🚨 Hazing Victims in Newton County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

Newton County families: If your child has been the victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Newton County, you are not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that operate at universities across Missouri have chapters near Newton County. The same institutional failures that allowed hazing at the University of Houston are happening at institutions in and around Newton County.

We are Attorney 911. We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from systematic abuse. Newton County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston. We will fight for Newton County victims with the same fury, the same expertise, and the same commitment to justice.

🏢 Who We Are: Newton County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

About Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Now Serving Newton County

Attorney911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Texas, our federal court authority and nationwide reach allow us to serve hazing victims in Newton County and across America.

Why Newton County families choose us for hazing cases:

Our Hazing Litigation Experience

We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re fighting it right now.

Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston ($10M Lawsuit, 2025)

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic hazing including:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue running after vomiting
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going

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 where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure — a life-threatening condition caused by muscle breakdown. He was hospitalized for three nights and four days.

Why This Matters for Newton County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Newton County
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Newton County institutions
• Universities near Newton County face the same liability failures as UH
• If your child is being hazed in Newton County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston

Our Legal Team:

• Ralph Manginello — 25+ years of litigation experience, former insurance defense attorney, federal court admission
• Lupe Pena — Former national insurance defense firm attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP), federal court admission

Media Coverage of Our Case:

• ABC13 Houston: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge
• KHOU 11: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
• Houston Chronicle: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit
• Houston Public Media: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing

🚨 The Hazing Crisis: Why Newton County Families Need to Act Now

Hazing is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Newton County parents: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust universities and Greek organizations to protect them. That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing is not:

• “Building brotherhood”
• “Bonding”
• “Tradition”

Hazing is:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Sometimes manslaughter or murder

The Statistics:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report hazing
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of students who are hazed do not report it
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations

The Institutional Failure:
Universities and national Greek organizations know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. They choose not to — until someone gets hospitalized or dies. Then they “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters and claim they’re “shocked.”

This happens at Newton County institutions too.

Hazing Near Newton County: The Same Fraternities, The Same Risks

Newton County families: The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at universities across Missouri have chapters at institutions near Newton County. These organizations have paid millions of dollars in hazing settlements nationwide. They have a documented history of abuse.

Fraternities with Hazing Histories Near Newton County:

Universities Near Newton County with Greek Life:

Newton County is home to and near several institutions with active Greek life communities. These include:

• Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO)
• Crowder College (Neosho, MO)
• Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS — approximately 30 minutes from Joplin)
• University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR — approximately 1 hour from Joplin)
• Missouri State University (Springfield, MO — approximately 1.5 hours from Joplin)

These institutions have the same Greek organizations with the same hazing cultures that have led to deaths and injuries nationwide.

What Hazing Looks Like: The Same Abuse Happening Near Newton County

Based on our case and documented hazing incidents nationwide, hazing near Newton County may include:

Medical Consequences for Newton County Victims:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — as seen in our UH case
• Acute kidney failure — as seen in our UH case
• Alcohol poisoning — common in forced drinking hazing
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
• Death

⚖️ Your Legal Rights: Newton County Victims Can Sue for Hazing

Missouri Hazing Laws

Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 — Hazing

Definition:

“Hazing” means 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 operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education.

Criminal Penalties:

• Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Missouri
• If hazing causes serious physical injury or death, it can be charged as a felony

Civil Liability:
Newton County victims can sue for:

• Negligence — Organizations failed to protect students
• Assault and Battery — Physical abuse
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Psychological abuse
• Premises Liability — Hazing occurred on unsafe property
• Wrongful Death — If hazing results in death

Consent is Not a Defense:

Missouri law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if a Newton County victim “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Who Can Be Sued in Newton County Hazing Cases

Damages Newton County Families Can Recover

Precedent Settlements and Verdicts:

• $110 million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (BGSU, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $10 million — Our current case (UH, Pi Kappa Phi)

Newton County victims can recover the same compensation.

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

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Newton County Families

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
• If they are in medical distress, call 911

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Get a full medical evaluation — even if injuries seem minor
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence

3. Preserve All Evidence

• Photos: Injuries at all stages of healing; hazing locations; items used in hazing
• Videos: Any recordings of hazing activities
• Communications: Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
• Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
• Witness Information: Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses

4. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not talk to university administrators without legal counsel
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Anything you say can be used against you

5. Report to Authorities

• Consider filing a police report
• Report to the university’s Title IX office (for gender-based hazing)
• Report to the university’s student conduct office

6. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• The statute of limitations is short — 2 years in Missouri
• Evidence disappears quickly
• Organizations will try to destroy evidence and coordinate their story

7. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Do not post about the incident
• Do not post photos that could be misinterpreted (even innocent ones)
• Do not engage with Greek life members online
• Social media posts can be used against you

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Newton County Hazing Cases

Can we sue if the hazing happened at a university near Newton County but not in Newton County itself?

Yes. We can sue regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases nationwide. We represent hazing victims across America, including near Newton County.

Our child was hazed at a university in Kansas/Arkansas. Can you still help?

Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations and travel to meet with clients and conduct depositions.

What if our child consented to participate in hazing activities?

Consent is not a defense. Missouri law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

What if the fraternity says it was “just tradition” or “not that serious”?

Hazing is illegal regardless of “tradition.” Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and physical abuse are not “tradition” — they are crimes. We will hold organizations accountable for the harm they cause.

What if we’re afraid of retaliation?

We understand. Hazing victims often fear retribution from the organization. Our client in the UH case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take these concerns seriously and will protect your family’s safety and privacy.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. We only get paid if you receive compensation.

How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

It depends on the complexity of the case. Some cases settle within months, while others may take years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

Can we sue if our child was hazed but not physically injured?

Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is also compensable. Even if there are no physical injuries, you may have a valid claim for emotional distress.

What if our child was hazed at a small college near Newton County?

Size doesn’t matter. We represent hazing victims from all types of institutions — large universities, small colleges, community colleges. If hazing occurred, you have rights.

Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?

It depends on the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions. Contact us immediately to discuss your case.

What if the fraternity has already been suspended or closed?

Suspension or closure does not eliminate liability. The national organization, university, and individual members can still be held accountable. In fact, closure may be evidence that they knew about the hazing and tried to limit liability.

Can we sue if our child was not a member of the organization?

Yes. Our client at UH was a “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at the university. If your child was hazed, regardless of membership status, you may have a claim.

🔥 Why Newton County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Winning

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, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win. Newton County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

2. We Know How Fraternities and Universities Think

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense attorneys. We’ve seen the playbook from the inside. We know how fraternities and universities try to minimize claims, deny liability, and intimidate victims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions

National fraternities and universities have:

• In-house legal departments
• Insurance company lawyers
• Risk management professionals
• Crisis PR teams

You need a legal team with the resources to fight back. We have:

• A network of medical experts
• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Economic damage experts
• Greek life culture experts
• Investigators to preserve evidence

4. We Travel to Newton County — Distance is Not a Barrier

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including near Newton County. We offer:

• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
• Travel to Newton County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Local coordination — Work with Newton County medical providers and investigators
• Federal court authority — Pursue cases in federal jurisdiction

5. We Speak Your Language — Literally

We have bilingual staff and can serve Spanish-speaking Newton County families without language barriers. Se habla español.

6. We Treat Newton County Families Like Family

Our client testimonials speak for themselves:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox

“They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato

📞 Newton County Families: Contact Us Immediately

Hazing is a legal emergency. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations is short. Newton County families must act now.

Free Consultation for Newton County Hazing Victims

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Newton County families. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🏆 Our Commitment to Newton County

Newton County families: We know what’s at stake. We know the pain. We know the fear. We know the system is stacked against you.

But we also know how to fight back. We’re doing it right now in Houston. We’ll do it for Newton County too.

We will:

• Fight aggressively for every Newton County victim
• Hold every liable party accountable — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
• Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries
• Protect your privacy and safety
• Travel to Newton County for your case
• Never back down from powerful institutions

The same fraternities that operate near Newton County have paid millions in hazing settlements. The same universities near Newton County have failed to protect students. We will make them pay.

Call us. We’re ready to fight for Newton County.

🔗 Additional Resources for Newton County Families

• StopHazing.org — Research and resources on hazing prevention
• HazingPrevention.org — Education and awareness
• Clery Center — Campus safety resources
• RAINN — Support for sexual assault victims
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988 (if hazing has caused suicidal ideation)

© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Newton County and nationwide

Newton County families: You are not alone. We are here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.