Hazing Lawyer in Taney County, MO | Attorney 911 Fights for Hazing Victims
Taney County Parents: Is Your Child Being Hazed?
Hazing isn’t just “harmless tradition”—it’s abuse. If your child attends College of the Ozarks, Missouri State University-West Plains, or another school near Taney County, they could be at risk. Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical punishment, and psychological torment are happening right here in Missouri.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that fraternities and universities knowingly allow dangerous hazing to continue. The same fraternities operate in Taney County, and we’re here to hold them accountable.
If your child has been hazed in Taney County, MO, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
What Is Hazing? Missouri Families Need to Know
Hazing is any intentional, reckless, or dangerous activity used for initiation into a group. In Missouri, hazing is illegal—and it can cause permanent injury or death.
Common Hazing Practices in Taney County Schools
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Dangers |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beatings, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure |
| Forced Consumption | Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food items | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Trauma, long-term emotional damage |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Exhaustion, missed classes, academic decline |
Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t “brotherhood”—it’s torture.
Why Taney County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting Hazing RIGHT NOW
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of abuse. The same fraternities operate in Taney County—we know how to stop them.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys used to defend insurance companies—so we know exactly how they’ll try to deny your claim. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Nationwide Reach—We Serve Taney County, MO
While we’re based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we represent hazing victims across the U.S., including Taney County, MO. We’ll travel to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.
4. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
5. Bilingual & Compassionate Representation
We understand the fear and shame hazing victims face. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys, and we treat every client like family.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Taney County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be sued:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| The Fraternity/Sorority | Organized and allowed the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies (despite knowing about prior incidents) |
| University/College | Owns fraternity houses, failed to supervise Greek life |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated the hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Covering the fraternity/university’s liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National (failed to stop hazing despite prior deaths)
✅ The UH Chapter (directly organized the abuse)
✅ University of Houston (owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred)
✅ Individual members (participated in the abuse)
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Taney County
✅ Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening.
- Go to the ER—even if your child says they’re “fine.” Adrenaline can mask severe injuries.
- Document everything—photos of injuries, medical records, hospital bills.
✅ Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about hazing.
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
- Get witness names and contact info—other pledges, friends, or bystanders.
✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet.
- They will try to destroy evidence.
- They will offer lowball settlements before you know the full extent of injuries.
✅ Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
The sooner you call, the stronger your case.
✔ Free consultation—we’ll review your case at no cost.
✔ Evidence preservation—we’ll send legal holds to prevent destruction.
✔ Aggressive representation—we’ll fight for maximum compensation.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Real Hazing Cases—Real Results
$10.1 Million Settlement (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- Bowling Green State University (Ohio)
- Pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol
- Died from alcohol poisoning
- University & fraternity paid $10.1M
$6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
- Louisiana State University
- Pledge forced to drink during “Bible Study” hazing
- BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit) – died from alcohol poisoning
- Jury awarded $6.1M
$110+ Million Settlement (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)
- Penn State University
- Pledge forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes
- Fell down stairs, suffered traumatic brain injury
- Fraternity waited 12 HOURS to call 911
- Settlement estimated at $110M+
Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit (Leonel Bermudez, Pi Kappa Phi)
- University of Houston
- Waterboarded with a garden hose
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis & kidney failure
- Same fraternity that killed Andrew Coffey in 2017
Taney County families: This could happen to your child. We’re here to stop it.
Taney County Hazing Laws—What You Need to Know
Missouri Hazing Law (RSMo § 578.360)
- Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail & $2,000 fine).
- If hazing causes serious injury or death, it’s a felony (up to 7 years in prison).
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate.
Who Can Be Charged?
- Fraternity/sorority members who participated
- Chapter leaders who organized the hazing
- University officials who failed to stop it
Civil Lawsuits for Hazing in Missouri
- You can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
- Universities and fraternities have deep pockets—we know how to make them pay.
Taney County Schools & Greek Life: The Hidden Danger
College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO)
- Greek life presence: Yes (fraternities & sororities)
- Hazing risks: High (small campus, tight-knit groups)
- Parents’ rights: If your child is hazed, the university must report it—but they often cover it up.
Missouri State University-West Plains (West Plains, MO)
- Greek life presence: Yes (fraternities & sororities)
- Hazing risks: Moderate (smaller campus, but still dangerous)
- Warning signs: Sudden withdrawal, bruises, anxiety, academic decline
Other Nearby Schools with Greek Life (Within Driving Distance of Taney County)
| School | Location | Greek Life? |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University (Springfield) | ~1 hour from Taney County | ✅ Yes |
| Drury University (Springfield) | ~1 hour from Taney County | ✅ Yes |
| University of Missouri (Columbia) | ~3.5 hours from Taney County | ✅ Yes |
| University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) | ~2.5 hours from Taney County | ✅ Yes |
Fraternities and sororities near Taney County have the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Texas. Your child could be next.
Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Taney County
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Academic Signs |
|---|---|---|
| ✔ Bruises, cuts, burns | ✔ Sudden withdrawal from friends/family | ✔ Declining grades |
| ✔ Extreme fatigue | ✔ Anxiety, depression, mood swings | ✔ Skipping classes |
| ✔ Difficulty walking | ✔ Fear of talking about Greek life | ✔ Missing assignments |
| ✔ Unexplained injuries | ✔ Avoiding certain people/places | ✔ Dropping out of activities |
| ✔ Weight loss | ✔ Secretive behavior | ✔ Talking about quitting school |
| ✔ Signs of alcohol poisoning | ✔ Nightmares, flashbacks |
If you notice these signs, your child may be a hazing victim. Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Taney County
1. “My child says it’s just ‘tradition’—is it really that bad?”
Yes. Hazing is not tradition—it’s abuse. What starts as “harmless pranks” often escalates to torture, hospitalization, or death. Our client was waterboarded—this is not normal.
2. “The fraternity says my child consented. Can they still sue?”
Absolutely. Missouri law says consent is NOT a defense (RSMo § 578.360). Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
3. “The university says they didn’t know. Can we still sue them?”
Yes. Universities own fraternity houses and have a legal duty to protect students. If they failed to inspect, regulate, or stop hazing, they’re liable.
4. “How much is a hazing case worth in Taney County?”
Hazing cases can be worth millions, depending on:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, death)
✔ Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, paddling)
✔ Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior incidents?)
✔ Punitive damages (to punish the organization and prevent future hazing)
Recent hazing settlements:
- $10.1M (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1M (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110M+ (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)
5. “What if my child is afraid of retaliation?”
We protect our clients. Hazing victims often fear social exclusion, expulsion, or physical harm. We’ll:
✔ Keep your identity confidential if needed.
✔ File protective orders if there’s a threat.
✔ Hold the fraternity accountable for intimidation.
6. “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Missouri?”
- Personal injury: 5 years from the date of injury (RSMo § 516.120)
- Wrongful death: 3 years from the date of death (RSMo § 537.080)
- Criminal charges: 1-7 years (depending on severity)
But don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and fraternities destroy records. Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Taney County Hazing Victims: We’re Here to Help
You’re not alone. Hazing is widespread, dangerous, and illegal—but most victims stay silent out of fear.
At Attorney 911, we fight for justice. We’ve seen what happens when fraternities and universities prioritize reputation over safety. We’re holding them accountable—and we’ll do the same for Taney County families.
🚨 If your child has been hazed in Taney County, MO, call us NOW:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if you win.
Taney County Parents: This Could Be Your Child
Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats. Struck with wooden paddles. Hospitalized with kidney failure.
Andrew Coffey was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. He died.
Max Gruver was forced to drink until his BAC was 0.495. He died.
Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and died.
Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. He died.
This is happening in Taney County, MO. This could be your child.
Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911
