🚨 Hazing Victims in Harvey County, Kansas: You Have Rights, You Have Recourse
Harvey County families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Harvey County, you are not powerless. You are not alone. And you do not have to accept this abuse as “tradition.”
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a young man was waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening at universities near Harvey County, Kansas too. The same fraternities operate here. The same risks exist. And we will fight for Harvey County families with the same intensity we’re bringing to this landmark case.
Harvey County parents: Your child trusted these institutions. They trusted that joining a fraternity or sorority would be safe. They trusted that universities would protect them. That trust was betrayed. We are here to make it right.
🏫 What Harvey County Families Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing Isn’t “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not about building character. It’s not about brotherhood. It’s not about making memories.
Hazing is:
- Assault — physical harm to your child’s body
- Battery — unwanted physical contact
- Torture — when it includes waterboarding, sleep deprivation, or extreme physical punishment
- Reckless endangerment — putting your child’s life at risk
- Sometimes manslaughter or murder — when it goes too far
In our current case:
- A Harvey County-like student was waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and two-mile warmups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical beating
- Forced to eat until he vomited — then forced to keep exercising
- Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This is not hazing. This is torture. And it’s happening near Harvey County, Kansas.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Harvey County
Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing for $10 million, has chapters across America — including near Harvey County, Kansas. The same national organization that allowed waterboarding in Houston oversees chapters where your Harvey County children might be pledging.
Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also operate near Harvey County:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths, including a $1 million+ settlement at Texas A&M
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — $10.1 million settlement in Ohio after a student died
- Beta Theta Pi — $110+ million settlement after a student died at Penn State
- Phi Delta Theta — $6.1 million jury verdict after a student died at LSU
- Sigma Chi — Multiple lawsuits, including a recent $10M+ case
Harvey County parents: If your child is joining a fraternity or sorority near Harvey County, they are at risk. These organizations have paid millions of dollars in settlements — and they will pay again for what they do to Harvey County students.
Universities Near Harvey County Are Complicit
In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter. They had a student hospitalized from hazing at a different fraternity in 2017. They did nothing.
Universities near Harvey County have the same responsibility to protect your children. When they fail, they share liability.
Harvey County institutions with Greek life include:
- Bethany College (Lindsborg, KS) — Small private college with active Greek life
- McPherson College (McPherson, KS) — Private college with fraternities and sororities
- Nearby state universities — Kansas State University (Manhattan), University of Kansas (Lawrence), Wichita State University
These schools receive tuition from Harvey County families. They have a duty to keep your children safe. When they don’t, we hold them accountable.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Harvey County Hazing Victim
You Can Sue — Even If You “Consented”
One of the first things fraternities will argue is that your child “consented” to the hazing. They’ll say:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew what he was signing up for”
- “He could have left at any time”
Kansas law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE.
Under Kansas Statutes § 21-5414, hazing is a crime regardless of whether the victim consented. The law is clear: you cannot consent to being a victim of a crime.
Harvey County families: If your child was hazed, their consent does not matter. The law protects them.
Who You Can Sue in Harvey County
Hazing cases are not just against the individuals who did the hazing. We sue everyone who allowed it to happen.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Harvey County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The Harvey County chapter that hazed your child |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. — deep pockets |
| University | Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing happens | Bethany College, McPherson College, or other Harvey County-area schools |
| House Corporation | Owned the property where hazing occurred | The entity that owns the fraternity house near Harvey County |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Each person who hurt your child |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | President, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; facilitated | Former members who host events near Harvey County |
Harvey County families: We don’t just sue one person. We sue everyone who shared responsibility. This maximizes your compensation and sends a message that hazing will not be tolerated.
What You Can Recover for Harvey County Hazing Victims
Hazing causes real harm — physical, emotional, and financial. You are entitled to compensation for all of it.
| Damage Type | Examples | Harvey County Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Educational Impact | Tuition lost, scholarships lost, delayed graduation | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, recovery process | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, torture) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Total Potential Recovery: $100,000 to $10,000,000+
Harvey County families: The more egregious the hazing, the higher the compensation. Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse — these are the types of cases that result in multi-million dollar verdicts.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big
Harvey County families: These aren’t just numbers. These are real cases with real verdicts and settlements. The same results are possible for Harvey County victims.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Harvey County Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million | Our $10M demand is directly in line with this precedent |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict | Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million | Shows potential ceiling for egregious cases |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement | Same fraternity as our case; pattern of negligence |
| UT Austin | University of Texas | Sigma Chi | Pending lawsuit | Another Texas case filed same week as ours |
These cases prove: Hazing lawsuits win. The institutions pay. Harvey County families can win too.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Harvey County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes real, lasting medical harm.
| Injury | Cause | Consequences | Harvey County Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls) | Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, death | Hospitalization, IV fluids, dialysis |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis | Life-threatening; may require transplant | Emergency treatment, long-term monitoring |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Vomiting, unconsciousness, death | ER treatment, stomach pumping, IV fluids |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Falls, beatings | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes | Neurologist, rehabilitation, therapy |
| Hypothermia | Exposure to cold weather | Organ failure, death | Emergency warming, hospitalization |
| Heat Stroke | Extreme physical activity in heat | Organ failure, death | Emergency cooling, hospitalization |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological torture | Long-term mental health issues | Therapy, medication, counseling |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual humiliation | Trauma, STIs, pregnancy | Medical treatment, counseling, evidence collection |
Harvey County parents: If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us. Medical records are critical evidence.
📅 Timeline: What to Do If Your Harvey County Child Is Hazed
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
| Timeframe | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately | Get medical attention | Document injuries; protect health |
| Within 24 hours | Preserve all evidence | Photos, texts, social media, clothing |
| Within 48 hours | Contact an attorney | Preserve legal rights; prevent evidence destruction |
| Within 1 week | Do not talk to the fraternity/university | They will try to control the narrative |
| Within 2 weeks | File police report (optional) | Criminal investigation may run parallel |
| Within 1 month | Begin therapy | Document psychological impact |
| Within 6 months | File lawsuit | Protect statute of limitations |
Harvey County families: The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
🔍 Evidence Checklist: What Harvey County Families Should Preserve
Evidence wins cases. Destroying evidence loses cases.
✅ Medical Records — Hospital visits, ER records, doctor notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/Videos — Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing activities, locations
✅ Text Messages — iMessage, SMS, WhatsApp, GroupMe about hazing
✅ Social Media — Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts/messages about hazing
✅ Emails — Any communications about pledge activities
✅ Witness Information — Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses
✅ Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Financial Records — Medical bills, lost wages, tuition receipts
✅ Academic Records — Impact on grades, enrollment status
✅ Clothing/Items — Any items used in hazing (paddles, fanny packs, etc.)
DO NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without your attorney
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media
❌ Give statements to university administrators alone
Harvey County families: If you’re not sure whether something is evidence, preserve it anyway. Let your attorney decide.
🚫 Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to blame your child. We know their playbook.
| Defense | Their Argument | Our Counter-Argument |
|---|---|---|
| “Consent” | “He agreed to participate” | Kansas law says consent is not a defense (§ 21-5414) |
| “No Harm” | “It wasn’t that bad” | Medical records prove injuries; psychological impact documented |
| “Isolated Incident” | “It was just a one-time thing” | Pattern evidence from other pledges; prior incidents at chapter |
| “Victim’s Fault” | “He could have left” | Fear of retaliation, social ostracism, duress |
| “Tradition” | “This is how it’s always been” | Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity; assault is assault |
| “No Knowledge” | “We didn’t know” | Prior incidents at university; national organization knowledge |
Harvey County families: We know every trick they’ll use. We’ve seen it before. We don’t let them get away with it.
🎯 Why Harvey County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Not Just Lawyers — We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys Who Know How to Beat Them
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys. We know how the other side thinks. We know their strategies. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for Harvey County families.
Our Advantages for Harvey County Hazing Victims:
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Harvey County |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | We’ve tried hundreds of cases; we know how to win |
| Former Insurance Defense | We know their playbook; we dismantle their defenses |
| $10M Hazing Case Ongoing | We’re actively litigating a hazing case right now |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Harvey County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Licensed (TX & NY) | Strategic advantage for national organizations headquartered out of state |
| Se Habla Español | Harvey County Spanish-speaking families welcome |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win |
| Nationwide Service | We represent Harvey County families no matter where hazing occurred |
| Aggressive Representation | We don’t back down from powerful institutions |
| Compassionate Advocacy | We treat Harvey County families like family |
Harvey County parents: You need attorneys who will fight for your child like they would fight for their own. That’s us.
📞 Harvey County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Harvey County, Kansas, you have legal options. You have rights. And you have allies.
Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations for Harvey County families
- Video consultations for Harvey County parents who can’t travel
- Willingness to travel to Harvey County for depositions and meetings
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront
Harvey County parents: You don’t have to face this alone. We are here to help.
🏆 Our Commitment to Harvey County Families
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
— Lupe Pena, Attorney 911
We are committed to:
- Holding Harvey County hazing perpetrators accountable — no more “tradition” excuses
- Protecting Harvey County students — so no other child has to go through this
- Supporting Harvey County families — with compassion and aggressive advocacy
- Changing the culture — so hazing stops being accepted as normal
Harvey County families: Your child’s story matters. Their pain matters. Their future matters. We will fight for them like they are our own.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Harvey County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward. But the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a case. Call us for a confidential consultation. We can explain your options without pressuring your child.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented.” Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Kansas law explicitly says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal and the perpetrators are still liable.
Q: We’re in Harvey County. You’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations, and we are willing to travel to Harvey County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we don’t get paid unless you win. This means Harvey County families can fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: What if my child signed a waiver or contract with the fraternity?
A: Waivers and contracts do not override the law. If the fraternity hazed your child, the waiver is not enforceable. We will fight any attempt to use a waiver against your child.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing (and they almost always should have), they share liability. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They were absolutely liable.
Q: My child was hazed, but they weren’t physically injured. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is just as real as physical injuries. We pursue compensation for both. Many hazing cases are built on emotional distress alone.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Kansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the process takes time. Call us immediately.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a school outside of Harvey County?
A: It doesn’t matter where the hazing occurred. If your child is from Harvey County, we can represent them. We handle cases nationwide.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most cases settle before trial. If your case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
📢 A Message to Harvey County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Harvey County, Kansas:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your Harvey County chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon — if your chapter operates near Harvey County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Harvey County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated.
That’s what happens when you haze in Texas. That’s what will happen when you haze near Harvey County.
Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏛️ A Message to Harvey County Universities
To the administrators at Bethany College, McPherson College, and other Harvey County-area institutions:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you share liability.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They knew about a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017. They did nothing. Now they’re a defendant in a $10 million lawsuit.
Harvey County universities: You know hazing happens on your campuses. You have the power to stop it. Act now or face the same accountability.
🌎 A Message to Harvey County Parents
Harvey County families: Your children are our future. They deserve to pursue their dreams without fear of torture, abuse, or humiliation.
When you send your child to college near Harvey County, you trust that they will be safe. You trust that the institutions you’re paying tuition to will protect them. That trust is being betrayed.
But you are not powerless. You have rights. You have recourse. And you have allies.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Harvey County families too.
If your child has been hazed, call us. Let’s make it right. Let’s make it stop.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough.
