Hazing Victims in Cheyenne County, Kansas: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help
🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Cheyenne County — And It’s Time to Stop It
Cheyenne County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the scenes, a dangerous culture of hazing continues—even in small communities like ours. This isn’t just happening at big universities. It’s happening at institutions near Cheyenne County, and it could be happening to your child.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that proves hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s abuse, torture, and life-threatening negligence. And just like in Houston, fraternities and universities near Cheyenne County are failing to protect students.
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization near Cheyenne County, you have legal rights. We can help.
📍 What’s Happening in Cheyenne County & Nearby Institutions?
Cheyenne County is home to hardworking families who value education and community. But just beyond our borders, students face the same risks we’re fighting in Texas:
🏫 Universities & Colleges Near Cheyenne County Where Hazing Occurs
While Cheyenne County itself is rural, students from our area often attend universities in nearby regions where Greek life is active. Some institutions with documented hazing risks include:
- Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS) – A major public university with active Greek life, including fraternities and sororities.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE) – One of the largest Greek systems in the region, with a history of hazing incidents.
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) – Another major institution with a strong Greek presence.
- Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO) – A growing Greek system with documented hazing risks.
- University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) – One of the largest Greek systems in the region, with a history of hazing incidents.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits—like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma—operate chapters at these schools. If your child attends or plans to attend one of these universities, they could be at risk.
💀 The Hazing Crisis Isn’t Just a Big-City Problem
Hazing isn’t limited to large universities. Small-town chapters often fly under the radar, making them even more dangerous because they lack oversight. Some of the most severe hazing cases have occurred at smaller schools—and Cheyenne County families need to be aware.
Recent Hazing Incidents Near Cheyenne County:
- 2023: A student at Kansas State University was hospitalized after a fraternity hazing incident involving forced alcohol consumption.
- 2021: A University of Kansas fraternity was suspended for hazing that included physical abuse and sleep deprivation.
- 2020: A Fort Hays State University fraternity was shut down after multiple hazing violations, including forced calisthenics and humiliation rituals.
These incidents prove that hazing isn’t just happening at “elite” schools—it’s happening at institutions near Cheyenne County, and it’s putting our kids in danger.
🔥 What Constitutes Hazing in Kansas?
Hazing isn’t just “initiation rituals.” Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-5419), hazing is defined as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.”
🚫 Common Hazing Practices Near Cheyenne County
Hazing can take many forms, including:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Dangers |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), concussions |
| Forced Consumption | Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ failure |
| Psychological Abuse | Sleep deprivation, humiliation, verbal abuse, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, long-term psychological harm |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning with water or other liquids | Suffocation, panic attacks, PTSD |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, running errands, driving members at all hours | Exhaustion, academic decline, accidents |
💥 In our current case, a student was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles—all of which led to kidney failure and a 4-day hospital stay.
If your child has experienced anything like this near Cheyenne County, they may have a legal case.
⚖️ Kansas Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Kansas has strict anti-hazing laws, and victims have legal rights:
📜 Kansas Anti-Hazing Law (K.S.A. 21-5419)
- 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 felony (up to 3.5 years in prison).
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
🏛️ Civil Liability for Hazing in Kansas
Victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected their ability to work)
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless conduct)
💰 In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a hazing victim—proving that these cases can result in substantial compensation.
🏥 The Medical Dangers of Hazing—What Cheyenne County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun.” It can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
🩺 Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)
- Caused by: Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls, forced calisthenics).
- Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move, kidney failure.
- Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis.
- Long-term risks: Chronic kidney disease, permanent disability.
🚨 In our current case, the victim suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do excessive exercise.
🍺 Alcohol Poisoning
- Caused by: Forced binge drinking (common in fraternity hazing).
- Symptoms: Vomiting, unconsciousness, seizures, death.
- Treatment: Emergency medical intervention, stomach pumping.
- Long-term risks: Brain damage, organ failure, death.
🧠 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Caused by: Falls, beatings, or being struck with objects.
- Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, permanent cognitive impairment.
- Treatment: Surgery, long-term rehabilitation.
💔 Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)
- Caused by: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats, sexual abuse.
- Symptoms: Nightmares, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts.
- Treatment: Therapy, medication, long-term mental health care.
💡 If your child has been hospitalized or suffered long-term effects from hazing near Cheyenne County, they may be entitled to compensation.
💼 Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Cheyenne County?
Hazing cases involve multiple responsible parties, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and participated in hazing. | Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston. |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapters, ignored prior incidents. | Pi Kappa Phi National knew about Andrew Coffey’s death (2017) and did nothing. |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing the risks. | UH owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing. | Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members. |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred. | UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house. |
| Alumni/Advisors | Allowed hazing to continue, failed to intervene. | Former members who hosted hazing events. |
💡 In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National, the local chapter, the university, and individual members—proving that multiple parties can be held accountable.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Cheyenne County
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what to do:
🚨 Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Medical records are crucial evidence.
📸 Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails).
- Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders).
- Keep medical records and bills.
🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leaders, university officials, or their lawyers.
- Do not post about the incident on social media.
- Do not sign anything from the organization.
📞 Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
- We’ll guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
💰 How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth?
Hazing lawsuits can result in substantial compensation, including:
| Type of Damages | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000–$3,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work, reduced earning capacity | $10,000–$200,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the organization for reckless conduct | $100,000–$2,000,000+ per defendant |
💥 Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
💡 Our current case seeks $10 million—proving that hazing victims near Cheyenne County can recover significant compensation.
🏆 Why Cheyenne County Families Choose Attorney 911
🔹 We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- We know how to build these cases and hold institutions accountable.
🔹 Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies and universities try to minimize claims.
- We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
🔹 Nationwide Representation for Cheyenne County Families
- While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including near Cheyenne County.
- We offer video consultations and travel to meet with clients.
🔹 Contingency Fee Representation
- You pay nothing upfront.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
🔹 Proven Track Record
- $10+ million in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims.
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience).
- Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas).
🔹 We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)
- Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families.
- We provide bilingual legal support to ensure you understand your rights.
📞 Cheyenne County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization near Cheyenne County, you have legal rights. Don’t let the fraternity, sorority, or university silence you.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
📅 Time is critical. Call now before evidence disappears.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Under Kansas law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
❓ What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. Many hazing incidents occur at private residences, and the organization can still be held responsible.
❓ How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Kansas, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s best to act quickly—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.
❓ Can I sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, and they can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing—even if they didn’t know about a specific incident.
❓ What if my child was hazed at a school outside Kansas?
We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and beyond.
❓ How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
🚨 Final Warning: Hazing Kills
Hazing isn’t just “tradition.” It’s dangerous, illegal, and sometimes deadly.
- Andrew Coffey (2017) – Died at Pi Kappa Phi (FSU) from forced alcohol consumption.
- Maxwell Gruver (2017) – Died at Phi Delta Theta (LSU) from alcohol poisoning.
- Timothy Piazza (2017) – Died at Beta Theta Pi (Penn State) after being forced to drink and falling down stairs.
- Stone Foltz (2021) – Died at Pi Kappa Alpha (BGSU) from alcohol poisoning.
These weren’t accidents. They were preventable tragedies.
If your child has been hazed near Cheyenne County, don’t wait. Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
We will fight for justice. We will hold them accountable. And we will make sure this never happens to another Cheyenne County family.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Cheyenne County, Kansas, and nationwide.