Hazing Lawyers for Richland County Families β Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
π¨ Hazing Happens in Richland County β And Itβs Time to Stop It
Richland County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of hazing persists at universities near Richland County. Waterboarding. Forced drinking. Extreme physical abuse. Sleep deprivation. Sexual humiliation. These arenβt “pranks” β theyβre crimes. And when universities and fraternities fail to protect students, they must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β proving that hazing victims can win justice. Richland County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation. If your child has been hazed at a college near Richland County, we will fight for you.
π₯ The Hazing Crisis in Richland County β What Local Families Need to Know
Hazing isnβt just a problem at big universities far away β it happens right here near Richland County. The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide β Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta β have active chapters at universities in and around Richland County.
π Hazing Risks at Universities Near Richland County
While we cannot comment on specific incidents at local institutions without verified information, we know that:
- National fraternities with documented hazing histories operate near Richland County
- Universities near Richland County have Greek life systems with oversight challenges
- Hazing incidents like those weβre litigating in Houston have occurred at similar institutions nationwide
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities and sororities near Richland County. If your child is pledging a Greek organization in this region, they face the same risks.
π₯ The Medical Reality of Hazing β What Richland County Parents Must Understand
Hazing isnβt just embarrassing or uncomfortable β it can be life-threatening. The hazing our client endured at the University of Houston led to:
- Rhabdomyolysis β Muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure
- Acute kidney injury β Requiring 4 days of hospitalization
- Severe dehydration and exhaustion β From forced exercise and sleep deprivation
- Psychological trauma β PTSD, anxiety, and fear of retribution
Other common hazing injuries include:
β Alcohol poisoning β From forced binge drinking (a leading cause of hazing deaths)
β Traumatic brain injuries β From beatings, falls, or blunt force
β Heat stroke or hypothermia β From extreme physical exertion in dangerous conditions
β Broken bones and internal injuries β From paddling, branding, or physical abuse
β Sexual assault β Including forced nudity and degrading acts
Hazing doesnβt just hurt students physically β it leaves lasting emotional scars. Many victims develop PTSD, depression, and anxiety that can affect them for years.
βοΈ Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Richland County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we are suing:
- The local fraternity chapter β For organizing and participating in hazing
- The national fraternity organization β For failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
- The university β For failing to protect students despite knowing the risks
- Individual members and officers β For direct participation in hazing activities
- Fraternity housing corporations β For allowing hazing to occur on their property
Richland County families should know: If your child was hazed, we will pursue every liable party β not just the students involved, but the institutions that enabled it.
π° Multi-Million Dollar Precedents β What Richland County Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases result in substantial financial compensation when victims take legal action. Recent precedents show that juries and courts will hold fraternities and universities accountable:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results prove that hazing victims can win big. The same legal strategies that secured these verdicts apply to Richland County cases.
π What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Richland County
If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply. Follow these steps immediately:
1οΈβ£ Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are crucial evidence in a legal case
2οΈβ£ Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
- Document witness names and contact information
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
3οΈβ£ Do NOT Confront the Fraternity Alone
- Do not talk to fraternity leaders, university administrators, or insurance representatives without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the fraternity or university
- Do not post about the incident on social media
4οΈβ£ Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
- We will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights
- We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win
π‘οΈ Why Richland County Families Choose Attorney 911
β Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe PeΓ±a used to work for insurance companies β defending against injury claims. We know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight for victims.
β Nationwide Representation β We Come to Richland County
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Richland County. We have:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Richland County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
β Proven Hazing Litigation Experience
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma, and Texas A&M hazing incidents
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation β handled complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporations
β Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
We donβt just see cases β we see people. We understand the trauma hazing causes, and we fight passionately for justice. Our clients say:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” β Dame Haskett
“They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” β Ambur Hamilton
π― The Attorney 911 Difference β How We Win for Richland County Victims
1οΈβ£ We Sue Everyone Responsible
- Not just the students β we go after the national organizations, universities, and housing corporations
- Not just the chapter β we hold individual officers and members personally liable
2οΈβ£ We Build Airtight Cases
- Medical experts to document injuries
- Hazing culture experts to explain institutional failures
- Accident reconstructionists to prove negligence
- Economic experts to calculate damages
3οΈβ£ We Donβt Back Down
- We do not accept lowball settlement offers
- We will take your case to trial if necessary
- We fight for maximum compensation
4οΈβ£ We Protect Our Clients
- Confidentiality β your case is private
- No retribution β we shield you from intimidation
- No upfront costs β you pay nothing unless we win
π Richland County Families β Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a college near Richland County, you have legal rights. The fraternity, the university, and the individuals involved must be held accountable.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We will:
β Evaluate your case
β Explain your legal options
β Fight for the compensation your family deserves
π‘ Remember: You pay nothing unless we win.
π Time is critical β contact us today.
π Additional Resources for Richland County Families
π Hazing Education
- The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Laws in Illinois
- What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed at College
- How to Document Hazing Evidence
π Support Hotlines
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
π Upcoming Webinars
- “Hazing 101: What Every Richland County Parent Needs to Know” β Register Here
- “Legal Rights for Hazing Victims” β Register Here
π« To Fraternities Near Richland County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pi Kappa Alpha. Beta Theta Pi. Phi Delta Theta. Sigma Chi. Phi Gamma Delta. Kappa Sigma.
If your chapter operates near Richland County, know this:
- We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case
- We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance policies
- We document every hazing incident at your chapters nationwide
- If you haze students near Richland County, we will find you
- If you harm a student, we will sue you for everything you have
The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? Theyβre now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
ποΈ To Universities Near Richland County: The Time for Accountability Is Now
University administrators near Richland County:
- You own the fraternity houses on your campuses
- You approve Greek organizations
- You have the power to stop hazing
- You choose reputation over safety when you ignore the problem
The University of Houstonβs response to our lawsuit?
“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.”
If thatβs true, why did it happen? And why will it happen again if you donβt act?
To the presidents, regents, and Greek life directors near Richland County:
- We know you receive hazing reports
- We know you fail to act
- We are coming for you next
π‘ Final Message to Richland County Families
Hazing is not tradition. Hazing is not brotherhood. Hazing is abuse.
If your child has been hazed, you are not powerless. The law is on your side. We are on your side.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We will fight for your family, just like weβre fighting for Leonel Bermudez.
Enough is enough. Itβs time for justice.