Hazing Lawyers in Lawrence County, MO | Attorney 911
Fighting for Hazing Victims and Families in Lawrence County
When your child is hazed at college, it’s not just a prank—it’s abuse. And when universities and fraternities look the other way, they become part of the problem. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Lawrence County families.
Lawrence County Families: You Are Not Alone
We’re currently representing a University of Houston student who was hospitalized after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles during fraternity hazing. This isn’t happening just in Houston—it’s happening at colleges near Lawrence County too. The same fraternities operate in Missouri. The same negligence exists at Missouri universities. And we will fight for Lawrence County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
If your child has been hazed at a college near Lawrence County—whether at Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College, or any other institution—we can help.
The Hazing Crisis in Lawrence County and Beyond
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse, and it’s happening right here in Missouri.
What Hazing Really Looks Like
In our current case, a student at the University of Houston was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose—simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups—until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles—physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting—then made to keep running through his own vomit
- Sleep deprivation—driving fraternity members at all hours of the night
- Psychological torture—carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied face-down for over an hour
This student ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—spending four days fighting for his life.
This isn’t happening just in Texas. This is happening at colleges near Lawrence County too.
Why Lawrence County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer
1. Universities and Fraternities Will Protect Themselves—Not Your Child
When hazing happens, universities and fraternities don’t rush to help the victim. They rush to protect themselves. They’ll claim it was “consensual.” They’ll say it was “just tradition.” They’ll try to silence your child with threats or promises of “resolution.”
You need someone on YOUR side—someone who will fight for your child, not the institution.
2. The Law Is on Your Side
Missouri has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Missouri law (RSMo § 578.360), hazing is a Class A misdemeanor—and if it results in serious physical injury, it can be a felony.
But the law alone isn’t enough. You need attorneys who know how to use it.
3. Hazing Causes Real, Lasting Harm
Hazing doesn’t just leave bruises—it leaves scars. Physical injuries like broken bones, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Psychological trauma like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Academic setbacks like failing grades, dropped classes, or even dropping out of school.
These aren’t just “college antics.” They’re life-altering injuries that deserve compensation.
4. The Same Fraternities Are Operating Near Lawrence County
The fraternity involved in our current case—Pi Kappa Phi—has chapters across the country, including in Missouri. Other fraternities with documented hazing histories, like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Beta Theta Pi, also operate near Lawrence County.
If your child was hazed by any of these organizations, we can hold them accountable.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lawrence County?
Hazing cases aren’t just about the individuals who carried out the abuse. They’re about the institutions that allowed it to happen.
We Pursue Every Responsible Party, Including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| The Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Fraternity Organization | Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, or stop known abuses |
| University/College | Failed to monitor Greek life, ignored prior hazing incidents, or owned the property where hazing occurred |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed or allowed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional and individual liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- The local chapter that conducted the hazing
- The national fraternity that failed to stop it
- The University of Houston, which owned the fraternity house
- Individual members who participated
- Former members and their spouses who hosted hazing at their home
Lawrence County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Lawrence County
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked out. Some injuries—like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or internal bleeding—don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records are critical evidence.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts)
- Write down everything your child remembers (dates, times, what happened)
- Get witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
- Don’t delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing
3. Don’t Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. Anything your child says can be used against them.
4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In Missouri, you generally have five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but evidence disappears fast. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Why Lawrence County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re 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.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Work on Contingency—$0 Upfront
We understand that Lawrence County families can’t afford to pay legal fees while their child is recovering. That’s why we work on contingency—you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
4. We Serve Lawrence County Families Nationwide
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including in Missouri. We’ll travel to Lawrence County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial
Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid the courtroom. We’re not afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice for your child.
What Compensation Can Lawrence County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, surgery, therapy, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries or recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Educational Disruption | Tuition refunds, lost scholarships, academic setbacks |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct (like waterboarding or forced drinking) |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages. Lawrence County families deserve the same level of compensation for the harm done to their children.
Hazing Cases We’ve Handled
Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- What Happened: A student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
- Who We’re Suing: Pi Kappa Phi (local chapter and national), University of Houston, individual members, and alumni hosts.
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025; media coverage by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle.
Other Hazing Precedents
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement; chapter closed |
These cases prove that hazing victims can win big—and Lawrence County families can too.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lawrence County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, a lawyer can:
- Help preserve evidence for future legal action
- Advise you on reporting the hazing to the university or police
- Protect your child from retaliation
- Ensure the fraternity is held accountable
2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
No. Missouri law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?
Yes. Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life and protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing—and failed to stop it—they can be held liable.
4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Missouri?
In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s best to act as soon as possible.
5. My child was hazed at a college near Lawrence County. Can you help?
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Missouri. Whether your child was hazed at Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College, or any other institution near Lawrence County, we can help.
6. What if my child was hazed but wasn’t seriously injured?
Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case. Hazing can cause psychological trauma, academic disruption, and other damages that deserve compensation.
7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Lawrence County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing has gone on for too long. Universities and fraternities have protected themselves while students suffer. But that changes now.
If your child was hazed at a college near Lawrence County, call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now—and we’ll fight for your family too.
