🛡️ Hazing Victims in Dewey County, Oklahoma: Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Justice
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Dewey County Families Nationwide
🚨 Hazing Happens in Dewey County, Oklahoma — And It’s Not “Tradition,” It’s Abuse
Dewey County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities, fraternities, and sororities to protect their kids. But that trust is being betrayed.
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s dangerous. And it happens at universities near Dewey County — just like it happened at the University of Houston, where our attorneys are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi.
The same fraternities that operate at universities near Dewey County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same negligence that hospitalized our client in Houston exists in Dewey County institutions. And Dewey County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re bringing to Texas.
🔍 What Is Hazing? Dewey County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Oklahoma, hazing is a crime — and it can lead to serious injury or death.
Common Hazing Activities That Happen Near Dewey County:
| Activity | What It Looks Like | Legal Classification in Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Alcohol Consumption | “Drink this whole bottle,” “Chug this beer,” “Do this shot” | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, excessive exercise to exhaustion | Assault; Battery; Hazing |
| Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning | Sprayed with hoses, held underwater, “dunk tanks” | Torture; Assault |
| Forced Eating | Eating until vomiting; consuming non-food substances | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Sleep Deprivation | Late-night activities, early morning demands, disrupted sleep | Hazing |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual Assault; Sexual Battery |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Hazing; False Imprisonment |
These aren’t pranks. These are crimes.
🏥 The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to Dewey County Students
Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises. It causes serious, life-altering injuries — and sometimes death.
Physical Injuries from Hazing:
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls) | Kidney failure; permanent kidney damage; dialysis; transplant |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Death; brain damage; coma; permanent disability |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, head trauma | Permanent cognitive impairment; memory loss; personality changes |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse, falls | Chronic pain; mobility limitations; arthritis |
| Internal Bleeding | Physical trauma | Organ damage; emergency surgery; death |
| Hypothermia / Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ failure; death |
| Burns | Branding, hot objects | Permanent scarring; disfigurement; infection |
| Infections | Unsanitary conditions, open wounds | Sepsis; hospitalization; long-term health issues |
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
| Condition | Symptoms | Treatment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, avoidance | Long-term therapy; medication |
| Anxiety Disorders | Excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety | Therapy; medication |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, loss of interest, suicidal thoughts | Therapy; medication; hospitalization |
| Trust Issues | Difficulty forming relationships; fear of groups | Long-term therapy |
| Eating Disorders | Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating | Specialized treatment |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol | Rehabilitation; therapy |
Hazing doesn’t just hurt students physically — it scars them for life.
💔 Real Stories: Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
📍 University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not a UH student — “ghost rush” expected to transfer)
What Happened:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Spent 4 days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Who We’re Suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- UH Beta Nu Chapter
- University of Houston (they own the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
Why This Matters to Dewey County:
The same Pi Kappa Phi fraternity has chapters at universities near Dewey County. The same national organization that failed to stop waterboarding in Houston operates near Dewey County. The same negligence exists — and Dewey County families deserve the same justice.
📍 Bowling Green State University — $10.1 Million Settlement (2021)
Victim: Stone Foltz
What Happened:
- Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during initiation
- Died from acute alcohol poisoning
Outcome:
- $10.1 million settlement — largest in Ohio history
- University and fraternity both paid
- Multiple criminal convictions
Why This Matters to Dewey County:
This case proves that hazing cases win big. Dewey County families can recover millions for hazing injuries.
📍 Louisiana State University — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (2017)
Victim: Maxwell Gruver
What Happened:
- Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event
- Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
Outcome:
- $6.1 million jury verdict
- Criminal conviction for negligent homicide
- Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana
Why This Matters to Dewey County:
Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries. The same compensation is available for Dewey County victims.
📍 Penn State University — $110+ Million Settlement (2017)
Victim: Timothy Piazza
What Happened:
- Forced to run “the gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes
- Fell down stairs multiple times
- Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911
- Died from traumatic brain injury
Outcome:
- $110+ million settlement (estimated)
- 18 members charged; multiple convictions
- Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law — Pennsylvania
Why This Matters to Dewey County:
This case shows that when evidence is strong, settlements reach $100+ million. Dewey County families can achieve the same results.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights: Oklahoma Hazing Law
Oklahoma has strong laws against hazing — and Dewey County families can use them to seek justice.
Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 1190 — Hazing
Definition:
Any activity that recklessly or intentionally 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:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing great bodily injury | Felony; up to 5 years in prison |
| Hazing causing death | Felony; up to 10 years in prison |
Civil Liability:
- Victims can sue for damages
- Consent is not a defense — even if the victim “agreed” to participate
- Organizations can be held liable for member conduct
🏛️ Who Can Be Sued in Dewey County Hazing Cases?
When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable. We pursue all liable parties to maximize recovery for Dewey County families.
1. Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Officers (president, pledgemaster) can be sued personally
- Members who participated
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise local chapter
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Deep pockets — substantial assets and insurance
3. University or College
- Failed to protect students
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
4. Individual Members
- Participated in hazing
- Failed to stop hazing
- Can be sued personally for assault, battery, etc.
5. Housing Corporations
- Owned fraternity/sorority house
- Failed to prevent hazing on premises
6. Alumni
- Hosted hazing at their homes
- Premises liability
💰 What Compensation Can Dewey County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages (time missed from work)
- Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career)
- Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, mental health treatment)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain from injuries
- Mental anguish from trauma
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement (scars, burns, permanent injuries)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct):
- Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent or intentional
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Available when hazing involves torture, extreme physical abuse, or reckless disregard for safety
📋 What Should Dewey County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, participants
- Get witness names and contact information
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Dewey County families can call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We offer video consultations for Dewey County families
- We will travel to Dewey County for depositions and meetings
Step 5: Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to university Title IX office (if applicable)
- Report to national fraternity/sorority organization
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Dewey County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented” to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. In Oklahoma, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Oklahoma. Can you still help?
A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Dewey County families. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take retaliation concerns seriously. We can:
- Ensure confidentiality
- File protective orders if needed
- Pursue claims against individuals who retaliate
- Work with university authorities to ensure safety
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Dewey County families don’t need to worry about legal fees while seeking justice.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury. However, do not wait — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: My child wasn’t hospitalized, but they’re traumatized. Is it worth pursuing?
A: YES. Psychological trauma from hazing is real and compensable. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are valid injuries, and you can recover damages for the emotional harm caused.
Q: The fraternity/sorority has already “punished” the members. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Internal disciplinary actions do not prevent civil lawsuits. Many organizations try to handle hazing internally to avoid liability — but you still have the right to pursue compensation.
Q: My child was hazed at a private university. Does that change anything?
A: No. Private universities have the same duty to protect students as public universities. We can pursue claims against private institutions just like public ones.
🎯 Why Dewey County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle 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
- We know how to win
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know their playbook — and we use it against them
- We maximize recovery for Dewey County families
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue Dewey County cases in federal jurisdiction
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses
- Licensed in Texas and New York
- Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities/sororities
5. Nationwide Service
- We represent hazing victims anywhere in America
- Video consultations available for Dewey County families
- We will travel to Dewey County for depositions and meetings
6. Bilingual Staff
- Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking Dewey County families
7. Contingency Fee Basis
- $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win
- No financial barrier to justice for Dewey County families
8. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
- We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
- We fight hard because we truly care
- Dewey County families are treated like family
📞 Dewey County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are here to help Dewey County families seek justice, hold abusers accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Dewey County hazing emergencies.
🔥 A Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Dewey County
To the chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and every other Greek organization operating near Dewey County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid millions for hazing deaths and injuries oversee your chapter.
If you haze students in Dewey County, we will pursue every liable entity — your chapter, your nationals, your university, and every individual member.
The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? Shut down.
The Bowling Green Pi Kappa Alpha chapter? Shut down.
The LSU Phi Delta Theta chapter? Shut down.
Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.
🏆 Our Commitment to Dewey County Families
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fathers, brothers, and advocates.
We see the pain hazing causes — the physical injuries, the psychological trauma, the shattered trust. We see the Dewey County families who just wanted their children to be safe.
We will fight for you.
We will hold them accountable.
We will get you justice.
Dewey County families: You are not alone. Call us today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Dewey County, Oklahoma — and hazing victims nationwide.