Hazing Victims in Mercer County, Kentucky: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help
Mercer County Families: Hazing Is Happening Near You — And It’s Time to Fight Back
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted that universities and Greek organizations near Mercer County, Kentucky, would protect them. But what happens when that trust is betrayed?
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture.
And if your child has been hazed in Mercer County, Kentucky, or at any university nearby, you have legal rights — and we can help you fight for justice.
This Is Happening in Mercer County, Kentucky
You may think hazing is a problem in big cities or far-away states. But the truth is, it’s happening right here in Kentucky — and in Mercer County.
The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston, the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths, operate chapters at universities near Mercer County, Kentucky.
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- And many more
These aren’t just names on a list. These are the same organizations that have:
✅ Forced students to drink until they died (Max Gruver, LSU)
✅ Waterboarded pledges with garden hoses (Leonel Bermudez, UH)
✅ Made students do 500 squats until their muscles broke down (Leonel Bermudez, UH)
✅ Waited 12 hours to call 911 while a student bled internally (Tim Piazza, Penn State)
And now, they’re operating near Mercer County, Kentucky — with the same culture, the same “traditions,” and the same disregard for student safety.
What Is Hazing? (And Why Mercer County, Kentucky Families Need to Know)
Hazing isn’t just a rough initiation. Under Kentucky law — and the laws of most states — hazing includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Common Hazing Practices in Kentucky (Including Mercer County):
| Type of Hazing | What It Looks Like | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), death |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), drugs | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ failure |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, long-term psychological damage |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health decline |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Exploitation, missed classes, academic decline |
This isn’t just “roughhousing.” This is systematic abuse — and it’s happening at universities near Mercer County, Kentucky.
The Mercer County, Kentucky Hazing Crisis: What You Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Kentucky — And Consent Doesn’t Matter
Many fraternities try to argue that victims “consented” to hazing. But Kentucky law — like Texas law — says that’s not a defense.
KRS 164.375 (Kentucky Anti-Hazing Law):
“A person is guilty of hazing when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to that person or a third person.”
Key Points:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they can still sue.
- Criminal penalties apply — Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Kentucky, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $500.
- Universities can be held liable — If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it.
If your child was hazed near Mercer County, Kentucky, they have legal rights — and we can help you enforce them.
2. Universities Near Mercer County, Kentucky Are Failing to Protect Students
Universities have a legal duty to protect students. But time and time again, they fail — and students pay the price.
Case in Point: The University of Houston Hazing Lawsuit (2025)
In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing.
What happened?
- He was waterboarded with a garden hose.
- He was forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed.
- He was struck with wooden paddles.
- He was forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running.
- He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
And the University of Houston?
- They owned the fraternity house where the torture happened.
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen).
- They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
This isn’t just a Houston problem. It’s a Mercer County, Kentucky problem too.
Universities near Mercer County, Kentucky — including:
- Centre College (Danville, KY)
- Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY)
- University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
- Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
- And others
— have the same Greek life cultures, the same oversight failures, and the same liability when hazing happens.
3. Fraternities Near Mercer County, Kentucky Have a History of Hazing
The same fraternities that hazed Leonel Bermudez operate chapters near Mercer County, Kentucky.
Pi Kappa Phi, for example, has chapters at:
- University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
- Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
- And potentially other schools nearby
And they have a documented history of hazing:
| Year | Victim | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Died from alcohol poisoning |
| 2025 | Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Hospitalized with kidney failure |
Same fraternity. Same culture. 8 years apart.
If they’re doing it in Houston and Florida, they’re doing it near Mercer County, Kentucky too.
What Mercer County, Kentucky Families Can Do If Their Child Was Hazed
If your child was hazed — whether at a university near Mercer County, Kentucky, or anywhere else — you have options.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked out. Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document everything. Medical records are critical for your case.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails.
- Get witness names and contact info.
- Do NOT delete anything.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They will try to get your child to sign something that waives their rights.
- They will try to minimize what happened.
Do not give them any statements without legal representation.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer
- You need a lawyer who has fought — and won — against universities and fraternities.
- You need a lawyer who understands the medical and legal complexities of hazing cases.
- You need a lawyer who will travel to Mercer County, Kentucky, if needed.
That’s where Attorney 911 comes in.
Why Mercer County, Kentucky Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Winning
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
This isn’t theoretical. We’re in the fight right now.
And we’re bringing the same aggressive, no-nonsense approach to Mercer County, Kentucky families.
2. We Have the Experience to Take on Universities and Fraternities
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how they’ll try to fight back.
- Federal court admission — We can sue national fraternities anywhere in the country.
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York (critical for national fraternities headquartered in multiple states).
- Proven track record — We’ve won millions for victims of institutional negligence.
3. We Travel to Mercer County, Kentucky — And We Don’t Back Down
We’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Mercer County, Kentucky.
- We offer remote consultations so you don’t have to travel.
- We come to Mercer County, Kentucky for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- We don’t let distance stop us from fighting for justice.
4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Mercer County, Kentucky Families
We understand that cost can be a barrier — especially when your child is dealing with medical bills and trauma.
That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- You pay $0 upfront.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
No fees. No risk. Just justice.
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Hazing doesn’t discriminate — and neither do we.
If your family speaks Spanish, we can communicate in your language.
No language barriers. No misunderstandings. Just clear, compassionate legal help.
What Mercer County, Kentucky Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child was hazed, they may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | What It Covers | Example for Hazing Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment | Emergency room bills, kidney failure treatment, PTSD therapy |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injuries | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing | Agony from 500 squats, waterboarding, paddling |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Fear of retribution, nightmares, social withdrawal |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | When fraternities torture students and refuse to stop |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing leads to death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts — especially when universities and fraternities are involved.
Precedent Cases Near Mercer County, Kentucky (And Nationwide):
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Tim Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These aren’t just numbers. They’re proof that hazing victims can — and do — win big.
Who Can Be Sued in a Mercer County, Kentucky Hazing Case?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants — and we pursue every single one.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at University of Kentucky |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies | Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters |
| University | Owned property, failed to protect students | University of Kentucky, Centre College |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility | Fraternity president, pledgemaster |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who abused pledges |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who allowed abuse |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity house landlord |
We don’t just go after broke college students. We go after the institutions with deep pockets — the universities, the national fraternities, and their insurance companies.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Mercer County, Kentucky
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor.
- Document everything — medical records are critical for your case.
2. Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries and hazing locations.
- Save all communications — texts, social media, emails.
- Get witness names and contact info.
- Do NOT delete anything.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the story.
- They will try to get your child to sign something that waives their rights.
- They will try to minimize what happened.
4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Schedule a free consultation — in person or by video
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Mercer County, Kentucky Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is a national crisis — but it doesn’t have to be a silent one.
If your child was hazed near Mercer County, Kentucky, you have legal rights. You have options. And you have a team that will fight for you.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Mercer County, Kentucky Hazing Case?
✅ We’re fighting this battle right now — and we know how to win.
✅ We have the experience to take on universities and fraternities.
✅ We travel to Mercer County, Kentucky — no distance is too far.
✅ We work on contingency — $0 upfront, $0 if we don’t win.
✅ We speak Spanish — Se habla español.
✅ We care — This isn’t just a case to us. It’s about justice.
Mercer County, Kentucky Families: Take Action Now
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
Hazing victims near Mercer County, Kentucky, have a limited time to file a lawsuit — typically 1-2 years, depending on the state.
Don’t let the fraternity, the university, or their insurance companies silence you.
Call Attorney 911 Today
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront fees. No risk. Just justice.
Mercer County, Kentucky: Enough Is Enough
To the fraternities operating near Mercer County, Kentucky:
We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies.
And when you haze students near Mercer County, Kentucky, we will find every liable entity — and we will make you pay.
To the universities near Mercer County, Kentucky:
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
When you fail to protect students, you share the blame — and you will share the cost.
To the Mercer County, Kentucky families who have been hurt:
You are not alone. You do not have to stay silent. You do not have to accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are here to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Mercer County, Kentucky hazing victims: Your fight starts now.
