Hazing Lawyers for Clark County, Kansas | Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims and Families in Clark County
If your child has been hazed in Clark County, Kansas — or at any university near Clark County — you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for Clark County families with the same fury.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and physical abuse during fraternity pledging.
This isn’t happening just in Houston. It’s happening at universities near Clark County. The same fraternities operate in Clark County. The same negligence exists at Clark County institutions. And we will fight for Clark County families just like we’re fighting in Texas.
Clark County Families: You Have Rights. You Have Power. You Have Us.
📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
The Hazing Crisis in Clark County — What Clark County Families Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
The fraternities and sororities that operate at universities near Clark County are the same organizations involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma — these same letters appear on fraternity houses near Clark County, and they carry the same dangerous culture.
What happened in Houston can happen in Clark County.
Our client was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was hospitalized with kidney failure. This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is a crime.
The Universities Near Clark County Are Responsible
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous activities. They chose not to. Universities near Clark County have the same responsibility to protect students — and the same liability when they fail.
In 2017, a student at University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing. Eight years later, another student was hospitalized with kidney failure at a different fraternity on the same campus. The university knew. They did nothing. This pattern of institutional failure exists at universities across America, including those near Clark County.
The National Organizations Know — And They Do Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters knew about a “hazing crisis” in their chapters. They admitted it in their own statements. Yet they failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. The same nationals operate near Clark County, and they are failing Clark County students too.
In 2017, Andrew Coffey died from hazing at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in Florida. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized from hazing at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in Texas. The national organization had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing. If your child is being hazed by a national fraternity near Clark County, we will hold the national organization accountable.
What Counts as Hazing in Clark County?
Hazing is not limited to Greek life. It happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations near Clark County.
Under Kansas law, hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
- Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership
- Involves physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or humiliation
Examples of hazing we’ve seen in our cases and nationwide:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members |
If your child has experienced any of these near Clark County, they have been hazed. And they have legal rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Clark County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our current $10 million lawsuit, we are pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing crisis |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies covering the above |
Clark County families: This is not about suing broke college students. This is about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable for failing to protect your children.
What Can Clark County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families can pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages
- Lost academic opportunities
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement (scars, burns, etc.)
Punitive Damages:
When hazing involves egregious conduct like waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, or physical assault, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can recover millions of dollars for victims and families.
Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions
These are not isolated incidents. These are patterns. And these patterns prove that hazing cases win — and win big.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death; Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death; Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death; Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death; Settlement | Confidential |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis; Lawsuit Pending | $10 million demanded |
Clark County families: These results are possible for your case too.
The Legal Process for Clark County Hazing Victims
Step 1: Free Consultation
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will listen to your story and explain your legal rights.
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
We will guide you on preserving critical evidence:
- Medical records
- Photos and videos
- Text messages and social media
- Witness contact information
Do not delete anything. Do not talk to the organization without legal counsel.
Step 3: Investigation
We will conduct a thorough investigation, including:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining records from the university and fraternity
- Consulting medical and hazing experts
Step 4: Demand and Negotiation
We will send a demand letter to the defendants seeking fair compensation. Many cases settle at this stage.
Step 5: Litigation (if necessary)
If the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Step 6: Resolution
We will fight for the maximum compensation through settlement or trial.
Clark County families: We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Clark County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight, and we’re bringing that same aggression to Clark County families.
We Know How to Win
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have 37+ years of combined litigation experience. We know how to build strong hazing cases and maximize compensation for victims.
We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph and Lupe have worked for insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue federal claims for Clark County victims, including civil rights violations.
We Travel to Clark County
We will come to Clark County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
We Speak Spanish
Many hazing victims and families near Clark County speak Spanish. Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.
We Work on Contingency
Clark County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. You have nothing to lose by calling us.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Clark County
Immediate Steps for Clark County Families:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately.
-
Preserve Evidence
- Save all text messages, emails, and social media communications.
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
- Write down everything you remember about the hazing.
-
Do Not Talk to the Organization
- Do not give statements to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel.
- Do not sign any documents from the organization.
-
Do Not Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you.
- Do not discuss the incident online.
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
- Statutes of limitations apply — do not wait.
Common Myths About Hazing — Clark County Families Deserve the Truth
Myth 1: “It’s just tradition — everyone goes through it.”
Truth: Hazing is not tradition. It is abuse. It is assault. It is illegal. Consent is not a defense under the law.
Myth 2: “Only fraternities haze.”
Truth: Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other organizations near Clark County.
Myth 3: “If my child agreed to participate, they can’t sue.”
Truth: Kansas law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they can still pursue legal action.
Myth 4: “The university isn’t responsible — it’s the fraternity’s fault.”
Truth: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
Myth 5: “It’s not worth it to sue — the fraternity doesn’t have money.”
Truth: National fraternities and universities have deep pockets and insurance policies. These institutions can and do pay millions in settlements.
Clark County Hazing Resources
National Hazing Hotlines:
- Hazing Prevention Network Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Gordie Center Hazing Hotline: 1-800-221-0336
Kansas-Specific Resources:
- Kansas Board of Regents: https://www.kansasregents.org
- Kansas Department of Education: https://www.ksde.org
Reporting Hazing in Kansas:
- Kansas Anti-Hazing Law: K.S.A. 21-5411
- Report to your university’s student affairs office
- Report to local law enforcement
Frequently Asked Questions for Clark County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Clark County. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Clark County and surrounding areas. We offer video consultations and will travel to Clark County for your case.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity and pursue all legal remedies against anyone who retaliates. Your safety is our priority.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. Clark County families pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for hazing cases in Kansas?
A: In Kansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait — contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered psychological trauma, emotional distress, or other injuries that warrant compensation. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Q: What if the fraternity says it was “just a prank”?
A: Hazing is not a prank. It is a crime under Kansas law. If your child was subjected to physical abuse, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or humiliation, it qualifies as hazing. We will hold them accountable.
Q: Can we sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing, they can be held liable.
Clark County Universities and Greek Life — What Families Need to Know
Universities Near Clark County with Greek Life:
While Clark County itself is a rural area, it is surrounded by universities where Greek life is active. These institutions include:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge City Community College | Dodge City, KS (~30 miles from Clark County) | Limited Greek life |
| Garden City Community College | Garden City, KS (~50 miles from Clark County) | Limited Greek life |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS (~100 miles from Clark County) | Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities |
| Newman University | Wichita, KS (~150 miles from Clark County) | Active Greek life |
| Wichita State University | Wichita, KS (~150 miles from Clark County) | Large Greek life system |
| University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS (~250 miles from Clark County) | Major Greek life presence |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS (~250 miles from Clark County) | Major Greek life presence |
Clark County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas.
Fraternities with Chapters Near Clark County:
The following fraternities have chapters at universities near Clark County. These are the same organizations involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Clark County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) | Fort Hays State University, University of Kansas |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths | University of Kansas, Kansas State University |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing incidents | University of Kansas, Kansas State University |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) | University of Kansas, Kansas State University |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing incidents | University of Kansas, Kansas State University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | University of Kansas, Kansas State University |
If your child is pledging any of these fraternities near Clark County, they are at risk.
The Attorney 911 Difference — Why We’re the Right Choice for Clark County Families
We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the defendants. We know their tactics. We know how to win.
We Have Insider Knowledge
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies think. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.
We Have a Proven Track Record
We have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including cases against major institutions. Our experience includes:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort against corporate defendant
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Federal court litigation — including civil rights claims
We Are Aggressive Advocates
We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We take cases to trial when necessary. We fight for maximum compensation. We are not afraid of fraternities, universities, or their lawyers.
We Care About Clark County Families
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the trauma hazing causes. We will treat your family with compassion, respect, and dedication.
Contact Attorney 911 — Justice for Clark County Hazing Victims
Free, Confidential Consultation for Clark County Families
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Available 24/7 for Clark County hazing emergencies.
We Serve Clark County and Surrounding Areas:
- Clark County, KS
- Dodge City, KS
- Garden City, KS
- Hays, KS
- Wichita, KS
- And all of Kansas
We also serve hazing victims nationwide — no matter where the incident occurred.
Take Action Today — Protect Your Child and Future Students
Clark County families: The time to act is now.
Every day you wait:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- The statute of limitations runs
- Another student could be hazed
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your consultation is free. Your case evaluation is confidential. You have nothing to lose — and everything to gain.
Together, we can stop hazing in Clark County.
Together, we can hold the institutions accountable.
Together, we can protect the next student.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com/hazing
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Clark County, Kansas and Nationwide
Hazing Victims Deserve Justice. We Fight for It.