🚨 Hazing Victims in Claiborne County, Mississippi — You Have Rights and You Are Not Alone

From the same attorneys fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas — now serving Claiborne County families

⚠️ This Happens Near Claiborne County Too

Claiborne County families, we know you send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust universities to protect them. You trust Greek organizations to provide a positive experience.

But the truth is: Hazing happens at colleges and universities across Mississippi — including near Claiborne County.

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston operate chapters at universities near Claiborne County. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at institutions your children attend. The same culture of abuse and silence exists right here in our state.

If your child has been hazed in Claiborne County or at any college near Mississippi, you have legal rights. And we can help.

📰 This Is What Hazing Looks Like — And It’s Happening Near Claiborne County

Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

This is what happened to him — and this is what happens to students near Claiborne County too:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to continue exercising
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather — humiliation and exposure
• Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts — they kept going
• Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours — sleep deprivation
• Ended up in the hospital for 4 days with kidney failure

This didn’t happen in some distant state. This happened in Texas. This happens in Mississippi. This happens at universities near Claiborne County.

And it needs to stop.

🏛️ Universities Near Claiborne County Have the Same Liability Problems

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was tortured. They collected rent while students were being abused. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter — but they didn’t.

Universities near Claiborne County have the same power — and the same responsibility.

When universities:

• Own or control fraternity houses
• Have oversight of Greek life
• Know about hazing risks
• Fail to act

They are legally responsible when students get hurt.

💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions — And Claiborne County Families Can Win Too

Our attorneys are currently suing for $10 million in the Bermudez case. And we have the receipts to prove that hazing cases win big:

These same results are possible for Claiborne County families. The same legal strategies apply. The same damages are available. The same justice is within reach.

⚖️ Mississippi Law Protects Hazing Victims — And So Do We

Mississippi Code § 97-3-105 — Hazing is a Crime

In Mississippi, hazing is illegal. The law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing or reckless act… that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme weather
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Penalties in Mississippi:

• Misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
• Felony — if hazing causes serious injury or death

Civil Lawsuits — Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, Mississippi law allows hazing victims to sue for:

• Medical expenses — past and future
• Lost wages — if hazing affects employment
• Pain and suffering — physical and emotional
• Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct
• Wrongful death — if hazing causes death

And you don’t have to prove the organization intended to cause harm — just that they were negligent in allowing it to happen.

🎓 Which Universities Near Claiborne County Have Greek Life?

Claiborne County families, your children may attend or plan to attend universities near our county where Greek life is active. These are real institutions where hazing happens:

Nearby Universities with Active Greek Life:

1. Alcorn State University (Lorman, MS)

   • Multiple fraternities and sororities
   • Active Greek life community

2. Jackson State University (Jackson, MS)

   • Large Greek system
   • Historically Black fraternities and sororities
   • National organizations with documented hazing histories

3. Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS)

   • Major Greek system
   • Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter (same national organization as our case)
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a chapter (documented hazing history)
   • Phi Delta Theta has a chapter (Maxwell Gruver died at their LSU chapter)

4. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (Oxford, MS)

   • Large Greek system
   • Multiple national fraternities with documented hazing histories
   • Pi Kappa Alpha has a chapter (same fraternity involved in 2017 UH hazing case)

5. University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS)

   • Active Greek life
   • Multiple national organizations

6. Delta State University (Cleveland, MS)

   • Greek organizations present

These are not hypothetical risks. These are real universities near Claiborne County where the same national fraternities operate. The same hazing culture exists. The same negligence occurs.

⚠️ The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Claiborne County

These are not safe organizations. They have documented histories of hazing, serious injury, and death. And they have chapters at universities near Claiborne County.

🔍 How to Know If Your Child Is Being Hazed Near Claiborne County

Hazing often starts with subtle signs and escalates. Claiborne County parents should watch for:

Early Warning Signs:

• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Unexplained exhaustion or sleep deprivation
• Wearing unusual clothing or carrying strange items
• Sudden changes in routine
• Avoiding questions about Greek life

Escalating Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Signs of physical exhaustion
• Changes in behavior — anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Unexplained absences from class or social events
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol or drug abuse

Emergency Signs:

• Inability to walk or move normally
• Disorientation or confusion
• Complaints of severe pain
• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

If you notice these signs, your child may be in danger. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

📋 What Claiborne County Families Should Do If Hazing Is Suspected

Step 1: Ensure Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
• Remove them from the situation if possible
• Seek medical attention if they show signs of injury

Step 2: Document Everything

• Take photos of any injuries
• Save all text messages, social media posts, GroupMe chats
• Write down everything your child tells you — dates, times, locations, people involved
• Get names and contact information of witnesses
• Keep all medical records

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not contact the fraternity or sorority directly
• Do not post about it on social media
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free consultations for Claiborne County families
• We can guide you through the next steps
• We can protect your child’s rights and your family’s interests

Step 5: Report to Authorities

• Consider filing a police report
• Report to the university — but have an attorney present
• Report to the national organization — but have an attorney handle communication

💬 What Claiborne County Victims Say About Hazing

From our client’s experience and other hazing victims:

“I was so scared. I thought if I didn’t do what they said, I’d be kicked out and lose all my friends. I didn’t know it would put me in the hospital.” — Hazing victim

“I didn’t want to disappoint my parents. I thought this was just how it was supposed to be.” — College student

“I thought I could handle it. I didn’t realize how dangerous it was until it was too late.” — Hazing victim who ended up in the hospital

“I was afraid to speak up. I thought they’d come after me.” — Our client, who is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution”

Claiborne County families, your child may be feeling the same way. They may be afraid. They may feel ashamed. They may not realize how serious this is.

They need to know: It’s not their fault. They didn’t deserve this. And they have rights.

🏥 Medical Dangers of Hazing — What Claiborne County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s dangerous — and it can be deadly.

Rhabdomyolysis — The Muscle Breakdown That Can Kill

What it is: The breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream.

What causes it in hazing:

• Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
• Prolonged physical punishment
• Being struck with objects (paddles, etc.)

Symptoms:

• Severe muscle pain
• Weakness
• Dark or brown urine (myoglobin in urine)
• Difficulty moving or walking

Dangers:

• Acute kidney failure (as seen in our client’s case)
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

Our client spent 4 days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis. This is not rare — it happens in hazing cases across America.

Alcohol Poisoning — The Silent Killer

What it is: When someone consumes so much alcohol that their body can’t process it, leading to potentially fatal respiratory depression.

What causes it in hazing:

• Forced drinking
• Drinking games
• “Chugging” contests
• Being pressured to drink large amounts quickly

Symptoms:

• Confusion or stupor
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Blue-tinged skin
• Unconsciousness

Dangers:

• Death from respiratory arrest
• Choking on vomit
• Permanent brain damage

This is how Andrew Coffey died in 2017. This is how Stone Foltz died in 2021. This could happen to your child near Claiborne County.

Other Hazing Injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Internal bleeding — from physical abuse
• Hypothermia — from exposure to cold
• Heat stroke — from prolonged outdoor activities
• Sexual assault — from forced sexual activities
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — from psychological abuse

🎯 Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Claiborne County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. Claiborne County families can pursue:

1. The Local Chapter

• The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
• Individual members who participated

2. The National Organization

• The national fraternity or sorority that oversees the local chapter
• They have deep pockets and insurance policies
• They are responsible for supervising and regulating their chapters
• They knew or should have known about hazing risks

3. The University

• Universities have a duty to protect students
• If they own or control the property where hazing occurs, they have premises liability
• If they have oversight of Greek life, they have negligent supervision liability
• If they knew about prior hazing incidents and didn’t act, they have institutional negligence liability

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued individually
• They can be held personally liable for damages
• They may have homeowner’s insurance that covers liability

5. Insurance Companies

• National organizations have liability insurance
• Universities have institutional insurance
• Homeowners may have personal liability coverage
• These policies can provide significant compensation for victims

Claiborne County families: You don’t have to choose just one defendant. We pursue all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.

💼 Why Claiborne County Families Should Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• We know the defendants’ tactics
• We know the insurance structures
• We know how to win

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they think
• We know how they try to minimize claims
• We know how to beat them at their own game

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• We can pursue federal civil rights claims if applicable
• We can handle cases nationwide

4. We Have Dual-State Bar Licenses

• Licensed in Texas and New York
• Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered in multiple states

5. We Offer Free Consultations for Claiborne County Families

• No upfront cost to discuss your case
• No obligation to hire us
• No risk to learn your rights

6. We Work on Contingency — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• $0 upfront — no retainer, no hourly fees
• We only get paid if you get paid
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

7. We Will Travel to Claiborne County

• We serve clients nationwide
• We offer video consultations for Claiborne County families
• We will travel to Claiborne County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

8. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Many hazing victims come from Spanish-speaking families
• We can communicate in Spanish without language barriers
• No need for translators — we speak directly with your family

9. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

• $10 million hazing lawsuit pending (Bermudez case)
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to fight them

10. We Care About Claiborne County Families

• We’re not just fighting for money — we’re fighting for justice
• We’re fighting to prevent the next tragedy
• We’re fighting to hold institutions accountable
• We’re fighting because it’s the right thing to do

📞 Claiborne County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at any university near Claiborne County, you need to act now.

Call Attorney 911 Today:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Claiborne County hazing emergencies

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Claiborne County Hazing Victims

Q: My child was hazed, but they’re afraid to come forward. What should we do?

A: We understand the fear of retribution. Many hazing victims are afraid to speak up. We can:

• Protect your child’s identity during initial consultations
• Guide you through reporting anonymously if desired
• Build your case without exposing your child to retaliation
• Pursue legal action while protecting your family

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still sue?

A: YES. Mississippi law does not allow the “consent” defense in hazing cases. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable. This is not a valid defense.

Q: We’re in Claiborne County. Can you still help us if the hazing happened far away?

A: Absolutely. We serve clients nationwide. We can:

• Offer video consultations for Claiborne County families
• Travel to you for meetings and depositions
• Handle cases remotely through federal court authority
• Pursue justice no matter where the hazing occurred

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Universities often claim ignorance, but:

• They have oversight responsibility for Greek life
• They often own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs
• They have prior hazing incidents they should have learned from
• They have policies and procedures they should enforce
  We know how to prove they knew or should have known.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 3 years from the date of injury. However, do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be compromised. Contact us immediately.

Q: Can we sue even if no one was hospitalized?

A: Yes. You can sue for:

• Physical injuries
• Emotional trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and degradation
• Medical expenses (even minor ones)
• Pain and suffering
  You don’t have to be hospitalized to have a valid case.

Q: What if the fraternity has already suspended the chapter?

A: That’s an admission of guilt. When organizations suspend chapters after hazing, it shows:

• They knew the conduct was wrong
• They knew the conduct was happening
• They failed to prevent it
  This strengthens your case.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Yes. National organizations:

• Have deep pockets and insurance
• Are responsible for supervising chapters
• Often know about hazing problems at multiple chapters
• Can be held liable for failing to enforce their own policies
  We routinely sue national organizations in hazing cases.

Q: What if my child is undocumented? Can they still sue?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We can:

• Protect your family’s privacy
• Handle your case with sensitivity
• Pursue justice regardless of immigration status
  Everyone deserves to be safe from hazing.

🚫 What Claiborne County Families Should NOT Do

If your child has been hazed, do NOT:

❌ Confront the fraternity or sorority directly — They will destroy evidence and coordinate their story
❌ Post about it on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
❌ Sign anything from the organization — You may be waiving your rights
❌ Give statements to university administrators alone — They protect the institution, not you
❌ Talk to insurance companies without an attorney — They will try to minimize your claim
❌ Delete any messages or photos — This is destruction of evidence
❌ Assume it’s “not that serious” — Hazing escalates quickly and can be deadly
❌ Wait to act — Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, statutes of limitations run out

🔥 Our Message to Fraternities Operating Near Claiborne County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Claiborne County:

We are coming for you.

We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after they waterboarded a student and sent him to the hospital with kidney failure.

We know you have 150+ chapters across America. We know you have millions in assets and insurance. We know you have documented histories of hazing.

We will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter near Claiborne County could be next.

Clean up your act. Or we will clean you out in court.

🏆 Our Promise to Claiborne County Families

If your child has been hazed, we promise:

✅ We will listen — without judgment, with compassion
✅ We will investigate — thoroughly and aggressively
✅ We will fight — for maximum compensation
✅ We will protect — your child’s rights and your family’s interests
✅ We will travel — to Claiborne County for your case
✅ We will win — because we know how to beat these institutions

Claiborne County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 Call Now — Free Consultation for Claiborne County Hazing Victims

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7

We fight for justice. We fight for Claiborne County. We fight for you.