🛡️ Jefferson County Hazing Victims: You Have Rights. We Will Fight for You.
Attorney 911 is now serving hazing victims and families in Jefferson County, Oklahoma.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Jefferson County, you are not alone. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we will bring that same aggressive representation to Jefferson County families.
⚠️ This Happens in Jefferson County Too
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big Texas universities. It happens right here in Jefferson County. The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Jefferson County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez with kidney failure exist at Jefferson County institutions.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Jefferson County, they face the same risks.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Jefferson County
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.
In our current case, a University of Houston fraternity pledge was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to run sprints
- Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened in Houston. It happens in Jefferson County too.
🏛️ Who Is Liable in Jefferson County Hazing Cases?
When hazing occurs in Jefferson County, multiple parties are responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise |
| University | Failed to protect students; had power to stop hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Property Owners | Allowed hazing on their premises |
In our Houston case, we are suing: the fraternity chapter, the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and multiple individuals.
Jefferson County families get the same comprehensive representation.
💰 Jefferson County Families Can Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. In recent years:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
Our $10 million demand in the Houston case is supported by these precedents. Jefferson County families can achieve the same results.
📜 Oklahoma Hazing Laws Protect Jefferson County Victims
Oklahoma has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Jefferson County:
Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, § 1190 — Hazing
A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in hazing.
B. Any person who engages in hazing shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety (90) days, or by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such imprisonment and fine.
C. Any organization which authorizes, permits, or condones hazing shall be guilty of an offense and punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00).
Key Points for Jefferson County Families:
- Hazing is a crime in Oklahoma
- Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate
- Organizations can be fined — and sued
- Individuals can be held personally liable
⚖️ Civil Lawsuits: Holding Jefferson County Institutions Accountable
Beyond criminal charges, Jefferson County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, treatment, rehabilitation |
| Future Medical Care | Ongoing treatment, potential long-term health issues |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to academic plans, delayed graduation |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (like waterboarding) |
Jefferson County families pay $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we don’t get paid unless you win.
🏢 Universities Near Jefferson County With Greek Life
Jefferson County families should be aware of hazing risks at nearby institutions with active Greek organizations:
| University | Location | Distance from Jefferson County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma | Norman, OK | ~150 miles | Strong Greek system |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK | ~120 miles | Strong Greek system |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond, OK | ~140 miles | Active Greek life |
| Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City, OK | ~130 miles | Greek organizations present |
| Northeastern State University | Tahlequah, OK | ~180 miles | Greek life presence |
These universities are home to chapters of national fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories, including:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Delta Tau Delta
- And many others
Jefferson County parents: If your child is pledging at any of these universities, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Jefferson County
Jefferson County families should watch for these red flags that hazing may be occurring:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, injuries, or pain; exhaustion; difficulty walking |
| Behavioral | Sudden withdrawal from family; secrecy about activities; fear of certain people |
| Academic | Sudden drop in grades; skipping classes; missing assignments |
| Social | Avoiding certain friends or social media; new group of friends with strict loyalty |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses; requests for money for “fraternity/sorority fees” |
| Schedule | Late-night activities; early morning obligations; unexplained absences |
| Communication | Avoiding phone calls; deleted text messages; reluctance to discuss activities |
If you notice these signs in your Jefferson County child, ask questions — and consider reaching out to us for guidance.
📋 What Jefferson County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get a medical evaluation
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records create critical documentation
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or photos
- Take screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, or other communications
- Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Document injuries with photos at all stages of healing
-
Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report with Jefferson County law enforcement
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
-
Contact an Attorney
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
-
Document Everything
- Keep a journal of events, symptoms, and conversations
- Save all medical bills and receipts
- Record witness contact information
🎯 Why Jefferson County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are the hazing litigation experts Jefferson County families need.
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Jefferson County Families |
|---|---|
| $10M Hazing Lawsuit Experience | We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — same strategies available for Jefferson County victims |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims — and how to fight back |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Jefferson County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for cases against national organizations |
| Nationwide Service | We serve hazing victims across America, including Jefferson County |
| Travel Commitment | We come to Jefferson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — Jefferson County families pay nothing unless we win |
| Bilingual Staff | Se habla español — we serve Jefferson County’s Hispanic community |
| 25+ Years of Litigation | Battle-tested in courtrooms — we don’t back down from institutions |
| Multi-Million Dollar Results | Proven track record of winning big cases against powerful defendants |
🏆 Our Approach to Jefferson County Hazing Cases
When a Jefferson County family’s child is hazed, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Jefferson County hazing victims, our team:
✅ Builds cases with expert witnesses — medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence
✅ Preserves evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
✅ Negotiates from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
✅ Travels to Jefferson County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed
✅ Provides remote consultations — Jefferson County families can video chat with our attorneys
✅ Handles ALL communications — with fraternities, universities, and insurance companies
If a university or fraternity tries to silence Jefferson County hazing victims, we take it to court.
📞 Jefferson County Families: Call Now for Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County or at any university in Oklahoma, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Jefferson County hazing emergencies
We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Jefferson County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
🏢 Jefferson County Service Area
We proudly serve hazing victims and families throughout Jefferson County, Oklahoma, including:
- Waurika — County seat
- Addington
- Cornish
- Hastings
- Ringling
- Ryan
- Sugden
- Terral
- And all surrounding areas
Distance is not a barrier. We serve Jefferson County families no matter where the hazing occurred — whether in Oklahoma, Texas, or anywhere in America.
🌐 Nationwide Representation for Jefferson County Families
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Jefferson County families whose children were hazed at universities across America.
We have the authority to pursue cases in:
- Federal court (U.S. District Court admission)
- All 50 states (Texas and New York bar licenses)
- Any university system — public or private
No matter where the hazing occurred, Jefferson County families can count on Attorney 911.
📚 Educational Resources for Jefferson County Families
Knowledge is Power. We Educate Jefferson County Families.
📖 Hazing 101 for Jefferson County Parents:
- What is hazing?
- Common hazing activities (including waterboarding, forced exercise, paddling)
- Psychological vs. physical hazing
- Why victims don’t report
🚑 Medical Consequences of Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- Alcohol poisoning
- Traumatic brain injury
- PTSD and anxiety
💼 Legal Rights of Jefferson County Hazing Victims:
- Oklahoma hazing laws
- Civil lawsuit options
- Criminal charges
- University liability
📞 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Jefferson County:
- Step-by-step action guide
- Evidence preservation checklist
- Who to contact (and who to avoid)
💰 Understanding Damages in Hazing Cases:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- How settlements work
Jefferson County families can request these resources by calling 1-888-ATTY-911 or emailing ralph@atty911.com.
📢 Media Coverage: We Are the Hazing Litigation Authority
Our current $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston has been covered by major media outlets, establishing our firm as the nation’s leading hazing litigation authority:
| Outlet | Date | Headline |
|---|---|---|
| ABC13 Houston | Nov 21-22, 2025 | “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” |
| KHOU 11 | Nov 21, 2025 | “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” |
| Houston Chronicle | Nov 22, 2025 | “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” |
| Houston Public Media | Nov 24, 2025 | “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” |
This media attention demonstrates our commitment to fighting hazing — and our ability to win big for victims.
🎥 Video Resources for Jefferson County Families
Understanding Hazing and Your Legal Rights
📺 Attorney 911 YouTube Channel: @Manginellolawfirm
Recommended Videos for Jefferson County Families:
| Video Title | Duration | Jefferson County Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| What Should I Do First After an Accident? | 2:28 | Immediate steps after hazing incident |
| Document Everything! | 1:00 | Evidence preservation for hazing cases |
| Never Talk to the Insurance Company | 0:57 | Why not to speak to fraternities/university without attorney |
| Don’t Post on Social Media | 0:58 | Social media risks for hazing victims |
| What Is Comparative Negligence? | 1:56 | Defeating “consent” defense in hazing cases |
| How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth? | 2:46 | Understanding damages in hazing cases |
| How Do Contingency Fees Work? | 3:00 | $0 upfront for Jefferson County families |
| Why Your Lawyer MUST Understand Your Case | 5:01 | Our hazing-specific expertise |
Jefferson County families can access our full video library at attorney911.com/youtube.
🏛️ Jefferson County Case Study: What a Hazing Lawsuit Looks Like
This Is the Fight We Will Bring to Jefferson County
CASE: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
LOCATION: University of Houston
VICTIM: Leonel Bermudez — “ghost rush” pledge (not even enrolled at UH yet)
INJURIES: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
DEFENDANTS: Pi Kappa Phi National, local chapter, housing corporation, University of Houston, individual members
DAMAGES SOUGHT: $10,000,000
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
On September 16, 2025, Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. He wasn’t even a student at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer for Spring 2026.
What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups as punishment
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to continue running sprints
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with hose
- Carried sexual objects in a fanny pack at all times
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- On October 15, a pledge lost consciousness during a workout — other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises while reciting the fraternity creed. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home.
The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The day after that, his condition worsened. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital.
The Defendants’ Response:
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed — they knew what was coming
- Their public statement: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time” — no remorse, already planning comeback
- University of Houston admitted the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards”
The Lawsuit:
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- The UH Board of Regents
- The fraternity president
- The pledgemaster
- Multiple current and former members
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their residence)
Why This Case Matters to Jefferson County:
- The same fraternities operate near Jefferson County — Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, and others have chapters at Oklahoma universities
- The same hazing “traditions” exist in Jefferson County — waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise, humiliation
- Universities near Jefferson County face the same liability — they have a duty to protect students
- Jefferson County families can win the same $10 million — the precedent supports it
- This case will protect future Jefferson County students — by sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated
🔥 The Message to Jefferson County Fraternities
To fraternities operating near Jefferson County:
We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Jefferson County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Jefferson County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Jefferson County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
🏫 The Message to Jefferson County Universities
Universities near Jefferson County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You have a duty to protect students. When you fail, you will be held accountable.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to inspect and regulate — and they failed.
Jefferson County universities: Act now or face the same accountability.
💔 A Message to Jefferson County Hazing Victims
You didn’t deserve this.
What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “bonding.” It was not “building character.”
It was abuse. It was assault. It may have been criminal.
You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to compensation for your injuries. You have the right to hold the people and institutions who hurt you accountable.
You are not alone. Our attorneys are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW with a client just like you — a student who was hospitalized because a fraternity thought torture was acceptable. We will fight for Jefferson County victims with the same fury.
Be brave. Step forward. Jefferson County victims: Enough is enough.
📞 Jefferson County Families: Call Now
If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County or at any university in Oklahoma, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Jefferson County hazing emergencies
We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Jefferson County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
⚠️ Jefferson County Families: Time Is Critical
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights
| Reason to Act Now | Why It Matters for Jefferson County Families |
|---|---|
| Evidence disappears | Texts get deleted, photos get lost, memories fade |
| Witnesses forget | Details become unclear over time |
| Statute of limitations | Oklahoma law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit |
| Defendants coordinate | Fraternities and universities will work together to minimize liability |
| Your child’s health | Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have long-term consequences that need immediate documentation |
Our client in the Houston case acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
🏆 Why Jefferson County Families Win With Attorney 911
We don’t just handle hazing cases. We win them.
✅ We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — same strategies available for Jefferson County victims
✅ We have 25+ years of litigation experience — battle-tested in courtrooms
✅ We’re former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
✅ We have federal court authority — can pursue Jefferson County cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ We have dual-state bar licenses — strategic advantage for national defendants
✅ We travel to Jefferson County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ We offer remote consultations — Jefferson County families can meet with us via video
✅ We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Jefferson County families
✅ We’re bilingual — serving Jefferson County’s Hispanic community
✅ We have multi-million dollar results — proven track record against institutions
Jefferson County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.
📋 Next Steps for Jefferson County Families
If you suspect hazing has occurred:
- Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, social media, medical records
- Document everything — keep a journal of events, symptoms, and conversations
- Follow our guidance — we’ll advise you on next steps based on your specific situation
Jefferson County families: We are here for you. Call now.
🛡️ Final Message: We Protect Jefferson County Families
At Attorney 911, we believe that no child should be tortured in the name of tradition. We believe that universities have a duty to protect their students. We believe that fraternities and sororities must be held accountable for abuse.
Jefferson County families deserve justice. Jefferson County victims deserve compensation. And Jefferson County students deserve to be safe.
We are the hazing litigation experts. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Jefferson County.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Together, we will hold them accountable.
