🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Jefferson County, Missouri | Attorney 911
Hazing Victims in Jefferson County Deserve Justice — We Fight for Your Rights
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Jefferson County, Missouri — we can help.
Hazing isn’t just “tradition” or “initiation.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s illegal. And when it happens to your child, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable — no matter where in Missouri or America it occurred.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to hazing victims in Jefferson County and across Missouri.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Jefferson County
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing.
This is what they did to him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical abuse
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
The result? Our client spent three nights and four days in the hospital with kidney failure — fighting for his life.
This didn’t just happen in Houston. It happens in Jefferson County too.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Jefferson County. The same hazing culture exists. The same negligence by institutions allows it to continue.
If your child was hazed in Jefferson County — or anywhere in Missouri — we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston.
⚠️ Hazing in Missouri: The Reality Jefferson County Families Face
Hazing isn’t limited to big universities. It happens at colleges and high schools across Missouri, including near Jefferson County.
These are the types of hazing that happen in Missouri:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health crises |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, long-term psychological damage |
| Waterboarding / Drowning | Simulated drowning, held underwater, sprayed with hoses | Near-drowning, panic attacks, PTSD |
| Exposure | Forced to be outside in extreme cold or heat, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heat stroke, suffocation |
Hazing doesn’t just hurt physically — it leaves lasting scars. Victims suffer from:
- PTSD and anxiety from the trauma
- Depression and suicidal thoughts from humiliation and isolation
- Trust issues that affect relationships for years
- Academic decline from the emotional toll
- Long-term health problems from physical injuries
This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. And it’s illegal in Missouri.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Jefferson County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the individuals who did it. In our current case, we’re suing 10 defendants, including:
🔹 The Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be held personally liable
- Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
🔹 The National Organization
- Sets policies that failed to prevent hazing
- Knew about prior incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017) and did nothing
- Has deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance
🔹 The University or School
- Has a duty to protect students from harm
- Often owns or controls the property where hazing occurs
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failed to implement effective oversight
🔹 Individual Members
- Anyone who participated in or witnessed hazing can be sued
- Even those who didn’t directly participate can be liable for failing to stop it
🔹 Alumni and Property Owners
- If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners can be liable
- Example: In our current case, a former member and his spouse are named for allowing hazing at their home
🔹 Insurance Companies
- National organizations and universities have liability insurance
- Homeowners’ insurance may cover incidents at private residences
- As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to maximize these policies
⚖️ Missouri Hazing Laws: What Jefferson County Families Need to Know
Missouri has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights to seek compensation.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 — Hazing Defined
“Hazing” means any activity which recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates a risk of physical or mental harm
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.363 — Criminal Penalties
Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Missouri, punishable by:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $2,000
If hazing causes serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class D felony:
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Compensation
Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still file a civil lawsuit to seek financial compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
Missouri does not recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter when the activity is dangerous or illegal.
💰 How Much Is a Missouri Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what similar cases have won:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State (Ohio) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our current case is seeking $10 million — and we believe that’s fair given the severity of the injuries and the egregious conduct.
What determines the value of a hazing case?
- The severity of the injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
- The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents
- The financial resources of the defendants (insurance, assets)
- The impact on the victim’s life (PTSD, academic disruption, career limitations)
Jefferson County families: Your child’s case could be worth millions. Don’t settle for less than they deserve.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Jefferson County Families Need to Know
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries — both physical and psychological.
Physical Injuries from Hazing:
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Kidney failure, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Coma, death, brain damage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, choking | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Broken Bones | Paddling, physical abuse | Chronic pain, disability |
| Internal Bleeding | Blunt force trauma | Organ damage, surgery |
| Hypothermia / Heat Stroke | Exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ failure, death |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Sexual hazing | STIs, psychological trauma |
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
- PTSD (flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks)
- Depression and anxiety (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness)
- Suicidal thoughts (hazing victims are at higher risk of suicide)
- Trust issues (difficulty forming relationships)
- Academic decline (difficulty concentrating, dropping out)
- Substance abuse (self-medicating with drugs or alcohol)
These injuries aren’t just temporary — they can last a lifetime. That’s why hazing victims deserve full compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Jefferson County
If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what you should do immediately:
🚨 Step 1: Get Medical Attention
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
📸 Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
- Write down everything your child remembers (who was there, what happened, when)
- Get witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses)
- Do not delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing or incriminating
🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative
- They may ask your child to sign documents or give a statement — do not do this without a lawyer
- Anything your child says can be used against them in court
📞 Step 4: Call an Attorney Immediately
- Missouri has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- Evidence disappears quickly (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
- The sooner you call, the sooner we can preserve evidence and protect your rights
📞 Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🎯 Why Jefferson County Families Choose Attorney 911
✅ We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook — and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
✅ Nationwide Experience
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across America, including Missouri. We can handle your Jefferson County case through:
- Federal court authority (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)
- Video consultations (no need to travel to Texas)
- Willingness to travel to Jefferson County for depositions and meetings
✅ Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve won millions of dollars for victims in personal injury cases, including:
- $10+ million in our current hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- Aggressive representation against powerful institutions
✅ We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
We understand that Jefferson County families may be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
✅ We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Missouri come from Spanish-speaking families. We have bilingual staff who can communicate with you in Spanish and ensure you understand every step of the process.
🏛️ Common Hazing Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
When you sue for hazing, the defendants will try to minimize or deny what happened. Here are the most common defenses — and how we counter them:
❌ Defense: “He consented to participate”
✅ Our Response:
- Consent is not a defense under Missouri law for hazing
- Hazing involves coercion and peer pressure — true consent is impossible
- Your child was threatened with expulsion or social ostracism if they didn’t comply
❌ Defense: “It was just tradition — everyone goes through it”
✅ Our Response:
- “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity
- Waterboarding, forced consumption, and physical abuse are not tradition — they’re torture
- Juries don’t buy this argument — they see it for what it is: abuse
❌ Defense: “The university didn’t know”
✅ Our Response:
- Universities have a duty to supervise Greek life
- Many universities own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs
- If there were prior hazing incidents, the university knew or should have known
❌ Defense: “It was just a few bad apples”
✅ Our Response:
- Hazing is systemic — it happens at fraternities across America
- National organizations know about the culture and fail to stop it
- Pattern evidence (like Andrew Coffey’s death) proves it’s not isolated
❌ Defense: “He wasn’t seriously hurt”
✅ Our Response:
- Psychological trauma can be just as damaging as physical injuries
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression are real injuries with real consequences
- Medical records and expert testimony prove the harm
📞 Jefferson County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child was hazed in Jefferson County — or anywhere in Missouri — we can help.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
We travel to Jefferson County for your case.
Se habla español.
Don’t wait — the clock is ticking. Call now.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Jefferson County
Q: What is considered hazing in Missouri?
A: Hazing is any activity that recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation into an organization. This includes:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beating, branding)
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Any activity that creates a risk of harm
Q: Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
A: Yes. Missouri law does not recognize consent as a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: Who can be sued in a hazing case?
A: You can sue:
- The local chapter (fraternity or sorority)
- The national organization
- The university or school
- Individual members who participated
- Alumni or property owners who allowed hazing to occur
Q: How much is a hazing case worth?
A: Hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars, depending on:
- The severity of the injuries
- The egregiousness of the conduct
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- The financial resources of the defendants
Our current case is seeking $10 million — and we believe that’s fair given the severity of the injuries.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for hazing in Missouri?
A: In Missouri, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your child died from hazing, you have 2 years from the date of death.
Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university or college near Jefferson County?
A: It doesn’t matter. Whether the hazing occurred at a public or private institution, you can still sue for compensation. Many private universities have substantial insurance policies that can cover hazing claims.
Q: Can I still sue if my child wasn’t a student at the university yet?
A: Yes. In our current case, the victim was a “ghost rush” — not yet enrolled at the university. The fraternity hazed him anyway. They can still be held liable.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity and ensure they are not further harmed. Many hazing victims choose to remain anonymous in lawsuits to avoid social backlash.
🏆 Our Commitment to Jefferson County Hazing Victims
At Attorney 911, we don’t just see hazing victims as cases — we see them as people who deserve justice.
We are committed to:
✅ Fighting aggressively for Jefferson County families
✅ Holding institutions accountable for their negligence
✅ Preventing future hazing by sending a strong message
✅ Supporting victims through every step of the legal process
If your child was hazed in Jefferson County, Missouri — we will fight for you.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📍 Serving Hazing Victims Across Missouri, Including Near Jefferson County
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Missouri. We can handle your case through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Video consultations (no need to travel to Texas)
- Willingness to travel to Jefferson County for depositions and meetings
We serve hazing victims in:
- Jefferson County, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- Kansas City, MO
- Columbia, MO (University of Missouri)
- Springfield, MO (Missouri State University)
- Rolla, MO (Missouri S&T)
- Cape Girardeau, MO (Southeast Missouri State University)
- Joplin, MO (Missouri Southern State University)
- And all other cities and colleges in Missouri
If hazing happened in Missouri, we can help.
🚨 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable.
Hazing has taken too many lives. It has ruined too many futures. It has traumatized too many families.
Jefferson County families: Your child deserves better.
If your child was hazed — we will fight for you. We will hold the responsible parties accountable. We will make sure this never happens to another Jefferson County family.
📞 Call now for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
The clock is ticking. Don’t wait.
