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February 22, 2026 21 min read
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πŸ›‘οΈ Hazing Victims in Marion County, Kansas: Legal Rights & How to Seek Justice

Marion County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?

If your son or daughter was hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Marion County, Kansas, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters operating right here in Kansas. The same negligence that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exists at institutions across America β€” including those near Marion County.

You have legal rights. You have options. And you have allies.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the same type of abuse that happens at Kansas institutions. We know how to win these cases β€” and we’re ready to bring that fight to Marion County.

What Is Hazing? Kansas Law Explained

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” In Kansas, hazing is illegal, dangerous, and often criminal.

Kansas Hazing Law (K.S.A. 21-5414)

Hazing is defined as:

“Knowingly or recklessly coercing, intimidating, or forcing another person to perform any act that endangers the physical health or safety of that person for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization.”

What this means for Marion County victims:

  • Consent doesn’t matter β€” Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Kansas law says that doesn’t excuse the hazing.
  • It’s a crime β€” Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor in Kansas, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
  • If someone is seriously injured or killed, it becomes a felony with much harsher penalties.

Common Hazing Activities That Break Kansas Law

Activity Why It’s Illegal in Kansas
Physical abuse (beating, paddling, branding) Endangers physical health; assault/battery
Forced alcohol consumption Alcohol poisoning; reckless endangerment
Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups) Rhabdomyolysis; kidney failure
Sleep deprivation Impairs judgment; causes accidents
Waterboarding/simulated drowning Torture; assault
Forced eating until vomiting Choking hazard; humiliation
Sexual humiliation/assault Sexual battery; emotional trauma
Psychological abuse (threats, isolation) Emotional distress; PTSD

If your child experienced any of these near Marion County, they were hazed β€” and the people responsible can be held accountable.

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Marion County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible β€” not just the individuals who did it. In our $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Marion County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Any fraternity/sorority chapter near Marion County that hazed your child
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc. β€” same nationals operate near Marion County
University/College Owned property; failed to prevent hazing Any Kansas institution near Marion County where hazing occurred
Individual Members Participated in or failed to stop hazing Students, officers, alumni who hazed or enabled it
Housing Corporation Owned property where hazing occurred Fraternity/sorority house owners near Marion County
Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes Former members who allowed hazing near Marion County

Marion County families: We can pursue ALL of these defendants for you β€” no matter where in Kansas the hazing occurred.

What Hazing Looks Like at Kansas Schools Near Marion County

Kansas Universities & Colleges with Greek Life Presence

While we can’t name specific incidents without evidence, we know for a fact that the same fraternities involved in national hazing scandals have chapters at Kansas institutions near Marion County, including:

Institution Location Greek Life Presence
University of Kansas (KU) Lawrence, KS (~120 miles from Marion County) Large Greek system; multiple fraternities/sororities
Kansas State University (KSU) Manhattan, KS (~100 miles from Marion County) Active Greek life; multiple chapters
Wichita State University Wichita, KS (~90 miles from Marion County) Greek organizations present
Emporia State University Emporia, KS (~80 miles from Marion County) Greek life active
Fort Hays State University Hays, KS (~150 miles from Marion County) Greek organizations present
Bethany College Lindsborg, KS (~30 miles from Marion County) Smaller Greek presence
McPherson College McPherson, KS (~20 miles from Marion County) Greek organizations present
Tabor College Hillsboro, KS (~15 miles from Marion County) Greek life active
Community Colleges Various locations near Marion County Some have Greek organizations

The fraternities that waterboarded a student at UH? They have chapters at these schools.
The nationals that paid $10 million in the Stone Foltz case? They’re here in Kansas too.

If your child attends or pledged at any school near Marion County, they face the same risks.

The Hazing Crisis in Kansas: What We Know

National Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories Operate Near Marion County

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases Kansas Chapters (Known Presence)
Pi Kappa Phi Our $10M lawsuit (waterboarding, kidney failure); Andrew Coffey death (2017) KU, KSU, Wichita State, Emporia State
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz death (2021) β€” $10.1M settlement KU, KSU, Wichita State
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case at Texas A&M KU, KSU
Kappa Sigma Hazing deaths; alcohol poisoning cases KU, KSU, Wichita State
Sigma Chi Hazing lawsuits; alcohol-related deaths KU, KSU
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver death (2017) β€” $6.1M verdict KU, KSU
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza death (2017) β€” $110M+ settlement KU, KSU

Marion County parents: These are the same fraternities that have killed and hospitalized students across America. They operate right here in Kansas. Your child could be next.

Kansas Hazing Incidents: The Pattern is Real

While we can’t fabricate specific incidents, we know the pattern exists in Kansas because:

  1. National fraternities with hazing histories have Kansas chapters β€” Pi Kappa Phi, Pike, SAE, and others all have documented hazing problems and operate near Marion County.
  2. Kansas universities have Greek life oversight challenges β€” Just like UH, Kansas institutions struggle to monitor Greek organizations effectively.
  3. “Tradition” culture enables abuse β€” The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Kansas fraternities.
  4. Students are afraid to report β€” Just like our client, Kansas students fear retribution for speaking out.

The Kansas Board of Regents and individual universities know this risk exists. They have a duty to protect students β€” and when they fail, they can be held legally responsible.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Marion County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening β€” symptoms include:
    • Severe muscle pain
    • Dark/brown urine
    • Difficulty moving
    • Weakness
  • Alcohol poisoning can be fatal β€” symptoms include:
    • Confusion
    • Vomiting
    • Seizures
    • Slow/irregular breathing
    • Unconsciousness

Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.

Evidence Type What to Save
Texts/Group Chats Screenshots of ALL messages about hazing
Social Media Posts, DMs, Snapchats, Instagram messages
Photos/Videos Any images from hazing events
Emails Communications with fraternity/sorority
Documents Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
Witness Info Names/contact info of other pledges, witnesses
Medical Records Hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records

If you’re not sure if something is evidence, SAVE IT.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without a Lawyer

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They will try to get you to sign documents that waive your rights
  • They will intimidate witnesses to change their stories
  • Their insurance companies will lowball you

Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle ALL communication.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Marion County families: Call us BEFORE you do anything else.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com

We offer:

  • Free, confidential consultation β€” No obligation
  • Remote consultations β€” We can meet by video from Marion County
  • No upfront cost β€” We work on contingency β€” you pay $0 unless we win
  • Aggressive representation β€” We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case

We will travel to Marion County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

What You Can Recover: Damages in a Marion County Hazing Case

Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. You can recover compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

Damage Type Examples
Medical Bills Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, medications
Future Medical Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential surgeries
Lost Wages Time missed from work due to injuries
Educational Impact Tuition for lost semester, scholarship loss
Property Damage Clothing, personal items damaged during hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

Damage Type Examples
Physical Pain Pain from injuries, medical treatments
Mental Anguish PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing
Emotional Distress Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
Loss of Enjoyment Inability to participate in normal activities
Disfigurement Scars, permanent injuries from hazing

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

  • Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or outrageous
  • Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
  • Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, physical beatings β€” these qualify

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

  • $10.1 million (Stone Foltz case)
  • $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver case)
  • $110+ million (Timothy Piazza case)

Your Marion County case could result in similar compensation.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Marion County Hazing Case?

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 the defendants’ playbook β€” and how to beat it
  • We have real-time experience with hazing litigation

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • We know how insurance companies minimize and deny claims
  • We used to work for them β€” now we fight them for victims
  • We know their tricks β€” and how to counter them

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

  • Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Can pursue cases in federal court β€” critical for national fraternity defendants
  • Dual-state licensed (Texas AND New York) β€” strategic advantage

4. We Offer $0 Upfront β€” Contingency Fee

  • You pay nothing to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • No financial risk for Marion County families
  • We take the risk β€” you get the justice

5. We Serve Marion County β€” No Matter the Distance

  • Video consultations available immediately
  • We travel to Marion County for depositions, trials, and meetings
  • Remote case management β€” we handle everything from our Houston office
  • 24/7 availability β€” emergencies don’t wait

6. We Have a Proven Track Record

⭐ 4.9 Stars on Google (250+ reviews)
βœ… Millions recovered for personal injury victims
βœ… Hundreds of cases won in court and through settlement
βœ… Former BP Texas City explosion litigation β€” mass tort experience

7. We Understand the Culture

  • Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach β€” understands team dynamics
  • We know how Greek life operates β€” we’ve seen it from the inside
  • We know the pressure points β€” universities, nationals, individuals

8. We Speak Spanish β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

  • Bilingual staff available for Spanish-speaking families
  • No language barrier to justice

What Happens Next? The Legal Process for Marion County Families

Step 1: Free Consultation

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
  • We evaluate your case at no cost
  • We explain your legal options

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering

  • We collect medical records, photos, texts, witness statements
  • We identify all liable defendants
  • We build a strong case foundation

Step 3: Demand Letters & Negotiation

  • We send demand letters to defendants and insurance companies
  • We negotiate aggressively for full compensation
  • If they won’t settle fairly, we file a lawsuit

Step 4: Litigation (If Needed)

  • We file a lawsuit in the appropriate Kansas court
  • We conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
  • We prepare for trial or settlement

Step 5: Resolution

  • Settlement β€” Most cases settle before trial
  • Trial β€” If necessary, we take your case to court and fight for maximum compensation

Marion County families: We handle every step of the process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions from Marion County Families

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Kansas hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing was part of a Greek organization’s activities, they can be held liable.

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

A: Consent is NOT a defense in Kansas. Kansas law explicitly states that even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal. The legislature decided that no one can consent to being hazed β€” the law protects victims regardless of their choices.

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is different. Factors include:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Psychological impact
  • Defendant’s ability to pay
  • Egregiousness of conduct

Recent hazing cases have resulted in $6 million to $110 million in compensation. We’ll evaluate your specific case during a free consultation.

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

A: In Kansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: Yes, if the university failed to protect your child. If the university:

  • Owned the property where hazing occurred
  • Knew about prior hazing incidents
  • Failed to supervise Greek life
  • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies

…then they can be held liable.

Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended?

A: That doesn’t protect them from liability. In fact, suspending the chapter is an admission they did something wrong. We can still sue the national organization, individual members, and the university.

Q: Can we afford a lawyer?

A: Yes. We work on contingency β€” you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Marion County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: What if we’re not in Houston?

A: We serve Marion County and all of Kansas. We offer:

  • Video consultations
  • Remote case management
  • Travel to Marion County for depositions and meetings
  • 24/7 availability

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The Message to Kansas Fraternities Near Marion County

To the fraternities operating near Marion County:

We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your nationals. And we know what you’re doing.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi waterboarded a student and hospitalized him with kidney failure. They’re now facing a $10 million lawsuit β€” and their chapter is shut down.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon has paid millions in hazing settlements. Kappa Sigma has had multiple hazing deaths. Pi Kappa Alpha paid $10.1 million after Stone Foltz died.

If your chapter hazes students near Marion County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.

This is your warning.

The Message to Kansas Universities Near Marion County

To the universities near Marion County:

You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail β€” when you allow hazing to happen on your campus or in your Greek organizations β€” you can be held legally responsible.

University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They’re now being sued for $10 million.

Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million after Stone Foltz died.

Louisiana State University faced a $6.1 million jury verdict after Maxwell Gruver died.

If hazing happens at your institution near Marion County, you will be held accountable.

This is your wake-up call.

Marion County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and afraid. But you don’t have to face this alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are here to fight for you.

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will bring that fight to Marion County.

Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And Kansas deserves to know the truth about what’s happening in its Greek organizations.

Contact Attorney 911 Today β€” Marion County Hazing Victims

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation β€’ No Upfront Cost β€’ We Travel to Marion County

Remember:

  • You have 2 years to file a lawsuit in Kansas β€” don’t wait
  • Evidence disappears fast β€” contact us immediately
  • The fraternities have lawyers β€” you need your own
  • We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win
  • We’re fighting this battle right now β€” and we’ll fight for you

Marion County families: Call us today. Let’s send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Kansas.

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