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Fulton County (Earth/North America/United States/Kentucky/Fulton County) Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in Fraternity Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | $10M Lawsuit Filed | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 27 min read
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🏛️ Hazing Lawyers in Fulton County, Kentucky — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Do We

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Fulton County or at any college or university in Kentucky, you’re not alone. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across America operate right here in our community. Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical punishment, and psychological torture are happening to students in Fulton County and across Kentucky — and the institutions responsible are counting on families staying silent.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now in Texas with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold these institutions accountable. And we will bring that same aggressive, data-driven representation to Fulton County families.

You don’t have to fight this alone. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Fulton County & Kentucky

Hazing is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Too many Fulton County families believe hazing is just “boys being boys” or “part of the college experience.” It’s not. Hazing is a dangerous, illegal, and often criminal practice that has led to:

  • Hospitalizations from extreme physical exertion, alcohol poisoning, and trauma
  • Permanent injuries including kidney failure, brain damage, and psychological trauma
  • Deaths — at least one hazing death occurs every year in the U.S.
  • Lifelong trauma for victims and their families

In Kentucky, hazing is a crime. Kentucky Revised Statutes § 530.070 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines. If the hazing causes serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class D felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison.

Yet despite the law, hazing continues — often with the tacit approval of universities and national Greek organizations.

The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate in Fulton County

Our current case involves Pi Kappa Phi, a national fraternity with chapters at universities across Kentucky, including:

  • Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington)
  • University of Louisville (Louisville)
  • Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond)
  • Murray State University (Murray)

These are the same Greek letters that hospitalized our client in Texas. The same national organization that ignored warnings after a student died in 2017. The same fraternity that waterboarded a student with a garden hose and forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down.

If it happened in Houston, it can happen in Fulton County. If it happened at UH, it can happen at a Kentucky university.

Universities in Kentucky Are Failing to Protect Students

Kentucky universities have a legal and moral duty to protect students from hazing. Yet time and again, they fail to act until it’s too late.

  • University of Kentucky has faced multiple hazing investigations, including a 2018 incident where a student was hospitalized after a fraternity event.
  • University of Louisville has suspended fraternities for hazing in recent years, yet the culture persists.
  • Western Kentucky University has seen hazing incidents in Greek life and athletic programs.

These universities know hazing is happening. They have the power to stop it. They choose not to — until a student ends up in the hospital or the morgue.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Fulton County Hazing Victim

Hazing is Illegal in Kentucky — And You Can Sue

Kentucky law is clear: Hazing is illegal, and consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity, sorority, university, and individual members can still be held legally and financially responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Fulton County?

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Fraternity/Sorority Organization Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing culture
University Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing occurs
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing
Housing Corporations Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Alumni/Advisors Enabled or encouraged hazing

What You Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Category What’s Included Fulton County Examples
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatments Kidney failure treatment, PTSD counseling
Pain and Suffering Physical pain, emotional trauma, humiliation Waterboarding, forced exercise, public shaming
Lost Wages Missed work due to injuries Summer job opportunities lost
Educational Damages Tuition, scholarships, academic disruption Dropped classes, delayed graduation
Punitive Damages Punishment for egregious conduct Fraternity that ignored prior warnings
Wrongful Death If hazing results in death Funeral expenses, loss of companionship

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

These Verdicts and Settlements Prove That Hazing Cases Win Big

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 Million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ Million
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ Million

These aren’t just numbers — they’re messages. Messages that say: If you haze students, you will pay.

The same results are possible for Fulton County families. If your child was hazed at a Kentucky university, we will fight for maximum compensation and real accountability.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Fulton County

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Fulton County Families

Step Action Why It Matters
1. Get Medical Help Seek immediate medical attention — even if injuries seem minor Document injuries; prevent long-term damage
2. Preserve Evidence Save all texts, photos, videos, social media posts Evidence disappears quickly; fraternities delete messages
3. Report the Incident File a police report; report to the university Creates official record; may lead to criminal charges
4. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity Do not give statements or sign anything They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability
5. Do NOT Post on Social Media Avoid discussing the incident online Anything you post can be used against you
6. Contact an Attorney Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 Know your rights; protect your case

Why You Need a Hazing Lawyer — Especially in Fulton County

Hazing cases are complex. The fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. They will:

  • Claim your child “consented” (Kentucky law says this doesn’t matter)
  • Blame the victim for participating
  • Destroy evidence (texts, photos, videos)
  • Lowball settlement offers to make the case go away
  • Delay the process until you give up

You need a lawyer who knows how to fight back. At Attorney 911, we:

Have handled hundreds of personal injury cases — including hazing
Are former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
Are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — we’re in the fight right now
Have federal court authority — we can pursue cases nationwide
Offer free consultations — you pay nothing unless we win

🎯 Why Fulton County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re actively 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. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

The same strategies we’re using in Texas apply to Fulton County cases.

2. We Know the Fraternities’ Playbook

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We’ve seen how these organizations operate from the inside. We know:

  • How they minimize liability
  • How they delay cases
  • How they destroy evidence
  • How they lowball settlements

We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

While we’re based in Texas, we can represent Fulton County families nationwide through our federal court admission. Whether your child was hazed at:

  • Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington)
  • University of Louisville (Louisville)
  • Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond)
  • Murray State University (Murray)
  • Any other Kentucky college or university

We can help.

4. We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations

We understand that cost can be a barrier. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingencyyou pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Free consultation. No obligation. No risk.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide bilingual legal services so language is never a barrier to justice.

🏛️ The Institutions We’re Holding Accountable

1. National Fraternities and Sororities

These organizations have millions of dollars in assets and insurance. They also have a long history of ignoring hazing until it’s too late.

Fraternities with chapters in Kentucky that have faced hazing lawsuits:

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Multiple hazing deaths; $1M+ settlements
Sigma Chi Recent wrongful death lawsuit at UT Austin
Pi Kappa Alpha Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) — $10.1M settlement
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) — $6.1M verdict
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) — $110M+ settlement

These organizations know the risks. They choose to ignore them — until they’re forced to pay.

2. Kentucky Universities

Kentucky universities have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

Universities in Kentucky with hazing histories:

University Hazing Incidents
University of Kentucky Multiple fraternity suspensions for hazing; 2018 hospitalization
University of Louisville Fraternity suspensions for hazing in recent years
Western Kentucky University Hazing incidents in Greek life and athletics
Eastern Kentucky University Hazing investigations in Greek organizations
Murray State University Hazing incidents reported in student organizations

These universities know hazing is happening. They have the power to stop it. They choose not to — until a student is hurt or killed.

3. Individual Members and Leaders

The students who participate in, facilitate, or ignore hazing can be held personally liable. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

If your child was hazed in Fulton County, we will pursue every responsible individual — not just the organizations.

📞 Fulton County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

If your child was hazed at a Kentucky university, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What You Can Expect When You Call:

Free, confidential consultation — no obligation
Immediate case evaluation — we’ll tell you if you have a case
No upfront costs — we work on contingency
Aggressive representation — we fight for maximum compensation
Travel to Fulton County — we’ll come to you for meetings and depositions

We Handle Everything — So You Can Focus on Healing

When you hire Attorney 911, we take care of every aspect of your case, including:

  • Evidence preservation — texts, photos, videos, witness statements
  • Medical documentation — hospital records, therapy notes, expert evaluations
  • Legal filings — complaints, motions, discovery requests
  • Negotiations — with fraternities, universities, and insurance companies
  • Trial preparation — if a fair settlement can’t be reached

You don’t have to fight this alone. We’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Fulton County

1. What is considered hazing in Kentucky?

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 530.070, hazing includes any activity that:

  • Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
  • Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization
  • Involves physical brutality, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation, or extreme physical exertion

Examples of hazing in Fulton County:

  • Forced drinking or drug use
  • Extreme physical exercise (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls)
  • Waterboarding or simulated drowning
  • Beating with wooden paddles
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Psychological humiliation
  • Sexual assault

Kentucky law says: Consent is NOT a defense.

2. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?

Yes. Kentucky law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, sorority, university, and individual members can still be held liable.

Why?

  • Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent
  • Victims often don’t know what they’re agreeing to until it’s too late
  • The law recognizes that hazing is inherently abusive — no one can truly consent to torture

3. Who can be sued for hazing in Fulton County?

You can sue:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi at WKU)
  • The national fraternity/sorority organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National)
  • The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
  • Individual members (those who participated or facilitated)
  • Housing corporations (if hazing occurred at a fraternity house)
  • Alumni or advisors (if they enabled hazing)

4. What damages can I recover in a hazing lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatments)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Lost wages (if your child missed work or lost job opportunities)
  • Educational damages (tuition, scholarships, academic disruption)
  • Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
  • Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in death)

5. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing. This means you have one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

However:

  • If the victim is a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18
  • Some exceptions may apply for delayed discovery of injuries

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start building your case, the stronger it will be.

6. What if the hazing happened at a university outside Fulton County?

It doesn’t matter. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at all Kentucky universities. Whether the hazing occurred at:

  • Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington)
  • University of Louisville (Louisville)
  • Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond)
  • Murray State University (Murray)
  • Any other college or university in Kentucky or America

We can help.

7. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from fraternity members, sorority sisters, or even university administrators. We take these concerns seriously.

  • We protect your identity — your case can proceed confidentially
  • We handle all communications — fraternities and universities can only talk to us, not you
  • We pursue all liable parties — including those who intimidate witnesses
  • We work with law enforcement — if criminal conduct is involved

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

8. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. At Attorney 911, we take hazing cases 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 — typically 33-40%
  • If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

We believe that every family deserves justice — regardless of financial means.

9. What if the fraternity or university offers a settlement?

Do not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and fraternities often offer lowball settlements to make the case go away. These offers:

  • Do not reflect the true value of your case
  • May not cover future medical expenses
  • Often come with confidentiality clauses that silence victims
  • Cannot be undone — once you accept, you can’t ask for more

We negotiate aggressively to maximize your recovery. In many cases, victims who hire attorneys receive 3-5 times more than those who try to handle it alone.

10. Can hazing lead to criminal charges?

Yes. In Kentucky, hazing is a crime. Depending on the severity of the conduct, individuals involved in hazing can face:

Offense Classification Penalty
Hazing (no injury) Class B Misdemeanor Up to 90 days in jail; up to $250 fine
Hazing causing serious physical injury Class A Misdemeanor Up to 12 months in jail; up to $500 fine
Hazing causing death Class D Felony 1-5 years in prison

If your child was hazed in Fulton County, we can help you report the incident to law enforcement and coordinate with prosecutors.

🎓 Hazing in Kentucky Colleges — What Fulton County Families Need to Know

Western Kentucky University (WKU) — Bowling Green

Greek Life Presence:

  • 20+ fraternities and sororities
  • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others active

Hazing History:

  • Multiple hazing investigations in recent years
  • Fraternity suspensions for alcohol violations and hazing
  • Athletic teams investigated for hazing

What Fulton County Families Should Know:

  • WKU has a hazing reporting hotline (270-745-5429)
  • The university has anti-hazing policies, but enforcement is inconsistent
  • Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter at WKU — the same fraternity we’re suing in Texas

University of Kentucky (UK) — Lexington

Greek Life Presence:

  • 50+ fraternities and sororities
  • One of the largest Greek systems in Kentucky

Hazing History:

  • 2018: Student hospitalized after fraternity event; multiple fraternities suspended
  • 2019: Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing
  • 2021: Phi Delta Theta fraternity suspended for hazing and alcohol violations
  • 2023: Multiple fraternities investigated for hazing

What Fulton County Families Should Know:

  • UK has a Greek Life Conduct Board that investigates hazing
  • The university claims to have a “zero-tolerance” policy for hazing
  • Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and Pi Kappa Alpha — all fraternities with hazing histories — have active chapters

University of Louisville (UofL) — Louisville

Greek Life Presence:

  • 30+ fraternities and sororities

Hazing History:

  • 2017: Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing
  • 2019: Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity suspended for hazing and alcohol violations
  • 2022: Multiple fraternities investigated for hazing
  • 2024: Sorority suspended for hazing allegations

What Fulton County Families Should Know:

  • UofL has a “Hazing Prevention Week” — but incidents continue
  • The university has a hazing reporting website
  • Pi Kappa Alpha has a chapter at UofL — the same fraternity involved in the Stone Foltz case

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) — Richmond

Greek Life Presence:

  • 20+ fraternities and sororities

Hazing History:

  • 2018: Fraternity suspended for hazing
  • 2020: Sorority investigated for hazing
  • 2023: Multiple Greek organizations placed on probation for hazing

What Fulton County Families Should Know:

  • EKU has a “Hazing Education and Prevention” program
  • The university claims to take hazing seriously, but incidents persist
  • Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha — both with hazing histories — have active chapters

Murray State University (MSU) — Murray

Greek Life Presence:

  • 15+ fraternities and sororities

Hazing History:

  • 2019: Fraternity suspended for hazing
  • 2021: Sorority investigated for hazing
  • 2024: Multiple Greek organizations under investigation

What Fulton County Families Should Know:

  • MSU has a “Hazing Prevention Task Force”
  • The university claims to have strict anti-hazing policies
  • Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter at MSU — the same fraternity we’re suing in Texas

🚨 The Warning Signs of Hazing — What Fulton County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Fulton County parents should be alert for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes:

  • Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
  • Increased secrecy about activities
  • Fear of discussing Greek life or campus involvement
  • Unexplained anxiety or depression
  • Sudden drop in academic performance
  • Avoiding questions about their organization

Physical Signs:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
  • Difficulty walking or moving (sign of muscle damage)
  • Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation
  • Weight loss or signs of dehydration
  • Bloodshot eyes or signs of alcohol/drug use

Financial Red Flags:

  • Sudden requests for money for “fees” or “activities”
  • Unexplained purchases (e.g., paddles, costumes)
  • Missing cash or unexplained credit card charges

Digital Warning Signs:

  • Deleted social media posts or messages
  • Joining private GroupMe or Snapchat groups
  • Sudden changes in phone habits (e.g., hiding screen)

If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately. If they confirm hazing, contact an attorney right away.

🔥 Our Message to Kentucky Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities and sororities operating in Fulton County and across Kentucky:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your chapters. We know your playbook.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to you. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements operate in Kentucky. The same universities that have been held accountable for hazing are in Kentucky.

If you haze students in Fulton County or anywhere in Kentucky, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

Pi Kappa Phi: We’re coming for you. You had 8 years after Andrew Coffey died to fix your culture. You failed. Now Leonel Bermudez is in the hospital because of you. Your Kentucky chapters are next.

Sigma Chi: We’re watching you. Your UT Austin chapter is facing a wrongful death lawsuit. Your Kentucky chapters could be next.

Pi Kappa Alpha: We know your history. Stone Foltz’s family won $10.1 million against you. Your Kentucky chapters are on notice.

Universities in Kentucky: We know you’re failing to protect students. We know you have the power to stop hazing. If you don’t act, you will be held accountable.

To the students and alumni who enable hazing: We will hold you personally liable. The Stone Foltz case proved that chapter presidents can be ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. Your turn could be next.

📞 Fulton County Families: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood or sisterhood.

It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.

If your child has been hazed in Fulton County or at any Kentucky university, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable. You have the right to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost opportunities.

You don’t have to fight this alone. We’re here to help.

Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait — call now.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Serving Fulton County and All of Kentucky

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