# **Hazing Victims in Marion County, Mississippi: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help**
## **🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Marion County — And It’s Time to Fight Back**
Marion County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But too often, that trust is betrayed. **Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse — and it’s happening at colleges and universities near Marion County, Mississippi.**
At **Attorney 911**, we’re fighting this crisis right now. We’re currently litigating a **$10 million hazing lawsuit** against **Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston** after a student was **waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure.** This isn’t just happening in Texas — **it’s happening in Mississippi too.**
If your child has been hazed in **Marion County, Mississippi**, or at a college or university nearby, **we can help.** You have rights. You have legal options. And you don’t have to face this alone.
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## **🔍 What Is Hazing? Marion County Families Need to Know**
Hazing is **any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student** for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Mississippi, hazing is **illegal and punishable by law.**
### **Examples of Hazing in Marion County & Nearby Colleges:**
✅ **Physical abuse** – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ **Forced consumption** – Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
✅ **Sleep deprivation** – Late-night activities, forced early-morning tasks
✅ **Psychological torture** – Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
✅ **Sexual abuse** – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ **Waterboarding/simulated drowning** – Torture disguised as “tradition”
✅ **Exposure to extreme conditions** – Cold weather, heat, confined spaces
Hazing doesn’t just happen in fraternities and sororities — it also occurs in:
– **Sports teams**
– **Marching bands**
– **ROTC programs**
– **Honor societies**
– **Student clubs**
– **Other organizations**
### **💔 The Devastating Consequences of Hazing in Marion County**
Hazing can cause **serious, life-altering injuries**, including:
– **Rhabdomyolysis** (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
– **Alcohol poisoning** (can be fatal)
– **Traumatic brain injury** (from beatings or falls)
– **Hypothermia or heatstroke** (from extreme exposure)
– **PTSD, anxiety, and depression** (long-term psychological trauma)
– **Death**
**If your child has been hazed in Marion County, Mississippi, or at a nearby college, you may be entitled to compensation for:**
✔ Medical bills (past and future)
✔ Pain and suffering
✔ Emotional distress
✔ Lost wages (if they had to miss work)
✔ Disruption to their education
✔ Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)
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## **📚 Hazing Is Happening at Colleges & Universities Near Marion County**
While we’re based in Texas, **hazing is a nationwide epidemic** — and it’s happening right here in Mississippi. Some of the colleges and universities near Marion County with active Greek life and student organizations include:
### **📍 Colleges & Universities Near Marion County, MS (Within 100 Miles)**
| **School** | **Location** | **Greek Life Presence** |
|————|————-|————————|
| **University of Southern Mississippi (USM)** | Hattiesburg, MS (~70 miles) | ✅ Strong Greek system (fraternities & sororities) |
| **William Carey University** | Hattiesburg, MS (~70 miles) | ✅ Active Greek organizations |
| **Pearl River Community College** | Poplarville, MS (~30 miles) | ✅ Student clubs & organizations |
| **Jones College** | Ellisville, MS (~50 miles) | ✅ Greek life & student activities |
| **Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College** | Multiple campuses (Perkinston, ~60 miles) | ✅ Student organizations |
| **Alcorn State University** | Lorman, MS (~120 miles) | ✅ Historically Black Greek organizations (Divine 9) |
**💡 Important Note:** Even if your child attends a smaller college or community college near Marion County, **hazing can still happen.** Greek organizations, sports teams, and student clubs often operate with little oversight.
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## **⚖️ Mississippi Hazing Laws: What Marion County Families Need to Know**
Mississippi has **strict anti-hazing laws** to protect students. Under **Mississippi Code § 97-3-105**, hazing is a **misdemeanor offense**, punishable by:
– **Up to 6 months in jail**
– **Fines up to $500**
### **Key Legal Points for Marion County Hazing Victims:**
✅ **Consent is NOT a defense** – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
✅ **Organizations can be held liable** – Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and universities can be sued for hazing.
✅ **You have 3 years to file a lawsuit** – Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is **3 years from the date of injury.**
✅ **Criminal charges may also apply** – If hazing results in serious injury or death, perpetrators can face **felony charges.**
### **Who Can Be Held Liable in a Marion County Hazing Case?**
| **Defendant** | **Why They’re Liable** |
|————–|———————–|
| **Local Chapter** | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| **National Organization** | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of problems |
| **University/College** | Failed to supervise Greek life or student organizations; premises liability if hazing occurred on campus |
| **Individual Members** | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| **Chapter Officers** | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| **Coaches/Advisors** | Failed to monitor team/club activities |
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## **💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions**
Hazing cases result in **multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts** when victims stand up for their rights. Here are some recent examples that show what’s possible for Marion County families:
| **Case** | **Fraternity** | **University** | **Outcome** | **Amount** |
|———-|—————|—————|————|———–|
| **Stone Foltz (2021)** | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | **$10.1M** |
| **Maxwell Gruver (2017)** | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | **$6.1M** |
| **Timothy Piazza (2017)** | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | **$110M+** |
| **Andrew Coffey (2017)** | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| **Leonel Bermudez (2025)** | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | **Pending (our case)** | **$10M sought** |
**💡 What This Means for Marion County Families:**
– **Hazing cases win big** when victims have strong legal representation.
– **Universities and fraternities pay millions** when they fail to protect students.
– **The same national fraternities operating near Marion County have paid settlements before** — and they’ll pay again.
—
## **🏢 Our Landmark Hazing Case: Why Marion County Families Can Trust Us**
We’re not just talking about hazing — **we’re actively fighting it in court right now.**
### **📰 Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston ($10M Lawsuit – 2025)**
**What Happened:**
– **Leonel Bermudez**, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi.
– Over **7 weeks**, he was subjected to **systematic abuse**, including:
– **Waterboarding with a garden hose** (simulated drowning)
– **Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls** until he collapsed
– **Struck with wooden paddles**
– **Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting**
– **Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass**
– **Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing**
– On **November 3, 2025**, he was punished with extreme exercise and **could not stand without help.**
– The next day, he was **so sore he couldn’t move.**
– His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with **severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.**
– He spent **3 nights and 4 days in the hospital.**
**Why This Matters for Marion County Families:**
✅ **Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Marion County** — the same hazing culture exists here.
✅ **Universities near Marion County face the same liability failures** as UH.
✅ **We know how to build these cases** — and we’ll fight just as hard for Marion County victims.
✅ **The fraternity and university are already trying to cover it up** — we won’t let them.
**📢 Media Coverage of Our Case:**
– **ABC13 Houston** – [“Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge”](https://abc13.com)
– **KHOU 11** – [“$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”](https://www.khou.com)
– **Houston Chronicle** – [“UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”](https://www.houstonchronicle.com)
– **Houston Public Media** – [“University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million”](https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org)
**💬 What Our Attorneys Are Saying:**
> *”When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”* — **Ralph Manginello**
> *”If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”* — **Lupe Pena**
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## **🛡️ How We Protect Marion County Hazing Victims**
We understand that hazing victims and their families face **fear, shame, and intimidation.** Many are afraid to speak out because of **retaliation from fraternities, sororities, or universities.** That’s why we take a **comprehensive approach** to protecting our clients:
### **1️⃣ Immediate Legal Protection**
– **Cease-and-desist letters** to stop further harassment
– **Preservation of evidence** (texts, photos, videos, witness statements)
– **Protection from retaliation** (fraternities/sororities often try to silence victims)
### **2️⃣ Medical & Psychological Support**
– **Documenting injuries** (hospital records, therapy records)
– **Connecting victims with specialists** (PTSD, anxiety, depression treatment)
– **Ensuring long-term care** (future medical expenses)
### **3️⃣ Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable**
– **Fraternity/sorority chapters** (local and national)
– **Universities/colleges** (for failing to supervise)
– **Individual perpetrators** (chapter officers, members)
– **Insurance companies** (fraternities and universities have deep-pocketed policies)
### **4️⃣ Fighting for Maximum Compensation**
– **Medical bills** (past, present, and future)
– **Pain and suffering** (physical and emotional)
– **Lost wages** (if the victim had to miss work)
– **Educational disruption** (tuition, scholarships, academic setbacks)
– **Punitive damages** (to punish the organization and prevent future hazing)
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## **🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Marion County, MS**
If your child has been hazed in **Marion County, Mississippi**, or at a college or university nearby, **time is critical.** Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
### **📋 Step-by-Step Action Plan for Marion County Families**
| **Step** | **Action** | **Why It Matters** |
|———|———–|——————-|
| **1️⃣ Seek Medical Attention** | Take your child to the ER or urgent care **immediately**, even if injuries seem minor. | – Documents injuries
– Creates medical records
– Protects your child’s health |
| **2️⃣ Preserve Evidence** | – **Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs**
– **Take photos/videos of injuries**
– **Get witness contact info**
– **Save any hazing-related documents** | – Evidence is critical for your case
– Organizations will try to destroy it |
| **3️⃣ Do NOT Talk to the Organization** | – **Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority**
– **Do NOT sign anything**
– **Do NOT give a statement without a lawyer** | – They will try to manipulate you
– Anything you say can be used against you |
| **4️⃣ Report to Authorities (Optional)** | – **File a police report** (hazing is a crime in Mississippi)
– **Report to the university’s Title IX office** | – Creates official record
– May lead to criminal charges |
| **5️⃣ Contact Attorney 911** | **Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com** | – Free consultation
– We handle everything
– No upfront cost |
### **⚠️ What NOT to Do After Hazing in Marion County**
❌ **Do NOT delete any messages or posts** (even if they’re embarrassing)
❌ **Do NOT post about the incident on social media**
❌ **Do NOT accept a settlement from the fraternity/university without legal advice**
❌ **Do NOT wait** (Mississippi’s statute of limitations is 3 years, but evidence disappears fast)
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## **🤝 Why Marion County Families Choose Attorney 911**
### **1️⃣ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now**
– We’re **actively litigating a $10 million hazing case** against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
– We know the **tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability** — and we know how to beat them.
### **2️⃣ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys**
– Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena **worked for insurance companies** before switching sides.
– We know **how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims.**
– Now, we use that knowledge **against them** to maximize your recovery.
### **3️⃣ Nationwide Representation for Marion County Victims**
– We’re based in Texas, but **we represent hazing victims nationwide**, including in **Marion County, Mississippi.**
– **Federal court authority** (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
– **Dual-state bar licenses** (Texas and New York)
– **Willing to travel to Marion County** for depositions, trials, and client meetings
### **4️⃣ No Upfront Cost — We Work on Contingency**
– **$0 upfront** — You don’t pay us unless we win.
– **No hourly fees** — We take a percentage of the settlement/verdict.
– **No risk to you** — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
### **5️⃣ We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)**
– Hazing affects **all communities**, including Hispanic and Latino students in Marion County.
– Our staff is **bilingual**, so you can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable with.
### **6️⃣ We Care About More Than Just the Money**
– We’ve seen what hazing does to families.
– We’re not just fighting for compensation — **we’re fighting to stop hazing for good.**
– We want to **protect the next student** from going through what your child did.
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## **📞 Marion County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation**
If your child has been hazed in **Marion County, Mississippi**, or at a college or university nearby, **you don’t have to face this alone.**
**📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9111)**
📧 **Email:** ralph@atty911.com
🌐 **Website:** [attorney911.com](https://attorney911.com)
**✅ Free, confidential consultation**
**✅ No obligation — we’ll explain your legal options**
**✅ $0 upfront cost — we only get paid if we win**
**✅ Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies**
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## **🚀 What Happens When You Call Attorney 911?**
1. **Free Case Evaluation** – We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal rights.
2. **Evidence Review** – We’ll assess the strength of your case.
3. **Legal Strategy** – We’ll develop a plan to hold the responsible parties accountable.
4. **Fight for Justice** – We’ll negotiate with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
5. **Trial (If Needed)** – If they won’t settle fairly, we’ll take them to court.
**We handle everything so you can focus on your child’s recovery.**
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## **💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Marion County Families**
### **1️⃣ Can I sue if my child was hazed in Marion County, MS?**
✅ **Yes.** Hazing is illegal in Mississippi, and victims can sue for compensation.
### **2️⃣ What if my child “consented” to the hazing?**
✅ **Consent is NOT a defense.** Mississippi law explicitly states that **even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.**
### **3️⃣ How long do I have to file a lawsuit?**
✅ **3 years.** Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is **3 years from the date of injury.**
### **4️⃣ Can I sue the university if hazing happened off-campus?**
✅ **Yes.** If the university knew or should have known about the hazing, they can be held liable **even if it happened off-campus.**
### **5️⃣ What if my child was hazed at a community college near Marion County?**
✅ **You can still sue.** Hazing happens at **all types of schools**, not just universities.
### **6️⃣ How much is my hazing case worth?**
✅ **It depends on the severity of the injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct, and the defendants’ ability to pay.** Hazing cases often result in **multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts.**
### **7️⃣ What if the fraternity/sorority has already suspended the chapter?**
✅ **That doesn’t protect them from liability.** In fact, it can be used as **evidence that they knew the hazing was wrong.**
### **8️⃣ Will my child have to testify in court?**
✅ **Not always.** Many cases settle before trial. If it does go to court, we’ll prepare your child and support them every step of the way.
### **9️⃣ Can I afford a lawyer?**
✅ **Yes.** We work on **contingency** — you pay **nothing upfront**, and we only get paid if we win.
### **🔟 What if my child is afraid of retaliation?**
✅ **We protect our clients.** We send **cease-and-desist letters** to stop harassment and take legal action if retaliation occurs.
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## **📢 To Fraternities & Sororities Near Marion County: We’re Coming for You**
**Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and all other Greek organizations near Marion County, Mississippi:**
We know what you’re doing. We know your “traditions.” We know your “brotherhood” is built on abuse.
**And we’re coming for you.**
– **We’re tracking your chapters.**
– **We’re documenting your hazing histories.**
– **We’re suing your national organizations.**
– **We’re holding your individual members personally liable.**
The **$10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi** is just the beginning. If you haze students in Marion County, Mississippi, **you will pay.**
**Your chapter could be next.**
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## **🎯 Final Message to Marion County Families**
Hazing is **not a rite of passage.** It’s **not harmless fun.** It’s **abuse**, and it has **lifelong consequences.**
If your child has been hazed in **Marion County, Mississippi**, or at a college or university nearby, **you have the power to fight back.**
**You have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable.**
**You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries.**
**You have the right to protect the next student from going through the same thing.**
**Attorney 911 is here to help.**
**📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free, confidential consultation.**
**📧 Email:** ralph@atty911.com
**🌐 Visit:** [attorney911.com](https://attorney911.com)
**Enough is enough. It’s time to end hazing in Marion County, Mississippi.**
