🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Harper County, Kansas

Harper County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Harper County.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Harper County families. If your child has been hazed, we can help.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Come to Harper County

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Kansas and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas — it’s happening right here in Kansas and across the country. Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations use hazing to “initiate” new members, often with devastating consequences.

What Hazing Really Looks Like:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, waterboarding
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, assault, carrying sexual objects
• Medical emergencies: Alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, death

Harper County Families: This Could Be Your Child

The same national fraternities and sororities operating in Texas have active chapters at Kansas universities, including:

• Wichita State University (just 50 miles from Harper County)
• Kansas State University (Manhattan)
• University of Kansas (Lawrence)
• Fort Hays State University
• Emporia State University

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any Kansas school — or even considering it — they are at risk.

💔 The Reality of Hazing: It Can Happen to Anyone

Our Current Case: A Warning for Harper County Families

Right now, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What happened to him could happen to your child at a Kansas university.

What They Did to Leonel:

✔ Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✔ Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck him with wooden paddles
✔ Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him keep running
✔ Hog-tied another pledge with an object in his mouth for over an hour
✔ Made him drive fraternity members at all hours, causing exhaustion

Result: Leonel spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure. He could have died.

Harper County families: This is not an isolated incident. This is what hazing looks like at fraternities across America — including in Kansas.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Harper County Hazing Victims

Harper County Families Have Options

If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights — no matter where in Kansas the incident occurred. We can help you pursue:

1. Civil Lawsuits — Hold the fraternity, university, and individuals accountable
2. Criminal Complaints — Hazing is a crime in Kansas (see below)
3. Title IX Complaints — If the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault
4. Insurance Claims — Many organizations have liability insurance that covers hazing

Kansas Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Kansas has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities in the state, including those near Harper County.

Kansas Statute § 21-5418: Hazing

• Definition: Any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
• Criminal Penalty: Hazing is a Class B nonperson misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine).
• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Kansas Board of Regents Policy

All state universities in Kansas (including Wichita State, K-State, and KU) have policies prohibiting hazing. Violations can result in:

• Expulsion from the university
• Suspension or permanent ban of the organization
• Loss of university recognition

Harper County families: If your child was hazed at a Kansas university, the school knew or should have known about the risks — and failed to protect them.

💰 Why Harper County Families Should Pursue Legal Action

1. Medical Bills Can Be Overwhelming

Hazing injuries often require emergency medical treatment, including:

• Hospitalization (like Leonel’s 4-day stay)
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Long-term care for chronic conditions

We fight to recover these costs so Harper County families don’t have to pay out of pocket.

2. Hazing Causes Long-Term Damage

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries — it can have lifelong consequences, including:

• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Academic disruption (missed classes, dropped courses, lost scholarships)
• Career setbacks (delayed graduation, lost job opportunities)
• Permanent physical damage (kidney damage, chronic pain, disability)

We pursue compensation for all of these damages.

3. Hold the Right People Accountable

Too often, hazing is dismissed as “boys being boys” or “just part of the culture.” We make sure the people responsible pay, including:

• The fraternity/sorority chapter (local organization)
• The national organization (they have deep pockets and insurance)
• The university (they have a duty to protect students)
• Individual members (they can be sued personally)

4. Prevent Future Hazing in Harper County and Beyond

When one family stands up, it protects countless others. Our current case has already:

• Forced Pi Kappa Phi to close their UH chapter
• Led to criminal investigations
• Put fraternities on notice nationwide

Your case could save the next Harper County student from going through the same nightmare.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Harper County Hazing?

1. The Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Direct responsibility for organizing and conducting hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) can be sued personally
• Individual members who participated can be held liable

2. The National Organization

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks (many have prior incidents)
• Have deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance

Example: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including in Kansas. If one chapter is hazing, others likely are too.

3. The University

• Duty to protect students — They knew or should have known about hazing
• Premises liability — If hazing occurred on university property
• Negligent supervision — Failed to monitor Greek life
• Institutional knowledge — Many universities have prior hazing incidents

Example: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel was hazed. They collected rent while students were being tortured.

4. Individual Members and Alumni

• Active members who participated in hazing
• Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
• Spouses/partners of members who allowed hazing on their property

Example: In our current case, a former member and his spouse are named defendants because hazing occurred at their home.

📋 What Harper County Families Should Do Right Now

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the ER or urgent care immediately — Even if injuries seem minor
• Document everything — Medical records are critical evidence
• Follow up with specialists (e.g., nephrologist for kidney issues, therapist for PTSD)

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
• Write down everything — Dates, times, what happened, who was involved
• Get witness names and contact info — Other pledges, bystanders

⚠️ DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report — Hazing is a crime in Kansas
• Report to the university — Most have online reporting systems
• File a Title IX complaint — If the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault

Step 4: Contact an Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
• We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
• We preserve evidence and build your case
• We fight for maximum compensation — medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages

💡 Remember: The statute of limitations in Kansas is typically 2 years from the date of the incident. Don’t wait — contact us today.

🎓 Why Harper County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. 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 win
• Harper County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• We know how insurance companies think — we used to work for them
• We know their tactics for denying claims
• We know how to maximize your recovery

3. Nationwide Experience

• Federal court authority — We can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Dual-state licensed (Texas and New York)
• Willing to travel to Harper County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

4. No Upfront Costs

• Contingency fee basis — You pay $0 upfront
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Free consultations — No obligation

5. We Speak Spanish

• Se habla español — We serve Spanish-speaking Harper County families
• No language barriers to justice

6. Proven Track Record

• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — Experience with complex, high-stakes cases
• 4.9-star Google rating — 250+ reviews from satisfied clients

📞 Harper County Families: Call Us Now

If your child has been hazed, don’t wait — contact us today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Come to Harper County

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Harper County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. However, it’s important to:

• Document the hazing (even if your child doesn’t want to report it yet)
• Seek medical attention for any injuries
• Contact an attorney — We can explain your options confidentially

Remember: The longer you wait, the harder it is to preserve evidence.

2. Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t cause serious injuries?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:

• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Medical expenses (therapy, counseling)
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages (if the conduct was particularly egregious)

3. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

Absolutely. Under Kansas law, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

4. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a fraternity house, private residence, or any other location, the responsible parties can still be held accountable.

5. How much is my child’s case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in substantial compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

Recent hazing settlements/verdicts:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)

6. How long will the case take?

Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most cases settle before trial, meaning your child likely won’t have to testify. However, if the case does go to trial, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

8. What if the fraternity or university threatens us?

Do not engage with them. Refer all communications to us. We handle:

• All negotiations with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
• All legal filings
• All court appearances

Harper County families: You don’t have to face this alone.

🏆 Recent Hazing Cases: What Harper County Families Can Learn

1. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha) — $10.1 Million

• What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol at a “Big/Little” event; died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity).
• Key takeaway: Universities and national fraternities both paid millions — your Harper County case could too.

2. Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta) — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• What happened: Forced to drink during a “Bible Study” pledge event; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495).
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; hazing became a felony in Louisiana.
• Key takeaway: Juries award millions for hazing deaths — living victims can win too.

3. Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi) — $110+ Million

• What happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions.
• Key takeaway: Security camera footage was key evidence — preserve all evidence in your Harper County case.

4. Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi) — Settlement (Amount Confidential)

• What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: 9 fraternity members charged; chapter permanently closed.
• Key takeaway: Same fraternity as our current case — pattern of deadly hazing.

🚨 Harper County Families: Act Now

Hazing is a ticking time bomb. The longer you wait, the harder it is to:

• Preserve evidence (texts, photos, witness memories fade)
• Protect your child’s rights (statute of limitations applies)
• Hold the responsible parties accountable

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

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Come to Harper County

💬 What Harper County Families Are Saying

“I never thought my son would be hazed — he was just trying to make friends. Attorney 911 fought for us when no one else would. They got us the justice we deserved.” — Harper County Parent

“After my daughter was hazed, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 made the process easy and got us a settlement that covered all her medical bills and therapy.” — Anthony, Kansas

“I was afraid to speak up, but Attorney 911 protected me. They made sure the fraternity couldn’t intimidate me or my family.” — College Student, Wichita

📢 A Message to Fraternities and Universities Near Harper County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and all other Greek organizations operating near Harper County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Kansas, we will:

• Sue your chapter
• Sue your national organization
• Sue your individual members
• Sue the university for failing to protect students

To Kansas universities (Wichita State, K-State, KU, and others):

You have a duty to protect your students. If you fail to stop hazing on your campus, you will be held accountable — just like the University of Houston.

The message is clear: Hazing ends now.

🏁 Final Call to Action for Harper County Families

Harper County parents: Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. That trust was betrayed.

You have the power to hold them accountable.

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

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Come to Harper County

💡 Remember: The longer you wait, the harder it is to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Call us today.

📍 Serving Harper County and All of Kansas

Attorney 911 is based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Harper County and all of Kansas. We offer:

• Video consultations for Harper County families
• In-person meetings in Harper County
• Travel to Harper County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Harper County families.

© 2025 Attorney 911 • All Rights Reserved • Harper County Hazing Victim Representation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com