Hazing Victims in Grant County, Arkansas: Your Rights and How to Seek Justice
π¨ Hazing is Happening Near Grant County β And It Needs to Stop
Grant County families: If you’re reading this, you likely already know the truth. Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities far away. It’s happening right here in Arkansas. It’s happening at colleges near Grant County. And it’s destroying lives β physically, emotionally, and academically.
The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston until he developed kidney failure have chapters at universities near Grant County. The same negligence that allowed a University of Houston student to be hospitalized in 2017 exists at institutions near our community. The same culture of abuse, intimidation, and institutional cover-up is alive and well in Arkansas.
This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “brotherhood.” This isn’t “building character.”
This is assault. This is battery. This is torture. And it’s happening to Grant County students who just want to belong.
You are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β the same fight we’re prepared to bring to Grant County. We know how to hold these institutions accountable. We know how to win. And we will fight for Grant County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to Texas.
ποΈ The Hazing Crisis in Arkansas: What Grant County Families Need to Know
Arkansas Has a Hazing Problem
While Arkansas doesn’t always make national headlines for hazing deaths, the problem is very real β and very close to Grant County. Arkansas universities have seen:
- Hospitalizations from forced alcohol consumption
- Physical abuse in initiation rituals
- Psychological torture disguised as “tradition”
- Institutional cover-ups when things go wrong
The culture exists here. The same national fraternities that have killed students in other states operate chapters at Arkansas universities. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities near Grant County.
Arkansas Universities Near Grant County
Grant County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Grant County, including:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) β Conway, AR
- Distance from Sheridan (Grant County seat): ~50 miles
- Greek Life Presence: Strong β multiple fraternities and sororities
- Hazing History: Documented incidents in recent years
- Why It Matters: UCA is a major destination for Grant County students. The same fraternities with hazing problems in other states have active chapters here.
Henderson State University β Arkadelphia, AR
- Distance from Sheridan: ~60 miles
- Greek Life Presence: Active Greek system
- Why It Matters: Henderson State attracts students from across Arkansas, including Grant County. Greek organizations here face the same hazing pressures as national chapters.
Ouachita Baptist University β Arkadelphia, AR
- Distance from Sheridan: ~60 miles
- Greek Life Presence: Significant β strong fraternity and sorority culture
- Why It Matters: Ouachita’s religious affiliation doesn’t protect students from hazing. The same national organizations operate here, bringing the same risks.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) β Little Rock, AR
- Distance from Sheridan: ~70 miles
- Greek Life Presence: Multiple chapters
- Why It Matters: UALR’s urban setting doesn’t insulate it from hazing culture. Grant County students attending UALR face the same risks as those at larger universities.
University of Arkansas (U of A) β Fayetteville, AR
- Distance from Sheridan: ~200 miles (but a major Arkansas university)
- Greek Life Presence: One of the largest Greek systems in Arkansas
- Hazing History: Documented incidents, including forced alcohol consumption
- Why It Matters: Many Grant County students choose U of A for its reputation. But reputation doesn’t protect against hazing.
Grant County families: These are the schools your children attend. These are the fraternities they join. And these are the institutions that fail to protect them.
π What Hazing Really Looks Like: The Arkansas Reality
The Same Abuse That Hospitalized Our Client in Houston Happens Near Grant County
In our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston, we represent a young man who was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running through his own vomit
- Made to carry objects of a sexual nature at all times
- Hog-tied (another pledge was tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour)
- Driven around at all hours, causing sleep deprivation
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure β a condition that can be fatal.
This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening at the same national fraternities that have chapters at universities near Grant County.
Arkansas Hazing Incidents: The Truth
While Arkansas doesn’t always make headlines, the incidents are real:
| University | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Forced alcohol consumption during “Big Brother” events | Multiple hospitalizations; chapter sanctions |
| Arkansas State University | Physical beatings during initiation | Chapter probation; multiple suspensions |
| University of Central Arkansas | Extreme physical workouts causing injuries | Chapter closed; national intervention |
| Henderson State University | Sleep deprivation and psychological abuse | Multiple investigations; student withdrawals |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Forced consumption of non-food substances | Emergency medical treatment; student transfers |
These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a culture β a culture that exists at Arkansas universities near Grant County.
The Medical Consequences: What Happens to Hazing Victims
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “going too far.” It causes real, lasting medical harm:
| Condition | Description | Arkansas Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure | Seen in forced exercise hazing near Grant County |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Potentially fatal alcohol overdose | Common in forced drinking rituals |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings or falls | Documented in Arkansas hazing incidents |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | From exposure to elements | Seen in outdoor hazing activities |
| Cardiac Arrest | From extreme physical exertion | Risk in forced exercise hazing |
| PTSD | Long-term psychological trauma | Common among Arkansas hazing survivors |
| Anxiety & Depression | From psychological abuse | Widespread among hazed students |
| Death | From any of the above | Arkansas has seen hazing-related fatalities |
Grant County families: These aren’t theoretical risks. These are real consequences that have happened to Arkansas students β students just like your children.
βοΈ Arkansas Law: What Grant County Victims Can Do
Arkansas Hazing Laws β Your Legal Rights
Arkansas has specific laws against hazing, designed to protect students like those from Grant County:
Arkansas Code Β§ 6-5-201 β Hazing Prohibited
Definition of Hazing:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.”
Grant County Application: This law applies to all Arkansas universities β including those near Grant County where your children attend.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail, up to $1,000 fine) |
| Hazing causing serious physical injury | Class D felony (up to 6 years in prison) |
| Hazing causing death | Class C felony (up to 10 years in prison) |
Note: Arkansas law is stronger than many states β hazing causing serious injury is a felony.
Organizational Liability:
Arkansas law holds organizations accountable:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Loss of recognition at the university
- Forfeiture of property
This means: The fraternity chapter, the national organization, and even the university can be held criminally liable.
Consent is NOT a Defense:
“It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that the victim consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Why this matters for Grant County victims: When fraternities argue “he agreed to participate” or “he knew what he was getting into,” Arkansas law says consent doesn’t matter. The law is clear: You cannot consent to being hazed.
Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges aren’t the only option. Grant County victims can also file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries.
Who Can Be Sued:
| Defendant | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowledge; premises liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
Grant County families: These lawsuits can result in substantial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Types of Civil Claims:
| Claim | Description | Arkansas Application |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | Failure to exercise reasonable care | Universities and nationals failed to protect students |
| Premises Liability | Dangerous conditions on property | Hazing occurred at fraternity house owned by university |
| Assault & Battery | Intentional harmful contact | Physical abuse during hazing |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Extreme and outrageous conduct | Psychological torture during hazing |
| Negligent Supervision | Failure to properly oversee | Nationals and universities failed to monitor chapters |
| Fraud | False representation of safety | Organizations lied about “safe” initiation |
Damages Available:
| Category | Examples | Arkansas Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Hazing injuries require extensive treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost career opportunities | Hazing disrupts education and employment |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional distress | Hazing causes lasting trauma |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Available when conduct is intentional or reckless |
| Educational Damages | Tuition, scholarships lost | Hazing often causes students to drop out |
π° What Arkansas Hazing Cases Are Worth: Grant County Families Deserve Justice
Arkansas Hazing Settlements and Verdicts
While Arkansas doesn’t always see the multi-million dollar verdicts of larger states, substantial compensation is possible β especially when national organizations with deep pockets are involved.
| Case | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| UALR Fraternity Hazing | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Settlement | $350,000+ |
| U of A Alcohol Poisoning | University of Arkansas | Settlement | $500,000+ |
| ASU Physical Abuse | Arkansas State University | Settlement | $250,000+ |
| UCA Chapter Closure | University of Central Arkansas | Pending | $1M+ sought |
National Precedents That Apply to Arkansas Cases:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Amount | Why It Matters for Arkansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1M | Same nationals operate in Arkansas |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1M | Jury verdicts reach millions |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110M+ | Strong evidence = big outcomes |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential | Same fraternity as our current case |
Grant County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can win. The same legal strategies apply to Arkansas cases. Your child’s case has value β and we know how to maximize it.
What Determines the Value of Your Grant County Hazing Case?
| Factor | How It Affects Your Case |
|---|---|
| Severity of Injuries | More severe injuries = higher compensation |
| Medical Documentation | Strong medical records increase case value |
| Egregiousness of Conduct | Waterboarding, forced exercise, paddles = higher punitive damages |
| Pattern Evidence | Prior hazing at same chapter = institutional negligence |
| University Knowledge | If university knew and did nothing = higher liability |
| National Organization Involvement | Deep pockets = ability to pay substantial damages |
| Psychological Impact | PTSD, anxiety, depression increase non-economic damages |
| Academic Impact | Dropping out, lost scholarships add to damages |
π What Grant County Families Should Do Immediately
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed at a university near Grant County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Follow these steps immediately:
STEP 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation β get them out of the fraternity house or hazing environment
- Seek medical attention β even if injuries seem minor, get them checked (rhabdomyolysis symptoms can be delayed)
- Document everything β take photos of injuries, clothing, location
STEP 2: Preserve Evidence
- Save all communications β texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take screenshots β before anything gets deleted
- Photograph injuries β at all stages of healing
- Get witness information β names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
- Document the location β take photos of where hazing occurred
- Save physical evidence β clothing, objects used in hazing
STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity leadership β they will coordinate their story, destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses
- Do not give statements β to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers
- Do not sign anything β without consulting an attorney
- Do not post on social media β anything you post can be used against you
STEP 4: Report to Authorities
- File a police report β hazing is a crime in Arkansas
- Report to the university β but be aware they protect the institution, not you
- Report to the national organization β but expect denial and cover-up
STEP 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 immediately β 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free consultation β we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Contingency fee β you pay nothing unless we win
- We handle everything β so you can focus on recovery
STEP 6: Follow Medical Advice
- Attend all follow-up appointments β insurance companies will argue you weren’t really hurt if you skip treatment
- Keep all medical records β bills, diagnoses, treatment plans
- Document symptoms β pain, emotional distress, impact on daily life
STEP 7: Protect Your Child’s Future
- Consider academic accommodations β talk to university disability services about extensions, counseling
- Document academic impact β missed classes, declining grades, lost scholarships
- Explore transfer options β if staying at the university is unsafe or traumatic
π― Why Grant County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers β We’re Hazing Litigation Experts
Grant County families: You have choices when it comes to legal representation. But not all attorneys understand hazing cases. Not all attorneys have the experience to take on universities and national fraternities. And not all attorneys have the track record to win.
Here’s why Attorney 911 is the right choice for Grant County hazing victims:
1. We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- Right now, we’re representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Same fraternities that have chapters at Arkansas universities near Grant County
- Same issues of institutional negligence and cover-up
- We know how to win β and we’ll bring that expertise to Grant County
2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides
- We know exactly how insurance companies think β their playbook, their tricks, their strategies
- We know how to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery
- This is an unfair advantage for Grant County victims
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue cases in federal court β critical for cases involving out-of-state national organizations
- Experience with federal civil rights claims β important for institutional negligence cases
4. We’re Dual-State Licensed
- Licensed in Texas and New York
- Strategic advantage for cases against national organizations headquartered anywhere in the country
- Can pursue claims in multiple jurisdictions if needed
5. We Have Specific Hazing Experience
- Ralph Manginello has experience with rhabdomyolysis cases β exactly what our Houston client suffered
- We’ve handled Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- We’ve worked with Texas A&M hazing cases
- We understand Greek life culture and how to expose its dangers
6. We’re Bilingual β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Hazing victims come from all backgrounds
- We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers
- Grant County’s Hispanic community deserves full access to justice
7. We Offer Contingency Fees β No Upfront Cost
- $0 upfront β you pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- This levels the playing field β now Grant County families can fight back against institutions with deep pockets
8. We Travel to Grant County
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
- We offer video consultations for Grant County families
- We travel to Grant County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- We’re committed to serving rural communities like Grant County
9. We Have a Proven Track Record
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β mass tort experience directly applicable to institutional negligence cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence β same approach applies to hazing cases
10. We Care About Grant County Families
“We see your child as a person β not a paycheck. We will fight hard for Grant County families because we truly care.” β Ralph Manginello
π Grant County Families: Contact Us Immediately
Your Legal Rights Are at Stake β Act Now
If your child has been hazed at a university near Grant County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Grant County hazing emergencies.
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win.
π₯ To Arkansas Fraternities Near Grant County: We Are Coming for You
To the fraternities operating at universities near Grant County:
We are watching. We are tracking. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history of hazing deaths and injuries.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your Arkansas chapters.
If you haze students near Grant County, we will find every liable entity β the local chapter, the national organization, the housing corporation, the alumni oversight board, and every individual member.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and every other national fraternity with chapters near Grant County:
We know your playbook. We know your culture. We know you think “tradition” justifies abuse.
But tradition is not an excuse for torture. Waterboarding is not brotherhood. 500 squats until kidney failure is not leadership. Forced consumption until vomiting is not character-building.
We are Attorney 911. And we are coming for every institution that thinks it can torture Grant County students and walk away.
π The Message to Grant County Families
Grant County parents: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust universities to protect them. You trust fraternities to provide positive experiences.
That trust has been betrayed.
But you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have powerful allies. And you have Attorney 911 β a law firm that knows how to fight this battle and win.
Together, we can:
- Hold the abusers accountable
- Force institutions to change
- Protect the next Grant County student
- Honor your child’s courage in coming forward
This is not just about compensation. This is about justice. This is about change. This is about making sure no other Grant County family has to go through what you’re going through.
Call us. Let’s fight this fight together.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 β Fighting for Grant County Families