Hazing Lawyers in Bourbon County, Kansas: Protecting Students & Holding Institutions Accountable
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
If your child has been the victim of hazing in Bourbon County, Kansas, you’re not alone. The same fraternities, sororities, and student organizations that have made headlines for dangerous hazing incidents nationwide—including the recent $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—operate right here in Kansas. And just like in Texas, Bourbon County families deserve justice when these institutions fail to protect their students.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating one of the most high-profile hazing cases in the country—a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and forced consumption. This isn’t just a Texas problem—it’s happening in Bourbon County, Kansas, too.
We serve Bourbon County hazing victims nationwide, including students at:
- Fort Scott Community College (Fort Scott, KS)
- Nearby universities with Greek life chapters (e.g., Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, Missouri Southern State University)
- High school athletic teams, bands, and student organizations where hazing occurs
If your child was hazed in Bourbon County, we can help—no matter where it happened.
Why Bourbon County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—the same fraternity that operates chapters near Bourbon County. Our client was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue running
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This isn’t just a case—it’s a movement. And we’re bringing that same fight to Bourbon County families.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. We know their playbook because we used to be on their side—both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers, so we know exactly how they’ll try to deny or downplay your case.
We don’t just sue fraternities—we dismantle their defenses.
3. We Serve Bourbon County Families Nationwide
While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including Bourbon County, Kansas. We offer:
✅ Free remote consultations (phone, video)
✅ Travel to Bourbon County for depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. No Upfront Costs — We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- $0 upfront to hire us
- No hourly fees—we only get paid if we win your case
- No risk—if we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing
Bourbon County families shouldn’t have to choose between justice and financial ruin.
5. We’ve Won Millions for Injury Victims
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases, including:
- $10 million+ in hazing-related litigation (current case)
- Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- Successful outcomes against universities, fraternities, and corporations
We don’t just talk about justice—we deliver it.
What Counts as Hazing in Bourbon County, Kansas?
Hazing isn’t just “harmless tradition”—it’s abuse, assault, and sometimes even torture. Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-5414), hazing is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and civil lawsuits.
Common Hazing Activities That Are Illegal in Kansas
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Potential Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, excessive exercise, forced calisthenics | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, internal injuries, death |
| Forced Consumption | Binge drinking, forced eating (until vomiting), consuming non-food items | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage, death |
| Psychological Abuse | Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, emotional distress |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, hose spraying, being held underwater | Near-drowning, asphyxiation, psychological trauma |
| Exposure to Elements | Forced to stay outside in extreme cold/heat, stripping in public | Hypothermia, heatstroke, frostbite |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, running errands for members, late-night driving | Exhaustion, car accidents, missed classes |
If your child experienced any of these in Bourbon County, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Bourbon County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, including:
- The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma)
- The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National, Kappa Sigma National)
- The University or College (e.g., Fort Scott Community College, Pittsburg State University)
- Premises liability (if hazing occurred on campus property)
- Negligent supervision (if they failed to monitor Greek life)
- Individual Members (chapter president, pledgemaster, active members)
- Alumni & Former Members (if hazing occurred at their homes)
- Insurance Companies (fraternity, university, or homeowner’s insurance policies)
We sue everyone responsible—because no one should get away with abusing your child.
What Compensation Can Bourbon County Hazing Victims Recover?
Hazing can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm. We fight for full compensation, including:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical bills (hospitalization, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (if the victim missed work due to injuries)
- Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships if hazing disrupted school)
- Future medical costs (if injuries require long-term care)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation)
- Humiliation & shame (from degrading hazing rituals)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
- Permanent disfigurement (scars, lasting injuries)
Punitive Damages (Punishing the Defendants)
If the hazing was especially egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking until hospitalization, cover-ups), we may seek punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million—because that’s what it takes to make institutions change.
What Should Bourbon County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/Videos – Document injuries, hazing locations, and any items used (paddles, hoses, etc.).
✅ Texts/Group Chats – Save all messages about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp).
✅ Witness Statements – Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.
✅ Medical Records – Request copies of all hospital/doctor visits.
✅ Fraternity/Sorority Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child.
Do NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts (even if they’re embarrassing).
❌ Confront the fraternity/sorority (they may destroy evidence).
❌ Sign anything from the organization or university.
❌ Post about the incident on social media (defendants will use it against you).
Step 3: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Kansas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- Evidence disappears fast—witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations cover up.
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Bourbon County Hazing Cases We Handle
We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:
✅ Fraternities & Sororities (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi)
✅ Athletic Teams (football, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading)
✅ Marching Bands & ROTC Programs
✅ Academic & Honor Societies
✅ High School Clubs & Organizations
If your child was hazed in Bourbon County, we can help—no matter where it happened.
Hazing Laws in Kansas: What Bourbon County Families Need to Know
Kansas Criminal Hazing Law (K.S.A. 21-5414)
- Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine).
- If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine).
- If hazing causes death, it can be charged as involuntary manslaughter (up to 1 year in jail).
Kansas Civil Liability for Hazing
Victims can sue for:
- Negligence (failure to protect students)
- Assault & Battery (physical abuse)
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (psychological harm)
- Premises Liability (if hazing occurred on university property)
Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, they can still sue.
Recent Hazing Cases That Prove Bourbon County Families Can Win
| 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 cases prove that hazing victims can—and do—win big. Bourbon County families deserve the same justice.
What Makes Our Firm Different for Bourbon County Hazing Cases?
1. We’re Former Insurance Defense Lawyers—We Know Their Playbook
- Both of our attorneys (Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña) worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims.
- We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to deny claims.
- We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
2. We Have Federal Court Authority
- We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas).
- This allows us to pursue Bourbon County hazing cases in federal court if needed.
3. We’re Bilingual (English & Spanish)
- Many hazing victims in Bourbon County come from Spanish-speaking families.
- We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Consultations
- Case updates
- Courtroom interpretation
4. We Travel to Bourbon County for Your Case
- We come to Fort Scott, KS, and surrounding areas for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trial
5. We Have a Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City Explosion (mass tort litigation)
- Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
- Successful outcomes in federal and state courts
We don’t back down from powerful defendants—and we won’t back down for Bourbon County families.
Bourbon County Hazing FAQs
1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the fraternity, sorority, or university was involved, they can be held liable.
2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?
Consent is NOT a defense in Kansas. Even if your child agreed to participate, they can still sue if they were injured.
3. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Kansas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Act now—evidence disappears fast.
4. Can we sue if the fraternity was already suspended?
Yes. Even if the chapter was closed, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be held liable.
5. What if the fraternity says it was “just a tradition”?
“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. If the activities were dangerous, illegal, or caused harm, they’re liable.
6. Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured?
Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is also grounds for a lawsuit.
7. What if the university says they didn’t know?
Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life. If they failed to prevent hazing, they can be held liable.
8. How much is our case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases often settle for millions, especially when:
- The victim was hospitalized
- The hazing was especially egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking)
- The university or national organization knew about prior incidents
Bourbon County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes even torture. And after years of universities and fraternities failing to protect students, it’s time for Bourbon County families to demand justice.
We’re ready to fight for you.
Call Attorney 911 Now for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you win. Bourbon County families deserve justice—let’s get it for you.