Hazing Lawyers in Kiowa County, OK | Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
Kiowa County Parents & Students: Hazing Is Happening Near You. We Can Help.
Hazing isn’t just a big-city problem. It happens in Oklahoma. It happens at colleges and universities near Kiowa County. And when it does, victims deserve justice—no matter where they are.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity has chapters across America—including near Kiowa County. The same universities that turn a blind eye to hazing exist in Oklahoma.
If your child has been hazed in Kiowa County or anywhere in Oklahoma, we can help. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Kiowa County families. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is Hazing? You Might Be Surprised
Hazing isn’t just about drinking games or silly pranks. It’s often abuse, torture, and life-threatening danger disguised as “tradition.” In our current case, hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning—considered torture when used on enemy combatants)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until muscles broke down, causing rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Struck with wooden paddles as physical punishment
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during a workout—and they kept going
This isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. And it’s happening at universities near Kiowa County.
Hazing Laws in Oklahoma: What Kiowa County Families Need to Know
Oklahoma has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1190, hazing is a crime that can result in:
- Misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year in jail)
- Felony charges if hazing results in serious injury or death
- Civil lawsuits for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
Important: In Oklahoma, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal, period.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Kiowa County Hazing Cases?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held accountable:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter – They organized and carried out the hazing.
- The national fraternity/sorority organization – They oversee chapters and often fail to enforce anti-hazing policies.
- The university or college – They have a duty to protect students and often fail to supervise Greek organizations.
- Individual members and leaders – Those who participated or allowed hazing to happen can be sued personally.
In our current case, we’re suing:
- The local Pi Kappa Phi chapter
- Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual fraternity members and leaders
Kiowa County families: The same legal strategies apply to your case, no matter where the hazing occurred.
Warning Signs of Hazing in Kiowa County
Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs parents and students should watch for:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Extreme exhaustion or difficulty walking
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
- Weight loss or dehydration
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleep deprivation is common in hazing)
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
- Fear of talking about Greek life or certain people
- Avoiding certain locations or events
- Sudden drops in academic performance
Financial Signs:
- Unexplained expenses (being forced to pay for things)
- Missing money or valuables
- Pressure to buy fraternity/sorority merchandise
Social Media Signs:
- Deleted posts or sudden changes in online activity
- Posts about “pledging,” “big/little,” or “initiation”
- Photos or videos that seem concerning (even if they’re later deleted)
If you notice these signs in your Kiowa County student, trust your instincts. Hazing is often downplayed as “no big deal,” but it can cause serious, lifelong harm.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kiowa County
If you suspect your child has been hazed, take action immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and Oklahoma’s statute of limitations means you have limited time to act.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
- If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Remove them from the situation if possible.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Preserve everything:
✅ Medical records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/videos – Injuries, hazing locations, any activities
✅ Text messages & social media – Screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
✅ Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Clothing/items – Any objects used in hazing (paddles, fanny packs, etc.)
Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Oklahoma.
- Report to the university – Most schools have anti-hazing policies.
- Report to the national organization – If it’s a Greek organization, their national headquarters may have a reporting system.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer
Hazing cases are complex. Universities and national organizations have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need your own legal team to level the playing field.
At Attorney 911, we:
- Fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Hold all responsible parties accountable – not just the individuals, but the institutions that enabled them
- Travel to Kiowa County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Offer free consultations – no upfront cost to you
- Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Why Kiowa County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases—and we know how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph and Lupe previously worked for insurance companies and national defense firms. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to fight for you.
3. Nationwide Representation – Including Kiowa County
We represent hazing victims across America, including Kiowa County families. Our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we serve clients nationwide through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Video consultations for Kiowa County families
- Willingness to travel for depositions and trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed in Oklahoma, we can help.
4. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Cases
- $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – mass tort experience against major corporations
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence and holding institutions accountable
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families. We have bilingual staff who can communicate in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers stand in the way of justice.
6. No Upfront Cost – We Work on Contingency
We understand that Kiowa County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. We take hazing cases on contingency, which means:
- $0 upfront – You pay nothing to hire us
- $0 unless we win – We only get paid if we secure compensation for you
- No financial risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Common Hazing Injuries in Kiowa County – And What They’re Worth
Hazing can cause serious, lifelong injuries. In our current case, our client suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from being forced to do 500 squats. Other common hazing injuries include:
| Injury | Description | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (as in our current case) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ (depends on severity and long-term impact) |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking leading to overdose, coma, or death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ (wrongful death cases can reach higher) |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ (depends on cognitive impact) |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse or accidents | $100,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Hypothermia/Frostbite | From forced exposure to cold | $200,000 – $2,000,000 |
| Heat Stroke | From extreme physical exertion in heat | $200,000 – $2,000,000 |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts, or harassment | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ (depends on severity) |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | $200,000 – $3,000,000 (lifetime therapy costs) |
| Wrongful Death | When hazing kills | $1,000,000 – $100,000,000+ (depends on age, earning potential, and egregiousness) |
Kiowa County families: These numbers aren’t guesses. They’re based on real verdicts and settlements from hazing cases across America. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim who survived but suffered serious injuries.
Hazing Cases We’ve Handled – And What They Mean for Kiowa County
1. Pi Kappa Phi – University of Houston ($10 Million Lawsuit – Pending)
What Happened:
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over several weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse, including:
- Waterboarding 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 vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout—they kept going
Bermudez ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, spending 3 nights and 4 days fighting for his life.
Why It Matters for Kiowa County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters across America—including near Kiowa County.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Oklahoma fraternities.
- Universities near Kiowa County face the same liability failures as UH.
- This case proves that hazing victims can—and do—win big.
2. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University ($10.1 Million Settlement)
What Happened:
Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome:
- $10.1 million total settlement ($2.9M from university, $7.2M from fraternity)
- Chapter president personally liable for $6.5 million
- Fraternity permanently expelled from campus
Why It Matters for Kiowa County:
- Shows that fraternities and universities BOTH pay when hazing happens.
- Individuals can be held personally liable—not just organizations.
- $10 million is a realistic demand for serious hazing cases.
3. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University ($6.1 Million Jury Verdict)
What Happened:
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495—more than 6 times the legal limit).
Outcome:
- $6.1 million jury verdict
- Criminal convictions for multiple fraternity members
- Max Gruver Act – Made hazing a felony in Louisiana
Why It Matters for Kiowa County:
- Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
- Criminal + civil liability can happen simultaneously.
- Hazing cases drive legislative change—your case could help pass stronger laws in Oklahoma.
4. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University ($110+ Million Settlement)
What Happened:
Timothy Piazza was forced to run “the gauntlet” at a Beta Theta Pi event, consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from his injuries.
Outcome:
- $110+ million settlement (estimated)
- 18 fraternity members charged (multiple convictions)
- Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law – Stricter penalties in Pennsylvania
Why It Matters for Kiowa County:
- Strong evidence = massive outcomes. (Security cameras captured everything.)
- Universities and fraternities will pay when they fail to act.
- Your case could prevent future tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Kiowa County
1. My child was hazed, but they “consented” to participate. Can we still sue?
Yes. Oklahoma law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal, and organizations can still be held liable.
2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. If an activity is dangerous, illegal, or abusive, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been going on. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi tried to call waterboarding and 500 squats “tradition.” The court will see it for what it is: abuse.
3. We’re in Kiowa County. Can you really help us?
Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Kiowa County. We offer:
- Free consultations by phone or video
- Travel to Kiowa County for meetings, depositions, and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Bilingual staff (Se habla español)
Distance is not a barrier to justice. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your case.
4. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, especially when:
- The injuries are severe (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
- The hazing was particularly egregious (waterboarding, beatings, forced consumption)
- The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents
- There’s evidence of a cover-up or failure to act
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim who survived but suffered serious injuries. Wrongful death cases can reach $100 million or more.
5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s 2 years from the date of death.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.
6. The fraternity says they’ll “handle it internally.” Should we trust them?
No. Fraternities and universities have a conflict of interest. Their goal is to protect their reputation and minimize liability, not to get justice for your child. In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed—they knew what was coming.
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred and did nothing to stop it.
You need an independent legal team on your side. We don’t work for the fraternity or the university—we work for you.
7. My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?
This is a very real concern. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” Hazing thrives on secrecy and intimidation.
We can help protect your child by:
- Ensuring their identity is kept confidential when possible
- Filing legal motions to prevent retaliation
- Working with law enforcement if threats occur
- Building a strong case so they don’t have to relive the trauma in court
Your child’s safety is our priority. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your options confidentially.
8. What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. In our current case, some hazing occurred at:
- The University of Houston-owned fraternity house
- A private residence (former members’ home)
Both locations are covered under Oklahoma law. If hazing happened at a Kiowa County fraternity house, off-campus apartment, or anywhere else, you can still pursue legal action.
9. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Is that a defense?
Not necessarily. Universities have a duty to supervise Greek organizations and protect students. If they should have known about hazing (because of prior incidents, complaints, or obvious red flags), they can still be held liable.
In our current case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity.
- They failed to implement meaningful oversight despite knowing the risks.
If a university near Kiowa County has a history of hazing or Greek life problems, they may be liable even if they claim ignorance.
10. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
Nothing upfront. At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- $0 to hire us – No retainer, no hourly fees
- $0 unless we win – We only get paid if we secure compensation for you
- No financial risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
We believe that every Kiowa County family deserves justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency.
Fraternities and Sororities Near Kiowa County with Hazing Risks
While we can’t name specific incidents without evidence, these are some of the national Greek organizations with chapters near Kiowa County that have faced hazing allegations or lawsuits in the past:
| Organization | Known Hazing Incidents | Why Kiowa County Families Should Be Concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – hospitalization) | Same national organization that waterboarded our client |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths and injuries; “Nation’s deadliest fraternity” (Bloomberg) | Known for dangerous hazing culture |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death); Jared Munoz (UH, 2017 – hospitalization) | Same university as our current case |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death) | $110+ million settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Known for extreme physical hazing |
| Sigma Chi | Recent lawsuit at UT Austin (2025) for hazing death | Growing legal exposure |
Kiowa County parents: These organizations have chapters at universities near you. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements operate in Oklahoma. If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
Universities Near Kiowa County with Greek Life – And What You Should Know
While we can’t comment on specific incidents without evidence, these are some universities near Kiowa County with active Greek life programs. All have faced Greek life controversies in the past:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Why Kiowa County Families Should Be Concerned |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma (OU) | Norman, OK (~2.5 hours from Kiowa County) | Large Greek system (40+ fraternities/sororities) | Multiple hazing incidents in past; Greek life under scrutiny |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) | Stillwater, OK (~3 hours from Kiowa County) | Large Greek system (30+ fraternities/sororities) | Hazing allegations; Greek life culture concerns |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX (~3.5 hours from Kiowa County) | Large Greek system (50+ fraternities/sororities) | Hazing incidents; Greek life oversight issues |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) | Edmond, OK (~2 hours from Kiowa County) | Active Greek life | Hazing reports in past |
| Cameron University | Lawton, OK (~30 minutes from Kiowa County) | Smaller Greek presence | Local university with potential risks |
Important: Just because a university is listed here does not mean hazing is currently happening. However, all universities with Greek life face hazing risks. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Kiowa County, educate them about the warning signs and their rights.
How Kiowa County Families Can Protect Their Children
1. Educate Your Child About Hazing
Many students don’t recognize hazing when it happens. Talk to your child about:
- What hazing looks like (it’s not always obvious)
- Their right to say no
- How to report hazing safely
- The difference between “team building” and abuse
Resources:
2. Monitor Their Experience
- Ask open-ended questions: “How’s pledging going?” instead of “Is anyone hazing you?”
- Watch for changes in behavior, mood, or physical condition
- Check in regularly, especially during “hell week” or initiation periods
3. Know Their Rights
Under Oklahoma law, your child has the right to:
- Refuse to participate in hazing without fear of retaliation
- Report hazing anonymously at most universities
- Leave the organization at any time without penalty
- Seek legal action if they’re injured
4. Document Everything
If your child experiences hazing:
- Save all communications (texts, social media, emails)
- Take photos/videos of injuries or concerning activities
- Keep a journal of what happened, when, and who was involved
- Get witness information (other pledges, friends, bystanders)
5. Have an Exit Plan
If your child wants to leave a fraternity/sorority:
- Support them unconditionally – It’s not their fault.
- Help them find alternative social groups – There are many ways to make friends in college.
- Report the hazing to the university and national organization.
Kiowa County Hazing Resources
Reporting Hazing in Oklahoma
| Organization | How to Report | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) | File a criminal complaint | www.ok.gov/osbi/ |
| Local Police (Kiowa County Sheriff) | File a police report | (580) 726-3232 (Kiowa County Sheriff) |
| University Title IX Office | Report to university | Varies by school; check university website |
| National Fraternity/Sorority | Report to national headquarters | Look up on organization’s website |
| Hazing Hotline | Anonymous reporting | 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) |
Support for Hazing Victims
| Organization | Services | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| HazingPrevention.org | Education, prevention, support | hazingprevention.org |
| StopHazing | Research, education, advocacy | stophazing.org |
| Clery Center | Campus safety resources | clerycenter.org |
| RAINN (Sexual Assault) | Support for sexual hazing | 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) |
| Crisis Text Line | 24/7 support | Text “HOME” to 741741 |
Legal Help for Kiowa County Families
| Organization | Services | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney 911 | Hazing lawsuits, free consultations | 1-888-ATTY-911 or attorney911.com |
| Oklahoma Bar Association | Lawyer referral service | www.okbar.org |
| Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma | Free legal help for low-income families | www.legalaidok.org |
Kiowa County Parents: You Are Not Powerless
Hazing can make families feel helpless. Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, public relations experts, and institutional power. But you are not powerless.
Here’s what you can do:
- Believe your child. If they say they were hazed, trust them.
- Document everything. Evidence wins cases.
- Report the hazing. To the police, the university, and the national organization.
- Get medical help. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) aren’t obvious right away.
- Call us. We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
We’re fighting this battle right now. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We’re holding Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston accountable. We can do the same for Kiowa County families.
Contact Attorney 911 – Kiowa County’s Hazing Lawyers
If your child has been hazed in Kiowa County or anywhere in Oklahoma, call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Kiowa County and all of Oklahoma. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Why Wait? The Clock Is Ticking
- Evidence disappears (texts get deleted, witnesses forget)
- Oklahoma’s statute of limitations (2 years from injury/death)
- Universities and fraternities will try to silence you
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s fight for your child together.
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Kiowa County Families from Hazing Abuse
Former insurance defense attorneys. Now fighting for victims. Nationwide representation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you do.
