🛡️ Shelby County Hazing Victims: Your Rights, Your Voice, Your Justice
Attorney 911 — Nationwide Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Shelby County, Tennessee and Beyond with Aggressive Hazing Litigation
🚨 Shelby County Families: This Is Happening Near You
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in Texas or Florida. It happens right here in Shelby County, Tennessee — at colleges, fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and student organizations across the region.
You’ve seen the headlines:
- “Fraternity pledge hospitalized after hazing at University of Houston”
- “$10 million lawsuit filed over hazing that led to kidney failure”
- “Student waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats in ‘tradition'”
This isn’t happening far away. This is happening in Shelby County’s backyard.
The same national fraternities involved in these cases have active chapters at universities near Shelby County. The same hazing “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in Shelby County organizations. And the same institutional negligence that allowed this abuse to continue is happening at Shelby County schools.
🔥 The Shelby County Hazing Crisis: What You Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Widespread in Shelby County
Shelby County is home to multiple colleges and universities, including:
- University of Memphis (main campus and satellite locations)
- Christian Brothers University
- Rhodes College
- LeMoyne-Owen College
- Southwest Tennessee Community College
- And other institutions across the Mid-South
Greek life is active at many of these schools. Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Phi Delta Theta, and others have chapters at Shelby County-area universities. Sororities like Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and others are also present.
But Greek life isn’t the only problem. Hazing occurs in:
- Sports teams (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Honor societies
- Student clubs
- Intramural teams
- And other student organizations
The reality: If there’s a student group in Shelby County with a “pledge process” or “initiation,” there’s a risk of hazing.
2. Shelby County Hazing Takes Many Forms
Hazing isn’t just about drinking games. It includes:
| Category | Examples | Shelby County Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Documented at Tennessee schools |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances (peppercorns, milk, etc.) | Common in Shelby County Greek life |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats | Reported by Shelby County students |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Has occurred in Tennessee organizations |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture | Our Houston case involved this; could happen in Shelby County |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Common in Shelby County pledge processes |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Reported in Shelby County fraternities |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces | Tennessee weather makes this dangerous |
| Financial Exploitation | Forced to pay for events, alcohol, or members’ expenses | Reported by Shelby County students |
Shelby County parents: If your child is joining any organization with a “pledge process,” ask them what’s really happening. The “traditions” they describe may be hazing.
3. Hazing Causes Real Harm in Shelby County
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It causes:
| Physical Harm | Psychological Harm | Academic/Career Harm |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) | PTSD | Missed classes |
| Kidney failure | Anxiety | Failed courses |
| Alcohol poisoning | Depression | Lost scholarships |
| Broken bones | Suicidal ideation | Delayed graduation |
| Internal injuries | Trust issues | Damaged reputation |
| Death | Social withdrawal | Lost job opportunities |
In 2025 alone, we’ve seen:
- A student in Houston hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing
- A student in Austin with traumatic brain injury from hazing
- A student in Memphis (reported anecdotally) with alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
Shelby County families: These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a national pattern — and Shelby County is not immune.
⚖️ Shelby County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights
1. Tennessee Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123 defines hazing as:
“Any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of any higher education institution, by one (1) student acting alone or with others, that is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or that induces or coerces a student to endanger such student’s mental or physical health or safety.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that endangers health or safety
Tennessee law is clear: Hazing is illegal, and consent is NOT a defense.
2. You Can Sue for Hazing in Shelby County
If you or your child was hazed in Shelby County, you can pursue:
| Legal Claim | Who Can Be Sued | Shelby County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | University, national organization, chapter, individuals | Shelby County schools and organizations owe duty of care |
| Assault & Battery | Individuals who physically abused victim | Each Shelby County participant can be sued |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Anyone who caused severe emotional harm | Psychological trauma from hazing qualifies |
| Premises Liability | Property owners where hazing occurred | Shelby County universities that own fraternity houses |
| Negligent Supervision | National organizations, universities | Shelby County institutions that failed to monitor Greek life |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing caused death | Families of Shelby County victims can sue |
Shelby County families: These claims exist regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. You don’t need a criminal conviction to win a civil lawsuit.
3. Who Is Liable for Shelby County Hazing?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Shelby County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at University of Memphis |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility | President of SAE at Rhodes College |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who hazed pledges |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events | Former members who allowed hazing at their homes |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National; SAE National |
| University | Failed to prevent despite knowledge; owned property | University of Memphis; Rhodes College |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise student groups | Football coach; ROTC commander |
Shelby County parents: Universities and national organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can afford to pay for the harm they’ve caused.
💰 Shelby County Hazing Cases Can Win Millions
1. Hazing Settlements and Verdicts Prove It
Recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar outcomes:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Shelby County Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million | Same fraternities operate in Shelby County |
| Max Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict | Juries award millions for hazing |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) | Shows potential for massive payouts |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement | Same fraternity has Shelby County chapters |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending | Our case — same legal strategies apply to Shelby County |
Shelby County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win big. The same legal strategies that worked in Texas and Louisiana apply in Tennessee.
2. What Shelby County Victims Can Recover
| Category | Examples | Shelby County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, broken bones |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Shelby County students with part-time jobs |
| Educational Damages | Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships | University of Memphis, Rhodes College students |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, beatings |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing caused death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
Shelby County note: Tennessee does not cap pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases (only medical malpractice is capped). This means juries can award full compensation for your suffering.
3. Our $10 Million Hazing Case: What It Means for Shelby County
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Location: University of Houston (Houston, TX)
Status: $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911
What Happened:
- Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even a UH student yet), accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi
- Over 7 weeks, he was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing
- On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand
- He crawled up the stairs when he got home
- The next day, he couldn’t move
- His mother rushed him to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- He was hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days
Why This Matters for Shelby County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Shelby County (including University of Memphis)
- The same hazing “traditions” exist in Shelby County chapters
- Universities near Shelby County face the same liability failures as UH
- Shelby County families can pursue the same $10 million+ outcomes
- We are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW — and we’ll fight for Shelby County victims too
📋 Shelby County Families: What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed
1. Immediate Steps After a Hazing Incident
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove victim from dangerous situation | Prevent further harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to ER or urgent care immediately | Document injuries; prevent complications |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used | Critical for legal case |
| 4. Save Communications | Screenshot texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs | Direct evidence of hazing |
| 5. Get Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders | Corroborate victim’s story |
| 6. Report to Authorities | File police report; report to university | Create official record |
| 7. Do NOT Talk to Organization | Avoid fraternity/sorority, university administrators without attorney | They will try to control the narrative |
| 8. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 immediately | Protect legal rights; preserve evidence |
Shelby County critical note: Universities and fraternities will try to minimize the incident. They may offer “mediation” or ask the victim to sign documents. Do not agree to anything without legal counsel.
2. Evidence Checklist for Shelby County Hazing Cases
Preserve everything:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, ER visits, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries (at all stages), hazing locations, items used (paddles, hoses, etc.) |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to pledges |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships |
| Social Media | Posts about hazing, deleted posts (take screenshots before deletion) |
Shelby County warning: Organizations may delete evidence once they know a lawsuit is coming. Act fast to preserve everything.
3. Why Shelby County Families Need an Attorney
Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers. You need your own.
| Without an Attorney | With Attorney 911 |
|---|---|
| You talk to insurance companies alone | We handle all communications |
| They offer lowball settlements | We fight for full compensation |
| They claim you “consented” | We defeat consent defense with Tennessee law |
| They destroy evidence | We send preservation letters |
| You get intimidated into silence | We protect you from retaliation |
| You settle for less than you deserve | We maximize your recovery |
Shelby County families: We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🎯 Shelby County Hazing: Our Legal Strategy
1. We Sue Everyone Responsible
We don’t just sue the individual members. We sue:
- The local chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi at University of Memphis)
- The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National)
- The university (e.g., University of Memphis for failing to prevent hazing)
- Individual officers and members (president, pledgemaster, participants)
- Alumni who hosted hazing (premises liability)
- Insurance companies (to access policy limits)
Why? Because everyone who enabled or participated in hazing should be held accountable.
2. We Use Tennessee Law to Your Advantage
Tennessee’s anti-hazing law is strong. We use it to:
- Defeat the “consent” defense — Tennessee law says consent doesn’t matter
- Prove negligence — Universities and nationals had a duty to protect students
- Pursue punitive damages — For egregious conduct like waterboarding or forced consumption
- Hold individuals criminally liable — Hazing is a crime in Tennessee
3. We Build a Case That Can’t Be Ignored
Our strategy includes:
- Medical experts to document injuries and long-term impact
- Hazing culture experts to explain why this happens and how to stop it
- Economic experts to calculate lost wages, future medical costs, and other damages
- Pattern evidence to show this isn’t an isolated incident
- Institutional knowledge to prove the university/fraternity knew about hazing
Shelby County families: We don’t just file lawsuits. We build movements that force change.
4. We Fight for More Than Money
We pursue:
- Accountability — So no other Shelby County family has to go through this
- Policy changes — To prevent hazing at Shelby County schools
- Awareness — To educate Shelby County parents and students
- Justice — For Shelby County victims and their families
📢 Shelby County Fraternities: We’re Watching You
To fraternities and sororities operating in Shelby County:
We know what you’re doing. We know your “traditions.” We know your pledge processes.
The same legal strategies that are winning $10 million+ in other states apply in Tennessee. The same national organizations that are being sued for millions have chapters in Shelby County. And the same universities that are being held liable for hazing have campuses near you.
If you haze students in Shelby County, we will find out. We will sue you. And we will win.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and all others:
Your chapters in Shelby County are on notice. The Bermudez case is just the beginning. We are building a national database of hazing incidents, and we are coming for every organization that harms our children.
Universities in Shelby County: You’re Next
University of Memphis, Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Southwest Tennessee Community College:
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous organizations.
When you fail to protect students from hazing, you will be held liable.
💬 Shelby County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child was hazed in Shelby County, we can help.
We are Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Shelby County.
We offer:
- Free consultations for Shelby County hazing victims
- $0 upfront — we work on contingency
- Nationwide service — we travel to Shelby County for your case
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Aggressive representation — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
Shelby County families: Call us today. The clock is ticking — Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
🔥 Shelby County: Enough Is Enough
This stops now.
No more waterboarding.
No more forced drinking.
No more 500 squats.
No more wooden paddles.
No more “traditions” that send students to the hospital.
Shelby County families: If your child was hazed, speak up. If you know someone who was hazed, encourage them to come forward. If you’re a student being hazed, you have rights.
We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders. And we are here to fight for Shelby County.
📌 Shelby County Hazing Resources
| Resource | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline | 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free legal consultation |
| University of Memphis Title IX Office | Website | Report hazing to university |
| Rhodes College Title IX Office | Website | Report hazing to university |
| Christian Brothers University Title IX | Website | Report hazing to university |
| Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence | Website | Support for hazing victims |
| National Hazing Prevention Hotline | 1-888-NOT-HAZE | Report hazing anonymously |
| Clery Center | Website | Campus safety resources |
📜 Shelby County Hazing: Know Your Rights
Tennessee Anti-Hazing Law (T.C.A. § 49-7-123):
- Hazing is illegal in Tennessee
- Consent is not a defense
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
- Individuals can face criminal charges (up to a Class A misdemeanor)
Your Rights as a Shelby County Hazing Victim:
- Right to report hazing to police and university
- Right to medical care without fear of retaliation
- Right to legal representation
- Right to sue for damages
- Right to be free from retaliation for reporting
🏆 Shelby County Hazing Cases We Can Handle
We represent Shelby County victims of hazing in:
| Organization Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fraternities | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Phi Delt, Beta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, others |
| Sororities | Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, others |
| Sports Teams | Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc. |
| Marching Bands | University of Memphis Mighty Sound of the South, others |
| ROTC Programs | Army, Navy, Air Force ROTC |
| Honor Societies | Phi Beta Kappa, others |
| Student Clubs | Any club with initiation rituals |
| Intramural Teams | Sports teams with hazing traditions |
| Military Academies | Hazing in military training programs |
Shelby County families: If your child was hazed in any organization, we can help.
📅 Shelby County: Act Now — The Clock Is Ticking
Tennessee Statute of Limitations:
- Personal Injury: 1 year from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 1 year from date of death
Shelby County families: Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
💬 Final Message to Shelby County
To the parents of Shelby County:
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity. You trusted the student organization.
That trust was betrayed.
To the students of Shelby County:
You joined a team, a band, a fraternity, a sorority, a club because you wanted to belong. You wanted to make friends. You wanted to be part of something bigger.
You didn’t sign up for torture.
To the institutions of Shelby County:
You knew hazing was happening. You had the power to stop it. You chose not to.
Now you will pay.
We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders. And we are here for Shelby County.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Shelby County hazing victims: Your fight is our fight. Let’s win it together.
