🚨 Hazing Victims in Tripp County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
Attorney 911 — Serving Tripp County Families from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Tripp County Parents: This Could Happen to Your Child
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s often illegal. And it’s happening right now at colleges and universities near Tripp County.
We know because we’re fighting this battle right now.
On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez—a young man who wasn’t even a UH student yet when they hazed him so severely he ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
They waterboarded him with a garden hose. They forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. They struck him with wooden paddles. They made him eat until he vomited, then forced him to keep running through his own vomit.
And here’s the worst part: This wasn’t the first time.
Eight years earlier, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. The same fraternity. Forced to drink until he died.
Pi Kappa Phi had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing.
The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They had eight years to implement real oversight. They did nothing.
Now Leonel Bermudez is fighting for his life.
And the same fraternities operate at universities near Tripp County.
What Is Hazing? The Truth Tripp County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “initiation.” It’s any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of joining an organization.
In Texas, hazing is illegal—even if the victim “consented.” And it includes:
✅ Physical brutality — beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption — alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or passing out
✅ Sleep deprivation — forced late-night activities that cause exhaustion
✅ Psychological torture — humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
✅ Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding and simulated drowning — yes, this is happening right now
✅ Extreme exposure — forced to strip in cold weather, sprayed with hoses
This isn’t tradition. This is torture.
Could This Happen in Tripp County?
Yes. And it probably already has.
Universities Near Tripp County with Greek Life
While Tripp County itself is a rural area in South Dakota, many families send their children to colleges and universities across the region where Greek life is active. Some of the major institutions within driving distance or where Tripp County students may enroll include:
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD) — Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), and others.
- South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD) — Active Greek system with Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Delta Delta Delta, and others.
- University of Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN) — Large Greek community with Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma, Beta Theta Pi, and others.
- University of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE) — Strong Greek presence with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others.
- North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) — Multiple fraternities and sororities, including Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Phi, and others.
The same national fraternities that hazed Leonel Bermudez operate at these universities. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha—they all have chapters near Tripp County.
And if it happened at UH, it can happen—and likely is happening—near Tripp County.
The Warning Signs of Hazing
Tripp County parents: Talk to your children. Watch for these signs that they may be experiencing hazing:
🚩 Physical signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Complaints of muscle pain or stiffness
- Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis—muscle breakdown)
🚩 Behavioral signs:
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Sudden mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Fear of talking about their activities
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns
🚩 Academic signs:
- Drop in grades
- Missing classes
- Falling behind in schoolwork
- Sudden withdrawal from extracurriculars
🚩 Financial signs:
- Unexplained requests for money
- Missing personal items (phone, wallet, clothing)
- Unexplained charges on bank statements
If you notice any of these signs, ask questions. And if your child admits to being hazed, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens?
When a Tripp County student is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Tripp County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapters operate near Tripp County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc.—all have Tripp County-area chapters |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property | Universities near Tripp County have same oversight failures |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters—same titles near Tripp County |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Same members operate near Tripp County |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Same alumni networks exist near Tripp County |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Same insurance policies apply |
We don’t just sue the students. We sue the institutions that enable them.
What Can Tripp County Families Recover?
If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
💰 Medical expenses — hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
💰 Lost wages — time missed from work or internships
💰 Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional trauma
💰 Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
💰 Educational disruption — tuition refunds, academic delays
💰 Punitive damages — to punish the organization and prevent future hazing
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. That’s not an arbitrary number—it’s based on real settlements and verdicts in hazing cases across America.
Real Hazing Cases That Won Millions
Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
- University: Bowling Green State University
- What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement from university and fraternity
Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million
- Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
- University: Louisiana State University
- 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; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide
Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million (Estimated)
- Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
- University: Penn State University
- What Happened: Forced to run “the gauntlet”—18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions
Andrew Coffey — Same Fraternity as Our Case
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi — same national organization
- University: Florida State University
- What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: Chapter permanently closed; criminal charges filed
These cases prove one thing: Hazing cases win. And the same results are possible for Tripp County families.
Texas Law Protects Tripp County Victims
Even though we’re based in Texas, we can represent Tripp County hazing victims nationwide through:
✅ Federal court authority — We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
✅ Willingness to travel — We come to Tripp County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Remote consultations — Video meetings available for Tripp County families
And Texas hazing law is clear:
📜 Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law says that doesn’t matter.
📜 Organizations can be held liable. If the fraternity or university knew or should have known about hazing, they’re responsible.
📜 Individuals can be held personally liable. Chapter officers and members can be sued individually.
📜 Criminal charges are possible. Hazing that causes serious injury is a Class A Misdemeanor in Texas—up to 1 year in jail.
What Tripp County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in most states, you have only 2 years to file a lawsuit.
✅ Step 1: Get Medical Attention
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Get witness names: Other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened
- Save all documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
- They may offer a settlement that doesn’t cover your child’s full damages.
- Do not sign anything without talking to an attorney first.
✅ Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations for Tripp County families
- $0 upfront cost — We work on contingency; we don’t get paid unless you do
- Aggressive representation — We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- Nationwide reach — We serve hazing victims from Tripp County and across America
Why Tripp County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re not just talking about hazing. We’re in the courtroom fighting it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH is active, and we’re using the same strategies to help Tripp County families.
2. We Know the Playbook
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize claims. And we know how to beat them at their own game.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court—giving us more leverage against national organizations.
4. We’re Willing to Travel to Tripp County
Distance is not a barrier. We will come to Tripp County for:
- Depositions
- Client meetings
- Trials
- Any other legal proceedings
5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
Tripp County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. And our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict—so you never have to worry about legal bills while your child recovers.
6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims come from Hispanic families. We’re fluent in Spanish and can serve Tripp County’s Spanish-speaking community without language barriers.
7. We Have a Proven Track Record
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- $10+ million in trucking accident cases
- Multi-million dollar refinery explosion cases
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Now we’re bringing that same expertise to hazing victims.
What Happens After You Call Us?
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what to expect:
- Free Case Evaluation — We’ll listen to your story and determine if you have a case.
- Evidence Preservation — We’ll send letters to the fraternity, university, and others demanding they preserve all evidence.
- Medical Documentation — We’ll help you gather all medical records and bills.
- Investigation — We’ll interview witnesses, review communications, and build your case.
- Demand Letter — We’ll send a demand to the defendants outlining your damages.
- Negotiation — We’ll fight for a fair settlement.
- Litigation (if needed) — If they won’t settle, we’ll take them to court.
- Justice — We’ll hold them accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions from Tripp County Families
Q: My child is afraid to come forward. What should I do?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social ostracism. We can help protect your child’s identity during the legal process. And remember—Texas law protects victims from retaliation.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented.” Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Q: We’re in Tripp County. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations and are willing to travel to Tripp County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so you never have to worry about legal bills while your child recovers.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Tripp County?
A: It doesn’t matter where the hazing occurred. If your child is from Tripp County and was hazed at any university in America, we can represent you.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
A: You can—and should—sue both. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide compensation. They also have a duty to supervise their local chapters.
Q: What if my child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured?
A: You can still sue. Hazing causes psychological trauma—PTSD, anxiety, depression—that can last a lifetime. These injuries are just as real and just as compensable as physical injuries.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In most states, you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.
Tripp County Families: This Ends Now
Hazing has gone on for too long. It’s time to hold these organizations accountable.
If your child has been hazed—at any university, in any state—we can help. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’ll bring that same fight to Tripp County families.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED FOR TRIPP COUNTY FAMILIES
If your child has been hazed, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
We serve Tripp County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.
