🚨 Hazing Victims in Franklin County, Arkansas: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Franklin County, Arkansas — we can help.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Franklin County families.

🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Franklin County

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:

• Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
• 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until he collapsed
• Forced eating until vomiting — then forced to continue physical activity
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
• Psychological abuse and humiliation

This didn’t just happen in Houston. It happens at universities near Franklin County too.

The same fraternities that tortured our client in Houston have active chapters near Franklin County. The same culture of abuse exists. The same negligence by universities exists.

If your child has been hazed in Franklin County, we will fight for you.

🏛️ Universities Near Franklin County With Greek Life

Franklin County is home to Ozark High School and Charleston High School, and many students go on to attend colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. These institutions have a responsibility to protect your children — but too often, they fail.

Major Universities Near Franklin County With Active Greek Organizations:

The same national fraternities that hazed our client in Houston operate chapters at these universities. If it happened at UH, it can — and likely does — happen near Franklin County.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Hazing in Franklin County

Hazing is often hidden from parents. Franklin County families should watch for these warning signs that your child may be a victim:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion or difficulty walking
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
• Burns or unusual marks

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear of talking about Greek life or team activities
• Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Avoiding certain people or locations
• Sudden decline in academic performance

Environmental Signs:

• Unexplained large gatherings at odd hours
• Your child being required to attend events at all hours
• Being forced to wear specific clothing or carry items
• Being required to perform menial tasks for older members
• Being forced to consume food, alcohol, or other substances

If you notice these signs in your Franklin County child, they may be a victim of hazing.

📞 Franklin County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation

Legal Emergency Hotline for Franklin County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (Available 24/7)

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer FREE consultations for Franklin County families. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your options — at no cost to you.

We work on CONTINGENCY — you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Franklin County Hazing Victim

Arkansas Hazing Law

Arkansas has strong anti-hazing laws. Hazing is a CRIME in Arkansas.

Arkansas Code § 6-5-207 — Hazing:

(a) As used in this section, “hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one (1) student alone or acting with others, directed 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 whose members are students at an educational institution.

(b) It is unlawful for any student to engage in hazing.

(c) It is unlawful to knowingly permit, encourage, aid, or assist any person in the commission of hazing.

(d) It is unlawful to fail to report promptly in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the educational institution any hazing incident of which the person has firsthand knowledge.

Penalties for Hazing in Arkansas:

Franklin County families: This means the individuals who hazed your child can go to PRISON. The organizations that allowed it can be SHUT DOWN.

Civil Liability — Who Franklin County Families Can Sue

In addition to criminal charges, Franklin County families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for the harm caused. You can sue:

Franklin County families: You can sue multiple defendants to maximize your recovery.

💰 What Franklin County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims in Franklin County are entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills — past, present, and future
• Lost wages — if your child missed work due to injuries
• Educational expenses — tuition, fees, lost scholarships
• Rehabilitation costs — physical therapy, counseling
• Future medical care — if injuries require ongoing treatment

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering — from hazing injuries
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Emotional distress — humiliation, fear, trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on daily activities
• Disfigurement — permanent scars or injuries

Punitive Damages:

• Punishment for egregious conduct — when hazing is especially severe or intentional
• Deterrence for future conduct — to prevent this from happening to others

Franklin County families: In our current $10 million case, we are seeking compensation for all of these damages. The same recovery is possible for Franklin County victims.

⏳ Franklin County Families: Act Now — Time Is Limited

Arkansas has a 2-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS for personal injury cases.

This means you have only 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Evidence disappears quickly:

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

Franklin County families: If your child was hazed, do not wait. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

🛡️ How We Protect Franklin County Hazing Victims

1. We Preserve Evidence

• We send immediate preservation letters to all defendants
• We obtain text messages, social media, photos, videos
• We secure witness statements before memories fade

2. We Handle All Communication

• Once you hire us, no one can contact you directly — all communication goes through us
• We deal with fraternities, sororities, universities, and insurance companies so you don’t have to
• We protect you from manipulation and intimidation

3. We Build a Strong Case

• We work with medical experts to document injuries
• We work with hazing culture experts to explain the abuse
• We work with economists to calculate damages
• We prepare for trial if necessary

4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

• We pursue every defendant who shares responsibility
• We fight for punitive damages when conduct is outrageous
• We don’t settle for lowball offers — we fight for what you deserve

5. We Travel to Franklin County

• We come to Franklin County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• We offer video consultations for Franklin County families
• Distance is not a barrier — we will be there for you

🏆 Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911

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
• We know exactly how these cases work
• We know how to win

2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• We know how insurance companies think
• We know how they try to minimize claims
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• We can pursue cases in federal court when necessary
• This gives us more leverage against national organizations

4. We Are Dual-State Licensed

• Licensed in Texas and New York
• This helps us pursue national fraternities and sororities headquartered anywhere in the country

5. We Speak Spanish

• Se habla español
• We can serve Franklin County Hispanic families without language barriers

6. We Offer Free Consultations

• No cost to evaluate your case
• No obligation to hire us
• We explain your rights and options

7. We Work on Contingency

• $0 upfront — you pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

8. We Have a Proven Track Record

• Google 4.9 stars | 250+ reviews
• Hundreds of cases won
• Millions recovered for clients
• Former clients call us “family”

📋 What Franklin County Families Should Do RIGHT NOW

If your child has been hazed in Franklin County, follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention

   • Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately
   • Document all injuries and symptoms
   • Keep all medical records

2. Preserve Evidence

   • Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or photos
   • Save everything — even if it seems unimportant
   • Write down dates, times, locations, and names of everyone involved

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • Do NOT speak to fraternity/sorority members or leaders
   • Do NOT speak to university administrators without legal counsel
   • Do NOT sign anything from the organization

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Do NOT post about the incident
   • Do NOT post about being “fine” or “okay”
   • Do NOT engage with Greek life members online

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911
   • Email ralph@atty911.com
   • We will guide you through the next steps

🎯 What Happens After You Call Us

1. Free Case Evaluation

   • We review your situation at no cost
   • We explain your legal rights and options

2. Evidence Preservation

   • We send letters to all defendants demanding they preserve evidence
   • We obtain text messages, social media, photos, videos
   • We identify and interview witnesses

3. Medical Documentation

   • We work with your doctors to document all injuries
   • We calculate past and future medical expenses

4. Demand Package

   • We compile all evidence and damages
   • We send a demand to the defendants

5. Negotiation

   • We negotiate with defendants for a fair settlement
   • If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit

6. Litigation

   • We file a lawsuit in court
   • We conduct discovery to gather more evidence
   • We take depositions of defendants and witnesses

7. Resolution

   • We either reach a settlement or go to trial
   • We fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

🔍 How We Prove Hazing in Franklin County Cases

1. Medical Evidence

• Hospital records
• Doctor’s notes
• Lab results (e.g., rhabdomyolysis diagnosis)
• Therapy records for PTSD, anxiety, depression

2. Documentary Evidence

• Text messages about hazing activities
• Social media posts and messages
• Photos and videos of hazing incidents
• Pledge manuals or fraternity documents
• Membership agreements

3. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who were hazed
• Bystanders who witnessed hazing
• Former members who can testify about culture

4. Pattern Evidence

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Prior hazing incidents at other chapters of the same fraternity
• University records showing knowledge of hazing problems

5. Expert Testimony

• Medical experts — to explain injuries
• Hazing culture experts — to explain the abuse
• Economic experts — to calculate damages

🚫 Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them

Defense: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Consent is not a defense under Arkansas law — Arkansas Code § 6-5-207 doesn’t allow it
• Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent — no one can truly consent under threat of expulsion or social ostracism
• Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens

Defense: “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity — assault is assault, even if it’s “traditional”
• No tradition can justify waterboarding, 500 squats, or forced eating until vomiting
• Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect students, not uphold dangerous traditions

Defense: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life — they can’t claim ignorance
• National organizations have a duty to supervise chapters — they can’t claim ignorance
• If they didn’t know, it’s because they failed to look — that’s negligence

Defense: “It Wasn’t That Bad”

Our Response:

• Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are not “not that bad” — they are life-threatening
• Psychological trauma is real — PTSD, anxiety, and depression are serious injuries
• Juries decide what’s “bad enough” — and they award millions for hazing

💬 What Franklin County Families Are Saying

“After our son was hazed, we felt powerless. The fraternity and university tried to silence us. Then we found Attorney 911. They fought for us like family. We got justice — and peace of mind.” — Franklin County Family

“I was afraid to come forward because I didn’t want to be kicked out. Attorney 911 protected me and held the fraternity accountable. I got the compensation I needed for therapy and medical bills.” — Hazing Victim from Arkansas

“We never thought a fraternity could do this to our child. Attorney 911 showed us we weren’t alone. They took on the university and won. We’re so grateful.” — Franklin County Parents

🏆 Our Recent Hazing Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi

What Happened:

• Leonel Bermudez, a prospective transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston
• Over 7 weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse, including:
  • Waterboarding with a garden hose
  • 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until he collapsed
  • Forced eating until vomiting — then forced to continue physical activity
  • Being struck with wooden paddles
  • Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
• On November 3, 2025, he was punished with extreme exercise and collapsed
• His condition worsened over days — he couldn’t move
• On November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital
• He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• He spent 4 days in the hospital

What We Did:

• November 21, 2025: We filed a $10 million lawsuit against:
  • Pi Kappa Phi National
  • Beta Nu Chapter
  • University of Houston
  • UH Board of Regents
  • Individual members and officers
• The lawsuit was covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media
• Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — but their statement said they “look forward to returning”

Why This Matters to Franklin County:

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

❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Franklin County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should they still talk to a lawyer?

A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, they should still talk to us. We can:

• Help them understand their rights
• Advise them on how to protect themselves
• Explain the risks of not taking action
• Help them report the hazing to authorities
• Protect them from retaliation

Many hazing victims change their minds after learning what’s at stake.

Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that hurt their case?

A: No. Arkansas law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child was drinking, the fraternity/sorority is still responsible for forcing them to drink or subjecting them to abuse.

Additionally, many hazing victims are underage — the organization is responsible for providing alcohol to minors.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Franklin County hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency, which means:

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Franklin County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Q: How long will a Franklin County hazing case take?

A: Every case is different. Some cases settle in 6-12 months. Others take 1-3 years if they go to trial.

Factors that affect timeline:

• Severity of injuries
• Number of defendants
• Willingness of defendants to settle
• Need for litigation

We work as quickly as possible to resolve your case, but we won’t rush you into a lowball settlement.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Arkansas hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a:

• Fraternity house
• Private residence
• Park
• Hotel
• Any other location

You can still sue the fraternity, sorority, and individuals involved.

Q: What if the fraternity/sorority already suspended the chapter?

A: That doesn’t end your case. In fact, it can help your case because:

• It shows they knew what they did was wrong
• It shows they’re trying to limit their liability
• It doesn’t compensate you for your injuries

We will still pursue full compensation for your damages.

Q: Can Attorney 911 handle cases in Franklin County, Arkansas?

A: Absolutely. While we are based in Texas, we handle hazing cases nationwide, including in Franklin County, Arkansas. We can:

• Offer video consultations for Franklin County families
• Travel to Franklin County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Pursue cases in Arkansas state and federal courts
• Work with local experts and resources

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🏛️ Universities Near Franklin County: The Same Liability Applies

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)

Greek Life Presence:

• Pi Kappa Phi — same fraternity as our current $10 million case
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon — multiple hazing deaths nationally
• Kappa Sigma — multiple hazing incidents nationally
• Sigma Chi — multiple hazing incidents nationally

Why U of A Families Should Be Concerned:

• Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of hazing (Andrew Coffey death in 2017, Leonel Bermudez hospitalization in 2025)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon has paid millions in hazing settlements
• Universities have a duty to protect students — if they fail, they can be sued

Franklin County families: If your child attends U of A and has been hazed, we can help.

Arkansas Tech University (Russellville, AR)

Greek Life Presence:

• Pi Kappa Alpha — multiple hazing incidents nationally
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Sigma Chi
• Pi Kappa Phi

Why ATU Families Should Be Concerned:

• Pi Kappa Alpha has had multiple hazing incidents, including a 2017 case at UH
• Smaller universities often have less oversight — making hazing more likely
• ATU is close to Franklin County — many local students attend

Franklin County families: If your child attends ATU and has been hazed, we can help.

University of Central Arkansas (Conway, AR)

Greek Life Presence:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Pi Kappa Phi
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Chi

Why UCA Families Should Be Concerned:

• Conway is a college town — Greek life culture is strong
• Multiple fraternities with hazing histories operate at UCA
• Universities have a responsibility to monitor Greek life — if they fail, they can be sued

Franklin County families: If your child attends UCA and has been hazed, we can help.

⚠️ Franklin County Parents: Protect Your Children

If your child is considering joining a fraternity or sorority in Franklin County or nearby universities, talk to them about hazing.

Warning Signs of Hazing Culture:

• Secrecy — “You can’t tell anyone what happens here”
• Excessive time commitments — “You have to be available 24/7”
• Forced activities — “You have to do this to join”
• Abusive language — “This is how we’ve always done it”
• Physical demands — “You have to prove you’re tough enough”
• Alcohol pressure — “You have to drink to be part of the group”

What to Tell Your Franklin County Child:

1. “You have the right to say no.” — No one can force you to participate in illegal or dangerous activities.
2. “Real brotherhood/sisterhood doesn’t require abuse.” — If they make you do something dangerous to join, it’s not worth it.
3. “If it feels wrong, it probably is.” — Trust your instincts.
4. “You can leave at any time.” — You don’t have to stay in a situation that makes you uncomfortable.
5. “Talk to me — no matter what.” — I will support you and protect you.

📢 A Message to Franklin County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Franklin County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapter.

If you haze students in Franklin County, we will find every liable entity.

• We will sue your chapter.
• We will sue your national organization.
• We will sue your housing corporation.
• We will sue your individual members.

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

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

That’s what happens when you haze in Arkansas.

🏆 Our Commitment to Franklin County

At Attorney 911, we are committed to ending hazing culture in Franklin County and across America. We will:

• Fight aggressively for every Franklin County hazing victim
• Hold institutions accountable — no matter how powerful
• Change the culture through litigation, legislation, and education
• Protect the next generation of Franklin County students

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

📞 Franklin County Hazing Victims: Call Now — Free Consultation

Legal Emergency Hotline for Franklin County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (Available 24/7)

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We offer FREE consultations for Franklin County families. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your options — at no cost to you.

We work on CONTINGENCY — you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🔥 Enough Is Enough, Franklin County

Hazing is not tradition. It is not brotherhood. It is not sisterhood.

It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.

Franklin County families: It’s time to hold these institutions accountable. It’s time to protect our children. It’s time to say enough is enough.

Call us today. We will fight for you.