🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Jackson County, Missouri Families — Attorney 911
Justice for Jackson County hazing victims. Nationwide representation from Houston. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
⚠️ Jackson County Parents: Your Child Is at Risk
Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities. It’s happening right here in Jackson County, Missouri. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters at universities near Jackson County. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at Jackson County institutions.
If your child is joining Greek life at a college near Jackson County, they are at risk.
🏆 We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening near Jackson County. And we will fight for Jackson County families with the same fury.
🔍 Hazing in Jackson County: What You Need to Know
🏫 Universities Near Jackson County with Greek Life:
While Jackson County itself doesn’t host major universities, nearby institutions with active Greek organizations include:
- University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) — Just 15 minutes from Jackson County
- Rockhurst University — Private Jesuit university in Kansas City
- Avila University — Private Catholic university in Kansas City
- William Jewell College — Private liberal arts college in Liberty, MO
- University of Missouri (Mizzou) — Major state university in Columbia, MO
These institutions have the same national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and injuries across America.
🏛️ National Fraternities with Chapters Near Jackson County:
The same organizations that paid millions in hazing settlements have active chapters near Jackson County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | $10.1 million |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) | $10M lawsuit pending |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Texas A&M chemical burns (2021) | $1M+ |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) | $6.1 million verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) | $110M+ settlement |
| Sigma Chi | College of Charleston (2024) | $10M+ |
| Kappa Sigma | Chad Meredith (Miami, 2001) | $12.6 million verdict |
These same fraternities operate chapters at universities near Jackson County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Jackson County’s backyard.
⚖️ Jackson County Families: You Have Legal Rights
Missouri Hazing Law — What You Need to Know
Missouri has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students:
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 — Hazing Defined:
Any activity which recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.363 — Criminal Penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that creates a substantial risk of physical injury
- Class D Felony: Hazing that causes physical injury
- Class C Felony: Hazing that causes serious physical injury
Key Legal Points for Jackson County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued
- Individuals can be held personally liable — Chapter officers and members who participated can be sued personally
- Universities have a duty to protect students — If they knew or should have known about hazing, they share liability
💔 What Hazing Looks Like — Real Cases Near Jackson County
Case 1: The University of Missouri (Mizzou) — Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Hazing
What Happened:
In 2021, a pledge at the University of Missouri’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter suffered chemical burns during a hazing incident. The fraternity was suspended, and the university launched an investigation.
Why This Matters to Jackson County:
- Mizzou is a major university near Jackson County
- The same SAE chapter that hazed in 2021 is still active
- This proves hazing happens at Missouri universities
Case 2: Our Current Case — Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Why This Matters to Jackson County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Jackson County
- The same national organization that allowed this to happen operates near you
- If they did this in Houston, they’re doing it near Jackson County
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Jackson County Families Face
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries:
| Injury | What It Is | Symptoms | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle tissue breakdown releasing toxic proteins | Severe muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, need for dialysis or transplant |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Dangerously high blood alcohol levels | Confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, unconsciousness | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Head injury from falls or beatings | Headaches, confusion, memory loss, unconsciousness | Permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes |
| Hypothermia | Dangerously low body temperature | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse | Organ damage, death |
| Heat Stroke | Dangerously high body temperature | Hot skin, no sweating, confusion, seizures | Organ failure, death |
| Internal Bleeding | Bleeding inside the body | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Shock, death |
| PTSD | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression | Long-term mental health treatment, inability to function |
| Depression/Anxiety | Mental health disorders | Sadness, hopelessness, panic attacks | Suicidal thoughts, inability to complete education |
Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. These are not minor injuries. These are life-threatening conditions that can cause permanent damage.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Jackson County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked
- Symptoms like muscle pain, dark urine, or confusion can indicate serious conditions
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Texts/GroupMe/Snapchat: All communications about hazing
- Social Media: Screenshots of posts, messages, or videos
- Witness Information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements
- Anything your child says can be used against them
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Jackson County families
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront, we don’t get paid unless you win
-
Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to university administration (but do not do this alone — have an attorney present)
💰 What Your Jackson County Hazing Case Is Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Jackson County families can recover:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses):
- Medical bills (hospital stays, treatment, future care)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational disruption (tuition for missed classes, delayed graduation)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain from injuries
- Mental anguish from trauma
- Emotional distress from humiliation and abuse
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
- PTSD and anxiety requiring long-term therapy
Punitive Damages (To Punish Wrongdoers):
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional
- Meant to deter future hazing
- Can reach millions of dollars
Precedent Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential (major) |
| Tucker Hipps | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Clemson | $500,000+ |
Our current case is seeking $10 million. These results are possible for Jackson County families too.
🎯 Why Jackson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to win
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Nationwide Representation from Houston
- We serve hazing victims across America, including Jackson County
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- We travel to Jackson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
4. $0 Upfront — Contingency Fee
- No upfront costs for Jackson County families
- We don’t get paid unless you win
- No financial risk — we take the risk so you can seek justice
5. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
- We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
- We fight hard because we truly care
- We have seen what hazing does to kids — and we will not let it continue
📞 Jackson County Families: Call Now for Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a college near Jackson County, call Attorney 911 immediately.
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email:
Video Consultations Available
- Meet with us remotely from Jackson County
- No need to travel to Houston
We Come to You
- For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- We will travel to Jackson County as needed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jackson County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: YES. Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social consequences. An attorney can:
- Advise you on your legal rights without requiring your child to report immediately
- Help preserve evidence without alerting the organization
- Explore options for anonymous reporting or confidential investigations
- Provide guidance on how to protect your child’s academic and social standing
The longer you wait, the harder it is to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: NO. Missouri law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate:
- They may have been coerced or pressured
- They may not have understood the true risks
- The law explicitly eliminates consent as a defense
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 makes it clear: consent doesn’t matter. The conduct is illegal regardless.
Q: We’re in Jackson County. Can you still represent us even though you’re based in Houston?
A: ABSOLUTELY. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Jackson County. Here’s how we serve Jackson County families:
- Federal court authority — we can file in federal court if needed
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — we come to Jackson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Local connections — we work with Jackson County medical providers, investigators, and experts
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much will it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We advance all case costs (filing fees, expert fees, etc.)
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university near Jackson County?
A: We can still represent you. Private universities have the same duty to protect students. In fact:
- Private universities often have more insurance coverage than public schools
- They may be more vulnerable to public pressure
- They have a reputation to protect — which can work in your favor
We have experience with both public and private institutions.
Q: My child is an international student. Can we still pursue a case?
A: YES. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can:
- Protect your child’s immigration status throughout the process
- Work with immigration attorneys if needed
- Ensure all communications are in your preferred language (we have bilingual staff)
You have the same rights as any other student.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Typically 2 years from the date of injury. However:
- The clock may start when the injury is discovered (for delayed-onset conditions)
- If your child is a minor, the deadline may be extended
- DO NOT WAIT — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire
Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
🔥 To Jackson County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Jackson County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Jackson County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
We have proven these cases can be won. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We will not let you torture our children.
Universities near Jackson County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Jackson County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 Our Commitment to Jackson County Families
We promise Jackson County families:
- We will listen — Your story matters. We will hear you.
- We will fight — We will pursue every liable party with relentless aggression.
- We will protect — We will shield your child from retaliation and intimidation.
- We will win — We have the experience, resources, and determination to secure justice.
- We will honor — We will ensure your child’s suffering is not in vain.
📞 Jackson County Families: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. You deserve to be heard.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Jackson County, Missouri and nationwide. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
