🛡️ Attorney 911: Pike County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Advocates

Serving Pike County, Kentucky and Nationwide from Houston, Texas

🚨 Hazing in Pike County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Pike County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their sons and daughters. But behind closed doors at fraternities and sororities across Kentucky—and right here in Pike County—dangerous hazing rituals continue to put students at risk.

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 waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic abuse disguised as “tradition.” The same fraternities operate at universities near Pike County. The same negligence exists in Kentucky. And we’re ready to fight for Pike County families with the same determination.

If your child has been hazed in Pike County or anywhere in Kentucky, you are not alone. We’re here to help.

🏢 Who We Are: Pike County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for Pike County Families

We are a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including Pike County, Kentucky. Our attorneys have over 37 years of combined litigation experience, including former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how institutions try to avoid accountability.

Why Pike County Families Choose Attorney 911

Our Approach to Serving Pike County Hazing Victims

When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s on a Pike County campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

For Pike County hazing victims, our team:

• Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
• Preserves evidence immediately—texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
• Negotiates from strength—we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
• Travels to Pike County—for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed
• Provides remote consultations—Pike County families can video chat with our attorneys

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Pike County hazing victims, we take it to court.

💔 The Hazing Crisis in Pike County—and Beyond

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

Hazing is not just a problem in Texas. It happens right here in Kentucky, at universities near Pike County, and across the nation. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at Kentucky universities.

Universities near Pike County with Greek life include:

• University of Pikeville (Pikeville, KY)
• Morehead State University (Morehead, KY)
• Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY)
• Marshall University (Huntington, WV—just across the state line)

These institutions—and the Greek organizations on their campuses—face the same oversight challenges that allowed hazing at the University of Houston. Pike County families deserve to know that their children are at risk.

What Pike County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s abuse.

Common hazing activities reported at universities near Pike County include:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
• Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities that prevent adequate rest
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning: As seen in our current case
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects

Medical consequences of hazing in Pike County can include:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (potentially fatal)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure)
• Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological damage)
• Death

⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why Pike County Families Should Pay Attention

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston: A Warning for Pike County

📰 MEDIA COVERAGE:

• ABC13 Houston: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• KHOU 11: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
• Houston Chronicle: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit
• Houston Public Media: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing

💰 Damages Sought: $10 MILLION
📅 Filed: November 21, 2025

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days in the hospital.

The hazing activities Bermudez endured included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout—fraternity members did nothing

The result? Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure and could not stand or walk for days.

Why This Case Matters for Pike County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Pike County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including at universities near Pike County.
   • Other fraternities with hazing histories (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta) also have chapters in Kentucky.

2. Universities Near Pike County Face the Same Liability Failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
   • Universities near Pike County have the same power—and the same duty—to protect students.

3. Pike County Students Are at Risk Right Now

   • If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Pike County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
   • Greek organizations with hazing histories operate at universities across Kentucky.

4. $10 Million Sends a Message

   • This is the price for torturing our kids. Pike County families can send the same message.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Pike County Hazing Victims

Kentucky Hazing Laws: What Pike County Families Need to Know

Kentucky has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under KRS 164.375, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, 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 a group or organization.”

Kentucky law makes hazing a crime:

• Class A misdemeanor for hazing that causes physical injury
• Class D felony for hazing that causes serious physical injury or death

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Pike County?

When hazing occurs, Pike County families can pursue legal action against:

1. The local fraternity/sorority chapter (directly responsible for hazing)
2. The national fraternity/sorority organization (failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing culture)
3. The university or college (failed to protect students; may own the property where hazing occurred)
4. Individual fraternity/sorority members (participated in or facilitated hazing)
5. Housing corporations or property owners (allowed hazing on their premises)

Damages Pike County Families Can Recover

Pike County hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Lost wages (if hazing affected employment)
• Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic delays)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing)

💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Hazing Cases Win

Pike County Families: These Cases Prove You Can—and Should—Fight Back

Key Takeaways for Pike County Families:

• Universities and fraternities pay millions when hazing causes injury or death.
• Juries award significant damages for pain, suffering, and punitive damages.
• Pattern evidence matters—prior hazing incidents increase liability.
• Pike County cases can win with the right legal team.

📋 What Pike County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Pike County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed in Pike County or at a university near Pike County, take these steps immediately:

1. Ensure Safety

   • Remove your child from the dangerous situation.
   • Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor.

2. Preserve Evidence

   • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
   • Save all communications (texts, social media, GroupMe, emails).
   • Document witness names and contact information.

3. Report the Incident

   • File a police report with local law enforcement.
   • Report to the university (Title IX office, student affairs).
   • Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization.

4. Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Insurance Companies

   • Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders or university officials without legal counsel.
   • Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company.
   • Do not post on social media about the incident.

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
   • We will travel to Pike County to meet with you and your child.
   • We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🎯 Why Pike County Families Should Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We don’t just talk about hazing litigation—we’re in the fight right now. Our attorneys are representing Leonel Bermudez in his case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Pike County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and universities will argue that your child “consented” to hazing. Kentucky law says consent is NOT a defense. We know how to dismantle this argument and hold them accountable.

3. We Have Insider Knowledge as Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims. We use that knowledge to maximize recovery for Pike County families.

4. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, PR professionals, and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. Pike County families need a legal team with the resources to fight back.

5. We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations for Pike County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier. We take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Our initial consultation is always free.

6. We Will Travel to Pike County

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Pike County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials
• Any legal proceedings related to your case

7. We Speak Spanish

Many hazing victims and their families in Pike County are Spanish-speaking. Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Initial consultations
• Ongoing case communication
• Document translation and explanation
• Courtroom interpretation coordination

📢 Message to Fraternities and Universities Near Pike County

To the Fraternities Operating Near Pike County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma—if your chapter operates near Pike County, know this:

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi.
• We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your history of hazing settlements.
• If your chapter harms students near Pike County, we will pursue every liable entity.
• The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

The Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Kentucky.

To Universities Near Pike County: The Same Negligence Exists at Your Campus

Universities near Pike County, including the University of Pikeville, Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Marshall University:

• The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
• You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect your students.
• If you fail to act, you will face the same accountability.

Act now, or face the consequences in court.

📞 Pike County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

Hazing Victims in Pike County Deserve Justice. We’re Here to Fight for You.

📍 Serving Pike County, Kentucky and Nationwide
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

How Pike County Families Can Reach Us:

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (available 24/7)
• Email ralph@atty911.com
• Schedule a video consultation (available for Pike County families who cannot travel)
• We will travel to Pike County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🔥 Pike County Families: It’s Time to Take a Stand

Hazing has gone on for too long. Too many students have been injured. Too many families have lost their children. Too many institutions have looked the other way.

But change is coming.

With every lawsuit, every settlement, and every jury verdict, we send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated. Pike County students deserve to go to college without fear of torture, injury, or death.

If your child has been hazed in Pike County or at a university near Pike County, we’re here to help. Call Attorney 911 today.

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

Pike County families: Your child’s safety is our priority. Let’s fight for justice together.