Hazing Lawyers in Martin County, Kentucky – Protecting Students from Abuse

Martin County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Martin County, Kentucky, you’re not alone. The same brutal “traditions” that hospitalized a student at the University of Houston are happening right here in Eastern Kentucky. Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical punishment, sexual humiliation – these aren’t rituals. They’re crimes.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for torturing a student until he developed kidney failure. We know how to win these cases. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Martin County families.

Martin County Parents: This Could Be Your Child

The fraternities operating near Martin County – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others – are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. They have chapters at universities across Kentucky. If your child is pledging at a Kentucky school, they face the same risks our client did.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in Martin County

Hazing isn’t just “a few harmless pranks.” In our current case, we’ve documented:

✅ Waterboarding with garden hoses – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until muscles break down (rhabdomyolysis)
✅ Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting – Then made to keep running through their own vomit
✅ Hog-tied for over an hour – Another pledge was restrained face-down with an object in his mouth
✅ Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✅ Carrying sexual objects – Humiliation as part of “initiation”

This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening at Kentucky universities right now.

Universities Near Martin County Are Failing Students

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was tortured. They knew hazing was happening. They did nothing. Kentucky universities have the same power – and the same responsibility – to stop hazing.

Kentucky Schools with Greek Life Where Hazing Happens:

• Morehead State University (30 minutes from Martin County)
• Eastern Kentucky University (1 hour from Martin County)
• University of Kentucky (2.5 hours from Martin County)
• Western Kentucky University (3 hours from Martin County)

These schools know hazing exists. They choose to look the other way. That makes them legally responsible when students get hurt.

The Devastating Consequences of Hazing

Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. But the damage lasts far longer:

🚨 Physical injuries – Broken bones, internal damage, permanent disability
🚨 Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
🚨 Academic disruption – Missed classes, failed courses, lost scholarships
🚨 Financial burden – Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
🚨 Wrongful death – When hazing kills, families are left with unimaginable loss

This is why we fight. Because no parent should have to watch their child suffer – or worse – because of institutional negligence.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Martin County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved shares responsibility. In our current case, we’re suing:

🔹 The local fraternity chapter – The individuals who organized and participated in hazing
🔹 The national organization – They knew about dangerous hazing culture and failed to stop it
🔹 The university – They have the power to regulate Greek life but choose not to
🔹 Individual members – Including officers, pledgemasters, and active participants
🔹 Alumni/property owners – If hazing occurred at their home or property

These defendants have deep pockets. National fraternities and universities carry millions in insurance coverage. That means your family can recover significant compensation – even if the individuals involved have no money.

Kentucky Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Kentucky has strong anti-hazing laws, but they’re not always enforced. Here’s what you should know:

Kentucky Revised Statutes § 508.100 – Hazing

• Hazing is a crime in Kentucky
• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter
• Penalties: Up to 1 year in jail and $500 fine for individuals
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000

Civil Liability in Kentucky

Kentucky allows victims to sue for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim had to miss work or school)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

Our firm has experience with both criminal and civil hazing cases. We can help you navigate both systems.

Hazing Settlements and Verdicts: What Martin County Families Can Expect

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. Here’s what similar cases have recovered:

These results are possible for Martin County families. The same legal strategies apply in Kentucky.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Martin County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

📱 Save all communications:

• Text messages
• GroupMe/Snapchat messages
• Social media posts
• Emails

📸 Document everything:

• Photos of injuries
• Videos of hazing activities (if any exist)
• Names and contact info of witnesses

📝 Write down what happened:

• Dates and times of hazing incidents
• Names of people involved
• Locations where hazing occurred

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• They will try to get your child to sign something
• They will try to control the narrative
• Anything your child says can be used against them
• Let us handle all communications

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Kentucky has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
• Evidence disappears quickly – fraternities delete messages, universities destroy records
• The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

Why Martin County Families Choose Attorney 911

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 exactly how to build these cases.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. Now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.

3. We Travel to Martin County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We’ll come to Martin County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trials

4. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue cases against national fraternities anywhere in the country.

5. No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Martin County families face no financial risk.

6. Bilingual Representation

We have Spanish-speaking staff to serve all Martin County families.

7. Proven Track Record

• $10 million lawsuit currently pending in hazing case
• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Former insurance defense experience – we know how to dismantle their defenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Martin County

Q: My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Kentucky law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed something, they can still pursue legal action.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” doesn’t make abuse legal. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical assault are crimes – no matter how long they’ve been happening.

Q: We’re not sure if it was “hazing” or just rough initiation. How do we know?

A: Let us evaluate your case. If your child was forced to do anything dangerous, humiliating, or illegal as part of joining an organization, it likely qualifies as hazing.

Q: The university says they didn’t know. Can they still be liable?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks (which they always do), they can be held responsible.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We can:

• File anonymously in some cases
• Request protective orders
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months. Some take longer if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a Kentucky university but we live in Martin County?

We can still represent you. We handle hazing cases nationwide. Distance is not a barrier.

Martin County Parents: You Have Options

If your child was hazed, you have three main paths to justice:

1. Criminal Charges

• Kentucky law makes hazing a crime
• Individuals can face jail time and fines
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000

2. Civil Lawsuit

• Sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages
• Hold fraternities, universities, and individuals accountable
• Recover millions in compensation

3. University Discipline

• File a complaint with the university
• Demand the chapter be suspended or expelled
• Push for policy changes

We can help with ALL THREE. Our attorneys work with law enforcement, university officials, and civil courts to ensure maximum accountability.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims often delay reporting because of:

• Shame or embarrassment
• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not realizing it was illegal

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Kentucky has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. The time to act is now.

Contact Martin County’s Hazing Lawyers Today

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Serving Martin County and All of Kentucky

• Martin County (Inez, Warfield)
• Floyd County (Prestonsburg, Allen)
• Pike County (Pikeville)
• Johnson County (Paintsville)
• Lawrence County (Louisa)
• And all Eastern Kentucky universities

We come to you. If you can’t travel to our office, we’ll meet you in Martin County.

Martin County Parents: This Stops With You

The fraternities and universities won’t stop hazing on their own. They only change when forced to.

Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at the same fraternity. Nothing changed until families demanded justice.

Your child’s case could be the one that finally ends hazing in Kentucky.

Call us today. Let’s fight for your family – and for all Martin County students.

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

Martin County Hazing Resources

• Kentucky State Police: Report hazing crimes
• Morehead State University Student Affairs: 606-783-2071
• Eastern Kentucky University Student Conduct: 859-622-1500
• University of Kentucky Dean of Students: 859-257-3754
• Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• National Hazing Prevention Week: September (annual awareness campaign)

You don’t have to fight this alone. We’re here to help.