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February 22, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Campbell County, Kentucky: Protecting Students from Abuse in Fraternities and Sororities

Campbell County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice After Hazing

If your son or daughter has been the victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Campbell County, Kentucky, you are not alone. The same brutal “traditions” that hospitalized a student in Houston are happening right here in Northern Kentucky. We are Attorney 911, and we are fighting this crisis nationwide—including for Campbell County families.

Hazing is Not Tradition. It’s Abuse.

At the University of Houston, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with acute kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis. His name is Leonel Bermudez, and we are representing him in a $10 million lawsuit against the fraternity and the university.

This is not an isolated incident. The same fraternities operate at universities near Campbell County. The same hazing culture exists in Northern Kentucky. And the same negligence is failing to protect students.

If your child has been hazed at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Thomas More University, or any other institution near Campbell County, we can help.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Campbell County hazing victims and families.

What Is Hazing? Campbell County Parents Need to Know

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.

Common Hazing Activities in Campbell County and Northern Kentucky:

Physical abuse – Forced exercise to exhaustion, paddling, beatings, branding
Forced consumption – Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities, disrupted sleep
Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, verbal abuse, threats
Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
Exposure to elements – Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces

This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse—and it can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Campbell County Families Face

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It can cause life-threatening injuries and long-term health problems, including:

Injury Description Campbell County Impact
Rhabdomyolysis Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise; can lead to kidney failure Our Houston client was hospitalized for 4 days with this condition
Acute Kidney Failure Kidneys shut down due to muscle damage or dehydration Requires emergency treatment; can be fatal
Alcohol Poisoning Forced drinking can be deadly Multiple hazing deaths nationwide from alcohol poisoning
Traumatic Brain Injury From beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia From exposure to extreme temperatures Can lead to organ failure
Cardiac Arrest From extreme physical exertion Sudden death risk
PTSD, Anxiety, Depression Long-term psychological trauma Therapy and medication may be needed for years

If your child has been hazed, seek medical attention immediately—even if they say they’re “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms right away.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Campbell County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. We pursue all liable entities to maximize compensation for Campbell County victims.

Potential Defendants in Campbell County Hazing Cases:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Campbell County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing NKU or Thomas More chapter that hazed your child
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other nationals with NKU/Thomas More chapters
University Failed to prevent hazing; may own fraternity house Northern Kentucky University, Thomas More University
Individual Members Participated in hazing Specific students who abused your child
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their homes Former members who facilitated hazing off-campus
Housing Corporations Owned property where hazing occurred Entities that control fraternity/sorority houses

We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the deep pockets—national organizations, universities, and insurance companies—that enable this culture.

Campbell County Hazing Laws: Know Your Rights

Kentucky Hazing Law (KRS 164.375)

Kentucky law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or another person acting in concert with a student, against another student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

Key Provisions for Campbell County Families:

  • Criminal penalties – Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and $250 fine)
  • Consent is not a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter
  • Organizational liability – Fraternities/sororities can be penalized, including loss of recognition
  • University reporting requirements – Schools must report hazing incidents

Note: Kentucky law is similar to Texas law, where we are currently litigating the Pi Kappa Phi case. The same legal strategies apply in Campbell County.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These are not theoretical—they are happening right now.

$10.1 Million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha)

  • What happened: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
  • Outcome: $2.9M from university; $7.2M from fraternity and individuals
  • Significance: Directly comparable to our Pi Kappa Phi case; shows $10M+ is achievable

$6.1 Million Jury Verdict – Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta)

  • What happened: Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during “Bible Study” hazing (BAC 0.495—6x legal limit)
  • Outcome: $6.1M jury verdict; criminal conviction for hazing
  • Significance: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries

$110+ Million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi)

  • What happened: Pledge forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
  • Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at $110M+; multiple criminal convictions
  • Significance: Shows potential ceiling for hazing cases with strong evidence

$10 Million – Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi)

  • What happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with paddles; hospitalized with kidney failure
  • Outcome: Our case – $10M lawsuit filed November 2025
  • Significance: Campbell County families – this is the same fight we’ll bring to Northern Kentucky

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win. The same results are possible for Campbell County victims.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Campbell County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening
  • Get a full medical evaluation—even if your child says they’re “fine”
  • Document everything – medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Screenshot everything
Photos and videos – Of injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
Social media posts – From fraternity/sorority members about hazing
Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
Physical evidence – Clothing, paddles, other items used in hazing

DO NOT:

  • Delete any messages or posts
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
  • Sign anything from the organization or university
  • Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

  • File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Kentucky
  • Report to the university – NKU and Thomas More have reporting procedures
  • Report to the national organization – If applicable

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Statute of limitations: You typically have 1-2 years to file a lawsuit
  • Evidence disappears quickly – Organizations destroy records; witnesses forget
  • Insurance companies will lowball you – They will try to settle for pennies on the dollar

We offer free consultations for Campbell County families. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Campbell County Hazing Case?

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure
  • Campbell County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
  • We know their playbook—how they try to deny and minimize claims
  • We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for Campbell County victims

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Campbell County

  • Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Campbell County
  • Federal court admission (U.S. District Court)
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
  • Willing to travel to Campbell County for depositions, trials, and meetings
  • Remote consultations available for Campbell County families

4. Proven Track Record

  • 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
  • Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
  • BP Texas City explosion litigation – Mass tort experience applicable to hazing cases
  • Google 4.9 stars, 250+ reviews – Clients trust us to fight for them

5. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Campbell County Families

  • No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
  • No hourly fees – We only get paid if we win your case
  • No risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

6. We Understand Greek Life Culture

  • Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach – understands team dynamics
  • We know how fraternities and sororities operate
  • We know their cover-up tactics and how to expose them

7. We Are Bilingual – Se Habla Español

  • Hazing victims and families in Campbell County may speak Spanish as their first language
  • We provide full legal services in Spanish – no language barriers
  • Se habla español – Comuníquese con nosotros en su idioma

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Campbell County

Can I sue if my child was hazed at NKU or Thomas More?

Yes. If your child was injured due to hazing, you can sue the fraternity, sorority, university, and individual members for compensation.

What if my child “consented” to hazing?

Consent is not a defense. Kentucky law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. The fraternity/sorority is still liable.

How much is a hazing case worth in Campbell County?

Hazing cases typically settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Egregiousness of conduct
  • Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
  • Long-term impact on the victim

Precedent cases show $1M–$10M+ is possible for serious injuries.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Kentucky, you typically have 1 year to file a personal injury lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?

No. Kentucky has immunity provisions for individuals who report hazing in good faith. Additionally, the law is designed to protect victims, not punish them.

Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. If it happened at a private residence, the homeowner may also be liable.

What if the fraternity says it was “just a prank”?

Hazing is not a prank. Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and paddling are abuse, not humor. Courts and juries recognize this.

How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Campbell County?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you only pay if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.

Will the case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court. However, if the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Can I sue the national fraternity?

Yes. National organizations are often liable for failing to supervise their local chapters. They have deep pockets and insurance policies that can pay substantial settlements.

Campbell County Universities and Greek Life Presence

Northern Kentucky is home to several institutions with active Greek life. Hazing can occur at any of these organizations.

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) – Highland Heights, KY

  • Location: 7 miles from Campbell County
  • Greek Life: 16 fraternities and sororities
  • Fraternities with Hazing Histories Nationally (Present at NKU or Similar Schools):
    • Pi Kappa Phi – Our current $10M case
    • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple hazing deaths
    • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Hazing hospitalizations
    • Beta Theta Pi – Timothy Piazza case ($110M+)
    • Phi Delta Theta – Maxwell Gruver case ($6.1M verdict)

Thomas More University – Crestview Hills, KY

  • Location: 10 miles from Campbell County
  • Greek Life: Smaller presence, but hazing risks still exist

University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH

  • Location: 15 miles from Campbell County
  • Greek Life: Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities

Note: The same national fraternities operate across all these universities. If hazing is happening at one, it may be happening at others.

Warning to Fraternities and Sororities Near Campbell County

To the Fraternities and Sororities Operating Near Campbell County:

We are watching. We are coming.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If your organization is hazing students in Campbell County or Northern Kentucky, know this:

We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance policies
We know your national organization’s hazing death record
We know how much they’ve paid in settlements
We know which universities near Campbell County have failed to protect students
We will sue every liable entity—local, national, and individual

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston? Shut down after our lawsuit.
The chapter that comes after yours could be next.

📞 Campbell County Hazing Victims: Call Attorney 911 Now

Free Consultation – Available 24/7 – Se Habla Español

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We will fight for Campbell County families. We will hold abusers accountable. We will make sure this never happens to another student.

Campbell County Parents: This Could Be Your Child

Imagine getting the call:
“Mom, Dad—I can’t move. My urine is brown. I think I’m dying.”

This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez after Pi Kappa Phi hazed him. It could happen to your child at NKU, Thomas More, or any university near Campbell County.

You trusted these institutions to keep your child safe. They failed.

We won’t.

© 2025 Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Campbell County, Kentucky and Nationwide

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – Representing Hazing Victims Everywhere

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