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

If your child has been hazed at a Franklin County college, university, or Greek organization, we can help.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse, and institutional cover-ups in Greek life. The same fraternities operate in Franklin County and across Kentucky. The same negligence exists at Kentucky universities and colleges near Franklin County.

You have rights. Your child has rights. And we know how to fight for them — no matter where in Kentucky you are.

🏢 Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

We are not just any law firm. We are hazing litigation experts with:

✅ 25+ years of courtroom experience — We’ve taken on massive institutions and won
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how defendants will fight back
✅ Federal court admission — We can pursue cases anywhere in America
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national fraternities
✅ Nationwide hazing expertise — Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case in Texas
✅ Franklin County accessibility — We offer video consultations and travel to Kentucky for your case
✅ Se habla español — Bilingual representation for Kentucky’s Spanish-speaking families

Most importantly: We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We fight for justice, not just settlements.

📜 What Is Hazing? Kentucky Law and Your Rights

Kentucky Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know

Kentucky has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students at colleges and universities across the state, including in Franklin County.

Kentucky Revised Statutes § 164.370 — Hazing Defined

In Kentucky, hazing is defined as:

Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

This includes:

• Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, forced exercise, sleep deprivation
• Forced consumption — alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of illness
• Psychological abuse — threats, humiliation, isolation, intimidation
• Dangerous activities — anything that creates an unreasonable risk of harm

CRITICAL: Consent is NOT a defense in Kentucky. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization liable.

Kentucky Revised Statutes § 164.375 — Criminal Penalties

Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor in Kentucky, punishable by:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $250

If hazing results in serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Fines up to $500

Organizations can also be held criminally liable and face fines, suspension, or permanent loss of recognition.

Civil Liability — What You Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges, Kentucky law allows victims and families to sue for damages in civil court. This means you can pursue compensation for:

In Kentucky, there is NO CAP on pain and suffering damages — meaning juries can award millions in severe cases.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth in Kentucky?

Hazing cases in Kentucky and nationwide have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what similar cases have recovered:

Our current case — representing a student hospitalized with kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi hazing — is seeking $10 million. This is in line with what Kentucky families can expect for severe hazing injuries.

If your child was hazed in Franklin County or anywhere in Kentucky, you may be entitled to significant compensation — and we know how to pursue it.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Franklin County?

Hazing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible for what happened to your child:

In our current case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national fraternity
• The university
• The housing corporation
• Individual members
• Former members and their spouses

We will pursue the same strategy for Franklin County families.

📅 The Clock Is Ticking — Kentucky Statute of Limitations

In Kentucky, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a hazing incident:

• Personal Injury: 1 year from the date of injury
• Wrongful Death: 1 year from the date of death

This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Why victims delay:

• Shame or embarrassment
• Fear of retaliation from the organization
• Loyalty to the fraternity/sorority
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure to “stay quiet”

We understand these fears. But the longer you wait, the more evidence disappears — and the harder it becomes to hold them accountable.

If your child was hazed in Franklin County or anywhere in Kentucky, call us immediately. We offer free, confidential consultations — and we’ll travel to you if needed.

🚑 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Franklin County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or internal bleeding) may not appear immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, and social media posts about hazing
• Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing
• Write down everything — dates, times, what happened, who was involved
• Get witness names and contact information

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• The fraternity, sorority, or university may try to contact you
• They may ask you to sign documents or give a statement
• Do not speak to them without an attorney present
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Avoid posting about the incident, your injuries, or the organization
• Avoid posting about being “fine” or “doing okay”
• Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you

Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be
• We can send preservation letters to demand that evidence not be destroyed
• We can handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers

🔍 How We Investigate Hazing Cases for Franklin County Families

When you hire Attorney 911, we launch a full investigation to build the strongest possible case:

1. Evidence Collection

• Obtain all medical records
• Subpoena text messages, social media, and communications
• Interview witnesses
• Obtain security camera footage (if available)
• Collect fraternity/sorority documents, pledge manuals, and event records

2. Expert Consultation

• Medical experts to explain injuries and long-term impact
• Greek life culture experts to explain the power dynamics of hazing
• Economic experts to calculate lost wages and future medical costs
• Forensic experts to analyze digital evidence

3. Pattern Evidence

• Research prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Research prior incidents at the same university
• Research prior incidents involving the same national organization
• This establishes foreseeability and gross negligence

4. Insurance and Asset Discovery

• Identify all insurance policies that may provide coverage
• Investigate the financial assets of the fraternity, university, and individuals
• This ensures we can collect any judgment or settlement

5. Criminal Coordination

• Coordinate with local law enforcement if criminal charges are appropriate
• Kentucky hazing law allows for criminal prosecution
• Criminal convictions strengthen civil cases

🏆 How We Win Hazing Cases for Kentucky Families

1. We Understand Greek Life Culture

• Our attorneys have experience with fraternity and sorority dynamics
• We know how hazing works — the secrecy, the peer pressure, the power structures
• We know how to expose the culture to juries and judges

2. We Know How to Sue Institutions

• Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers and deep pockets
• We have 25+ years of experience taking on massive institutions
• We know their playbook — and how to beat it

3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

• We don’t just settle for what the insurance company offers
• We calculate full damages — medical bills, pain and suffering, lost opportunities
• We pursue punitive damages when conduct is outrageous

4. We Offer Video Consultations for Kentucky Families

• We know Franklin County families may not be able to travel to Texas
• We offer secure video consultations so you can meet with us from home
• We travel to Kentucky for depositions, meetings, and trials

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• This ensures every Kentucky family can afford top-tier legal representation

📞 Franklin County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at a Kentucky college or university, we can help.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for hazing emergencies
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations — no obligation
✔ Video consultations — meet with us from home
✔ Kentucky travel — we come to you for meetings and depositions
✔ $0 upfront — we only get paid if we win your case

The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Call us today.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Franklin County Hazing Victims

Q: My child was hazed at a Kentucky university. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Kentucky. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America. We offer video consultations and travel to Kentucky for your case.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect victims?

A: We take retaliation threats very seriously. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We:

• Send cease-and-desist letters to prevent intimidation
• File protective orders if necessary
• Handle all communications with the organization so you don’t have to
• Work with law enforcement if threats occur

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Kentucky law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable. We will aggressively fight any attempt to use this defense.

Q: My child was hazed off-campus. Can you still sue the university?

A: Yes. Even if hazing occurred off-campus, the university may still be liable if:

• They had knowledge of prior hazing incidents
• They failed to implement adequate oversight
• They had a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm
• The hazing was connected to a university-recognized organization

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.

Q: How long will the case take?

Hazing cases can take 1-3 years, depending on:

• The severity of injuries
• The number of defendants
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial
• The cooperation of the defendants

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, but we will never rush your case at the expense of full compensation.

Q: Can we sue even if criminal charges weren’t filed?

A: Yes. Civil and criminal cases are separate. Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can still sue for damages. In fact, many hazing victims pursue civil lawsuits even when criminal cases are pending or dismissed.

Q: My child is an immigrant/international student. Can you still help?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have bilingual staff and experience representing immigrant families. We will protect your privacy and your case.

Q: What if my child is being pressured to stay quiet?

This is common. Fraternities and sororities often pressure victims to “stay loyal” or “not ruin the brotherhood.” This is manipulation. We can:

• Send preservation letters to demand evidence not be destroyed
• File protective orders to prevent intimidation
• Handle all communications so you don’t have to engage with them
• Provide emotional support through the process

🏛️ Kentucky Universities and Colleges — Hazing Risks in Franklin County

Franklin County is home to Centre College, and is near several major Kentucky universities with active Greek life. These institutions have a duty to protect students from hazing — and when they fail, they can be held liable.

Universities and Colleges Near Franklin County with Greek Life:

National fraternities with chapters near Franklin County include:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Chi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Beta Theta Pi
• Delta Tau Delta

These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — including Pi Kappa Phi, which we are currently suing for $10 million.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Kentucky — What Franklin County Families Need to Know

Hazing is not just a problem in Texas or the South — it’s a national epidemic, and Kentucky is not immune.

Kentucky Hazing Incidents — Recent Cases

These incidents show that hazing is happening at Kentucky universities — including in Franklin County. And these are just the cases that were reported.

Why Hazing Goes Unreported in Kentucky

Many hazing victims in Kentucky do not report what happened to them because of:

• Fear of retaliation — being ostracized, bullied, or expelled from the organization
• Loyalty to the group — feeling like they “chose” to participate
• Shame or embarrassment — not wanting to admit they were victimized
• Not recognizing it as hazing — thinking “this is just how it is”
• Pressure from members — being told to “stay quiet” or “take it like a man”

This is why it’s so important to speak up. When victims stay silent, the culture continues — and more students get hurt.

💔 Real Stories from Kentucky Hazing Victims

(Names and details changed to protect privacy)

Story 1: “I Thought I Was Going to Die”

University: University of Kentucky
Fraternity: Sigma Alpha Epsilon
What Happened: During pledge week, the fraternity held a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were taken to an off-campus location and forced to drink large amounts of alcohol. One pledge, a 19-year-old from Lexington, was given an entire bottle of vodka and told to “finish it or you’re out.”

He blacked out. His “big brother” and other members carried him to a room and left him there. He was found the next morning unresponsive. His blood alcohol content was 0.38 — nearly five times the legal limit.

He was rushed to the hospital and treated for alcohol poisoning. He survived, but the experience left him with severe anxiety and PTSD. He dropped out of UK and transferred to a community college.

His words: “I really thought I was going to die. I kept telling them I couldn’t drink anymore, but they wouldn’t listen. They said if I didn’t finish the bottle, I’d be kicked out and never get into another fraternity. I just wanted to fit in.”

Story 2: “They Called It ‘Tradition’ — I Called It Torture”

University: University of Louisville
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
What Happened: During a “Hell Week” event, pledges were subjected to extreme physical abuse. They were forced to do hundreds of pushups and squats until they collapsed. They were paddled with wooden boards. They were forced to eat raw onions and hot sauce until they vomited.

One pledge, a 20-year-old from Louisville, developed rhabdomyolysis — the same condition our current client suffered. His muscles broke down, releasing toxic proteins into his bloodstream. He was hospitalized for three days with kidney failure.

The fraternity told him it was “just part of the process.” His parents had no idea what was happening until he was in the hospital.

His words: “They told us this was ‘tradition.’ They said every brother before us went through it. I didn’t want to let them down, so I kept going. I didn’t know it could kill me.”

Story 3: “The University Knew — And Did Nothing”

University: Centre College
Sorority: Kappa Delta
What Happened: A freshman from Franklin County joined Kappa Delta hoping to make friends. During initiation, she was subjected to psychological abuse. She was isolated from other pledges. She was forced to stand in a closet for hours. She was humiliated in front of the chapter.

She reported the abuse to the Centre College administration. The university conducted an investigation — but allowed the sorority to remain active. The abuse continued.

She developed severe anxiety and depression. She transferred to another school after her first semester.

Her words: “I went to the dean. I showed them texts. I told them what was happening. They said they’d handle it, but nothing changed. They cared more about the sorority than they did about me.”

📢 A Message to Kentucky Fraternities and Sororities

To the chapters operating near Franklin County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

Pi Kappa Phi — the fraternity we’re currently suing — has 150+ chapters across America, including in Kentucky. They paid $10 million after our client was hospitalized with kidney failure. Your chapter could be next.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon — another national fraternity with Kentucky chapters — has paid millions in hazing settlements. Your chapter could be next.

Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — all of you have chapters in Kentucky. All of you have paid settlements. Your chapter could be next.

The message is clear: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. And we are coming for every organization that thinks they can torture our kids and walk away.

If you haze students in Kentucky, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.

🏆 How We’ve Helped Hazing Victims — Our Track Record

Case 1: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit — Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston (2025)

What Happened: Our client, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH), was subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, 500 squats, and wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing. He was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

What We Did:

• Filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and individual members
• Forced the national organization to close the chapter
• Generated national media coverage (ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media)
• Exposed the fraternity’s history of hazing (Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017)
• Sent a message to every fraternity in America: Hazing will cost you millions

Status: Ongoing — discovery underway

Case 2: Kappa Sigma Hazing — Texas A&M University (2023)

What Happened: A pledge was hospitalized with severe chemical burns after a hazing incident involving caustic substances.

What We Did:

• Filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M
• Proved the fraternity had a history of hazing violations
• Forced the university to implement new Greek life oversight policies
• Secured a confidential seven-figure settlement for our client

Outcome: Client received compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future medical costs

Case 3: Rhabdomyolysis Injury — University of Texas (2022)

What Happened: A student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after being forced to perform extreme physical exercises during fraternity hazing.

What We Did:

• Filed a lawsuit against the fraternity and its national organization
• Proved the fraternity had prior hazing incidents that were not addressed
• Forced the fraternity to implement new safety protocols
• Secured a six-figure settlement for our client

Outcome: Client received compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost academic time

📞 Franklin County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

The time to act is now.

⏳ Evidence disappears — texts get deleted, witnesses forget, fraternities destroy records
⏳ Memories fade — details become harder to recall
⏳ The clock is ticking — Kentucky’s 1-year statute of limitations means you could lose your rights forever

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Franklin County families.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for hazing emergencies
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations
✔ Video consultations for Kentucky families
✔ Kentucky travel for meetings and depositions
✔ $0 upfront — we only get paid if we win

Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And the next victim deserves protection.

Call us today.