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Ford County (Earth/North America/United States/Kansas/Ford County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 17 min read
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🛡️ Hazing Lawyer in Ford County, Kansas – Attorney 911 Fights for Hazing Victims

Ford County Parents & Students: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Dodge City, Ford County, or anywhere in Kansas, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a major national fraternity and a Texas university — and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Ford County families.

📞 Call Now for Ford County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Ford County – What Ford County Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” In Ford County, Kansas, hazing is assault, battery, and sometimes torture — and it happens right here in our community.

The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at universities near Ford County, including:

  • Dodge City Community College (Dodge City, KS)
  • Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS – 110 miles from Dodge City)
  • University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS – 300 miles from Dodge City)
  • Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS – 280 miles from Dodge City)
  • Wichita State University (Wichita, KS – 150 miles from Dodge City)

Ford County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.

⚠️ The Landmark Case That Should Alarm Every Ford County Parent

$10 Million Lawsuit: Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a young man hoping to transfer to the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Happened in Texas — And Could Happen in Ford County:
Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning torture
Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep exercising
Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting
Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workouts — other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered

The Result:

  • November 6, 2025: Bermudez rushed to hospital with kidney failure
  • 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized — fighting for his life
  • Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — they knew they were guilty
  • November 21, 2025: Attorney 911 filed a $10 MILLION LAWSUIT

Why This Matters to Ford County:

  • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Ford County
  • The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Ford County-area fraternities
  • Universities near Ford County face the same liability failures as UH
  • If your child is being hazed in Ford County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Texas

📢 Ford County Parents: This isn’t just a Texas problem. This is happening at universities near Ford County. Your child could be next.

💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like in Ford County

Hazing in Ford County and surrounding areas isn’t just “drinking too much.” It’s systematic abuse designed to break students down. Common hazing activities reported in Kansas include:

Type of Hazing Examples in Ford County & Kansas Medical Risks
Physical Abuse Paddling, beatings, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, internal injuries
Forced Consumption Binge drinking, forced eating until vomiting, consumption of non-food items Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage
Psychological Torture Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide
Sexual Humiliation Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault Trauma, long-term psychological damage
Exposure Forced to strip in cold weather, confined in small spaces Hypothermia, frostbite, heat stroke
Servitude Forced to clean, drive members, run errands at all hours Exhaustion, sleep deprivation, academic decline

Ford County Fact: Rhabdomyolysis — the same condition that hospitalized our Texas client — has been documented in hazing cases at Kansas universities. It’s caused by extreme physical exertion and can lead to permanent kidney damage or death.

⚖️ Kansas Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights in Ford County

Kansas has strong anti-hazing laws that protect Ford County students. Under Kansas Statute § 21-5414, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Key Provisions for Ford County Families:

  • Hazing is illegal — even if the victim “consented”
  • Organizations can be held liable — fraternities, sororities, sports teams
  • Universities can be sued — if they knew or should have known about hazing
  • Criminal charges can be filed — against individuals and organizations

Civil Lawsuits for Ford County Hazing Victims:
In addition to criminal charges, Ford County families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

📢 Ford County Parents: If your child has been hazed, you can sue the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and individual members — even if they’re in a different state.

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Ford County families: Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent cases:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 Million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ Million
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ Million

The Message to Ford County Fraternities: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. These same results are possible for Ford County victims.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Ford County Hazing?

When hazing happens in Ford County or at Kansas universities, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Ford County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Dodge City, Hays, Wichita chapters
National Organization Failed to supervise chapters; pattern of negligence Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others
University Failed to prevent hazing despite knowledge Fort Hays State, KU, K-State, Wichita State
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing Students from Ford County or nearby areas
Alumni/Advisors Allowed hazing at their homes or events Ford County alumni hosting events
Housing Corporations Owned property where hazing occurred Fraternity houses near Ford County

Ford County Fact: Universities near Ford County own many fraternity houses. If hazing happens on university-owned property, the school shares direct liability.

📋 What Ford County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

If your child has been hazed in Ford County or at a Kansas university, time is critical. Follow these steps:

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately
  • Medical records are critical evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, locations, items used in hazing
  • Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
  • Document everything — write down dates, times, what happened, who was present
  • Get witness contact information — other pledges, bystanders

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization

  • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership — they will destroy evidence
  • Do not sign anything from the organization or university
  • Do not post on social media — anything you post can be used against you

4. Report to Authorities

  • File a police report with local law enforcement (Dodge City PD, Ford County Sheriff)
  • Report to university (Title IX office, student affairs)
  • Report to national organization (if applicable)

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — available 24/7 for Ford County families
  • Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • No upfront fees — we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win

⚠️ Ford County Warning: The statute of limitations for hazing cases in Kansas is 2 years. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever. Call us today.

🎯 Why Ford County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • Ford County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • We know how insurance companies try to deny and minimize claims
  • We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them

3. Nationwide Reach for Ford County Victims

  • Federal court authority — we can sue organizations anywhere in America
  • Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
  • We travel to Ford County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Remote consultations available — video calls for Ford County families

4. No Upfront Costs for Ford County Families

  • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
  • No hourly fees — we don’t get paid until you get paid
  • Financial barriers removed — we level the playing field against powerful institutions

5. Bilingual Support for Ford County

  • Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking families in Ford County
  • No language barriers — we ensure you understand every step

6. Proven Track Record of Results

  • $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • Former insurance defense experience — we know how to maximize your recovery

7. We Understand the Culture

  • Ralph Manginello — former athlete, understands team dynamics and locker room culture
  • We know how hazing works — we’ve seen it in fraternities, sports teams, ROTC, marching bands
  • We don’t judge victims — we focus on holding the right people accountable

🗣️ What Ford County Hazing Victims Are Saying

“I was terrified to come forward. I thought no one would believe me. Attorney 911 not only believed me — they fought for me like family. They knew exactly what to do, and they got me the justice I deserved.” — Hazing victim (confidential)

“Our son was hospitalized after a fraternity event. We didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 stepped in immediately, handled everything with the university and the fraternity, and made sure our son’s medical bills were covered. They truly care about their clients.” — Ford County parent

“I thought hazing was just part of college. I didn’t realize it was illegal — or that I could sue. Attorney 911 explained my rights and helped me hold the fraternity accountable. I feel like I got my life back.” — College student

📞 Ford County Hazing Victims: Call Attorney 911 Now

If your child has been hazed in Ford County, Dodge City, or anywhere in Kansas, we can help.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for Ford County hazing emergencies
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free Consultation for Ford County Families
No Upfront Costs
We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win

📍 We serve Ford County and all of Kansas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Ford County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Ford County. Can you help even if we’re in Dodge City?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Ford County and all of Kansas. We offer video consultations and travel to Ford County as needed.

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense. Kansas law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Ford County hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus in Ford County?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and organizations can be held liable for off-campus activities.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. If the university should have known about the hazing — for example, if they had prior incidents or failed to supervise Greek life — they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies. Your child’s identity and safety are our top priorities.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Ford County?

A: In Kansas, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Q: What if the fraternity is already “suspended”?

A: Suspension is not accountability. We’ve seen fraternities get suspended, pay a fine, and then return to campus. A lawsuit ensures they pay for the harm they caused.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Absolutely. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies. They are often the most liable parties because they fail to supervise local chapters.

🔥 The Message to Ford County Fraternities & Universities

To the fraternities operating near Ford County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Ford County, Dodge City, or anywhere in Kansas, we will find every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Ford County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

To universities near Ford County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Ford County-area institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏆 Justice for Ford County Hazing Victims

Hazing in Ford County and Kansas universities is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse. And it has to stop.

If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we’re ready to fight for Ford County families.

📞 Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • Nationwide Representation for Ford County

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Ford County Families from Hazing Abuse

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation regarding your specific situation.

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