π¨ Hazing Victims in Callaway County, Missouri: Your Rights and How to Fight Back
Callaway County families: If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now β and we will fight for you too.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles β all as part of a so-called “pledge process.” He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure and spent four days fighting for his life.
This same hazing happens at colleges and universities near Callaway County. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists. And we will bring the same aggressive legal fight to Callaway County families.
If your child has been hazed in Callaway County β whether at Westminster College, William Woods University, or any other institution β we can help. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
π What Is Hazing? What Does It Look Like in Callaway County?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β regardless of their willingness to participate.
In Callaway County, hazing can include:
β Physical Abuse:
- Beating, paddling, or striking
- Forced exercise to exhaustion (pushups, squats, running)
- Exposure to extreme heat or cold
- Sleep deprivation
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
β Forced Consumption:
- Binge drinking (forced to drink until vomiting or passing out)
- Eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, etc.)
- Consuming non-food items
β Psychological Abuse:
- Humiliation and degradation
- Forced to carry embarrassing objects
- Verbal abuse and threats
- Isolation from friends and family
β Sexual Abuse:
- Forced nudity
- Sexual acts or simulations
- Carrying sexual objects
β Dangerous Activities:
- Blindfolded obstacle courses
- Kidnapping or “pledge drops”
- Physical endurance tests
This is not “tradition.” This is not “team building.” This is abuse β and it is illegal in Missouri.
β οΈ The Hazing Crisis in Callaway County and Beyond
Hazing is not just a problem at big universities. It happens right here in Callaway County, at local colleges, high schools, and organizations.
Why Callaway County Families Are at Risk:
- National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have chapters at colleges near Callaway County.
- Universities often turn a blind eye to hazing, prioritizing reputation over student safety.
- Students are afraid to speak up due to fear of retaliation or social exclusion.
- Parents are often unaware of what’s really happening behind closed doors.
The Consequences of Hazing:
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Heat stroke or hypothermia (from exposure)
- Severe psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Death
Our client nearly died from rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure caused by extreme hazing. This is not an isolated incident β it happens in Callaway County too.
ποΈ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Callaway County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Callaway County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at Westminster College, William Woods University, etc. |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Kappa Sigma, etc. β same nationals as in our case |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing; owned property where hazing occurred | Westminster College, William Woods University, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership directed or allowed hazing | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | Active members who engaged in abuse |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who facilitate abuse |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Policies held by nationals, universities, individuals |
In our current case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The University of Houston
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse
We will pursue the same comprehensive liability strategy for Callaway County families.
π° What Is Your Hazing Case Worth in Callaway County?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
β
Severity of injuries (hospitalization, long-term health consequences)
β
Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, beatings)
β
Pattern of abuse (was this an isolated incident or ongoing?)
β
Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)
β
Attempts to cover up (were there efforts to hide the abuse?)
β
Psychological impact (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million |
| Our Current Case | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results are possible for Callaway County families too.
π What Should Callaway County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
- If there is a medical emergency, call 911.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
- Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence in your case.
Step 3: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns).
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
- Document witness names and contact information.
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing).
Step 4: Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, university officials, or their lawyers.
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
- Do not post about the incident on social media.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
- We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case.
βοΈ Missouri Hazing Laws: What Callaway County Families Need to Know
Missouri has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students and hold perpetrators accountable.
Missouri Revised Statutes Β§ 578.360 β Hazing Defined:
“Hazing” means any activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Missouri:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Class A misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious physical injury (Class D felony) | Up to 7 years in prison and $10,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death (Class C felony) | Up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fine |
Civil Liability for Hazing:
Victims of hazing can also file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
Missouri law also states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
β³ Act Fast: Missouri’s Statute of Limitations
Missouri law imposes strict deadlines for filing hazing lawsuits:
- Personal Injury: 5 years from the date of the hazing incident.
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death.
However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
π Why Callaway County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are not just hazing lawyers β we are former insurance defense attorneys who know how the other side thinks. We have 25+ years of litigation experience, and we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
Our Advantages for Callaway County Families:
β
Nationwide Reach: We serve hazing victims across America, including Callaway County.
β
Federal Court Authority: We can pursue cases in federal court, which is critical for national fraternity cases.
β
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages in cases involving national organizations.
β
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims β and we know how to beat them.
β
Aggressive Litigation: We donβt back down from powerful institutions. We take cases to trial if necessary.
β
Compassionate Representation: We treat every client like family. Your childβs well-being is our top priority.
β
Contingency Fee Basis: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
What Our Clients Say:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” β Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” β Vivian Ruiz
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning.” β Debra Cambric-Chisolm
π Hazing at Callaway County Colleges: What Parents Need to Know
Callaway County is home to several colleges and universities where hazing can occur, including:
Westminster College (Fulton, MO)
- Private liberal arts college with active Greek life.
- Fraternities and sororities play a significant role in campus culture.
- Hazing risks exist in Greek organizations, sports teams, and other student groups.
William Woods University (Fulton, MO)
- Private university with a strong emphasis on leadership and student organizations.
- Greek life is active, with multiple fraternities and sororities.
- Hazing can occur in Greek organizations, athletic teams, and honor societies.
Nearby Universities with Greek Life:
- University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) β Large public university with a robust Greek system.
- Missouri State University (Springfield, MO) β Active Greek life with multiple chapters.
- Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO) β Private university with Greek organizations.
If your child attends any of these schools β or any school with Greek life, sports teams, or student organizations β they are at risk of hazing.
π’ Warning to Callaway County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Callaway County:
We are watching. We are tracking your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. And we know your history of hazing.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β if your chapter is hazing students in Callaway County, know this:
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million.
- We have won multi-million dollar verdicts in hazing cases nationwide.
- We will pursue every liable party β your national organization, your local chapter, your officers, and your members.
- We will depose your leadership, subpoena your records, and hold you accountable in court.
The era of hazing without consequences is over. Clean up your chapters β or we will shut them down in court.
π Callaway County Families: Take Action Now
If your child has been hazed in Callaway County, we can help. But you must act fast.
π Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
π§ Email ralph@atty911.com to schedule a meeting.
π Visit attorney911.com to learn more.
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Callaway County families: Your child deserves justice. Let us fight for you.
Attorney 911
π Serving Callaway County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We come to Callaway County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.