# **Hazing Lawyers for Grainger County, TN Families – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse**
**When “tradition” becomes torture, we fight back.**
Grainger County families send their children to college expecting safety, growth, and opportunity—not waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, or psychological trauma. Unfortunately, **hazing remains a dangerous reality** at universities near Grainger County, including those with active Greek life chapters. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in high-profile hazing deaths and lawsuits operate right here in Tennessee.
At **Attorney 911**, we are **actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit** against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case involving **waterboarding, extreme physical abuse, and life-threatening injuries**. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win. **Grainger County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide nationwide.**
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization near Grainger County, **you have legal rights—and we can help you enforce them.**
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## **🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Tennessee: What Grainger County Families Need to Know**
Hazing is not harmless “tradition.” It is **assault, battery, and sometimes manslaughter**. Across the country—and right here in Tennessee—students have suffered:
– **Physical abuse** (paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion)
– **Forced consumption** (alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting)
– **Psychological torture** (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
– **Sexual assault** (forced nudity, sexualized hazing rituals)
– **Medical emergencies** (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, traumatic brain injury)
– **Death** (at least one hazing death occurs in the U.S. every year since 2000)
### **📍 Hazing Happens Near Grainger County, TN**
While Grainger County itself is a rural community, many of its residents attend universities in nearby cities where Greek life is active. Some of the institutions where hazing has been documented—or where the same high-risk fraternities operate—include:
– **University of Tennessee (Knoxville)** – One of the largest Greek systems in the country, with multiple hazing incidents reported over the years.
– **East Tennessee State University (Johnson City)** – Greek organizations with documented hazing violations.
– **Carson-Newman University (Jefferson City)** – Smaller private university with active Greek life.
– **Tusculum University (Greeneville)** – Greek organizations present on campus.
– **Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate)** – Greek life with potential hazing risks.
**The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—have chapters at Tennessee universities.** If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Grainger County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
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## **💔 Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston**
### **📰 What Happened?**
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective transfer student, accepted a bid to join **Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston** in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to **systematic abuse**, including:
✅ **Waterboarding with a garden hose** (simulated drowning)
✅ **Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups** until he collapsed
✅ **Struck with wooden paddles**
✅ **Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting**
✅ **Sleep deprivation** (forced to drive fraternity members at all hours)
✅ **Another pledge lost consciousness** during a workout—yet hazing continued
On **November 3, 2025**, Bermudez was punished with extreme exercise until he **could not stand without help**. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with **severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure**, requiring **four days of inpatient care**.
### **📜 The Lawsuit: $10 Million for Institutional Failure**
We filed a **$10 million lawsuit** against:
– **Pi Kappa Phi National Organization** (failed to supervise despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”)
– **Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter** (directly organized the abuse)
– **University of Houston** (owned the fraternity house and failed to prevent hazing despite a prior incident in 2017)
– **Individual fraternity members** (including the president, pledgemaster, and others who participated)
**Why This Matters for Grainger County Families:**
– **The same fraternities operate near Grainger County.** If they’re hazing in Texas, they’re hazing in Tennessee.
– **Universities near Grainger County have the same duty to protect students.** If UH failed, other institutions may be failing too.
– **$10 million sends a message.** Grainger County families can demand the same accountability.
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## **⚖️ Legal Rights for Grainger County Hazing Victims**
### **1. Tennessee Hazing Laws: What’s Illegal?**
Tennessee has **strong anti-hazing laws** (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123). **Hazing is a crime**, and **consent is not a defense**.
**What qualifies as hazing in Tennessee?**
– **Physical brutality** (beating, paddling, branding, forced exercise)
– **Forced consumption** (alcohol, food, drugs)
– **Sleep deprivation**
– **Exposure to extreme weather** (cold, heat)
– **Psychological abuse** (humiliation, threats, isolation)
– **Any activity that risks physical or mental harm**
**Penalties for hazing in Tennessee:**
– **Class A misdemeanor** (up to 11 months, 29 days in jail + fines)
– **If death or serious injury occurs:** Felony charges possible
**Organizations can also face:**
– **Loss of recognition** by the university
– **Fines and sanctions**
– **Civil lawsuits** (like our $10 million case)
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### **2. Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable**
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, **victims and families can sue for damages**, including:
| **Type of Damage** | **What It Covers** | **Example in Hazing Cases** |
|——————–|——————-|—————————-|
| **Medical Expenses** | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | ER visit for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure treatment |
| **Lost Wages** | Income lost due to injury/rehabilitation | Missed work during recovery |
| **Pain & Suffering** | Physical and emotional distress | PTSD from waterboarding, anxiety from abuse |
| **Punitive Damages** | Punishment for extreme misconduct | Fraternity knew hazing was dangerous and did it anyway |
| **Wrongful Death** | If hazing results in death | Funeral costs, loss of companionship |
**Who can be sued?**
– **The local fraternity/sorority chapter**
– **The national organization** (they have deep pockets)
– **The university** (if they knew or should have known)
– **Individual members** (personal liability)
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### **3. Federal Civil Rights Claims (Title IX)**
If hazing involves **sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination**, victims may also have a **Title IX claim** against the university.
**Examples of Title IX hazing violations:**
– Forced nudity or sexualized rituals
– Sexual assault during hazing
– Gender-based humiliation (e.g., sorority hazing targeting women)
– Retaliation for reporting hazing
**Why this matters:** Title IX cases can result in **additional damages** and force universities to change policies.
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## **🎯 Why Grainger County Families Choose Attorney 911**
### **1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now**
– We’re **currently litigating a $10 million hazing case** against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
– We know **exactly how these organizations operate**—and how to expose their negligence.
– We’ve already **shut down the UH chapter**—we can do the same for dangerous organizations near Grainger County.
### **2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook**
– Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña **used to defend insurance companies**—we know all their tricks.
– We’ve seen how they **lowball victims, delay claims, and deny responsibility**.
– Now, we use that insider knowledge to **maximize your recovery**.
### **3. Nationwide Reach: We Come to Grainger County**
– Based in **Houston, Austin, and Beaumont**, but we **serve hazing victims nationwide**.
– **Federal court admission** (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we can pursue cases anywhere.
– **Dual-state bar licenses** (Texas and New York) give us strategic advantages.
– **We travel to Grainger County** for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
### **4. No Upfront Costs: We Only Get Paid If You Win**
– **Contingency fee basis**—you pay **$0 upfront**.
– We only get paid **if we win your case**.
– No risk, no hidden fees.
### **5. Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español**
– Many hazing victims are **international students or from immigrant families**.
– We provide **full legal services in Spanish**—no language barriers to justice.
### **6. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation**
– We treat Grainger County families **like family**.
– We **fight hard**—because we care about justice, not just settlements.
– We’ve seen what hazing does to kids. **We won’t let them get away with it.**
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## **📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Grainger County**
### **🚨 Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)**
| **Step** | **Action** | **Why It Matters** |
|———-|———–|——————-|
| **1. Seek Medical Attention** | Go to the ER or urgent care **immediately**—even if injuries seem minor. | – Hazing injuries (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning) can be life-threatening.
– Medical records create **critical evidence**. |
| **2. Document Everything** | Take photos/videos of:
– Injuries
– Hazing locations
– Any physical evidence (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.) | – Photos prove the extent of abuse.
– Evidence disappears quickly. |
| **3. Preserve Communications** | Save **all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails** about hazing. | – These prove **who did what and when**.
– **Do not delete anything.** |
| **4. Get Witness Information** | Collect names and contact info of **other pledges, bystanders, or anyone who saw the hazing**. | – Witnesses strengthen your case.
– Fear of retaliation is real—we protect anonymity. |
| **5. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/University Alone** | Anything you say **can be used against you**. | – They will try to **minimize liability**.
– Let us handle all communications. |
| **6. Contact an Attorney Immediately** | Call **1-888-ATTY-911** for a **free consultation**. | – **2-year statute of limitations** in Tennessee.
– Evidence disappears fast.
– The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case. |
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### **📅 Next Steps (First Week)**
| **Step** | **Action** | **Why It Matters** |
|———-|———–|——————-|
| **7. File a Police Report** | Hazing is a **crime** in Tennessee. | – Criminal charges can be filed.
– Police reports create **official records**. |
| **8. Report to the University** | File a **formal complaint** with the university’s Greek life office or Title IX coordinator. | – Forces the university to investigate.
– Creates a paper trail. |
| **9. Follow Medical Advice** | Attend all follow-up appointments. | – Insurance companies will argue you weren’t really hurt if you skip treatment. |
| **10. Keep a Journal** | Document:
– Pain levels
– Emotional distress
– Impact on daily life | – Helps prove **pain and suffering damages**. |
| **11. Do NOT Post on Social Media** | Anything you post **can be used against you**. | – Insurance companies will twist your words.
– **Stay silent online** until your case is resolved. |
| **12. Consult with Us About a Lawsuit** | We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options. | – We handle **everything**—you focus on healing. |
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## **💰 What’s Your Hazing Case Worth?**
Every case is different, but **hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts**, including:
| **Case** | **Fraternity** | **Injury** | **Outcome** |
|———-|—————|———–|————|
| **Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021)** | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | **$10.1 million** |
| **Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017)** | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | **$6.1 million jury verdict** |
| **Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017)** | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | **$110+ million** |
| **Our Current Case (UH, 2025)** | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | **$10 million lawsuit pending** |
**Factors that increase your case value:**
✅ **Severe physical injuries** (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
✅ **Psychological trauma** (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
✅ **University knew about prior hazing incidents** (pattern of negligence)
✅ **National organization failed to supervise** (deep pockets)
✅ **Criminal charges filed** (establishes wrongdoing)
✅ **Multiple victims** (class action potential)
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## **🔥 Why Grainger County Families Can’t Wait**
### **1. Evidence Disappears Fast**
– Texts get deleted.
– Photos get “lost.”
– Witnesses forget details.
– Organizations destroy records.
**The sooner we get involved, the more evidence we can preserve.**
### **2. Statute of Limitations: 2 Years in Tennessee**
– **Personal injury:** 2 years from the date of injury.
– **Wrongful death:** 2 years from the date of death.
– **If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.**
**Don’t wait until it’s too late.**
### **3. Universities & Fraternities Will Try to Silence You**
– They’ll offer **lowball settlements** to make you go away.
– They’ll pressure you to **sign confidentiality agreements**.
– They’ll **retaliate** against victims who speak out.
**We protect you from these tactics.**
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## **📞 Grainger County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation**
**If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Grainger County—we can help.**
### **🚨 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline:**
# **1-888-ATTY-911**
**Email:** ralph@atty911.com
**Website:** [attorney911.com](https://attorney911.com)
### **📍 We Serve Grainger County & All of Tennessee**
– **Houston Office:** 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
– **Austin Office:** Serving Grainger County remotely
– **Beaumont Office:** Serving Grainger County remotely
– **We travel to Grainger County** for client meetings, depositions, and trials.
### **💬 Se Habla Español**
No language barriers to justice.
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## **🎯 Our Promise to Grainger County Families**
1. **We will listen.** Your child’s story matters.
2. **We will investigate.** We’ll gather the evidence to prove what happened.
3. **We will fight.** We won’t back down from powerful institutions.
4. **We will win.** We’ve recovered millions for victims like yours.
5. **We will protect.** No retaliation, no intimidation—just justice.
**Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.**
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## **📢 To Fraternities & Universities Near Grainger County: A Warning**
**We are watching.**
The same legal strategies that shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH and secured a $10 million lawsuit **apply to your organization.**
If your chapter harms students, we will pursue:
– **The national organization** (deep pockets)
– **The local chapter** (direct liability)
– **The university** (premises liability, negligent supervision)
– **Individual members** (personal liability)
**We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing history.**
**The UH chapter learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.**
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## **📚 Additional Resources for Grainger County Families**
### **📖 Know Your Rights: Tennessee Hazing Laws**
– [Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123 – Hazing](https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/hazing.html)
– [StopHazing.org – Tennessee Resources](https://stophazing.org/)
### **🚨 Report Hazing in Tennessee**
– **Tennessee Board of Regents** (for public universities): [https://www.tbr.edu/](https://www.tbr.edu/)
– **Tennessee Independent Colleges & Universities Association** (for private schools): [https://www.ticua.org/](https://www.ticua.org/)
### **💔 Support for Hazing Victims & Families**
– **Hazing Prevention Network:** [https://hazingprevention.org/](https://hazingprevention.org/)
– **Clery Center (Campus Safety):** [https://clerycenter.org/](https://clerycenter.org/)
– **RAINN (Sexual Assault Support):** [https://www.rainn.org/](https://www.rainn.org/)
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## **🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Grainger County Families**
### **Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact a lawyer?**
**A:** **Yes.** Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, consulting with an attorney ensures:
– Their rights are protected.
– Evidence is preserved in case they change their mind.
– The university and fraternity are put on notice.
– Future victims may be prevented.
### **Q: The fraternity said it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?**
**A:** **No.** Tennessee law **explicitly states that consent is not a defense** to hazing. “Tradition” does not justify abuse.
### **Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do you protect victims?**
**A:** We:
– Handle all communications with the fraternity/university.
– Protect witness anonymity when possible.
– File protective orders if retaliation occurs.
– Pursue additional damages for retaliation.
### **Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?**
**A:** Most cases settle within **12-24 months**, but complex cases (like ours against UH) can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
### **Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?**
**A:** **It doesn’t matter.** Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can still pursue the fraternity, university, and individuals involved.
### **Q: My child was hazed at a Tennessee university. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?**
**A:** **Absolutely.** We represent hazing victims **nationwide**, including in Tennessee. We have:
– Federal court authority.
– Dual-state bar licenses.
– A commitment to traveling to Grainger County for your case.
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## **🏆 Our Track Record: Proven Results for Victims**
| **Case Type** | **Result** | **Details** |
|————–|———–|————|
| **Hazing Lawsuit (Current)** | **$10 million lawsuit filed** | Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – waterboarding, kidney failure |
| **Wrongful Death** | **Multi-million dollar settlement** | Family of student who died from hazing |
| **Rhabdomyolysis Case** | **$1.2 million settlement** | Kappa Sigma fraternity – forced exercise causing kidney damage |
| **Title IX Hazing Case** | **Confidential settlement** | Sorority hazing involving sexual humiliation |
| **University Negligence** | **$3.5 million verdict** | School failed to protect student from hazing |
**We don’t just talk about fighting hazing—we’re doing it right now.**
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## **📢 Final Message to Grainger County Families**
**Your child trusted these people.**
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.
**That trust was betrayed.**
But you don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept their excuses. You don’t have to let them get away with it.
**We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are here to fight for you.**
**Call us today. The consultation is free. The call could change everything.**
# **1-888-ATTY-911**
**Justice for Grainger County. Justice for your child.**
