🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Cass County, MO — Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse

Cass County Parents & Students: You Are Not Powerless Against Hazing

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Cass County, Missouri, you have legal rights — and you have powerful allies. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are bringing that same aggressive legal firepower to Cass County families.

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in too many cases, it’s deadly. Cass County students face the same risks as students across America — and we are here to stop it.

🏢 Who We Are — Cass County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Now Serving Cass County, MO

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cass County, MO, through:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Video consultations for Cass County families
• Willingness to travel to Cass County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now.

Meet Your Cass County Hazing Attorneys

Ralph P. Manginello — 25+ Years of Litigation Experience

• Former insurance defense attorney — knows how fraternities and universities try to deny claims
• Federal court admission — can pursue Cass County cases in federal jurisdiction
• Multi-million dollar case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Father of three — understands what’s at stake for Cass County families

Lupe Eleno Peña — Former National Defense Firm Attorney

• Former attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP — a nationwide insurance defense firm
• Insider knowledge of insurance company tactics — knows how they try to minimize claims
• 12+ years of litigation experience — battle-tested in state and federal court
• Bilingual (Spanish) — serves Cass County’s Hispanic community without language barriers
• Third-generation Texan with deep community values — understands the pressure students face

Together, we represent a combined 37+ years of legal experience — with deep insider knowledge of how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies operate.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Cass County — It’s Happening Near You

Cass County Students Are at Risk — Right Now

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens at colleges and universities near Cass County, MO — and the same fraternities and sororities that have killed students across America operate chapters right here in our region.

The same national organizations that:

• Waterboarded a student at University of Houston (our current $10M lawsuit)
• Caused the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017)
• Killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
• Killed Maxwell Gruver at LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
• Killed Timothy Piazza at Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017)

…have active chapters at universities near Cass County, MO.

Universities Near Cass County with Greek Life

While we cannot fabricate specific hazing incidents at Cass County institutions, we know that hazing occurs at universities across Missouri and the Midwest, including:

The same national fraternities with chapters at these universities have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across America. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Cass County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

Fraternities Near Cass County with Hazing Histories

These are the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements — and they have active chapters at universities near Cass County:

Cass County parents: If your child is pledging any of these fraternities, they are joining an organization with a documented history of hazing, abuse, and death.

💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like — The UH Case That Could Happen in Cass County

This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen at a University Near Cass County.

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. — $10 million lawsuit (filed November 21, 2025)

Victim: Leonel Bermudez — a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet)

What Happened:
For weeks, Bermudez was subjected to systematic hazing that included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue running
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout (October 15, 2025)
• On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand
• He crawled up the stairs when he got home
• The next day, he couldn’t move
• His mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure
• Diagnosis: severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days

The fraternity’s response? They closed the chapter and said they “look forward to returning to campus.”

Cass County families: This is what hazing looks like. This could happen to your child at a university near Cass County.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Cass County Hazing Victim

Missouri and Federal Laws Protect Hazing Victims

Missouri Hazing Law (RSMo § 578.360)

Missouri law defines hazing as:

“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 operating under the sanction of a postsecondary school.”

Penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail, $2,000 fine
• Class D Felony — if hazing results in serious physical injury or death

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

Civil Liability — Who Cass County Families Can Sue

Hazing victims in Cass County can sue:

1. The local fraternity/sorority chapter — for organizing and conducting hazing
2. The national fraternity/sorority organization — for failing to supervise and prevent hazing
3. The university — for failing to protect students (especially if they own or control the property)
4. Individual members — for participating in or allowing hazing
5. Chapter officers — for leadership responsibility
6. Alumni — if hazing occurred at their property
7. Insurance companies — to pay for damages

Cass County families: These defendants have deep pockets — and we know how to pursue them.

Damages Cass County Victims Can Recover

Precedent shows Cass County families can recover MILLIONS:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Cass County

Immediate Action Steps for Cass County Families

If your child has been hazed at a university near Cass County:

1. Get medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor

   • Hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
   • Medical records create critical evidence

2. Preserve all evidence

   • Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — screenshot everything
   • Photos and videos — document injuries, hazing activities, locations
   • Physical evidence — clothing, paddles, fanny packs, anything used in hazing
   • Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • They may destroy evidence
   • They may intimidate witnesses

4. Do NOT post on social media about the incident

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Do not delete old posts (that’s destruction of evidence)

5. Report the incident to authorities

   • Police — file a report for potential criminal charges
   • University Title IX office — report for institutional accountability
   • Missouri Attorney General’s Office — report hazing violations

6. Contact Attorney 911 immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
   • Email ralph@atty911.com
   • We offer FREE consultations for Cass County families
   • We work on contingency — $0 upfront

🔥 Why Cass County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are the Only Law Firm in America That:

✅ Is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
✅ Has former insurance defense attorneys — we know how defendants try to deny claims
✅ Has federal court authority — we can pursue Cass County cases in federal court
✅ Has dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York, strategic for national fraternities
✅ Is bilingual (Spanish) — serves Cass County’s Hispanic community without language barriers
✅ Works on contingency — $0 upfront for Cass County families
✅ Travels to Cass County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Has a proven track record — millions recovered for personal injury victims

Our Approach to Cass County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

   • We act fast to preserve evidence before it disappears
   • We send preservation letters to all defendants
   • We coordinate with medical providers to document injuries

2. Aggressive Investigation

   • We interview witnesses
   • We obtain text messages, social media, and communications
   • We work with experts to reconstruct hazing activities

3. Multi-Defendant Strategy

   • We sue the chapter, nationals, university, and individuals
   • We pursue all insurance policies for maximum recovery

4. Public Accountability

   • We use media to expose hazing culture
   • We work with legislators to change laws
   • We create pressure for settlement

5. Trial-Ready Preparation

   • We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
   • We don’t back down from insurance companies
   • We fight for maximum compensation

🎯 We Put Fraternities Near Cass County on Notice

To Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and all other fraternities operating near Cass County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million. We have sued other fraternities. We will sue yours.

If your chapter hazes students near Cass County, we will:

• Pursue every liable entity — chapter, nationals, university, individuals
• Use insider knowledge to dismantle your defenses
• Expose your culture of abuse in court and in the media
• Seek punitive damages for egregious conduct
• Fight to shut down your chapter permanently

The time for hazing is over. The time for accountability is now.

📞 Cass County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

Hazing victims in Cass County, MO — you are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com

We offer:

• FREE consultations for Cass County families
• Video consultations — no need to travel
• $0 upfront — we work on contingency
• Aggressive representation — we fight for maximum compensation

We will travel to Cass County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials

The statute of limitations is running. Evidence is disappearing. Call now.

🚨 Urgent Message for Cass County Parents

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Cass County:

Talk to them about hazing before it’s too late.

Signs your child may be experiencing hazing:

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Changes in sleep patterns or mood
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Fear of retaliation if they speak up
• Sudden academic decline
• Signs of alcohol or drug abuse

If you suspect hazing:

• Talk to your child in a safe, private setting
• Reassure them they won’t be in trouble for speaking up
• Document everything they tell you
• Contact Attorney 911 immediately

📚 Educational Resources for Cass County Families

Hazing Warning Signs (From Our Current Case)

Cass County parents: If your child describes any of these activities, it’s hazing — and it’s illegal.

📜 Missouri Hazing Law — Full Text (RSMo § 578.360)

578.360. Hazing — definitions — penalty.

1. As used in this section, the term “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 operating under the sanction of a postsecondary school.

2. Hazing is a class A misdemeanor, unless the act creates a substantial risk to the life of the student or prospective student in which case it is a class D felony.

3. Any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary school that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control shall be liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing. If the organization or any of its members is found guilty of hazing, the court may, in addition to any sentence imposed, assess a fine against the organization not to exceed ten thousand dollars.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Cass County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Cass County. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cass County, MO. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction. We offer video consultations and travel to Cass County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a valid defense?

A: No. Missouri law (RSMo § 578.360) and the laws of most states explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law does not allow them to consent to illegal activity.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Cass County hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so Cass County families pay nothing unless we secure compensation.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university near Cass County?

A: We can still help. Private universities have the same duty to protect students from hazing. We’ve handled cases against both public and private institutions.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation if they speak up. How can you protect them?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation — our client in the UH case is also fearful. We can:

• Protect your child’s identity during the legal process
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Work with university officials to ensure safety
• Provide resources for counseling and support

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 5 years. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. We recommend contacting us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Yes. National organizations have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They are often liable for failing to supervise local chapters. In our current $10 million case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for exactly this reason.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a sports team or club, not a fraternity?

A: We represent hazing victims from all types of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities
• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Academic clubs
• Honor societies
• Any student organization that uses abuse as “initiation”

🏆 Our Track Record — Millions Recovered for Victims

Cass County families: We have the experience and resources to take on powerful institutions — and win.

📢 Final Message to Cass County

Hazing doesn’t stop unless victims and families stand up.

Cass County parents: Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted the university to keep them safe. That trust was betrayed.

Cass County students: You didn’t deserve this. No one does. You have the right to seek justice.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. We are fighting this battle in court right now — and we will fight for Cass County families with the same fury.

The time for silence is over. The time for accountability is now.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Email ralph@atty911.com. Visit attorney911.com.

We don’t just represent victims. We change the culture that creates them.