🚨 Hazing Victims in Moore County, Tennessee: You Have Rights and We Can Help
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in or near Moore County, Tennessee, you are not alone — and you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Moore County families.
🏢 Who We Are: Moore County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families nationwide, including in Moore County, Tennessee.
While we are based in Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and willingness to travel allow us to represent Moore County families regardless of where the hazing occurred.
Why Moore County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
| Advantage | How It Helps Your Moore County Case |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Proven track record fighting for victims in court — available for Moore County cases |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to deny claims — and how to fight back |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Moore County hazing cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses (TX & NY) | Strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities/sororities headquartered anywhere in America |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Moore County families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — We don’t get paid unless we win your case |
The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Serve Moore County Hazing Victims
When a legal emergency hits — whether it’s on a Tennessee highway, a Moore County college campus, or a fraternity house anywhere in America — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Moore County hazing victims, our team will:
- Build your case with expert witnesses — medical professionals, hazing culture experts, and institutional negligence specialists
- Preserve evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements, and social media posts
- Negotiate from strength — We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and know how to maximize your recovery
- Travel to Moore County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed
- Provide remote consultations — Moore County families can video chat with our attorneys from home
- Protect your rights — If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence you, we take it to court
If your child has been hazed in Moore County, we will fight for justice — no matter where the responsible parties are located.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis: It’s Happening in Moore County Too
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Hazing is NOT “tradition.” It’s NOT “team-building.” It’s NOT “character development.”
IT IS:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
Hazing in Tennessee: The Reality
While Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws, hazing continues to occur at colleges and universities across the state — including near Moore County.
Tennessee Hazing Law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123):
- Hazing is a crime — Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days in jail; up to $2,500 fine)
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if a student “agrees” to participate, it’s still illegal
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, teams, and clubs can face fines and loss of recognition
Despite these laws, hazing continues because institutions fail to enforce them.
Hazing Happens at Tennessee Institutions Near Moore County
Moore County is home to Motlow State Community College, and is located near several universities where Greek life and student organizations are active:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motlow State Community College | Moore County, TN | Limited | Lower, but not zero |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) | Murfreesboro, TN (~45 min from Moore County) | Strong | High |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) | Chattanooga, TN (~1.5 hours from Moore County) | Strong | High |
| Tennessee Technological University (TTU) | Cookeville, TN (~1 hour from Moore County) | Strong | High |
| University of the South (Sewanee) | Sewanee, TN (~1 hour from Moore County) | Strong | High |
National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have active chapters at these institutions — and they bring the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Texas.
The Same Hazing That Happened in Texas Is Happening in Moore County
This is NOT just a Texas problem. It’s happening right here in Tennessee.
Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston.
What happened to him:
- 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 vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down on a table (another pledge, not Bermudez)
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout on October 15, 2025
Result: Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with kidney failure. He could not walk. He could not move. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical abuse.
This same hazing is happening at fraternities and student organizations near Moore County — and we will fight for Tennessee victims just like we’re fighting for Bermudez.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Moore County Hazing Victim
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Moore County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Moore County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapter officers and members at Tennessee schools |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | National fraternity/sorority headquarters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | MTSU, UTC, TTU, Sewanee, Motlow State |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students who directly abused victims |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to supervise | Adults overseeing the organization |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority house owners |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Liability insurance policies |
Moore County families: You can sue ALL responsible parties — and we know how to find them.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. You can recover compensation for:
| Category | Examples | Moore County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, rehabilitation, therapy | Kidney failure, rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, psychological treatment |
| Future Medical Costs | Ongoing treatment, potential dialysis, kidney transplant | Permanent injuries from hazing |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injury | Students, part-time workers |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Torture, beatings, forced exercise |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | Psychological trauma from abuse |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | Degrading hazing activities |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | Disrupted college experience |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse |
Tennessee has NO CAP on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases. This means juries can award substantial compensation for the harm caused by hazing.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These are not just numbers — they represent justice for victims and their families.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Moore County families: These results are possible for Tennessee victims too.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Moore County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
- Document all injuries with photos
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Evidence disappears quickly, and you will need it for your case.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, locations |
| Texts/Messages | GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage |
| Social Media | Posts, DMs, comments about hazing |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules |
| Witness Info | Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition receipts |
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT confront the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Do NOT give statements to administrators, coaches, or Greek life leaders
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
Anything you say or sign can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communication.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.
Moore County families: Call us NOW for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free consultations for Moore County hazing victims
- Remote video consultations — no need to travel
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if we win your case
- Immediate response — we act fast to preserve evidence
🎯 How We Build Your Moore County Hazing Case
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
- We listen to your story and evaluate your legal options
- We explain your rights and potential compensation
- We answer all your questions — no pressure, no obligation
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
- We send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save evidence
- We collect medical records, text messages, photos, and witness statements
- We work with experts to document the full extent of your injuries
Step 3: Identify All Responsible Parties
- We investigate who organized the hazing, who participated, and who allowed it to happen
- We identify all insurance policies that may provide coverage
- We name every liable party in your lawsuit
Step 4: Build a Strong Legal Case
- We work with medical experts to document your injuries
- We consult hazing culture experts to explain the systemic nature of the abuse
- We prepare demand packages for settlement negotiations
Step 5: Negotiate or Litigate
- We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, fraternities, and universities
- If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we take your case to court
- We are trial-ready and will fight for maximum compensation
Step 6: Secure Your Future
- We ensure you receive full compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future needs
- We help you access resources for ongoing treatment and recovery
- We work to prevent future hazing by holding institutions accountable
🏛️ Tennessee Hazing Law: What You Need to Know
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123 — Anti-Hazing Law
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.
Examples of Hazing:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Confinement in small spaces
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury
Key Points for Moore County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
- Hazing is a crime — Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days in jail; up to $2,500 fine)
- Organizations can be fined — Up to $5,000 per violation
- Universities must report hazing — Failure to report is a violation
Tennessee Statute of Limitations:
- Personal Injury: 1 year from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 1 year from the date of death
⚠️ URGENT: Tennessee’s statute of limitations is shorter than many other states. You must act quickly to preserve your rights.
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Moore County
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Moore County parents: Watch for these red flags.
| Behavioral Changes | Physical Signs | Academic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal from family/friends | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns | Sudden drop in grades |
| Secretive about activities | Extreme fatigue or exhaustion | Skipping classes |
| Fear of certain people/places | Weight loss or gain | Missing assignments |
| Changes in sleep patterns | Signs of alcohol/drug use | Withdrawal from extracurriculars |
| Sudden new friend group | Difficulty walking or moving | Loss of interest in school |
| Unexplained absences | Complaints of pain | Increased anxiety about school |
| Wearing unusual clothing | Visible signs of distress | Talking about quitting the organization |
If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Contact us immediately for guidance.
📢 Our Message to Tennessee Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities and student organizations operating near Moore County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and all others — if your chapter is hazing students in Tennessee, know this:
- We track your house corporations, alumni chapters, and national insurance structures
- We document every hazing incident and establish pattern evidence
- We know your playbook — we used to defend insurance companies
- We will pursue every liable entity — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- We will come to Tennessee for depositions, trials, and client meetings
The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.
🎓 Our Message to Tennessee Universities Near Moore County
Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee Technological University, University of the South (Sewanee), Motlow State Community College:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses.
- You know hazing happens in Greek life and student organizations
- You have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down dangerous chapters
- You choose reputation over safety when you fail to act
- You own or control the property where hazing occurs
When you fail to protect students, you become liable. And we will hold you accountable.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Moore County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a fraternity near Moore County. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?
A: Yes. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Moore County. We offer:
- Remote consultations via video call
- Willingness to travel to Tennessee for depositions and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) for strategic litigation
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery — typically 33-40%
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This allows Moore County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing? Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123(e):
“It is not a defense to a violation of this section that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Why consent doesn’t matter:
- Hazing involves coercion and peer pressure — true consent is impossible
- Victims often don’t know what they’re agreeing to until it’s too late
- The law protects students from dangerous activities, even if they “agree”
- If it was illegal, consent doesn’t make it legal
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: 1 year from the date of the hazing incident for personal injury claims in Tennessee.
This is a very short deadline — much shorter than many other states.
Moore County families: DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Q: What if the fraternity or university offers us a settlement?
A: Do not accept any settlement without consulting an attorney.
Insurance companies and institutions routinely offer lowball settlements to victims who don’t have legal representation. These offers:
- Are far below what your case is actually worth
- Often don’t cover future medical expenses
- Require you to sign away your rights to pursue additional compensation
- Are designed to protect the institution, not you
We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and institutions — and we get our clients significantly higher settlements.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most hazing cases settle before trial, so your child likely won’t have to testify.
However, if the case does go to trial, we will:
- Prepare your child thoroughly for testimony
- Protect their privacy as much as possible
- Support them emotionally throughout the process
- Fight to minimize their involvement in public proceedings
Our goal is to resolve your case with the least possible stress on your family.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, you may still have a valid legal claim.
Hazing causes:
- Physical injuries (bruises, sprains, broken bones)
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, fear)
- Academic harm (missed classes, lower grades)
If your child was harmed by hazing, you have rights — regardless of whether they were hospitalized.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We take this fear seriously and protect our clients.
How we protect you:
- Confidentiality — We keep your case private
- Evidence preservation — We document everything before it disappears
- Legal protections — Retaliation is illegal and can lead to additional legal claims
- Support system — We connect you with resources for emotional and psychological support
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
📞 Moore County Families: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed in or near Moore County, Tennessee, you don’t have to face this alone. We are here to help.
Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free case evaluations — no obligation
- Remote consultations — no need to travel
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront
- Immediate response — we act fast to protect your rights
Moore County hazing victims: The time to act is NOW. Call us today.
