Hazing Victims in Hamilton County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

Hazing Happens in Hamilton County — And It’s Time to Stop It

Hamilton County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences, not torture.

But the reality is stark: hazing is happening at colleges and universities near Hamilton County. Students are being waterboarded, forced to endure extreme physical punishment, humiliated, and hospitalized. Some don’t survive.

If your child has been hazed in Hamilton County or at a nearby university, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Hamilton County families.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate near Hamilton County. The same negligence exists at Hamilton County institutions. And we will fight for Hamilton County victims with the same fury.

What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Hazing includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

This is what hazing looks like in Hamilton County and across America:

Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
Waterboarding/simulated drowning: Torture disguised as “tradition”
Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting or passing out
Sleep deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects

In our current case, a student was:

Waterboarded with a garden hose
Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue running
Hospitalized for three nights and four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This isn’t “brotherhood.” This isn’t “tradition.” This is torture.

Hazing Is Illegal in Kansas — And Hamilton County Victims Have Rights

Kansas law explicitly prohibits hazing. Under Kansas Statutes § 21-5414, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization.”

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Kansas

Offense Level	Conduct	Punishment
Class A Misdemeanor	Hazing that causes physical harm	Up to 1 year in county jail; up to $2,500 fine
Severity Level 9 Felony	Hazing that causes great bodily harm or death	5-17 months in prison

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim consented.

Civil Liability — Hamilton County Victims Can Sue for Damages

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Hamilton County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Educational disruption (missed classes, delayed graduation)
Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Who Can Be Sued in Hamilton County Hazing Cases?

The local fraternity/sorority chapter
The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.)
The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
Individual members who participated in or facilitated hazing
Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
Housing corporations that control fraternity/sorority property

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that victims can — and do — win.

$10.1 Million Settlement — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University, 2021)

What happened: A student was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big Brother” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Result: $10.1 million settlement from the university and fraternity.

$6.1 Million Jury Verdict — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU, 2017)

What happened: A student was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495 (more than 6x the legal limit). He died from alcohol poisoning.
Result: $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity. The case also led to the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

$110+ Million Settlement — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State, 2017)

What happened: A student was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” drinking ritual. He fell down stairs multiple times and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
Result: Estimated $110+ million settlement. The case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

$10 Million Lawsuit — Leonel Bermudez (Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, 2025)

What happened: A student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
Result: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911. This is the case we’re fighting right now — and we’re bringing the same fight to Hamilton County.

These cases prove that hazing victims can win. The same legal strategies apply to Hamilton County victims.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hamilton County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations run out.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Photos/Videos: Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing.
Texts/Messages: Save all communications (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) about hazing.
Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses.
Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, or any written rules.
Social Media: Screenshot posts or messages about hazing (before they’re deleted).

Do NOT:

Delete any messages or posts
Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
Sign anything from the organization
Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

Fraternities and universities have legal teams working to protect their interests.
They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, or intimidate witnesses.
Anything you say can be used against you.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

Hazing cases are complex. You need an attorney with experience fighting institutions.
Statutes of limitations apply. In Kansas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
Evidence disappears fast. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

Attorney 911 offers:
✅ Free consultations for Hamilton County hazing victims
✅ No upfront costs — we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
✅ Nationwide representation — we’ll travel to Hamilton County for your case
✅ Video consultations — meet with us remotely if you can’t travel
✅ Bilingual staff — Se habla español

Call us 24/7 at: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Hamilton County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Hamilton County.

We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and universities will argue: “He agreed to participate.” “He knew the risks.” “He could have left.”

Kansas law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal. We know how to defeat this argument in court.

We Have Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Our Team

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies think, how they try to minimize claims, and how to dismantle their defenses.

We Have Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide — including in Hamilton County.

We Offer Free, No-Obligation Consultations

We’ll evaluate your case at no cost to you. If we take your case, you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win.

Hazing at Hamilton County Universities: What Families Need to Know

Hamilton County is home to Dodge City Community College, and students from Hamilton County often attend universities across Kansas, including:

Fort Hays State University
Wichita State University
Kansas State University
University of Kansas
Pittsburg State University
Emporia State University

These universities have active Greek life organizations — including the same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide.

Fraternities with Hazing Histories Near Hamilton County

Fraternity	Notable Hazing Cases	Hamilton County Connection
Pi Kappa Alpha	Stone Foltz ($10.1M), Leonel Bermudez ($10M pending)	Chapters at Kansas universities
Pi Kappa Phi	Andrew Coffey (death), Bermudez (hospitalization)	Chapters at Kansas universities
Sigma Alpha Epsilon	Multiple hazing deaths	Chapters at Kansas universities
Beta Theta Pi	Timothy Piazza ($110M+)	Chapters at Kansas universities
Phi Delta Theta	Maxwell Gruver ($6.1M)	Chapters at Kansas universities

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities near Hamilton County.

What Hamilton County Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children

1. Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Many students don’t recognize hazing when it happens.
Explain that hazing includes any activity that makes them uncomfortable, scared, or at risk — even if it’s called “tradition.”
Encourage them to trust their instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

2. Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
Unexplained injuries or bruises
Avoiding certain people or places
Secretive behavior about activities
Sudden drop in grades or academic performance
Changes in sleep patterns
Signs of alcohol or drug use

3. Encourage Reporting

Many students don’t report hazing out of fear of retaliation or social exclusion.
Remind your child that hazing is illegal and reporting can save lives.
Universities are required to have reporting mechanisms. Encourage your child to use them.

4. Research Greek Organizations Before Joining

Look up the fraternity/sorority’s national organization. Have they been involved in hazing incidents?
Ask the university for hazing incident reports for the organization.
Talk to current members about their experiences.

5. Know Your Child’s Rights

They have the right to refuse to participate in hazing.
They have the right to report hazing without fear of retaliation.
They have the right to seek legal help if they’re hazed.

Hamilton County Families: You Are Not Powerless

If your child has been hazed, you may feel powerless against powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities. But you are not.

You have rights. You have options. And you have Attorney 911 on your side.

What We Will Do for Hamilton County Hazing Victims:

✅ Investigate the incident — gather evidence, interview witnesses, preserve documentation
✅ Identify all liable parties — chapter, nationals, university, individuals
✅ Calculate full damages — medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, punitive damages
✅ Negotiate aggressively — we won’t accept lowball offers
✅ Take the case to trial if necessary — we’re not afraid to fight
✅ Protect your child from retaliation — we’ll ensure their rights are protected

What You Can Expect When You Work With Us:

📞 Immediate response — we answer calls 24/7
💬 Clear communication — we’ll keep you updated every step of the way
🔍 Aggressive investigation — we leave no stone unturned
💰 Maximum compensation — we fight for every dollar you deserve
🛡️ Confidentiality — we protect your privacy

Hamilton County Hazing Victims: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing has gone on for too long. It’s time to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated.

If your child has been hazed in Hamilton County or at a nearby university, call us now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you win.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hamilton County Families

1. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Kansas?

In Kansas, you typically have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, you have 2 years from the date of death. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

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

Yes. Kansas 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.

3. Can I sue the university if my child was hazed?

Yes, if the university knew or should have known about the hazing. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they failed to act despite knowing about hazing risks, they can be held liable.

4. Can I sue the national fraternity or sorority?

Yes. National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters. If they knew about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable. In our current case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

5. What kind of compensation can I recover?

Hazing victims can recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Educational disruption (missed classes, delayed graduation)
Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

6. Do I need a lawyer for a hazing case?

Yes. Hazing cases are complex and involve powerful institutions with legal teams. An experienced hazing attorney can:

Gather evidence before it disappears
Identify all liable parties
Calculate full damages
Negotiate with insurance companies
Take the case to trial if necessary

7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, 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

8. Can you represent me if I’m not in Texas?

Yes. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Hamilton County. We offer:

Video consultations — meet with us remotely
Travel to Hamilton County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
Federal court authority — we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction

9. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We will:

Protect your child’s identity to the extent possible
Ensure their rights are protected
Hold organizations accountable for any retaliation

10. What should I do if my child is currently being hazed?

Act immediately:

Remove your child from the situation — their safety is the top priority.
Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor.
Preserve evidence — photos, texts, witness information.
Do NOT confront the organization alone — they will try to control the narrative.
Contact an attorney — call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hamilton County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

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

It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it’s time to stop it.

If your child has been hazed in Hamilton County or at a nearby university, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another family.

Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you. Call us now.