Hazing Victims in Major County, Oklahoma: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

This Happens Here Too: Hazing in Major County, Oklahoma

You might think hazing is something that only happens at big universities in other states. But the truth is, hazing happens right here in Major County, Oklahoma—at our local colleges, in fraternities and sororities, on sports teams, and in student organizations. The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston hazing case have active chapters near Major County. The same culture of abuse exists here.

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Major County, they may have suffered:

• Physical abuse (beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding)
• Forced alcohol or food consumption
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological torture
• Sexual humiliation
• Life-threatening injuries like rhabdomyolysis

This isn’t just “tradition.” It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

The University of Houston Case: What Happened and Why It Matters to Major County Families

In November 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing.

What They Did to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck him with wooden paddles
• Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him lie in his own vomit
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout—yet they kept going

Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. He wasn’t even a student at UH yet—he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member expected to transfer.

Why This Matters to Major County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Major County.

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities near Major County.
   • If they hazed a student in Houston, they’re hazing students near Major County too.

2. Universities near Major County have the same oversight failures.

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
   • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and still didn’t stop it.
   • Universities near Major County face the same liability when they fail to protect students.

3. National organizations know about the problem—and do nothing.

   • Pi Kappa Phi had eight years to fix their hazing culture after a student died in 2017.
   • They didn’t. Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025.
   • If they didn’t stop it after a death, they won’t stop it unless forced to pay.

4. Hazing is illegal in Oklahoma.

   • Oklahoma has strict anti-hazing laws (21 O.S. § 1190).
   • Consent is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
   • Hazing that causes serious injury is a felony.

5. You can sue—and win millions.

   • The Bermudez case is seeking $10 million.
   • Other hazing cases have resulted in $6 million to $110 million in verdicts and settlements.
   • Major County families deserve the same justice.

Hazing Laws in Oklahoma: What You Need to Know

Oklahoma’s Anti-Hazing Law (21 O.S. § 1190)

Hazing is defined as any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or affiliation with an organization
• Includes forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
• Includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, or exposure to extreme conditions

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor for basic hazing
• Felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
• Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child agreed to participate, the law still applies

Who Can Be Sued in Oklahoma?

If your child was hazed near Major County, you can sue:

1. The local chapter (e.g., the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at a nearby university)
2. The national organization (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Headquarters)
3. The university or college (if they knew or should have known about the hazing)
4. Individual members (the fraternity president, pledgemaster, or anyone who participated)
5. Property owners (if hazing occurred at a private residence)

What Damages Can You Recover?

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or can’t work due to injuries)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)
• Wrongful death damages (if hazing resulted in death)

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Major County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are crucial evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all texts, emails, and social media messages about the hazing.
• Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns).
• Write down everything your child remembers (dates, times, what was said, who was there).
• Get names and contact info of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders).

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer

• The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to cover it up.
• They may ask your child to sign something—don’t sign anything.
• They may offer a quick settlement—don’t accept it without legal advice.
• Anything your child says can be used against them.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• The statute of limitations in Oklahoma is 2 years—if you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
• Evidence disappears quickly (texts get deleted, witnesses forget).
• Insurance companies will try to lowball you—an experienced lawyer knows how to fight back.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Major County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating the $10 million University of Houston hazing case. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

Both of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies—so we know all their tricks. We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. We Serve Major County Families Nationwide

Even though we’re based in Texas, we can represent hazing victims anywhere in the U.S., including Major County, Oklahoma. We offer:

• Free video consultations
• Willingness to travel to Major County for depositions and meetings
• Federal court authority to pursue national fraternities

4. We Work on Contingency—You Pay Nothing Upfront

• No fees unless we win your case.
• No hourly billing—we only get paid if you get paid.
• We advance all costs (medical records, expert witnesses, etc.).

5. We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You

• $10 million+ in the University of Houston hazing case (ongoing)
• Multi-million-dollar settlements in wrongful death, trucking accidents, and personal injury cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (handling complex, high-stakes cases)

6. We Understand the Culture

• Our attorneys are former athletes and youth coaches—we understand team dynamics and the pressures that lead to hazing.
• We know how fraternities, sororities, and universities try to silence victims.
• We won’t let them intimidate your family.

What to Expect When You Hire Us

1. Free Case Evaluation – We’ll review your case at no cost.
2. Evidence Preservation – We’ll make sure no evidence is destroyed.
3. Medical Documentation – We’ll work with doctors to document your child’s injuries.
4. Demand Letter – We’ll send a demand to the fraternity/university for full compensation.
5. Negotiation – We’ll fight for a fair settlement.
6. Litigation (if needed) – If they won’t settle, we’ll take them to court.
7. Trial (if needed) – We’re not afraid to go to trial to get you justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Major County Families

1. “My child signed a waiver—can we still sue?”

Yes. Oklahoma law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed something, they can still sue.

2. “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition’—does that matter?”

No. “Tradition” doesn’t make abuse legal. If it causes harm, it’s hazing—and it’s illegal.

3. “What if my child was drinking or participating voluntarily?”

It doesn’t matter. If the organization forced or pressured them, they can still be liable. Forced consumption of alcohol is hazing.

4. “How much is my case worth?”

It depends on:

• The severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, etc.)
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, beatings, etc.)
• Whether there was a cover-up

We’ve seen cases settle for $1 million to $110 million. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation for your family.

5. “What if the fraternity threatens my child?”

Document everything. If they threaten or intimidate your child, that’s additional evidence of wrongdoing. We can take legal action against them for retaliation.

6. “Can we sue the university?”

Yes, if they knew or should have known about the hazing. For example:

• If they owned the fraternity house
• If they had prior hazing incidents
• If they failed to investigate complaints

7. “What if my child is afraid to come forward?”

We understand. Many hazing victims fear retaliation. We protect our clients’ identities and fight to hold the organization accountable—not individual students.

8. “How long will this take?”

Most cases settle within 1-2 years. If we have to go to trial, it may take longer—but we’ll fight aggressively to resolve your case as quickly as possible.

9. “What if my child is an international student?”

Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to sue. We represent students from all backgrounds, including international students.

10. “What if the hazing happened off-campus?”

It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.

Fraternities Near Major County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases operate near Major County. If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks:

If your child is pledging one of these fraternities near Major County, they are at risk.

What Major County Parents Need to Know About Greek Life

1. Hazing Is Rampant in Greek Organizations

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the U.S.

2. Universities Know About Hazing—and Do Nothing

• Most universities have prior hazing incidents on record.
• They suspend or close chapters after a death or hospitalization—but often let them return.
• They prioritize reputation over student safety.

3. National Organizations Have Deep Pockets

• Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have millions in assets and insurance.
• They settle cases for millions to avoid bad publicity.
• You can hold them accountable financially.

4. Your Child Doesn’t Have to Be a Student to Be Hazed

• Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet.
• Many fraternities haze prospective members (“ghost rushes”) before they start school.

5. Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities

• Sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and clubs also haze.
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation” is breaking the law.

The Warning Signs of Hazing

If your child is in a Greek organization, sports team, or student group near Major County, watch for these red flags:

✅ Sudden secrecy – “We can’t tell you what we’re doing.”
✅ Excessive fatigue – Falling asleep in class, missing classes
✅ Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, sprains
✅ Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
✅ Forced consumption – “Everyone has to drink/eat this.”
✅ Late-night activities – “We have to meet at 3 AM.”
✅ Humiliation rituals – “We have to wear embarrassing outfits.”
✅ Sleep deprivation – “We’re not allowed to sleep.”
✅ Forced exercise – “We have to do 100 pushups.”
✅ Threats – “If you tell anyone, you’ll be expelled.”

If you notice these signs, your child may be being hazed. Act immediately.

How to Protect Your Child from Hazing in Major County

1. Talk to Your Child About Hazing

• Make sure they know hazing is illegal and dangerous.
• Tell them they can say no—even if pressured.
• Encourage them to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

2. Research the Organization

• Look up the national organization’s hazing history.
• Check if the local chapter has prior incidents.
• Ask the university for hazing reports (they’re required to keep them).

3. Document Everything

• Save all texts, emails, and social media messages from the organization.
• Take photos of any injuries or suspicious activities.
• Keep a journal of what your child tells you.

4. Report Suspected Hazing

• University: Contact the Greek Life office or Dean of Students.
• Police: File a report with local law enforcement.
• Anonymous Tip Lines: Many universities have them.

5. Contact a Lawyer Immediately

If your child is hazed, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Attorney 911 now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

The Message to Fraternities Near Major County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all other Greek organizations operating near Major County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

• If you haze students near Major County, we will sue you.
• If you cover it up, we will expose you.
• If you think you can get away with it, you’re wrong.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. The same thing will happen to your chapter if you haze.

Major County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is a national crisis, and it happens right here in Oklahoma. But you don’t have to fight it alone.

Attorney 911 is here to help Major County families get justice. We’ve fought—and won—against powerful institutions before. We’ll do the same for you.

What You Can Do Right Now:

1. Call us for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, medical records).
3. Don’t talk to the organization without a lawyer.
4. Know your rights—hazing is illegal in Oklahoma.

Together, we can hold them accountable—and protect the next student from going through this.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve Major County, Oklahoma—and hazing victims nationwide.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you do.