Hazing Lawyer in Graham County, Kansas | Attorney 911
Justice for Graham County Hazing Victims — Nationwide Representation from Texas
Graham County families: If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, or student organization, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Graham County victims with the same aggression.
Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
This Is Happening in Graham County — And We’re Fighting Back
The Hazing Crisis Comes to Graham County
Graham County parents send their children to college expecting safety, opportunity, and growth. Instead, too many students are subjected to systematic abuse disguised as “tradition” — a culture of hazing that has led to hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and even death across America.
The same fraternities and sororities operating near Graham County have paid millions in settlements for hazing. The same universities near Graham County have failed to protect students. And the same national organizations that oversee these chapters have repeatedly ignored warnings until it was too late.
This isn’t happening just in Houston or Florida or Pennsylvania. It’s happening right here — in Graham County’s backyard.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and weeks of physical and psychological abuse. We know how these cases work. We know how to win. And Graham County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Texas.
What Is Hazing? Graham County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not bonding. It’s not “boys being boys” or “girls building sisterhood.”
Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is torture — and it is illegal in Kansas.
Under Kansas law, hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student
- Is required for membership in any organization
- Involves physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or humiliation
Examples of hazing that have hospitalized students nationwide — and could be happening near Graham County:
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning — a form of torture
- Forced consumption of alcohol or food until vomiting
- Extreme physical exercise (500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls) leading to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
- Being struck with wooden paddles or other objects
- Sleep deprivation — forced late-night activities leading to exhaustion
- Psychological humiliation — carrying sexual objects, forced nudity, verbal abuse
- Servitude — cleaning, driving members, running errands
If your child has experienced any of these, they have been hazed — and they have legal rights.
Why Graham County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit in Progress
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.
What happened to him:
- Forced to perform 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning as a “tradition”
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to continue exercising in his own vomit
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout — the fraternity did nothing to stop
- Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with kidney failure
This is not an isolated incident. This is happening at universities near Graham County — and we are holding the perpetrators accountable.
Graham County families: We will fight for you with the same determination we’re bringing to this case.
2. We Know How to Win — Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Your Side
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how the other side thinks. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.
The insurance companies and institutions will try to:
- Blame the victim (“They consented”)
- Downplay the injuries (“It’s just a prank”)
- Delay the process (“Let’s wait them out”)
- Offer lowball settlements (“Take this and go away”)
We’ve seen their playbook — and we use it against them.
Graham County families: You need attorneys who know the system inside and out. That’s us.
3. We Serve Graham County — Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment
While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide — including Graham County.
How we serve Graham County families:
- Free, confidential consultations — in person or by video
- We travel to Graham County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
- 24/7 availability — call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911
Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child has been hazed near Graham County, we will fight for you.
4. We Have the Resources — Fighting Institutions with Deep Pockets
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, insurance companies, and PR firms working to protect them. You need a team that can go toe-to-toe.
We have:
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense expertise (both attorneys)
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- A network of medical and hazing experts
- Experience with multi-million dollar cases — including the BP Texas City explosion litigation
Graham County families: You are not fighting alone. We have the resources to take on the institutions that failed your child.
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and families in Graham County are Spanish-speaking. Language should never be a barrier to justice.
Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish and can communicate with you in your preferred language throughout the entire legal process.
Servicios legales en español disponibles.
Who Is Liable? Graham County Families Can Sue
Hazing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Multiple parties are responsible — and we sue them all.
1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity or Sorority)
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) — personally liable
- Individual members — participated in or failed to stop hazing
2. The National Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance
Example: Pi Kappa Phi National is currently a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit. They had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died at one of their chapters — and they did nothing.
3. The University or College
- Failed to protect students from known hazards
- Failed to monitor Greek life despite prior incidents
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred (premises liability)
- Deep pockets — substantial endowments and insurance
Example: The University of Houston owns the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were being tortured.
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Chapter officers who directed hazing
- Members who participated
- Former members who hosted hazing
- Spouses of members who allowed hazing at their home
Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million for his role in hazing.
5. Insurance Companies
- Liability insurance covering the chapter, nationals, and university
- Homeowner’s insurance for individual defendants
- Multiple layers of coverage may be available
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to maximize these policies.
What Graham County Families Can Recover
Hazing causes physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial hardship. Graham County victims and families are entitled to compensation for:
1. Medical Expenses
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization (our client was hospitalized for 4 days)
- Surgeries or procedures
- Medications
- Future medical care (kidney monitoring, therapy, potential dialysis/transplant)
2. Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain from injuries
- Mental anguish from abuse
- Emotional distress from humiliation and trauma
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Time missed from work during recovery
- Lost internship or job opportunities
- Impact on future career if injuries cause permanent limitations
4. Educational Disruption
- Tuition and fees for disrupted semesters
- Scholarship loss
- Delayed graduation
5. Punitive Damages
- Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, etc.)
- Deterrence — to prevent future hazing
- Available when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
Precedent: Juries have awarded $6.1 million, $10.1 million, and even $110+ million in hazing cases.
Graham County Hazing Precedents — They Will Pay
Hazing cases win multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| 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 (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Graham County families: These results are possible for you. We know how to build these cases.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Graham County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent
- Medical records are critical evidence
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
- Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, witnesses
- Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating
3. Do Not Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure you to sign documents
- They will minimize the incident
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Do Not Post on Social Media
- Do not post about the incident
- Do not post photos that make you look “fine”
- Do not engage with Greek life members online
- Insurance companies and attorneys will use your posts against you
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — available 24/7
- Free, confidential consultation
- We handle all communication with the organization and university
- We preserve evidence and build your case
Statute of limitations: In Kansas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait.
Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Defense 1: “They Consented to Participate”
Our Response:
- Kansas law does not allow consent as a defense to hazing.
- Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent.
- Victims often don’t know what they’re agreeing to.
- Fear of social exclusion or retaliation prevents leaving.
Defense 2: “It Was Just a Prank / Tradition”
Our Response:
- Torture is not a prank. Waterboarding is not tradition.
- Assault is assault, regardless of “culture.”
- Universities and nationals have policies against hazing — they can’t hide behind “tradition.”
Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life.
- Many universities own or control fraternity/sorority houses.
- Prior incidents put them on notice.
- Our discovery will reveal what they knew and when.
Defense 4: “The National Organization Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- They have oversight responsibility.
- They receive reports of hazing incidents.
- They dissolve chapters when hazing is exposed — proving they know.
- Pattern evidence (like Andrew Coffey’s death at Pi Kappa Phi) shows they knew.
Graham County Universities — Are They Protecting Your Child?
Graham County is home to Fort Hays State University, and nearby universities include:
- Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS)
- University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
- Wichita State University (Wichita, KS)
These institutions have Greek organizations — and Greek organizations have hazing cultures.
Questions Graham County parents should ask:
- Does the university own or control fraternity/sorority houses?
- Has the university had prior hazing incidents?
- What oversight does the university have over Greek life?
- Are there anonymous reporting systems for hazing?
- What training do Greek organizations receive on hazing prevention?
If the university failed to protect your child, they can be held liable.
The Warning to Graham County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Graham County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, Lambda Chi Alpha — if your chapter is near Graham County, know this:
- We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance structures.
- We document your hazing history.
- We sue everyone responsible — the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.
- We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
The message is clear: Hazing will cost you millions. It will cost you your reputation. It may cost you your freedom.
Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
Graham County Families — You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone.
We have seen what these organizations do to kids. We are fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for Graham County families with everything we have.
This is what we promise:
- We will listen to you.
- We will believe you.
- We will fight for you.
- We will hold them accountable.
Your child is not a paycheck to us. They are a person — and they deserve justice.
Contact Attorney 911 — Graham County Hazing Lawyers
For Graham County families affected by hazing:
📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Offices serving Graham County:
- Houston Headquarters: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
- Austin Office
- Beaumont Office
We come to Graham County for your case. Distance is not a barrier.
Contingency fee: $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.
Graham County Hazing Resources
Report Hazing Anonymously:
- Fort Hays State University: Report Hazing
- Kansas Board of Regents: Hazing Policy
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
Mental Health Support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Jed Foundation: jedfoundation.org
Legal Information:
- Kansas Anti-Hazing Law: Kansas Statutes § 21-5414
- Stop Hazing: stophazing.org
The Time to Act Is Now
Graham County families: Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records.
You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in Kansas. But the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call us now. We are ready to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough. It’s time for justice.
