Hazing Victims in Sedgwick County: Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Justice

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Sedgwick County Families Deserve Answers

Every fall, thousands of Sedgwick County parents send their children off to college with dreams of new friendships, academic success, and exciting opportunities. What they don’t expect is for their child to return home with kidney failure from forced exercise, PTSD from simulated drowning, or worse—never to return at all.

The hazing crisis isn’t confined to Ivy League schools or distant campuses. It happens right here in Kansas, at universities near Sedgwick County where the same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements operate chapters. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Sedgwick County-area institutions. And the same institutional failures that allowed waterboarding at University of Houston occur at colleges where Sedgwick County students attend.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston for the systematic abuse that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical for us—it’s happening now, and we’re holding institutions accountable. Sedgwick County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this landmark case.

The Sedgwick County Hazing Reality: What Parents Need to Know

The Universities Near Sedgwick County Where Hazing Occurs

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at Sedgwick County-area schools without verified information, we can tell you this: the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries nationwide have active chapters at universities near Sedgwick County.

Wichita State University, Friends University, Newman University, and other institutions in the Sedgwick County region host Greek organizations that operate under the same national structures as the fraternities that have paid millions in settlements. The same Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other organizations that have faced lawsuits for hazing maintain chapters where Sedgwick County students attend.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Sedgwick County-area university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

The Medical Dangers: What Hazing Does to the Body

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “going through initiation.” It’s physical and psychological torture that can cause permanent damage. In our current case:

• Rhabdomyolysis: The breakdown of muscle tissue from extreme exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups) that releases proteins damaging to kidneys
• Acute kidney failure: Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization, as seen in our client’s 4-day hospital stay
• Traumatic brain injury: From beatings, falls, or oxygen deprivation
• Alcohol poisoning: From forced consumption, leading to coma or death
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression: From psychological abuse and humiliation

These aren’t hypothetical risks—they’re medical realities we’re dealing with in our current litigation. And they happen at universities near Sedgwick County every year.

The Legal Reality: Consent Doesn’t Matter

One of the most common defenses we hear is: “He agreed to participate.” But Kansas law, like Texas law, explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Kansas Statutes § 21-5418 defines hazing as any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate. This means that even if your child “agreed” to hazing activities, the fraternity and its members can still be held legally responsible for any harm caused.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Sedgwick County

The Case That Shows Sedgwick County Families What’s at Stake

In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston for the hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. The details of what happened should serve as a warning to every Sedgwick County parent:

The Abuse:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until collapsing
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts
• A pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The Aftermath:

• Bermudez crawled up the stairs when he got home because he couldn’t walk
• His condition worsened over three days
• His mother rushed him to the hospital when he started passing brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
• Diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days

The Institutional Failure:

• Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died from hazing at their FSU chapter in 2017
• University of Houston had 8 years to implement real oversight after a 2017 hazing incident at another fraternity
• Neither institution took meaningful action to prevent this from happening again

The Legal Response:

• $10 million lawsuit filed
• Chapter permanently closed (but they’re already planning to return)
• Criminal investigation ongoing
• Media coverage across multiple outlets

This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when institutions prioritize tradition over safety. And this could happen to your child at a Sedgwick County-area university.

Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens in Sedgwick County?

When hazing occurs at a Sedgwick County-area university, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The Local Chapter

The Sedgwick County-area chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing is primarily liable. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.)
• Members who participated
• Members who witnessed and failed to stop the abuse

2. The National Organization

The national fraternity or sorority with chapters near Sedgwick County can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise the local chapter
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Having knowledge of a “hazing crisis” (as Pi Kappa Phi admitted)
• Maintaining a culture that enables abuse

3. The University

Colleges and universities near Sedgwick County can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise Greek life organizations
• Owning or controlling fraternity/sorority property where hazing occurs
• Having knowledge of prior hazing incidents and failing to act
• Failing to implement effective anti-hazing policies

4. Individual Members

Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued individually. In our current case, we’re pursuing:

• The fraternity president
• The pledge master
• Current members
• Former members who hosted hazing
• The spouse of a former member who allowed hazing at their home

5. Housing Corporations

Many fraternities and sororities near Sedgwick County have separate housing corporations that own their chapter houses. These entities can be held liable for:

• Premises liability (unsafe conditions)
• Failing to prevent hazing on their property
• Failing to maintain safe facilities

What Sedgwick County Families Can Recover

If your child has been hazed at a Sedgwick County-area university, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future medical care
• Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
• Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity: If injuries affect career prospects

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering: The agony of rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, or other 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
• Disfigurement: Scars from burns, brands, or injuries

Punitive Damages

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, Sedgwick County juries can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. These are appropriate when:

• The conduct was intentional or reckless
• The defendants knew about the risks and failed to act
• The conduct was particularly outrageous (like waterboarding)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages—a figure supported by recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

Recent Hazing Verdicts: What Sedgwick County Juries Award

Hazing cases result in substantial verdicts and settlements when victims come forward. Recent examples show what’s possible for Sedgwick County families:

Sedgwick County families: These outcomes aren’t limited to other states. The same legal principles apply in Kansas. The same damages are available. The same justice is possible.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Sedgwick County

If you suspect or know that your child has been hazed at a Sedgwick County-area university, follow these steps:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
• Document all symptoms and medical treatment

2. Preserve Evidence

• Photos: Take pictures of injuries at all stages of healing
• Screenshots: Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about hazing
• Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other victims and witnesses
• Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, and any written materials
• Clothing: Preserve any clothing worn during hazing (may contain evidence)

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not sign any documents from the organization
• Do not give statements to university administrators alone
• Do not post on social media about the incident

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free consultations for Sedgwick County hazing victims
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case
• We’ll handle all communications with the university and fraternity

5. Report to Authorities

• Consider filing a police report
• File a Title IX complaint with the university
• Report to the national fraternity organization

Why Sedgwick County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston is ongoing, giving us current, real-world experience that Sedgwick County families benefit from.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how insurance companies think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for Sedgwick County families.

3. Nationwide Reach for Sedgwick County Victims

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Sedgwick County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases across America. We’ll travel to Sedgwick County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence. Our experience includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Multi-million dollar trucking accident cases
• Complex premises liability claims
• High-profile criminal defense cases

5. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

We understand the trauma Sedgwick County hazing victims and their families experience. Our approach is:

• Responsive: We keep you informed at every step
• Compassionate: We treat you like family, not a case number
• Aggressive: We fight relentlessly for your rights
• Bilingual: Se habla español for Spanish-speaking families

6. No Upfront Costs for Sedgwick County Families

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means:

• No retainer fees
• No hourly billing
• No financial risk to you
• We only get paid if you get paid

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Build Sedgwick County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act quickly to:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Subpoena social media companies for deleted content
• Obtain security camera footage
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation

We work with medical experts to:

• Document the full extent of physical injuries
• Assess future medical needs
• Calculate long-term health consequences
• Establish the link between hazing and injuries

3. Pattern Evidence Development

We investigate:

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national organization
• University knowledge of prior problems
• National organization’s response to prior incidents

4. Institutional Accountability

We pursue:

• University oversight failures
• National organization negligence
• Housing corporation liability
• Individual member responsibility

5. Media and Public Pressure

We strategically use media to:

• Put pressure on defendants to settle
• Educate the public about hazing dangers
• Support legislative reform
• Encourage other victims to come forward

Common Defenses and How We Defeat Them

When we represent Sedgwick County hazing victims, defendants typically raise these defenses:

1. “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Kansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing
• Peer pressure and social coercion negate true consent
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to
• The law recognizes that vulnerable individuals can’t truly consent to abuse

2. “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity
• Assault is assault, regardless of “tradition”
• Institutions have a duty to change dangerous traditions
• Courts have repeatedly rejected this defense

3. “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities and national organizations have a duty to know
• Prior incidents create actual knowledge
• Failure to implement oversight is negligence
• Ignorance is not a defense when oversight is required

4. “It Was Just a Few Bad Apples”

Our Response:

• Systematic abuse indicates a cultural problem
• Leadership sets the tone for the organization
• Failure to prevent abuse makes leadership complicit
• Pattern evidence shows it’s not isolated

Sedgwick County Hazing Law: Your Legal Rights

Kansas has specific laws addressing hazing that protect Sedgwick County students:

Kansas Hazing Law (K.S.A. § 21-5418)

• Definition: Hazing is any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a class B nonperson misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Institutional Liability: Organizations can be held liable for hazing committed by their members

Civil Liability

Sedgwick County hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care
• Assault and Battery: Intentional harmful contact
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
• Premises Liability: Unsafe conditions on property
• Negligent Supervision: Failure to properly oversee activities

Statute of Limitations

• Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death

Sedgwick County families: Do not wait to take action. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Contact Attorney 911 immediately if your child has been hazed.

The Cost of Silence: What Happens When Hazing Goes Unreported

When hazing goes unreported in Sedgwick County, the consequences are severe:

For the Victim

• Physical Harm: Untreated injuries can worsen
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression can become chronic
• Academic Impact: Grades suffer, scholarships may be lost
• Financial Burden: Medical bills and lost wages accumulate

For Future Victims

• Culture of Abuse Continues: Hazing escalates when unchecked
• More Students Harmed: Future pledges face the same dangers
• Potential Deaths: Without accountability, hazing can become fatal

For the Community

• Normalization of Violence: Hazing becomes accepted as “tradition”
• Erosion of Trust: Students lose faith in university safety
• Reputation Damage: Universities face public backlash and legal liability

Sedgwick County families: Speaking out isn’t just about your child—it’s about protecting every student who comes after.

How Sedgwick County Families Can Help Prevent Hazing

1. Educate Your Children

• Talk to your children about hazing before they go to college
• Explain that hazing is illegal and dangerous
• Encourage them to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is

2. Recognize the Warning Signs

Be alert for:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Avoidance of certain people or places
• Secretive behavior about activities
• Sudden academic decline
• Withdrawal from friends and family

3. Know the Resources

• Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for legal help
• National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
• Clery Act Reports: Check your university’s annual security report
• Title IX Office: For reporting and support

4. Support Legislative Reform

• Advocate for stronger hazing laws in Kansas
• Support federal legislation like the Stop Campus Hazing Act
• Encourage universities to implement real oversight

The Attorney 911 Promise to Sedgwick County Families

When you choose Attorney 911 to represent your Sedgwick County hazing case, we promise:

1. Aggressive Representation: We will fight relentlessly for your rights
2. Transparent Communication: You’ll always know what’s happening with your case
3. Compassionate Support: We understand the trauma you’re experiencing
4. Nationwide Expertise: We have the resources to take on any institution
5. No Financial Risk: You pay nothing unless we win your case
6. Travel Commitment: We’ll come to Sedgwick County for your case

Sedgwick County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a Sedgwick County-area university, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. You may worry about retaliation, social consequences, or whether anyone will believe you. You may feel like the university and fraternity are too powerful to fight.

You are not alone.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re holding institutions accountable. We’re making them pay for their negligence. And we’re doing it for Sedgwick County families just like yours.

The fraternities, the universities, the national organizations—they all want you to stay silent. They want you to think you can’t win. They want you to believe it’s not worth fighting.

They’re wrong.

With the right legal team, you can:

• Hold the perpetrators accountable
• Recover compensation for your child’s injuries
• Prevent this from happening to others
• Send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated

Take Action Today: Sedgwick County Families Deserve Justice

If your child has been hazed at a Sedgwick County-area university, don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:

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

We offer:

• Free case evaluations for Sedgwick County hazing victims
• Video consultations for families who can’t travel
• Contingency fee representation—you pay nothing unless we win
• Aggressive, experienced legal representation

Remember:

• The same fraternities operate at Sedgwick County-area universities
• The same institutional failures exist at colleges near Sedgwick County
• The same legal rights protect Kansas students
• The same justice is available to Sedgwick County families

Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable. It’s time to fight back.