Florida.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Hazing Victims’ Rights Advocates
Protecting Students. Pursuing Justice. Nationwide.

🔗 Additional Resources for Saint Johns County Families:

• StopHazing.org — Research and resources on hazing prevention
• HazingPrevention.org — National organization dedicated to ending hazing
• Florida Department of Education — Hazing reporting and policies
• University of Florida Hazing Policy — Example of institutional policy
• Florida Statute § 1006.63 — Full text of Florida hazing law

Knowledge is power. If your child is at risk, act now.