🛡️ Kent County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help

Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Now Serving Kent County Families

🚨 What Kent County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in Kent County and across Texas, it’s illegal.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any campus organization near Kent County, they may be entitled to significant compensation — and we can help.

🏢 Who We Are: Kent County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Team

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Kent County families. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers who know exactly how these organizations try to avoid accountability. We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we bring that same aggressive representation to Kent County victims.

We know Kent County families have choices. Here’s why you should choose Attorney 911:

✅ 25+ years of litigation experience — Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know their playbook and how to beat it
✅ Federal court admission — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York (critical for national fraternity cases)
✅ Nationwide hazing expertise — Currently litigating major hazing case with media coverage
✅ Se habla español — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Kent County families
✅ Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
✅ We travel to Kent County — For depositions, meetings, and trials

📋 What Counts as Hazing in Kent County and Texas?

Texas law defines hazing broadly. If your child experienced any of the following as part of joining or maintaining membership in a group, it may qualify as hazing:

Physical Abuse

• Beatings, paddling, or striking
• Extreme physical exercise (like forced 500 squats or 100 pushups)
• Branding or burning
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Forced consumption of alcohol or food until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation leading to exhaustion
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions

Psychological Abuse

• Humiliation or degradation
• Forced to carry embarrassing objects
• Verbal abuse or threats
• Isolation from friends and family
• Sleep deprivation causing mental distress
• Forced to engage in illegal activities

Sexual Abuse

• Forced nudity
• Sexual acts or simulations
• Carrying sexual objects
• Sexual assault or harassment

Texas law is clear: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still considers it hazing.

💔 The Real Cost of Hazing: What Kent County Families Face

Hazing doesn’t just leave physical scars. It can have lifelong consequences:

Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can lead to kidney failure (like our current client)
• Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injuries — from beatings or falls
• Broken bones and internal injuries — from physical abuse
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion

Psychological Trauma

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from abuse and humiliation
• Anxiety and depression — long-term mental health struggles
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts — hazing victims are at higher risk
• Trust issues — difficulty forming relationships
• Academic decline — inability to focus on studies

Financial Costs

• Medical bills — emergency room, hospitalization, ongoing treatment
• Therapy costs — mental health support
• Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
• Educational disruption — delayed graduation, lost scholarships
• Future earning potential — if injuries prevent certain careers

Kent County families shouldn’t have to bear these costs alone. The organizations that allowed the hazing should pay.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Kent County Hazing?

When we represent hazing victims, we don’t just sue the individuals involved. We go after everyone who allowed it to happen:

1. Local Chapters

• The fraternity or sorority chapter that conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, risk manager)
• Individual members who participated

2. National Organizations

• National fraternity or sorority headquarters
• They set the policies — or failed to enforce them
• They have deep pockets and insurance policies

3. Universities and Colleges Near Kent County

• Even if the hazing happened off-campus, universities have a duty to protect students
• They often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• They receive funding and should oversee student organizations

4. Housing Corporations

• Organizations that own fraternity/sorority houses
• They’re responsible for what happens on their property

5. Individual Perpetrators

• Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing
• Even if they didn’t directly cause the injury, they can be held responsible

In our current $10 million case, we’re suing: the local chapter, the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and multiple individuals. Kent County families get the same comprehensive representation.

💰 What Kent County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. What you can recover depends on the specifics of your case, but may include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work)
• Educational costs (tuition, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on daily activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct (like waterboarding or forced alcohol consumption)
• Deterrent to prevent future hazing
• Texas has no cap on punitive damages in hazing cases

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million settlement (Bowling Green State University)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Louisiana State University)
• $110+ million estimated settlement (Penn State University)

Our $10 million demand in the current case is in line with these precedents — and Kent County families can expect similar results.

📞 What Kent County Families Should Do If Their Child Has Been Hazed

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS — ACT NOW

1. Get medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
2. Preserve all evidence — Save text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and any physical evidence.
3. Write down everything — Document dates, times, locations, who was involved, and what happened.
4. Get witness information — Names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened.
5. Do NOT talk to the organization — Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle communications.
6. Do NOT post on social media — Insurance companies and defense lawyers will use your posts to minimize your claim.
7. Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911 — Evidence disappears quickly, and there are time limits to file claims.

WHY TIME IS CRITICAL

• Evidence disappears — Organizations may delete messages, destroy documents, or intimidate witnesses.
• Witnesses forget — Memories fade quickly. The sooner we interview witnesses, the better.
• Statute of limitations — In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Insurance companies act fast — They’ll try to get you to accept a low settlement before you know your rights.

Our current client acted immediately after being hospitalized. That’s why we were able to file a $10 million lawsuit within weeks. Kent County families need to act just as quickly.

🎓 Universities Near Kent County with Greek Life

While Kent County itself is a rural area, several universities with active Greek life are within reasonable distance. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at these schools have chapters across Texas — including those near Kent County:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, ~60 miles from Kent County)

• Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
• Known for active Greek life culture
• Same national organizations with hazing histories operate here

Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, ~120 miles from Kent County)

• Smaller but active Greek community
• Potential for hazing in smaller chapters with less oversight

Angelo State University (San Angelo, ~150 miles from Kent County)

• Growing Greek system
• Same national organizations present

Important note: Hazing doesn’t just happen at major universities. It happens at colleges of all sizes, including those near Kent County. If there’s a university near Kent County, there’s likely a fraternity or sorority chapter with the same hazing culture we’re fighting against.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Hazing for Kent County Parents

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Kent County parents should watch for these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Unexplained anxiety or depression
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Sudden loss of interest in hobbies or activities

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)

Academic Changes

• Sudden drop in grades
• Missing classes or assignments
• Avoiding certain professors or classes
• Talking about dropping out

Financial Changes

• Unexplained expenses (paying for events, clothing, etc.)
• Asking for money frequently
• Missing valuable items (phone, wallet, etc.)

Communication Patterns

• Avoiding questions about their organization
• Defending the organization excessively
• Using terms like “pledging,” “big brother/sister,” or “line brothers/sisters”
• Mentioning “traditions” or “tests” they have to pass

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. And call us immediately. We can help.

🔍 Kent County Case Study: What We’re Fighting Right Now

We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively fighting a major hazing case RIGHT NOW. Here’s what happened to our client, and why it matters to Kent County families:

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez

• A young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at University of Houston
• He wasn’t even a UH student yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer
• They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled in their school

The Hazing Activities

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups — until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical abuse
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to keep running
• Forced to carry objects of sexual nature — humiliation
• Another pledge lost consciousness — they kept going

The Result

• Rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition
• 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital — fighting for his life

The Lawsuit

• $10 million lawsuit filed against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Media coverage — ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
• Chapter immediately closed — they knew what was coming

Why This Matters to Kent County Families

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Kent County
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Kent County-area fraternities
• Universities near Kent County face the same liability failures as UH
• If your child is being hazed near Kent County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston

📚 Kent County Hazing Laws: What Texas Law Says

Texas has strong laws against hazing. Kent County families should know their rights under Texas law:

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law

Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Criminal Penalties:

Organizational Penalties:

• Fine up to $10,000
• Denial of permission to operate on campus
• Forfeiture of property

Consent is NOT a Defense:

“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is critical for Kent County families: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still considers it hazing.

💼 Why Kent County Families Need an Attorney for Hazing Cases

Hazing cases are complex. Kent County families shouldn’t try to handle this alone. Here’s why you need an experienced hazing attorney:

1. Universities and Fraternities Have Teams of Lawyers

• They’ll try to blame the victim
• They’ll claim your child consented
• They’ll offer low settlements
• They’ll try to intimidate you into silence

2. Evidence Disappears Quickly

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get taken down
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy documents

3. Multiple Defendants Mean Complex Liability

• Local chapter
• National organization
• University
• Housing corporation
• Individual members

4. Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Claims

• They’ll argue the injuries aren’t serious
• They’ll offer lowball settlements
• They’ll try to get you to accept before you know your rights

5. There Are Time Limits to File Claims

• Typically 2 years in Texas
• Some exceptions apply
• Don’t wait until it’s too late

🏆 Our Approach to Kent County Hazing Cases

When we represent hazing victims, we don’t just file a lawsuit and wait. We take aggressive action from day one:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Subpoena social media companies for posts
• Collect witness statements
• Secure medical records
• Document everything

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview all witnesses
• Review all communications (texts, emails, social media)
• Analyze organizational policies
• Identify all responsible parties

3. Aggressive Legal Strategy

• Sue everyone responsible — no one gets off the hook
• Demand maximum compensation
• Prepare for trial from day one
• Don’t accept lowball settlements

4. Media and Public Pressure

• Use media coverage to put pressure on defendants
• Expose the culture of hazing
• Push for institutional change

5. Legislative Advocacy

• Work with lawmakers to strengthen hazing laws
• Support federal hazing prevention legislation
• Push for better university oversight

Our current $10 million case shows how we fight — and win — for hazing victims. Kent County families get the same aggressive representation.

📞 Kent County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed in Kent County or at any university near Kent County, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free initial consultation — No obligation
✅ Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
✅ Video consultations — Available for Kent County families who can’t travel
✅ Travel to Kent County — We come to you for meetings and depositions
✅ Bilingual services — Se habla español

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Time limits expire. Call us today.

🔥 A Message to Kent County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Kent County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions for hazing deaths have chapters near Kent County.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Kent County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Texas. Your chapter could be next.

🎯 Why Kent County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case with media coverage. We know how to win.

2. We Know How to Beat Insurance Companies

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how insurance companies try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. We Don’t Back Down

We don’t accept lowball settlements. We don’t let institutions intimidate our clients. We fight for maximum compensation — and we win.

4. We Understand the Kent County Community

While we’re based in Houston, we understand rural Texas communities like Kent County. We know the values of Kent County families — and we fight for justice that aligns with those values.

5. We Make It Easy for Kent County Families

• Video consultations available
• Travel to Kent County for meetings
• Contingency fee basis — no upfront costs
• Bilingual staff for Spanish-speaking families

📋 Kent County Hazing Victim Checklist

If you suspect your child has been hazed in Kent County or at a nearby university, use this checklist:

🏆 Recent Kent County-Area Success Stories

While we can’t disclose confidential settlements, here are some of the results we’ve achieved for clients in Texas and nationwide:

✅ Multi-million dollar settlement for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after fraternity hazing
✅ Six-figure settlement for a student who suffered psychological trauma from sorority hazing
✅ Successful Title IX complaint resulting in university policy changes
✅ Fraternity chapter closure after our investigation revealed systemic hazing
✅ Criminal charges filed against individual perpetrators

Kent County families can expect the same level of aggressive representation and successful outcomes.

📚 Kent County Resources for Hazing Victims

Reporting Hazing

• Kent County Sheriff’s Office: (806) 237-3801
• Texas Tech University Police Department (if applicable): (806) 742-3931
• Midwestern State University Police (if applicable): (940) 397-4239
• Angelo State University Police (if applicable): (325) 942-2071

Support Services

• Texas Tech University Counseling Center: (806) 742-3674
• Midwestern State University Counseling Center: (940) 397-4618
• Angelo State University Counseling Services: (325) 942-2371
• National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

Educational Resources

• StopHazing.org: Comprehensive resource on hazing prevention
• HazingPrevention.org: Education and prevention programs
• Clery Center: Campus safety resources

🚨 Kent County Parents: Don’t Let Your Child Be the Next Victim

Hazing is preventable. Kent County parents can take action to protect their children:

Before Your Child Joins an Organization

• Research the organization’s history
• Ask about their anti-hazing policies
• Talk to current and former members
• Visit the organization’s facilities
• Meet with organization leadership

While Your Child Is Pledging

• Maintain open communication
• Watch for warning signs of hazing
• Encourage your child to speak up if something feels wrong
• Remind your child that hazing is illegal and unacceptable

If You Suspect Hazing

• Talk to your child immediately
• Document everything
• Report to university officials
• Report to law enforcement
• Contact Attorney 911

Kent County families: You have the power to stop hazing. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

🎯 Final Message to Kent County Families

To the parents of Kent County:

You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that the institutions they join will protect them. But too often, that trust is betrayed.

When your child is hazed, it’s not just an unfortunate incident. It’s a failure of the system that was supposed to protect them.

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent hazing victims — we fight for justice that prevents the next victim. Our $10 million case in Houston is about more than compensation. It’s about sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

Kent County families deserve that same fight. We’re ready to bring it to you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your child’s future may depend on it.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Kent County and all of Texas. Nationwide hazing litigation experts.