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Jessamine County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 14 min read
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Hazing Lawyers in Jessamine County – Protecting Students & Holding Fraternities Accountable

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We

Jessamine County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will uphold basic standards of decency. But too often, that trust is betrayed.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed the brutal reality of fraternity hazing. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Jessamine County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist right here in Kentucky. And we’re ready to fight for Jessamine County families.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization near Jessamine County, you have legal rights. You have options. And you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Jessamine County & Beyond

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in many cases, it’s criminal.

What Hazing Really Looks Like – The UH Case That Could Happen in Jessamine County

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez—a transfer student pledging Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston—was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The hazing included:

Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until he couldn’t stand without help
Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
Forced to eat until vomiting – Then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
Sleep deprivation & exhaustion – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
Psychological torture – Threats of expulsion, humiliation, carrying sexual objects

This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened at a major university—just like the ones near Jessamine County. And it could happen to your child.

The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Jessamine County

Pi Kappa Phi isn’t the only fraternity with a history of hazing. The same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements operate at universities near Jessamine County:

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases Universities Near Jessamine County with Chapters
Pi Kappa Phi $10M lawsuit (2025, UH) – Waterboarding, kidney failure; Andrew Coffey (2017, FSU) – Died from forced drinking University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz (2021, BGSU) – $10.1M settlement; Max Gruver (2017, LSU) – $6.1M jury verdict University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Multiple hazing deaths, forced drinking cases University of Kentucky, Centre College
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver (2017, LSU) – $6.1M jury verdict; Timothy Piazza (2017, Penn State) – $110M+ settlement University of Kentucky, Transylvania University
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (2017, Penn State) – $110M+ settlement University of Kentucky, Centre College

These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a pattern of institutional failure.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Jessamine County Hazing Victim

If your child has been hazed in Jessamine County or at a nearby university, you may have a strong legal case—even if they “consented” to the activities.

Kentucky Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know

Kentucky has strict anti-hazing laws (KRS 164.375) that make hazing a criminal offense. Under Kentucky law:

Hazing is illegal – Any activity that endangers a student’s physical or mental health is prohibited.
Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
Universities can be held liable – If the school knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it.
Criminal penalties apply – Hazing can result in fines and jail time for individuals and organizations.

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Jessamine County?

When we take on a hazing case, we pursue every liable party—not just the individuals involved. In our $10M Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
The Fraternity (Local Chapter) Directly organized and conducted the hazing
The National Organization Knew about hazing risks (Andrew Coffey’s 2017 death) but failed to prevent it
The University Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred; had prior hazing incidents
Individual Members Participated in, directed, or failed to stop the abuse
Former Members & Spouses Hosted hazing at their home; premises liability
Housing Corporations Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred

Jessamine County families deserve the same aggressive representation. We don’t just sue the “broke college kids”—we go after the institutions with deep pockets.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth? – Jessamine County Compensation Guide

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation—especially when universities and national organizations are involved. Here’s what Jessamine County families can expect:

1. Medical Expenses

  • Emergency room visits (our client spent 4 days in the hospital)
  • Specialist care (nephrologists for kidney damage, therapists for PTSD)
  • Future medical costs (ongoing kidney monitoring, potential dialysis/transplant)
  • Mental health treatment (therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression)

2. Lost Wages & Future Earnings

  • Time missed from work during recovery
  • Lost internship or job opportunities
  • Future earning capacity if injuries cause permanent limitations

3. Pain & Suffering

  • Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation)
  • Humiliation & degradation (forced nudity, sexual humiliation, carrying sexual objects)

4. Punitive Damages

  • Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)
  • Deterrent for other organizations (to prevent future hazing)
  • Pattern of negligence (when universities/fraternities knew about prior incidents)

Hazing Settlement & Verdict Examples

Case Fraternity Injury Outcome
Stone Foltz (2021, BGSU) Pi Kappa Alpha Died from forced drinking $10.1M settlement
Max Gruver (2017, LSU) Phi Delta Theta Died from forced drinking (BAC 0.495) $6.1M jury verdict
Timothy Piazza (2017, Penn State) Beta Theta Pi Died from traumatic brain injury after 18 drinks $110M+ settlement
Andrew Coffey (2017, FSU) Pi Kappa Phi Died from forced drinking Confidential settlement
Leonel Bermudez (2025, UH) Pi Kappa Phi Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure $10M lawsuit pending

Jessamine County families deserve the same justice. If your child was hazed, we’ll fight for maximum compensation.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Jessamine County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

✅ Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening—our client had brown urine, a classic sign.
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is just as serious as physical injuries.

✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders, friends).
Keep medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records).
Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative.
  • They may pressure your child to sign waivers or give statements.
  • Anything they say can be used against them in court.

✅ Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • Kentucky has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
  • The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
  • We offer free, confidential consultations—no obligation.

✅ Step 5: Report the Hazing (Optional, But Recommended)

  • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Kentucky).
  • Report to the university (Title IX, student conduct office).
  • Report to the national fraternity (may trigger internal investigation).

🏆 Why Jessamine County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10M hazing lawsuit. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use—and we know how to beat them.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—have worked for insurance companies and national defense firms. We know how they minimize claims, delay payments, and deny liability. Now, we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Jessamine County Families

  • Federal court admission – We can sue national fraternities in federal court.
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) – Strategic advantage for multi-state cases.
  • Willing to travel – We come to Jessamine County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that Jessamine County families may be hesitant to hire a lawyer due to cost. That’s why we work on contingency:
$0 upfront – You pay nothing to hire us.
No hourly fees – We only get paid if we win your case.
You keep the majority – Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

5. We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You

  • $10M hazing lawsuit pending (Pi Kappa Phi, UH)
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
  • Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies

6. We Understand the Culture – Because We’ve Lived It

  • Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach—he understands team dynamics and locker room culture.
  • Lupe Pena is a third-generation Texan with deep community ties—he knows how institutions protect themselves.
  • We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re not just lawyers—we’re advocates.

📞 Jessamine County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Jessamine County or at a nearby university, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We’re here to help.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation – No obligation.

🔥 Fraternities Near Jessamine County: We’re Watching You

To the fraternities operating near Jessamine County—Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all the rest:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. And we know your documented history of hazing deaths and hospitalizations.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated.

That’s what happens when you haze students in Texas. That’s what will happen if you haze students near Jessamine County.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we will hold you accountable.

🎓 Universities Near Jessamine County: You Have a Duty to Protect Students

To the administrations at University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Centre College, Transylvania University, Morehead State University, and all other institutions near Jessamine County:

You own the fraternity houses. You control the Greek organizations. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down chapters that endanger students.

In 2017, a student was hospitalized from hazing at UH. In 2025, another student was hospitalized. The university did nothing in between.

If you knew—or should have known—about hazing and failed to stop it, you are liable. And we will sue you.

🚨 Don’t Wait – The Clock Is Ticking

Kentucky has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue forever.

Every day you delay is another day that:
❌ Evidence disappears
❌ Witnesses forget
❌ Fraternities destroy records
❌ Your legal rights expire

Call us today. We’ll fight for you.

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

📍 Serving Jessamine County & All of Kentucky

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Jessamine County and surrounding areas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

We come to you. We fight for you. We win for you.

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