🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support in Loudon County, Tennessee

Attorney 911: Fighting for Loudon County Families Affected by Hazing

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Loudon County, Tennessee, you are not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have caused life-threatening injuries and deaths across the country operate right here in our community. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Loudon County families.

📍 Hazing in Loudon County: What Local Families Need to Know

Loudon County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at institutions near Loudon County, and the consequences can be devastating—hospitalization, permanent injuries, psychological trauma, and even death.

🏫 Universities and Colleges Near Loudon County

While Loudon County itself is a smaller community, it is surrounded by major educational institutions where Greek life thrives. Some of the universities and colleges near Loudon County include:

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville (approximately 1.5 hours from Loudon County)
• Tennessee Technological University (approximately 1.5 hours from Loudon County)
• Carson-Newman University (approximately 1 hour from Loudon County)
• Maryville College (approximately 1 hour from Loudon County)
• Roane State Community College (multiple campuses, including one in Harriman, TN)

These institutions are home to active Greek organizations, including chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Kappa Sigma, and others—the same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.

💔 The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states—it’s happening right here in Tennessee. In recent years, Tennessee has seen its share of hazing incidents, including:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Physical abuse such as paddling, extreme exercise, and sleep deprivation
• Psychological torture including humiliation, degradation, and threats
• Sexual assault as part of “initiation” rituals

These aren’t just “pranks” or “traditions”—they are criminal acts that can leave victims with lifelong physical and emotional scars. And when universities and Greek organizations fail to stop it, they must be held accountable.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why Loudon County Families Should Pay Attention

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

🔥 What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout—yet the hazing continued
• Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure and muscle breakdown

This didn’t happen in some distant state—it happened at a major university, and the same fraternities responsible operate near Loudon County.

💰 Why This Case Matters for Loudon County Families

1. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide—including near Loudon County.
2. Universities near Loudon County face the same liability risks as the University of Houston.
3. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Loudon County-area fraternities.
4. We know how to win these cases—and we will fight just as hard for Loudon County victims.

From Ralph Manginello (ABC13 Houston):

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

From Lupe Pena (ABC13 Houston):

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Loudon County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can—and should—be held accountable. In our current case, we are suing:

How This Applies to Loudon County

If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Loudon County, we will pursue:

✅ The local chapter – They organized the hazing.
✅ The national organization – They failed to supervise and enforce policies.
✅ The university or college – They had a duty to protect students.
✅ Individual members – They participated in the abuse.
✅ Any property owners – If hazing occurred at a private residence.

💰 What Loudon County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries limit career options)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, or other injuries)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse)
• Deterrence to prevent future hazing (sending a message to other chapters)

Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Win Millions:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

⚖️ Tennessee Hazing Laws: What Loudon County Families Need to Know

Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of any higher education institution, by one student acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student’s mental or physical health or safety.”

Key Legal Points for Loudon County Families

✅ Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not excuse hazing.
✅ Hazing is a criminal offense – It can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity.
✅ Universities can be held liable – If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act.
✅ Statute of limitations – You typically have 1 year from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee. Do not wait—evidence disappears quickly.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Loudon County

If your child has been a victim of hazing, time is critical. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening.
• Medical records are essential evidence for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
• Write down everything your child remembers—names, dates, what happened.
• Get witness information (other pledges, bystanders).

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, university administrators, or insurance companies without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university.
• Do not post on social media about the incident—anything you say can be used against you.

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will travel to Loudon County to meet with you.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

🎯 Why Loudon County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re in the courtroom right now fighting for victims.
• We know the defense tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability.
• We have proven strategies to maximize compensation for Loudon County families.

2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to defend insurance companies—we know their playbook.
• We know how they minimize claims, delay payments, and deny liability.
• Now, we use that knowledge to fight for victims like your child.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases nationwide.
• If your child was hazed at a university near Loudon County, we can represent you no matter where it happened.

4. We Offer Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
• We provide full legal services in Spanish to ensure no Loudon County family is left behind.

5. We Travel to Loudon County

• We don’t just serve Loudon County from afar—we come to you.
• Whether you need a consultation, deposition, or court appearance, we will be there.

6. We Care About Loudon County Families

• We see your child as a person—not a paycheck.
• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families.
• We will fight aggressively to get you the justice you deserve.

📞 Loudon County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights—and we can help.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Only Get Paid If You Win

🔥 A Message to Loudon County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Loudon County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma—if your chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity.

To the universities near Loudon County:

The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You have a duty to protect students. Act now—or face the same accountability.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Tennessee.

🏆 Our Promise to Loudon County Families

We will:
✅ Fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
✅ Hold every responsible party accountable—no matter how powerful.
✅ Protect your child’s future—medically, academically, and financially.
✅ Travel to Loudon County to serve you.
✅ Work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

You are not alone. We are Attorney 911—and we’re here to help.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.