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Greene County (Earth/North America/United States/Mississippi/Greene County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pike: $24M, Sigma Chi: $10M+ | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyer for Greene County, MS – Get Justice for Your Child

Attorney 911 – Fighting for Hazing Victims in Greene County and Across Mississippi

If your child has been the victim of fraternity hazing, sorority hazing, or any form of abusive initiation rituals at a college or university near Greene County, Mississippi, you are not alone—and you have legal rights. The same hazing culture that hospitalized a student at the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit is happening right here in Mississippi. Greene County families deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for the physical and emotional harm caused by hazing.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical punishment, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win. Greene County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to national headlines.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Mississippi – It’s Happening Near Greene County

Hazing is not just a problem in Texas—it’s happening at colleges and universities across Mississippi, including those near Greene County. Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Greene County operate under the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries.

Mississippi Universities with Greek Life Near Greene County:

While Greene County itself is a rural area, students from Greene County often attend universities with active Greek life, including:

  • University of Southern Mississippi (USM) – Hattiesburg, MS (~90 miles from Greene County)
  • Mississippi State University (MSU) – Starkville, MS (~150 miles from Greene County)
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Oxford, MS (~200 miles from Greene County)
  • Jackson State University – Jackson, MS (~120 miles from Greene County)
  • Alcorn State University – Lorman, MS (~180 miles from Greene County)

These institutions have the same Greek organizations—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—that have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide. If your child attends or pledges at a university near Greene County, they face the same risks.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? Mississippi Families Need to Know

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. Under Mississippi law, hazing is a crime, and it can also give rise to civil lawsuits for damages.

Common Hazing Practices in Mississippi (and Nationwide):

  • Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion (e.g., 100+ pushups, 500+ squats)
  • Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, consumption of non-food items
  • Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion
  • Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
  • Dangerous activities: Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure, confinement

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – This is what happened to our client in Houston.
  • Alcohol poisoning – A leading cause of hazing deaths.
  • Traumatic brain injuries – From beatings or falls.
  • Hypothermia or heatstroke – From exposure to extreme weather.
  • Cardiac arrest – From extreme physical exertion.
  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression – Long-term psychological trauma.

If your child has been hazed in Mississippi, they may be at risk for serious—even fatal—injuries.

💔 Real Hazing Cases – The Same Thing Is Happening Near Greene County

Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. The hazing included:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to perform 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, and other extreme exercises
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
  • Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during hazing

Result: Bermudez spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure. The chapter was shut down, and we filed a $10 million lawsuit against the fraternity, the university, and individual members.

Why This Matters to Greene County Families:

  • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Greene County, including Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
  • The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client are happening in Mississippi.
  • Universities near Greene County have the same oversight failures as UH.
  • If your child is being hazed in Mississippi, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Bermudez.

Other Hazing Cases That Prove Greene County Families Can Win:

Case Fraternity University Outcome
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State $110+ million settlement
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Chapter closed; criminal charges

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can—and do—win massive settlements and verdicts. The same results are possible for Greene County families.

⚖️ Mississippi Hazing Laws – What Greene County Families Need to Know

Mississippi Criminal Law: Hazing Is a Crime

Under Mississippi Code § 97-3-105, hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Fines up to $1,000

Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Mississippi Civil Law: You Can Sue for Damages

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

Who Can Be Sued in Mississippi Hazing Cases?

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter
  • The national fraternity/sorority organization
  • The university or college (if they knew or should have known about the hazing)
  • Individual members (those who participated in or allowed the hazing)
  • Alumni or advisors (if they facilitated hazing)

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Mississippi

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Greene County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations can expire. Follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if your child says they’re “fine,” hazing injuries can be life-threatening.
  • Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
  • Document everything—get copies of all medical records.

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing.
  • Save all communications—texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails, social media posts.
  • Get witness names and contact information—other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened.
  • Do not delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing or incriminating.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

  • They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and intimidate your child.
  • Do not sign anything from the organization.
  • Do not give a statement to university administrators or Greek life leaders.

4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • Mississippi has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but you should act much sooner.
  • The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build your case.
  • We offer free consultations—call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

🏆 Why Greene County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We are actively litigating the Pi Kappa Phi case in Houston, and we know how to win. Greene County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—previously worked for insurance companies and defense firms. We know how they try to minimize claims, deny liability, and lowball settlements. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court—critical for cases involving national fraternities with chapters across state lines.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission – Texas and New York

Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities headquartered in other states.

5. We Come to Greene County – Distance Is Not a Barrier

We will travel to Greene County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We also offer video consultations for families who cannot travel to our offices.

6. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront for Greene County Families

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. There is no financial risk to you.

7. Bilingual Staff – Se Habla Español

We have bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking families in Greene County and across Mississippi.

🎯 Who We Sue for Greene County Hazing Victims

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held liable. We pursue every entity responsible to maximize your compensation:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted the hazing.
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be held personally liable.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failed to supervise the local chapter.
  • Knew or should have known about hazing risks (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017).
  • Have deep pockets and insurance policies to cover damages.

3. The University or College

  • Premises liability – If the hazing occurred on university property.
  • Negligent supervision – Failed to monitor Greek life despite prior hazing incidents.
  • Institutional knowledge – Knew or should have known hazing was happening.

4. Individual Members

  • Those who participated in hazing can be sued personally.
  • Those who witnessed and failed to stop hazing can also be liable.

5. Alumni or Advisors

  • If hazing occurred at an alumni’s home or under their supervision, they can be held liable.

💰 What Compensation Is Available for Greene County Hazing Victims?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:

Category Examples Potential Amount
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment $50,000 – $500,000+
Pain and Suffering Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD $250,000 – $5,000,000+
Lost Wages Time missed from work, lost internship opportunities $10,000 – $100,000+
Future Earning Capacity If injuries cause long-term limitations $100,000 – $1,000,000+
Punitive Damages To punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) $500,000 – $5,000,000+

Total potential recovery: $1 million – $10+ million, depending on the severity of the injuries and the defendants’ conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions for Greene County Families

1. My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?

Yes. Under Mississippi law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal, and the defendants can still be held liable.

2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical abuse are not traditions—they are crimes.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

Possibly. If the university owned the property where hazing occurred or had a history of hazing incidents, they may still be liable for failing to protect students.

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

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We protect our clients’ identities and safety throughout the legal process. Your child’s well-being is our top priority.

5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Mississippi?

Mississippi has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears quickly, so you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

6. We can’t afford a lawyer. What are our options?

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. There is no financial risk to you.

7. My child was hazed at a university near Greene County, but we don’t live there. Can you still help?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including those from Greene County who attend universities across Mississippi and the U.S. Distance is not a barrier.

📞 Greene County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Mississippi, you need an experienced hazing lawyer on your side. The fraternity, sorority, and university will have teams of lawyers trying to minimize your claim. You need Attorney 911 to fight back.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We come to Greene County. We fight for Greene County families. We win for Greene County victims.

🔥 A Message to Fraternities and Universities Near Greene County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Greene County, Mississippi—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and all others:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Mississippi, we will pursue every liable entity—your chapter, your nationals, your university, and your individual members.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH? Shut down.
The Beta Theta Pi chapter at Penn State? Banned.
The Phi Delta Theta chapter at LSU? Hit with a $6.1 million verdict.

Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near Greene County—University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Jackson State, Alcorn State, and others:

You own the problem.

You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters. If you fail to protect your students, you will be held accountable.

The University of Houston owned the house where a student was waterboarded. They are now a defendant in a $10 million lawsuit.

Your university could be next.

🏆 Greene County Families: You Deserve Justice

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood or sisterhood.

It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.

And it must stop.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Greene County, you have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another Greene County family.

Call Attorney 911 today. We will fight for you.

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

Greene County hazing victims: Your fight is our fight. Let’s win it together.

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