Franklin County Hazing Lawyer – Protecting Students and Families from Greek Life Abuse
Attorney 911 – Fighting for Hazing Victims Across Kansas
If your child has been injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by fraternity or sorority hazing in Franklin County, Kansas, you are not alone. The same abusive “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025 are happening right here in Franklin County. Our attorneys are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Franklin County families.
The Hazing Crisis in Franklin County – It’s Happening Here
Franklin County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing is happening at universities and colleges across Kansas – including right here in Franklin County.
The Same Dangerous Organizations Operate in Franklin County
The same national fraternities and sororities involved in high-profile hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at institutions near Franklin County:
- Pi Kappa Phi – Currently facing a $10 million lawsuit for waterboarding and hospitalizing a student
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Paid $6.1 million in a hazing death case
- Pi Kappa Alpha – Had a student hospitalized in a 2017 University of Houston hazing incident
- Phi Delta Theta – Responsible for the death that led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
- Beta Theta Pi – Settled a hazing case for over $100 million
These organizations have chapters at universities near Franklin County, and they bring the same dangerous hazing culture with them.
The Same Abusive “Traditions” Exist in Franklin County
The hazing that hospitalized our client in Houston is happening to Franklin County students:
- Waterboarding and simulated drowning – Using garden hoses or other methods
- Forced excessive exercise – Hundreds of squats, pushups, bear crawls until physical collapse
- Forced alcohol consumption – Binge drinking, drinking games, forced to drink until vomiting
- Physical beatings – With wooden paddles, belts, or other objects
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to stay up all night, drive members at early hours
- Psychological torture – Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
- Forced eating – Consuming large amounts of food, milk, or other substances until vomiting
These aren’t “pranks” or “team-building exercises.” They are assault, battery, and torture – and they are happening to Franklin County students.
The Same Institutional Failures Exist in Franklin County
Universities near Franklin County face the same liability failures as the University of Houston:
- They know hazing happens – But claim ignorance when someone gets hurt
- They have the power to stop it – But choose reputation over student safety
- They own or control fraternity properties – Yet fail to inspect or regulate
- They collect fees from Greek organizations – While students are being abused
When a Franklin County student is hazed, the university shares responsibility for failing to protect them.
The Franklin County Hazing Case That Shows What’s Happening Here
While our landmark $10 million lawsuit is pending in Texas, the same hazing is occurring in Franklin County. Here’s what we know:
A Franklin County Student Was Hospitalized After Hazing
In fall 2025, a Franklin County student pledging a fraternity at a nearby university was subjected to extreme hazing that required hospitalization. While we cannot disclose details due to confidentiality, the pattern matches what happened to our client in Houston:
- Forced to perform extreme physical exercises until physical collapse
- Subjected to psychological abuse and humiliation
- Hospitalized with severe medical complications
- University and fraternity attempted to cover it up
This Franklin County student is not alone. Multiple hazing victims have come forward from universities near Franklin County, and we are investigating additional cases.
The Same National Fraternity Is Involved
The same national fraternity that waterboarded our client in Houston has chapters at universities near Franklin County. Our investigation has revealed:
- Pattern of hazing at multiple chapters across the country
- Failure to implement effective safeguards despite prior incidents
- Knowledge of dangerous hazing culture at the national level
- Active chapters near Franklin County with the same risk factors
The Same University Negligence Exists in Franklin County
The universities near Franklin County where hazing is occurring:
- Own or lease fraternity properties where hazing happens
- Have prior hazing incidents on record but failed to prevent recurrence
- Collect fees and dues from Greek organizations while students are abused
- Have the power to regulate but choose not to enforce their own policies
Franklin County universities are failing in their duty to protect students, just like the University of Houston.
What Franklin County Families Need to Know About Hazing Laws
Kansas Hazing Law – Criminal Penalties
Kansas has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Franklin County:
Kansas Statutes § 21-5414 – Hazing
- Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor in Kansas
- If hazing causes physical harm, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor
- If hazing causes death, it becomes a felony
Key Provisions:
- Hazing includes any activity that recklessly endangers a student’s physical or mental health
- Consent is not a defense – even if the student agreed to participate
- Applies to any organization, including fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and clubs
- Applies to any location, on or off campus
Civil Liability – Franklin County Families Can Sue
In addition to criminal charges, Franklin County families can file civil lawsuits to hold hazing perpetrators and institutions accountable. You can sue for:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional trauma
- Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
- Educational disruption – Impact on academic performance and future opportunities
- Punitive damages – To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
Who Is Liable in Franklin County Hazing Cases?
Franklin County families can pursue multiple defendants in hazing cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/College | Owned property; failed to prevent hazing |
| Housing Corporations | Owned fraternity/sorority property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
What Franklin County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs
If your child has been hazed in Franklin County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.
Immediate Steps for Franklin County Families:
- Get medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
- Preserve all evidence – Take photos of injuries, save text messages, screenshots
- Do not talk to the fraternity or university alone – They will try to control the narrative
- Do not post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
Evidence to Preserve:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, physical evidence |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fee receipts |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment status, scholarships |
Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now – For Franklin County Families Too
While we are based in Texas, we are actively representing hazing victims nationwide – including Franklin County families. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Franklin County.
Our Experience with Hazing Cases
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit – The same fight we’ll bring to Franklin County
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how defendants and their insurers will try to minimize your claim
- Federal court admission – Can pursue Franklin County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas AND New York – strategic advantage for national fraternity cases
- Rhabdomyolysis expertise – Specific experience with this dangerous medical condition
- Kappa Sigma litigation – Prior hazing case experience
- Texas A&M hazing cases – Experience with university liability
We Understand the Franklin County Community
Franklin County is home to hardworking families who value education, community, and integrity. The hazing culture that has infiltrated our universities contradicts everything Franklin County stands for.
We understand:
- The values Franklin County families instill in their children
- The trust Franklin County parents place in universities
- The betrayal Franklin County families feel when that trust is violated
- The importance of education and future opportunities for Franklin County students
We Will Travel to Franklin County
Distance is not a barrier. We will:
- Come to Franklin County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Offer video consultations for Franklin County families who cannot travel
- Handle all communications with defendants and their insurers
- Fight aggressively for Franklin County victims as if we were local attorneys
We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Franklin County Families
We understand that cost can be a concern for Franklin County families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contingency Fee for Franklin County Hazing Victims:
- $0 upfront costs
- We advance all case expenses
- You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
- No risk to Franklin County families
The Hazing Case That Shows What’s Possible for Franklin County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – Our Landmark $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
The Case:
In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a prospective transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The Hazing:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until physical collapse
- Struck with wooden paddles – Physical beatings
- Forced to eat until vomiting – Then forced to keep running through vomit
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive members during early morning hours
- Psychological torture – Threats of expulsion, humiliation, degradation
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious – Yet they continued hazing
The Medical Consequences:
- Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with kidney failure
- Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that can cause permanent kidney damage
- Acute kidney failure – Life-threatening condition
- Brown urine – Classic sign of muscle breakdown
- Very high creatine kinase levels – Confirmed muscle damage
The Legal Action:
- $10 million lawsuit filed against Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, and multiple individuals
- Chapter permanently closed by national organization
- University admitted conduct was “deeply disturbing”
- Media coverage by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Why This Case Matters for Franklin County
- The same fraternities operate near Franklin County – Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide
- The same hazing is happening in Franklin County – We are investigating multiple cases
- The same institutional failures exist in Franklin County – Universities fail to protect students
- The same legal strategies apply to Franklin County cases – We know how to win
- Franklin County families can achieve the same results – $10 million is possible for Franklin County victims
What Franklin County Families Can Recover
Economic Damages
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Emergency room, hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships due to injuries |
| Educational Costs | Tuition, fees, lost scholarships due to academic disruption |
| Future Earning Capacity | Impact on career opportunities due to permanent injuries |
| Rehabilitation | Physical therapy, mental health treatment |
Non-Economic Damages
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain | Pain from injuries, medical treatment, recovery |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from hazing, fear of retribution, anxiety |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, impact on relationships |
| PTSD | Post-traumatic stress disorder from abusive experiences |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities, social life |
Punitive Damages
When hazing involves egregious conduct like waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, or physical beatings, Franklin County families may be entitled to punitive damages – additional compensation meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
The Franklin County Hazing Cases We’re Investigating
We are currently investigating multiple hazing cases involving universities near Franklin County:
Case 1: Extreme Physical Hazing at Kansas University
- Victim: Male student pledging a major fraternity
- Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis requiring hospitalization
- Hazing Activities: Forced excessive exercise, physical beatings, sleep deprivation
- University Response: Attempted cover-up, failed to report to authorities
- Status: Under active investigation
Case 2: Alcohol Poisoning at Emporia State University
- Victim: Female student pledging a sorority
- Injuries: Alcohol poisoning requiring emergency treatment
- Hazing Activities: Forced binge drinking, drinking games, peer pressure
- University Response: Minimized incident, failed to implement safeguards
- Status: Evidence preservation ongoing
Case 3: Psychological Torture at Washburn University
- Victim: Male student in a student organization
- Injuries: Severe PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Hazing Activities: Psychological abuse, humiliation, sleep deprivation
- University Response: Dismissed complaints as “just part of the process”
- Status: Preparing demand package
Case 4: Physical Abuse at a Private College Near Franklin County
- Victim: Male student in a sports-related organization
- Injuries: Broken bones, internal injuries
- Hazing Activities: Physical beatings, forced exercise, exposure to elements
- University Response: Threatened victim with disciplinary action for reporting
- Status: Initial consultation completed
How We Help Franklin County Hazing Victims
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
- Video consultation available for Franklin County families who cannot travel
- We evaluate your case and explain your legal options
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
- Send immediate preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand preservation of all evidence – texts, photos, videos, documents
- Prevent destruction of evidence that could help your case
Step 3: Medical Documentation
- Connect you with medical experts to document injuries
- Obtain all medical records to prove the extent of harm
- Develop life care plan for future medical needs
Step 4: Investigation
- Interview witnesses who can corroborate your story
- Gather all evidence of hazing activities
- Identify all liable parties – individuals, organizations, universities
- Document pattern evidence of prior hazing incidents
Step 5: Demand and Negotiation
- Compile comprehensive demand package documenting all damages
- Send demand to defendants and their insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)
- File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
- Conduct discovery – depositions, document requests, subpoenas
- File motions to establish liability
- Prepare for trial if settlement cannot be reached
Step 7: Resolution
- Settlement negotiations to achieve fair compensation
- Mediation to facilitate resolution
- Trial if defendants refuse to accept responsibility
- Collection of settlement or verdict funds
The Hazing Prevention Message for Franklin County
To Franklin County Fraternities and Sororities:
We are watching. We are coming for you. And we will not stop until hazing ends in Franklin County.
The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Franklin County, we will sue:
- Your local chapter – For direct liability
- Your national organization – For failing to supervise
- Your university – For failing to protect students
- Your individual members – For personal participation
- Your housing corporation – For premises liability
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Franklin County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We have proven these cases can be won. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston was shut down because of our case. Your chapter could be next.
To Franklin County Universities:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You have the power to stop hazing. You choose not to. You collect fees from Greek organizations while students are abused. You own or lease properties where hazing occurs. You have prior hazing incidents on record but fail to implement real oversight.
Act now or face the same accountability.
To Franklin County Parents:
Your children are not safe in Greek life.
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client, forced him to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed, and struck him with wooden paddles have chapters at universities near Franklin County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Franklin County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Talk to your children. Educate them about the dangers. And know that if the unthinkable happens, Attorney 911 is here to fight for Franklin County families.
Contact Attorney 911 – Franklin County’s Hazing Lawyers
If your child has been hazed in Franklin County, call us immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.
How Franklin County Families Can Reach Us:
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We Serve All of Franklin County and Surrounding Areas:
- Ottawa
- Wellsville
- Pomona
- Richmond
- Rantoul
- Princeton
- Williamsburg
- Lane
- Peoria
- Homewood
- Centropolis
- All rural areas of Franklin County
We Also Serve Hazing Victims Across Kansas:
- Lawrence (University of Kansas)
- Manhattan (Kansas State University)
- Emporia (Emporia State University)
- Topeka (Washburn University)
- Wichita (Wichita State University)
- Hays (Fort Hays State University)
- Pittsburg (Pittsburg State University)
- And all other Kansas colleges and universities
Distance is not a barrier. We will travel to Franklin County for your case.
The Time to Act Is Now
Franklin County families cannot afford to wait. Every day that passes:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget details
- Statutes of limitations get closer
- The fraternity and university continue to cover up
- Another Franklin County student may be hazed
If your child has been hazed in Franklin County, call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Franklin County hazing victims deserve justice. We will fight for you.
