🚨 Hazing Victims in Lincoln County: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
Lincoln County families — if your child has been hazed, you are not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston could happen here. The same fraternities operate near Lincoln County. The same negligence exists at our institutions. And Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Lincoln County families too.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis Hits Home in Kansas
Lincoln County is known for its strong sense of community, family values, and commitment to education. Parents in Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Barnard, and across the county send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their children from harm. They trust Greek organizations to provide positive experiences.
That trust is being betrayed.
Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas or at big universities. It happens at colleges and universities near Lincoln County. It happens in Kansas. It happens to students from Lincoln County families.
The same national fraternities that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston have chapters at universities near Lincoln County. The same culture of abuse, the same “traditions” that hospitalized our client, the same failure to protect students — it exists right here in our state.
If your child has been hazed in Lincoln County or at a university near Lincoln County, we can help.
⚠️ What Happened to Leonel Bermudez — And What Could Happen Here
Leonel Bermudez was a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. He wasn’t even a student at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the spring semester. But that didn’t stop the fraternity from subjecting him to weeks of systematic abuse and torture that sent him to the hospital with kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Him:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until he collapsed and could not stand
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical beating
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass — humiliation and degradation
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather — exposure and humiliation
- Carried a fanny pack with sexual objects — psychological abuse
- Another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth — false imprisonment and assault
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Threatened with expulsion if he stopped — coercion and intimidation
On November 3, 2025, after being forced to do extreme exercise, Bermudez collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This didn’t happen in Texas. This could happen in Lincoln County.
Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across America — including near Lincoln County. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and other national fraternities with documented hazing histories operate at Kansas universities.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Lincoln County, they face the same risks.
🏛️ Universities Near Lincoln County Have the Same Responsibility — And the Same Failures
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter at any time. They chose not to act.
Universities near Lincoln County have the same power. And they have the same failures.
In 2017, a student at the University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. The university knew hazing was dangerous. They knew students could be hurt. They had eight years to implement real oversight.
They did nothing.
Leonel Bermudez paid the price.
The same pattern exists at universities near Lincoln County.
- Kansas State University has had multiple hazing incidents, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse.
- University of Kansas has faced hazing allegations in Greek organizations.
- Wichita State University and other Kansas institutions have documented hazing in fraternities and sororities.
These universities know hazing happens. They choose not to stop it. Lincoln County families pay the price.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lincoln County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed in Lincoln County or at a university near Lincoln County, you have legal rights. Kansas law and federal law provide powerful tools to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Kansas Hazing Law
Kansas Statutes § 21-5414 defines hazing as:
“Knowingly or recklessly endangering the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization operating under the sanction of a school, college or university.”
Hazing is a crime in Kansas.
- Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine
- Severity level 7 felony if the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death
Importantly, consent is NOT a defense under Kansas law. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
Civil Liability — What Lincoln County Families Can Sue For
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses — Hospital bills, ongoing treatment, therapy
- Lost Wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Pain and Suffering — Physical pain from injuries
- Mental Anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse
- Emotional Distress — Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Punitive Damages — Additional money to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
Who Can Be Sued:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents — Lincoln County Families Can Win Big
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers — they represent accountability, deterrence, and justice for victims.
Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million
- Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, Bowling Green State University
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
- Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Result: Death from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement from university and fraternity
Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, Louisiana State University
- Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
- Hazing: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” pledge event
- Result: Death from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act passed making hazing a felony
Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million (Estimated)
- Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, Penn State University
- Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
- Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs
- Result: Traumatic brain injury; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. Lincoln County families can achieve the same results.
📋 What Lincoln County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:
1. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Hazing injuries can have delayed symptoms (like rhabdomyolysis)
- Medical records are crucial evidence
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Photos/Videos: Document injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
- Communications: Save all texts, emails, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
- Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, any written instructions
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
3. Report the Incident
- To the University: File a formal complaint with the university’s Greek life office or Title IX office
- To Law Enforcement: Consider filing a police report; hazing is a crime in Kansas
- To the National Organization: Report to the national fraternity/sorority headquarters
4. Contact an Attorney Immediately
- DO NOT talk to insurance companies or the organization’s lawyers without an attorney present
- DO NOT accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney
- The first offer is always a lowball — insurance companies will try to take advantage of you
Lincoln County families can reach Attorney 911 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
🏢 Why Lincoln County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While based in Texas, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. Lincoln County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Houston.
We Have the Experience
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook and how to beat it
- Federal court admission — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for national fraternity cases
- Multi-million dollar case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation
We Understand Hazing
- Specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis injury litigation
- Experience with Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and other hazing cases
- Deep understanding of Greek life culture and dynamics
- Knowledge of university administrative processes and liability
We Serve Lincoln County Families
- Free consultations — no cost to discuss your case
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
- Video consultations available — meet with us remotely
- We travel to Lincoln County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Se habla español — bilingual staff available
🎯 Lincoln County Hazing Warning Signs — What Parents Should Watch For
Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs that Lincoln County parents should be aware of:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Unexplained anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Fear of discussing Greek life or specific members
- Unexplained injuries or reluctance to discuss how injuries occurred
- Decline in academic performance
- Sleep disturbances or exhaustion
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
- Weight loss or signs of dehydration
- Unusual odors (alcohol, vomit, urine)
Organizational Red Flags:
- Being required to carry unusual items (fanny packs, paddles, etc.)
- Being forced to wear specific clothing or costumes
- Being required to perform personal services for members
- Being subjected to sleep deprivation
- Being forced to consume food, alcohol, or other substances
- Being subjected to physical challenges or punishments
- Being threatened with expulsion or retaliation for non-compliance
If you notice any of these signs in your Lincoln County child, ask questions. Trust your instincts. Seek help.
📢 A Message to Lincoln County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Lincoln County:
We are watching. We are building cases. We are holding you accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Lincoln County or at universities near Lincoln County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Lincoln County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We have proven these cases can be won. We have shut down chapters. We have secured criminal convictions. We have won millions for victims.
Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ A Message to Universities Near Lincoln County
To the administrations at Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and other Kansas institutions:
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to inspect and regulate. You have the duty to protect your students.
Act now or face the same accountability.
We are coming for every university that fails to protect its students from hazing. We have the evidence. We have the legal firepower. We have the will to fight.
The time for empty statements is over. The time for real action is now.
💔 To Lincoln County Hazing Victims — You Are Not Alone
If you’ve been hazed, you may feel:
- Shame — that you “let this happen”
- Fear — of retaliation or social ostracism
- Confusion — about what to do next
- Loyalty — to the organization that hurt you
- Isolation — like no one will understand
You are not alone.
Leonel Bermudez was afraid to speak out due to retribution. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of doing an interview. We understand. We protect our clients.
You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to hold those who hurt you accountable. You have the right to compensation for what you’ve endured.
We will fight for you. We will protect you. We will make sure your voice is heard.
🔥 Enough Is Enough — Lincoln County Families Deserve Justice
Lincoln County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their children. They trust Greek organizations to provide positive experiences.
That trust is being betrayed every day by hazing.
It’s time to say enough is enough.
It’s time to hold the responsible parties accountable.
It’s time to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Lincoln County or anywhere in Kansas.
Lincoln County families — if your child has been hazed, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.
We are Attorney 911. We are the hazing litigation experts. And we are fighting for Lincoln County families.
