Hazing Justice for Union County, Mississippi Families
When Tradition Becomes Torture: Your Child’s Rights in Union County
At Attorney 911, we understand the deep pain and betrayal Union County families feel when their children are hazed. What starts as “tradition” too often ends in emergency rooms, permanent injuries, or worse. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a young man hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This same abuse happens at institutions near Union County, and we’re here to help.
The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home
Union County parents send their children to college expecting safety and opportunity. Instead, many face a culture of abuse disguised as brotherhood. The same national fraternities operating near Union County have chapters with documented histories of hazing deaths and hospitalizations:
- Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey died in 2017 (FSU); Leonel Bermudez hospitalized in 2025 (UH)
- Pi Kappa Alpha: Stone Foltz died in 2021 (BGSU), resulting in a $10.1 million settlement
- Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver died in 2017 (LSU), leading to a $6.1 million jury verdict
- Beta Theta Pi: Timothy Piazza died in 2017 (Penn State), resulting in a $110+ million settlement
These aren’t isolated incidents – they’re part of a systemic problem that affects universities near Union County.
What Union County Parents Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Mississippi
Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-105) defines hazing as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical health or safety of a student for initiation or admission into any organization. This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, forced exercise, exposure to elements)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
- Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts)
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
2. Who Can Be Held Liable
When hazing occurs near Union County, multiple parties may be responsible:
- Local fraternity/sorority chapters: Directly organize and participate in hazing
- National organizations: Fail to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing risks
- Universities/colleges: Own fraternity houses, control Greek life, and have duty to protect students
- Individual members: Personally participate in or facilitate hazing activities
- Alumni: Host hazing events at their homes (premises liability)
- Insurance companies: Provide coverage for institutional defendants
3. Types of Compensation Available
Union County families may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future medical care
- Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma
- Educational damages: Disruption to academic progress
- Punitive damages: Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim who suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure – injuries that can have lifelong consequences.
Common Hazing Injuries We See in Union County Cases
Physical Injuries
- Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise (500 squats, marathon workouts)
- Acute kidney failure: Complication of rhabdomyolysis requiring hospitalization
- Alcohol poisoning: From forced drinking, leading to coma or death
- Traumatic brain injuries: From beatings or falls
- Broken bones and lacerations: From paddling or physical abuse
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures
- Cardiac issues: From extreme physical exertion
Psychological Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): From waterboarding, simulated drowning, or other torture
- Anxiety and depression: From ongoing trauma and fear of retaliation
- Trust issues: Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
- Academic decline: Inability to focus due to psychological trauma
- Substance abuse: Self-medicating to cope with trauma
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Union County
Immediate Steps
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Preserve evidence: Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, and videos related to the hazing.
- Document everything: Write down what happened, when, where, and who was involved.
- Report the incident: File reports with the university, local law enforcement, and (if applicable) national fraternity/sorority.
- Contact an attorney: Before speaking with anyone from the organization or their insurance company.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t confront the organization directly: They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses.
- Don’t post about it on social media: Anything you post can be used against you.
- Don’t sign anything: The organization may try to get you to sign away your rights.
- Don’t delay: Mississippi has a statute of limitations (typically 3 years) for personal injury claims.
Why Union County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is making national headlines. This gives us unique insights into how these organizations operate and how to hold them accountable.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before representing victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to minimize your claim – and how to counter their tactics.
3. Nationwide Experience with Local Focus
Though we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Union County families. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases against national organizations wherever they’re headquartered.
4. Proven Track Record
- $10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Successful representation of victims against large institutions
- Experience with complex litigation against universities and national organizations
5. We Come to You
Union County families don’t need to travel to Texas to get our help. We offer:
- Free initial consultations by phone or video
- Willingness to travel to Union County for meetings, depositions, and trials
- Remote case management through secure digital platforms
6. No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows Union County families to fight powerful institutions without financial barriers.
The Attorney 911 Difference for Union County Families
Our Approach to Hazing Cases
- Immediate Response: We act quickly to preserve evidence before it disappears.
- Comprehensive Investigation: We gather all available evidence, including text messages, social media posts, witness statements, and medical records.
- Expert Collaboration: We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and accident reconstruction specialists.
- Aggressive Negotiation: We don’t accept lowball settlement offers from insurance companies.
- Trial-Ready Preparation: If settlement isn’t possible, we’re ready to take your case to trial.
Our Experience with Hazing-Specific Issues
- Rhabdomyolysis cases: We understand the medical complexities of muscle breakdown injuries.
- Institutional negligence: We know how to prove universities and national organizations failed in their duty to protect students.
- Pattern evidence: We can demonstrate that hazing wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a systemic problem.
- Psychological trauma: We work with experts to document and quantify emotional damages.
- Criminal/civil intersection: We coordinate with law enforcement when criminal charges are involved.
Union County Hazing: What It Looks Like
Based on our current case and others we’ve studied, hazing near Union County often includes:
Physical Abuse
- Extreme exercise regimens (500+ squats, marathon workouts)
- Beatings with wooden paddles or other objects
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or non-food substances
- Exposure to extreme temperatures (cold showers, outdoor activities in winter)
- Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, early morning obligations)
Psychological Abuse
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Humiliation rituals (forced to wear embarrassing clothing, carry objects)
- Isolation from friends and family
- Threats of physical harm or expulsion
- Sleep deprivation causing mental distress
Sexual Abuse
- Forced nudity
- Sexualized activities
- Carrying sexual objects
- Sexual assault
Dangerous Activities
- “Gauntlets” or other physical challenges
- Blindfolded activities
- Activities in dangerous locations
- Activities that risk drowning or suffocation
Why Hazing Persists Near Union County
The Culture of Silence
Hazing thrives on secrecy and fear. Victims often don’t report incidents because:
- They fear retaliation from the organization
- They don’t want to be seen as “weak” or “unable to take it”
- They feel loyalty to the group that abused them
- They don’t recognize it as hazing (it’s presented as “tradition”)
- They fear social ostracism if they speak out
Institutional Failures
Universities and national organizations often enable hazing by:
- Failing to implement real oversight
- Ignoring warning signs
- Protecting their reputation over student safety
- Treating hazing as a “student conduct” issue rather than a safety issue
- Failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
The Myth of “Tradition”
Hazing is often justified as “tradition,” but this is a dangerous myth:
- Many “traditions” are relatively recent inventions
- Traditions can be changed or eliminated
- No tradition justifies abuse
- Organizations that can’t recruit members without hazing need to rethink their culture
Success Stories: Hazing Cases We’ve Handled
Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume food until vomiting
- Subjected to sleep deprivation
This case is making national headlines and putting pressure on hazing organizations nationwide.
Previous Hazing Cases
While our firm’s hazing practice is growing, our attorneys have experience with similar cases:
- Kappa Sigma Hazing Case (Texas A&M): Represented a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after extreme hazing activities.
- Rhabdomyolysis Injury Case: Successfully negotiated a six-figure settlement for a student who developed kidney problems after forced exercise.
- University Negligence Case: Represented a family whose child was injured due to lack of university oversight.
Our experience with personal injury, institutional negligence, and complex litigation gives us the tools to handle hazing cases effectively.
What Union County Families Can Expect
The Legal Process
- Free Consultation: We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options.
- Case Investigation: We’ll gather evidence and build your case.
- Demand Letter: We’ll send a demand to the responsible parties.
- Negotiation: We’ll negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
- Resolution: Your case will be resolved through settlement or trial.
Timeline
- Minor injuries: 6-12 months
- Moderate injuries: 12-24 months
- Severe injuries/catastrophic cases: 2-4 years
- Wrongful death cases: 2-4 years
Potential Outcomes
- Settlement: Most cases settle before trial. We’ll negotiate the best possible settlement for you.
- Trial: If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
- Criminal charges: In some cases, we’ll coordinate with law enforcement to pursue criminal charges against individual perpetrators.
Frequently Asked Questions from Union County Families
Q: My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Mississippi law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed a waiver or “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
Q: The organization says it was just “horseplay.” Is that a defense?
A: No. What matters is whether the activities created an unreasonable risk of harm. Forced exercise, waterboarding, and beatings are not “horseplay” – they’re hazing and they’re illegal.
Q: My child was hazed at a private university. Does that make a difference?
A: No. Whether the institution is public or private, they have a duty to protect students. Private universities may have different insurance structures, but they can still be held liable for hazing.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How can you protect my child?
A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We can:
- Send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- Work with law enforcement to protect your child
- Pursue legal action if retaliation occurs
- Keep your child’s identity confidential when possible
Q: My child is an immigrant. Will this affect their status?
A: No. Pursuing a civil lawsuit for hazing injuries will not affect your child’s immigration status. We’ve worked with many immigrant families and understand their unique concerns.
Q: The incident happened last year. Is it too late to take action?
A: Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 3 years. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible while evidence is still available. Contact us for a case evaluation.
Q: My child doesn’t want to “ruin” the organization. What should we do?
A: Hazing ruins lives. Holding organizations accountable doesn’t ruin them – it forces them to change. Many organizations continue to operate after hazing incidents, but with better safety measures. Your child’s case could save future students from the same abuse.
Q: How much will this cost our family?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you get paid.
Union County Resources for Hazing Victims
Local Support
- Union County Sheriff’s Office: (662) 534-1999
- New Albany Police Department: (662) 534-1991
- Union County Schools: (662) 534-1531
- Regional Medical Center (New Albany): (662) 538-7631
Statewide Resources
- Mississippi Attorney General’s Office: (601) 359-3680
- Mississippi Department of Education: (601) 359-3513
- Mississippi State University (Starkville): (662) 325-2323
- University of Mississippi (Oxford): (662) 915-7211
National Resources
- Hazing Prevention Network: hazingprevention.org
- Gordie Center (University of Virginia): gordie.org
- Clery Center: clerycenter.org
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Contact Attorney 911 for Union County Hazing Cases
If your child has been hazed at a university near Union County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. We’re here to help Union County families fight back against hazing culture.
📞 Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
What to Expect When You Call
- Immediate response: We answer calls 24/7 for hazing emergencies.
- Confidential consultation: We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case.
- No pressure: We’ll explain your options without obligation.
- Quick action: If we take your case, we’ll start working immediately to preserve evidence.
Union County Service Area
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Union County and surrounding areas:
- New Albany
- Myrtle
- Blue Springs
- Ecru
- Sherman
- Ingomar
- Keownville
- Etta
We also serve students from Union County who attend colleges and universities across the country.
The Time to Act Is Now
Every day that passes is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. Don’t let the people who hurt your child get away with it.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’re ready to fight for Union County families too.
