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Hazing Lawyers in Sumner County, TN | Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: Sumner County Families Deserve Justice
Sumner County sends its children to colleges and universities across Tennessee and beyond expecting them to be safe. But for too many students, the promise of brotherhood and sisterhood becomes a nightmare of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening hazing.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis nationally — and we’re bringing that fight to Sumner County families. Right now, our attorneys are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate at universities near Sumner County. The same culture exists. And the same negligence puts your child at risk.
If your child has been hazed in Sumner County or anywhere in Tennessee, you are not alone. We will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current case. Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Sumner County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Your Family Too
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to eat until he vomited, and hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of systematic abuse.
This isn’t just a case — it’s a movement. And we’re bringing that movement to Sumner County families.
Nationwide Reach with Local Commitment
Based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including in Sumner County and across Tennessee. While we’re not physically located in Sumner County, we offer:
- Free video consultations for Sumner County families
- Willingness to travel to Sumner County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) for strategic litigation
Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed at a university near Sumner County, we will fight for you.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think. We know how they fight. And we know how to win.
When fraternities and universities try to minimize claims, we dismantle their defenses. When they argue “he consented,” we cite Tennessee law that says consent is not a defense. When they claim “it was just a prank,” we prove it was assault, battery, and torture.
Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
Our firm has handled multi-million dollar cases in complex litigation, including:
- BP Texas City explosion (mass tort litigation)
- $10 million hazing lawsuit (current case)
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims
We don’t just talk about results — we deliver them.
We Speak Your Language — Literally
Many hazing victims and their families in Sumner County are Spanish-speaking. Se habla español. Our bilingual staff ensures that language is never a barrier to justice.
The Hazing Crisis in Sumner County and Beyond
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate. It’s not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it’s often criminal.
Hazing in Tennessee: The Reality
Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws, but hazing still happens at colleges and universities across the state. According to the Hazing Prevention Network:
- 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.
- 40% of athletes report being hazed.
- 95% of hazing victims do not report it.
Sumner County families need to know: If your child is joining a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization, they could be at risk.
Universities Near Sumner County with Greek Life
Sumner County is home to many students who attend colleges and universities across the region. Many of these schools have active Greek life organizations with documented hazing histories:
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, others | Multiple hazing incidents, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, others | Hazing allegations, including paddling and forced exercise |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon, others | Hazing incidents reported in recent years |
| Belmont University | Nashville, TN | Multiple fraternities and sororities | Hazing allegations, including sleep deprivation |
| Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, others | Hazing incidents involving alcohol and physical abuse |
These are not isolated incidents. The same fraternities involved in our $10 million hazing lawsuit — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha — have chapters at universities near Sumner County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Tennessee, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
The Landmark Case: Why This Matters for Sumner County Families
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
Right now, our attorneys are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston |
| September–November 2025 | Weeks of hazing, including waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical punishment |
| October 13, 2025 | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour |
| October 15, 2025 | A pledge loses consciousness during a forced workout |
| November 3, 2025 | Bermudez punished with 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises |
| November 4–5, 2025 | Bermudez becomes progressively sicker; can’t move |
| November 6, 2025 | Mother rushes Bermudez to hospital; diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure |
| November 6–10, 2025 | Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days |
| November 14, 2025 | Pi Kappa Phi closes the chapter — 7 days before the lawsuit is filed |
| November 21, 2025 | $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED by Attorney 911 |
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client
Leonel Bermudez was subjected to torture disguised as tradition:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics |
| Forced Eating | Milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns consumed until vomiting; forced to keep running after vomiting |
| Extreme Physical Punishment | 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls, two-mile warmups |
| Psychological Abuse | Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects; hog-tying another pledge for over an hour |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours |
| Physical Assault | Struck with wooden paddles |
Houston Public Media called it what it is: “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
Why This Case Matters for Sumner County Families
-
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Sumner County
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha have chapters at universities across Tennessee.
- If they hazed a student in Houston, they’re hazing students near Sumner County.
-
Universities Near Sumner County Face the Same Liability
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
- Universities near Sumner County have the same power — and the same duty — to protect students.
-
National Organizations Knew About the Problem
- Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State).
- They had 8 years to fix their culture — and did nothing.
- They admitted knowing about “a hazing crisis” — and still failed to act.
-
$10 Million Sends a Message
- Hazing isn’t just “a prank” — it’s a multi-million dollar liability.
- Our lawsuit is sending a message to every fraternity and university in America: This ends now.
Tennessee Hazing Laws: What Sumner County Families Need to Know
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123 — Anti-Hazing Law
Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under TCA § 49-7-123, hazing is defined as:
Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one student acting alone or with others, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.
What Counts as Hazing in Tennessee?
| Activity | Is It Hazing? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Alcohol Consumption | ✅ YES | Forcing pledges to drink until they pass out or vomit |
| Physical Abuse | ✅ YES | Paddling, beating, branding, or forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Sleep Deprivation | ✅ YES | Forcing pledges to stay up all night for activities |
| Forced Eating | ✅ YES | Eating until vomiting; consuming non-food items |
| Psychological Abuse | ✅ YES | Verbal abuse, humiliation, threats of expulsion |
| Waterboarding or Drowning | ✅ YES | Simulated drowning with water or other liquids |
| Sexual Humiliation | ✅ YES | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Tennessee
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Class A Misdemeanor) | Up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| Hazing Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Class E Felony) | 1–6 years in prison and/or $3,000 fine |
| Hazing Causing Death (Class D Felony) | 2–12 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine |
Important: Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held criminally and civilly liable.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Sumner County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our $10 million lawsuit, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing culture |
| University or College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity housing |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni or Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Sumner County families need to know: You can sue everyone responsible — and we will.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases don’t just result in criminal charges — they result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent hazing cases:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement + Judgment | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can — and do — win big. The same results are possible for Sumner County families.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Sumner County
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in Tennessee, you have only 1 year to file a personal injury claim (TCA § 28-3-104).
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Sumner County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Seek Medical Attention | Take your child to the ER or urgent care immediately | Document injuries; ensure safety |
| 2. Preserve Evidence | Save all texts, photos, videos, and social media posts | Evidence disappears quickly |
| 3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Do not confront the fraternity, sorority, or university | They will try to control the narrative |
| 4. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Avoid posting about the incident or your child’s condition | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 5. Contact Attorney 911 | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation | We’ll guide you through the legal process |
| 6. Report to Authorities | File a police report and a Title IX report (if applicable) | Creates official record; may lead to criminal charges |
| 7. Follow Medical Advice | Ensure your child follows all treatment recommendations | Insurance companies will use gaps in treatment against you |
Sumner County families: Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll handle everything — so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Damages in Hazing Cases: What Sumner County Families Can Recover
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. Sumner County families can recover compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost internship opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma from abuse |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) |
In our $10 million lawsuit, we’re pursuing all of these damages — and we’ll do the same for Sumner County families.
Why Sumner County Families Shouldn’t Wait to Call a Hazing Lawyer
1. Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Text messages get deleted
- Photos and videos vanish
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
2. Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations Is Short
- Personal injury claims: 1 year (TCA § 28-3-104)
- Wrongful death claims: 1 year (TCA § 28-3-104)
- Criminal charges: Varies by offense
If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
3. Organizations Will Try to Silence You
- Fraternities and universities will pressure victims to stay quiet
- They’ll offer quick settlements — which are always too low
- They’ll claim “he consented” or “it was just a prank”
An experienced hazing lawyer protects you from these tactics.
4. Your Child Deserves Justice
Hazing isn’t just “a college experience” — it’s abuse. Your child deserves:
- Accountability for those who hurt them
- Compensation for their injuries
- Change so no other Sumner County family has to go through this
Common Hazing Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Fraternities, sororities, and universities will use every trick in the book to avoid liability. Here’s how we defeat their defenses:
| Defense | Their Argument | Our Counter-Argument |
|---|---|---|
| “He Consented” | “He agreed to participate” | Tennessee law says consent is not a defense (TCA § 49-7-123) |
| “It Was Just a Prank” | “It was harmless tradition” | Waterboarding, forced eating, and 500 squats are not pranks — they’re torture |
| “He Could Have Left” | “He wasn’t forced to stay” | Fear of social ostracism and expulsion is coercion |
| “We Didn’t Know” | “We had no idea hazing was happening” | Universities and nationals have a duty to supervise; prior incidents prove they knew |
| “It Wasn’t That Bad” | “The injuries weren’t serious” | Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are life-threatening |
We’ve heard all these defenses before — and we know how to win.
Fraternities Near Sumner County with Hazing Histories
The same fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at universities near Sumner County. These organizations have a documented history of hazing:
| Fraternity | Hazing History | Universities Near Sumner County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey death (2017); Leonel Bermudez hospitalization (2025) | Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee, Austin Peay |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz death (2021); multiple hazing lawsuits | Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide | Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee |
| Sigma Chi | Hazing lawsuits; physical abuse allegations | Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee, Austin Peay |
| Kappa Sigma | Hazing deaths; forced alcohol consumption | University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State |
Sumner County parents: If your child is pledging one of these fraternities, they are at risk.
What Makes Our Firm Different for Sumner County Families
1. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial
Many personal injury firms settle every case to avoid court. We don’t. If the defendants won’t offer a fair settlement, we take them to trial — and we win.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they fight. And we know how to win.
3. We Travel to Sumner County
We don’t just serve Sumner County families from afar. We come to you. Whether it’s for depositions, meetings, or trials, we’ll be there.
4. We Offer Free Consultations
Sumner County families can meet with us at no cost. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options — with no obligation.
5. We Work on Contingency
Sumner County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Sumner County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. They worry about retaliation. They worry about being labeled a “snitch.” They worry about ruining their college experience.
But you are not alone.
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. That fear is real — and it’s why so many hazing victims stay silent.
We protect our clients. We fight for their rights. And we make sure their voices are heard.
If your child has been hazed in Sumner County or anywhere in Tennessee, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sumner County Families
1. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Sumner County?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means you pay $0 unless we win your case.
2. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?
Yes. Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
3. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Tennessee?
1 year from the date of the injury (TCA § 28-3-104). Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and your rights expire.
4. Can I sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
Yes, you can sue both. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide compensation. In our $10 million lawsuit, we’re suing both the local chapter and the national organization.
5. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. In our current case, some hazing occurred at a former member’s private residence — and we’re holding those individuals accountable.
6. Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
No. Tennessee has anti-retaliation laws to protect hazing victims. If your child faces retaliation, we will fight back.
7. Can I sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight — especially if they had prior hazing incidents — they can be held liable.
8. What if my child is too afraid to testify?
We understand. Many hazing victims fear retaliation. We protect our clients’ identities and safety. We can also use evidence like texts, photos, and witness statements to build the case.
9. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages (for egregious conduct)
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim who survived but suffered serious injuries. Sumner County families can recover similar amounts.
10. What should I do if my child was hazed at a university near Sumner County?
Act immediately:
- Seek medical attention
- Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, videos)
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
Sumner County Families: This Ends Now
Hazing has gone on for too long. It’s time to hold these organizations accountable.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now — and we’re bringing that fight to Sumner County families. If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to our $10 million lawsuit.
Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911. Free consultation. No upfront cost. Justice starts today.
Contact Attorney 911 — Sumner County’s Hazing Lawyers
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Serving Sumner County and all of Tennessee from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
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