Here is the complete, publication-ready, location-optimized marketing content for Clinton County, Kentucky families affected by hazing:
Hazing Victims in Clinton County, KY Deserve Justice – Attorney 911 Fights for You
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Clinton County. We’re Fighting Back – And We’ll Fight for Your Family Too.
Clinton County families: If your child was hazed at a college or university near Clinton County, Kentucky, you don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept excuses. And you don’t have to fight alone.
Right now, our attorneys are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed, and hospitalized for four days. The same fraternities operate at universities near Clinton County. The same negligence exists at Kentucky institutions. And we will bring the same aggressive legal fight to Clinton County families.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Why Clinton County Families Need Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We’re Winning
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the courtroom, in the media, and in the fight right now.
What happened in Houston could happen in Clinton County. The same fraternities with chapters near Clinton County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. If your child was hazed at a Kentucky university, we will fight for you with the same intensity.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Fraternities and universities will claim your child “consented” to hazing. Kentucky law says that doesn’t matter. Just like Texas, Kentucky has laws that explicitly state consent is not a defense to hazing. We know how to dismantle this argument and hold institutions accountable.
3. We Have the Experience to Take on Powerful Defendants
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. We’ve beaten them before. Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney – he knows their playbook because he used to write it. Now, he uses that knowledge to destroy their defenses and maximize recovery for victims.
4. We Serve Clinton County Families – No Matter Where the Hazing Happened
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Clinton County. We offer:
- Free video consultations for Clinton County families
- Willingness to travel to Kentucky for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Federal court authority to pursue cases against out-of-state defendants
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) for strategic advantage
Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed at a university near Clinton County, we will fight for you.
5. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Upfront
We understand that Clinton County families may be worried about the cost of legal representation. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
This is how we level the playing field. Universities and fraternities have deep pockets – now you have a legal team that can take them on.
What Is Hazing? A Warning for Clinton County Parents
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse – and it’s illegal in Kentucky.
Kentucky Hazing Law (KRS 525.100)
Kentucky law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that 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 an organization.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
- Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)
- Dangerous activities (waterboarding, extreme weather exposure)
Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Kentucky law says that doesn’t matter.
Hazing Happens at Kentucky Universities – And Clinton County Students Are at Risk
Universities Near Clinton County with Greek Life:
Clinton County is surrounded by colleges and universities with active Greek organizations, including:
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) | Bowling Green, KY (~100 miles from Clinton County) | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and many others |
| University of Kentucky (UK) | Lexington, KY (~150 miles from Clinton County) | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, and others |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) | Richmond, KY (~120 miles from Clinton County) | Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and others |
| Murray State University | Murray, KY (~150 miles from Clinton County) | Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and others |
| Lindsey Wilson College | Columbia, KY (~30 miles from Clinton County) | Local fraternities and sororities |
These are the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across the country. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Kentucky university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Happened in Houston – And Why It Matters to Clinton County
The Case That Proves Hazing Is Systemic – And Universities Are Complicit
In November 2025, our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. The hazing included:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles
✅ Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
✅ Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
✅ Another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
✅ A pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout
Bermudez was hospitalized for three nights and four days with kidney failure. He wasn’t even a student at UH yet – he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member expected to transfer.
Why This Matters to Clinton County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at WKU and UK – the same fraternity that waterboarded Bermudez operates near Clinton County.
- The same “traditions” exist at Kentucky fraternities – forced drinking, physical abuse, and psychological torture happen at universities near Clinton County.
- Universities know about hazing – and do nothing. UH had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and still failed to protect Bermudez. Kentucky universities have the same negligence.
- National fraternities have paid millions in settlements – and they will pay for Clinton County victims too.
Multi-Million Dollar Proof: Hazing Cases Win Big
Hazing cases result in massive settlements and verdicts. Here’s what fraternities and universities have paid:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million (settlement) |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million (jury verdict) |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (settlement) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential (major settlement) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results are possible for Clinton County families. The same legal strategies that won millions in these cases apply to Kentucky.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Clinton County?
If your child was hazed, multiple parties can be held accountable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster) | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
Clinton County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Kentucky
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
If your child is showing signs of hazing injuries (bruises, difficulty walking, dark urine, vomiting, extreme fatigue), seek medical attention immediately. Even if they feel “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) can be life-threatening if untreated.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Photos and videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Medical records and hospital bills
- Witness names and contact information
- Any fraternity documents or pledge manuals
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel
Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative. They may ask your child to sign documents or give statements. Do not let them. Anything your child says can be used against them.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Prevent the fraternity/university from intimidating witnesses
- File claims before the statute of limitations expires
Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Kentucky’s Statute of Limitations – Act Now
Kentucky has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing cases. This means you have one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Contact us today to protect your case.
Why Clinton County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they think, how they negotiate, and how they try to deny claims. Now, we use that knowledge to beat them at their own game.
2. We Have Federal Court Authority – We Can Pursue Cases Nationwide
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can sue national fraternities and out-of-state defendants. This is critical for Clinton County families, as many fraternities are headquartered outside Kentucky.
3. We Offer Free Consultations – No Risk, No Obligation
We know Clinton County families may be hesitant to call a lawyer. That’s why we offer free, confidential consultations. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and tell you if we can help – with no obligation.
4. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Upfront
We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning:
- $0 upfront costs
- We only get paid if we win your case
- If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing
This is how we make justice accessible to Clinton County families.
5. We Care About Your Family – Not Just Your Case
We’re not just lawyers – we’re parents, coaches, and community members. We understand the pain Clinton County families go through when their child is hazed. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. And we will fight for them like family.
What Clinton County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct |
| Educational Damages | Tuition refunds, scholarship loss, academic disruption |
Clinton County families: We will pursue every category of damages to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Clinton County Hazing Lawyer – Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a Kentucky university, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Clinton County and all of Kentucky. Distance is not a barrier – we offer video consultations and will travel to Kentucky for your case.
Don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Call us today.
Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still call a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, it’s important to understand your rights. Hazing is illegal, and universities/fraternities may face criminal charges. We can help you navigate the legal process and protect your child’s future.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Kentucky law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How can you protect my child?
A: We take retaliation seriously. We can:
- File restraining orders if necessary
- Demand the university protect your child
- Pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs
- Keep your child’s identity confidential during litigation
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
Q: My child was hazed at a university far from Clinton County. Can you still help?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Kentucky. We offer video consultations and will travel to meet with you.
Q: What’s the first step if my child was hazed?
A: Call us immediately. The first 24-48 hours are critical for preserving evidence. We’ll guide you through the next steps and protect your rights.
Clinton County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is a national crisis, and Clinton County families deserve justice. We’re fighting this battle right now in Houston, and we’re ready to bring that fight to Kentucky.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Justice for your child starts now.