Hazing Victims in Bath County, Kentucky: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
Bath County Parents and Students: Hazing Happens Here Too — And We Can Help
If your child has been the victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any other student organization in Bath County, Kentucky, you are not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston — waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, physical abuse — is happening at universities and colleges across America, including near Bath County.
The same national fraternities operate in Kentucky. The same hazing “traditions” exist here. The same negligence by universities and organizations is putting Bath County students at risk.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to our client. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will fight for Bath County families with the same aggression.
What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
Common Hazing Practices in Kentucky and Nationwide:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
- Dangerous activities: Extreme physical challenges that risk injury or death
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects
This is not “building character.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s reckless endangerment. And it’s illegal in Kentucky.
Kentucky Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Kentucky has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights:
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 164.380 – Hazing
- Definition: Any act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization.
- Criminal penalties: Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $500 fine.
- Consent is not a defense: Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
Civil Liability in Kentucky
Victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Universities and national organizations can also be held liable for failing to prevent hazing.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Bath County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
- The local chapter – The fraternity or sorority that organized the hazing
- National organizations – The parent fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
- Universities and colleges – Schools that knew or should have known about hazing
- Individual members – Those who directly participated in or facilitated hazing
- Alumni and advisors – Former members who enabled or ignored hazing
- Housing corporations – Organizations that own or manage fraternity/sorority houses
In our current case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members
Bath County families can pursue the same accountability.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Bath County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis from forced exercise) can be life-threatening.
- Get medical documentation of all injuries — this is critical for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos/videos: Of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
- Document witness names: Other victims or bystanders who saw what happened
- Keep all records: Medical bills, therapy notes, academic transcripts (if grades suffered)
Step 3: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or University Alone
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to minimize liability and silence victims.
- Do not give statements to Greek life leadership, university administrators, or insurance companies without legal representation.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
- The statute of limitations in Kentucky is 1 year for personal injury claims — you must act fast.
- Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget details.
- We offer free, confidential consultations for Bath County families.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Bath County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these cases work, and we know how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know their playbook — and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue cases against national organizations no matter where they’re headquartered.
4. Dual-State Licensed (Texas & New York)
This gives us strategic leverage when suing national fraternities and sororities with chapters across the country.
5. We Travel to Bath County
While we’re based in Texas, we will come to Bath County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Contingency Fee Representation
- No upfront costs — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We only get paid if you receive compensation.
- This levels the playing field against powerful institutions.
7. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)
We serve Spanish-speaking families in Bath County without language barriers.
What Compensation Can Bath County Families Recover?
Hazing cases can result in substantial financial compensation, including:
| Type of Damage | What It Covers | Example from Our Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $150,000+ for rhabdomyolysis treatment |
| Pain and suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | $1,000,000+ for severe psychological harm |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work or school | $50,000+ for academic disruption |
| Punitive damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | $5,000,000+ in cases of extreme abuse |
In the Stone Foltz case (Ohio), the family recovered $10.1 million.
In the Maxwell Gruver case (Louisiana), a jury awarded $6.1 million.
In the Timothy Piazza case (Penn State), the settlement exceeded $110 million.
Bath County families deserve the same justice.
Universities and Fraternities Near Bath County with Hazing Risks
Bath County is home to Morehead State University, and nearby institutions include:
- Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
- University of Kentucky (UK)
- Kentucky State University (KSU)
- Transylvania University
These schools all have active Greek life programs where hazing occurs.
Fraternities and Sororities with Chapters Near Bath County:
| Fraternity | Sorority | Notable Hazing Incidents Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Kappa Delta | Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Delta Delta Delta | SAE: Multiple deaths, including at Texas A&M |
| Phi Delta Theta | Chi Omega | Phi Delta Theta: Maxwell Gruver (2017) |
| Kappa Sigma | Alpha Delta Pi | Kappa Sigma: Tucker Hipps (2014) |
| Sigma Chi | Kappa Kappa Gamma | Sigma Chi: Multiple lawsuits, including at College of Charleston |
If your child is pledging any of these organizations near Bath County, they are at risk.
Warning Signs of Hazing in Bath County
Parents and students should watch for these red flags:
✅ Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, broken bones)
✅ Sudden secrecy about Greek life or team activities
✅ Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
✅ Withdrawal from friends and family
✅ Decline in academic performance
✅ Talk of “traditions” that sound abusive
✅ Being forced to carry objects or wear unusual clothing
✅ Sudden fear or anxiety about Greek life events
If you notice these signs, act immediately.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
- The hazing will continue — Fraternities and sororities operate on a culture of silence.
- Another student will be hurt — Hazing doesn’t stop unless someone speaks up.
- You lose your legal rights — Kentucky has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- The organization gets away with it — Without consequences, they’ll keep hazing.
Your child’s case could save lives. Don’t stay silent.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bath County Families
Q: My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Under Kentucky law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
Q: We’re afraid of retaliation. Will the fraternity come after my child?
A: We protect our clients. We take steps to ensure your child’s safety and anonymity if needed. In our current case, our client is fearful of retribution — we understand these concerns and will fight to keep your family safe.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. We only get paid if you receive compensation.
Q: How long will this take?
Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months. More complex cases (like wrongful death) can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: YES. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can pursue claims against the organization, the university, and individuals involved.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Bath County?
Hazing isn’t just a college problem. If your child was hazed in a high school sports team, band, or club, we can help. Kentucky’s hazing laws apply to all educational institutions.
Bath County Families: You Have the Power to Stop This
Hazing doesn’t have to be a “rite of passage.” It’s abuse, and it’s illegal. By stepping forward, you can:
✔ Hold the abusers accountable
✔ Recover compensation for your child’s injuries
✔ Prevent the next student from being hurt
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are ready to fight for Bath County families.
Contact Us Today — Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
We serve Bath County and all of Kentucky. Distance is not a barrier to justice.