Hazing Victims in Attala County Deserve Justice — We’re Fighting for Mississippi Families
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Attala County or anywhere in Mississippi, you are not alone. We are Attorney 911 — the nation’s leading hazing litigation team. We’re currently fighting a $10 million 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 same danger exists at institutions near Attala County. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Mississippi families.
🚨 This Happens in Mississippi Too — We Will Fight for Attala County Families
Attala County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They trust fraternities and sororities to uphold basic standards of human dignity.
That trust is being betrayed.
Right now, in Mississippi and across America, young men and women are being subjected to:
- Waterboarding — simulated drowning with hoses
- Forced eating until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
- Extreme physical punishment — 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls until collapse
- Wooden paddles — beatings with weapons
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture — humiliation, threats, isolation
This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “building character.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is torture.
And it happens at colleges and universities near Attala County.
🏛️ Mississippi Institutions Where Hazing Occurs
While we’re headquartered in Texas, hazing is not limited by state lines. The same national fraternities and sororities operate at institutions across Mississippi, including near Attala County:
- Mississippi State University (Starkville) — home to multiple Greek organizations
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (Oxford) — strong Greek life presence
- University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg) — active Greek system
- Delta State University (Cleveland) — smaller but active Greek organizations
- Community colleges and private colleges throughout Mississippi
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and other national organizations have chapters at Mississippi universities. The same hazing culture that hospitalized our client in Houston exists right here in Mississippi.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis at Mississippi State and Ole Miss
Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi have both faced hazing incidents in recent years:
- Mississippi State University has suspended fraternities for hazing violations, including alcohol-related incidents and physical abuse during pledging.
- University of Mississippi has faced Title IX investigations related to Greek life misconduct, including hazing allegations that resulted in chapter suspensions.
These incidents are not isolated. They are part of a national pattern of Greek organizations prioritizing “tradition” over student safety. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements across America operate chapters at Mississippi universities — including near Attala County.
💔 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Attala County
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, wasn’t even a University of Houston student when he was hazed. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. Pi Kappa Phi recruited him, subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse, and hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of inpatient care.
This is what happened to him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning as punishment
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups — until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical beatings with weapons
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
- Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass — after being sick from forced eating
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious — members had to elevate his legs; they kept going
- Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects — constant humiliation
- Threatened with expulsion if he stopped — psychological coercion
After weeks of this abuse, Bermudez collapsed at home. His mother found him unable to move, with brown urine — a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down and damages the kidneys. He was rushed to the hospital and spent four days fighting for his life.
This same abuse happens at Mississippi universities. The same fraternities operate near Attala County. The same negligence exists at Mississippi institutions. And we will fight for Mississippi families with the same determination we’re bringing to the Houston case.
📰 Media Coverage of Our Fight — The Nation Is Watching
Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston has been covered by major media outlets:
- ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
- KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
- Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”
Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement admitted to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They closed the chapter — but only after our client was hospitalized. And they’re already planning to return to campus.
The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards.” They’re investigating — but only after a student was tortured on their property.
This is the accountability we’re fighting for. Attala County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
⚖️ Mississippi Law Protects Hazing Victims
Mississippi has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students and hold perpetrators accountable:
Mississippi Code § 97-3-105 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the 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 group or organization.
Criminal Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury — up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Felony: Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death — up to 5 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine
Consent is NOT a Defense:
It is not a defense that the victim consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.
Mississippi Institutions Are Liable Too
Mississippi universities and national fraternity/sorority organizations can be held civilly liable for hazing that occurs on their property or under their supervision. This means Attala County families can sue:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members who participated
Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi both have policies prohibiting hazing — but enforcement is inconsistent. When universities fail to protect students, they must be held accountable in court.
💰 Mississippi Hazing Victims Can Win Compensation
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers — they’re messages that say hazing will not be tolerated.
Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these precedents. Mississippi families can achieve the same results.
What Mississippi Hazing Victims Can Recover:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost internship opportunities |
| Educational Damages | Disruption to education, lost scholarships |
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, ongoing discomfort |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy costs |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing |
🏆 Why Mississippi Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re in the courtroom right now fighting for a victim who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. Mississippi families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how defendants and their insurance carriers try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Mississippi families.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to pursue hazing cases across state lines. If your child was hazed in Mississippi, we can represent you no matter where you are.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas and New York
Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national fraternity/sorority organizations that may be headquartered in different states.
5. Se Habla Español — Bilingual Representation for Mississippi Families
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full bilingual services — consultations, case updates, and courtroom representation in Spanish. No language barriers to justice.
6. Nationwide Reach — We Travel to Mississippi
We represent hazing victims across America, including Mississippi. We will travel to Attala County, Jackson, Starkville, Oxford, or anywhere in Mississippi for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
7. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Mississippi Families
We understand that pursuing a lawsuit can be financially daunting. We take hazing cases on contingency — you don’t pay us unless we win. This means Mississippi families can fight for justice without worrying about legal fees.
8. Proven Track Record of Results
We have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including those injured in:
- Trucking accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Refinery accidents
- Wrongful death cases
- Hazing cases
Our results speak for themselves:
- $10 million lawsuit currently pending in hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Hundreds of satisfied clients who trusted us to fight for them
9. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation
We treat every client like family. Mississippi families are not just case numbers to us — they are people who have been wronged and deserve justice. We keep you informed at every step and fight aggressively for your rights.
📋 What Mississippi Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed
If your child was hazed at a Mississippi university or college, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach quickly.
Immediate Steps for Mississippi Hazing Victims:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all symptoms and treatments
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or emails about the hazing
- Take screenshots of all communications (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
- Save photos or videos from hazing activities
- Document injuries with photos at all stages of healing
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
- They may ask for statements or offer settlements — do not engage without an attorney
- Anything you say can be used against you
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour your social media
- Posts showing you “having fun” or “looking fine” can be used to minimize your claim
- Stay off social media until your case is resolved
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Mississippi has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
What We Will Do for Mississippi Families:
-
Conduct a Free Case Evaluation
- Review the facts of your case
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Determine the best path forward
-
Preserve Evidence
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Obtain security camera footage
- Collect witness statements
- Secure medical records
-
Build a Strong Case
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Calculate economic and non-economic damages
- Identify all liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
-
Negotiate Aggressively
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Demand full and fair compensation
- Be prepared to go to trial if necessary
-
Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (when appropriate)
-
Travel to Mississippi
- For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- To meet with Mississippi families in person
- To fight for justice where it matters most
🎯 Who Is Liable for Mississippi Hazing?
Hazing cases involve multiple defendants. We pursue every party responsible:
1. Local Greek Organizations
- The chapter that organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.) who directed activities
- Individual members who participated
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations
- Failed to supervise local chapters
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets — substantial assets and insurance coverage
3. Universities and Colleges
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
- Negligent supervision — failed to monitor Greek life
- Institutional knowledge — knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failure to act — despite having power to regulate or remove organizations
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Each person who participated in hazing can be sued individually
- Personal assets may be at risk
- Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage
5. Alumni and Hosts
- If hazing occurred at an off-campus residence
- Premises liability for allowing dangerous activities
- Personal liability for participating
🔍 Common Hazing Activities That Create Liability
Mississippi families should understand what constitutes hazing under the law:
| Activity | Description | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hose or other method | Torture; Assault |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Extreme Exercise | 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls until collapse | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Physical Beatings | Paddling, punching, whipping | Assault; Battery |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Hazing |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects | Sexual Harassment; Hazing |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Hazing |
If your child experienced any of these activities — or anything that made them feel unsafe, humiliated, or physically harmed — they may have a legal claim.
🏛️ Mississippi Universities with Greek Life — The Same Risks Exist
Mississippi is home to several universities with active Greek life programs. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate at these institutions:
| University | City | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University | Starkville | Strong Greek system; multiple chapters | Large student population; competitive Greek culture; prior hazing incidents |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | Oxford | Very strong Greek life; historic chapters | High-profile Greek system; prior hazing allegations |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg | Active Greek organizations | Growing Greek system; potential oversight gaps |
| Delta State University | Cleveland | Smaller but active Greek life | Less oversight; potential for unchecked behavior |
| Millsaps College | Jackson | Private college with Greek presence | Smaller setting; close-knit groups may hide hazing |
| Mississippi College | Clinton | Private Christian university with Greek life | Religious affiliation may create false sense of safety |
| Jackson State University | Jackson | Historically Black university with Greek organizations | Divine Nine organizations with strong traditions |
| Alcorn State University | Lorman | Historically Black university with Greek life | Divine Nine presence; potential for cultural hazing |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena | Smaller HBCU with Greek organizations | Divine Nine chapters; potential oversight challenges |
National fraternities with hazing histories operate at these Mississippi universities:
- Pi Kappa Phi — currently being sued in our Houston case
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon — multiple hazing deaths nationally
- Pi Kappa Alpha — prior hazing incident at University of Houston (2017)
- Sigma Chi — recent hazing lawsuit at University of Alabama
- Phi Delta Theta — $6.1 million jury verdict in Louisiana (Max Gruver case)
- Beta Theta Pi — $110+ million settlement in Penn State case (Tim Piazza)
- Kappa Sigma — multiple hazing incidents nationally
📞 Mississippi Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today
If your child was hazed at a Mississippi university or college — in Attala County or anywhere in the state — we can help.
Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Why Mississippi Families Should Call Us:
✅ We’re fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now — Mississippi families get the same aggressive representation
✅ We understand Mississippi law — and how to apply it to hazing cases
✅ We travel to Mississippi — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
✅ We offer video consultations — for Mississippi families who can’t travel
✅ Se habla español — full bilingual services for Spanish-speaking families
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
✅ Federal court authority — we can pursue cases across state lines
What Mississippi Families Can Expect:
- Immediate Response — We answer calls 24/7
- Free Case Evaluation — No obligation; we’ll explain your rights
- Compassionate Listening — We understand what you’re going through
- Aggressive Representation — We fight for maximum compensation
- Clear Communication — You’ll always know what’s happening with your case
- Nationwide Resources — We have the experience and expertise to take on powerful institutions
🚫 What Mississippi Families Should NOT Do
DO NOT:
❌ Wait to take action — Mississippi’s 2-year statute of limitations is running
❌ Delete any communications — Texts, social media, emails are critical evidence
❌ Talk to the organization or university alone — They will try to minimize your claim
❌ Post about the incident on social media — It can be used against you
❌ Sign anything from the fraternity/sorority — You may be waiving your rights
❌ Assume it’s “just part of the process” — Hazing is illegal and dangerous
❌ Try to handle this alone — Powerful institutions have teams of lawyers; you need your own
🎯 Our Promise to Mississippi Families
We promise to fight for Mississippi hazing victims with the same determination we’re bringing to the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case.
We promise to:
- Pursue every liable party — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Demand maximum compensation — for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Hold institutions accountable — so this doesn’t happen to another Mississippi family
- Protect your child’s future — academically, professionally, and emotionally
- Stand by you every step of the way — from investigation to resolution
Mississippi families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders. Call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Victims in Attala County and Across Mississippi