🚨 Haskell County Hazing Lawyers — Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
Haskell County Families: Your Child Was Hazed — We Can Help
Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will fight for Haskell County hazing victims with the same aggression.
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
While we’re based in Texas, hazing happens at colleges and universities across America — including near Haskell County. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Haskell County families, through:
- Federal court authority — We can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Willingness to travel — We’ll come to Haskell County for depositions and trials
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
If your child was hazed in Haskell County or anywhere in America, call us: 1-888-ATTY-911
The Hazing Crisis in Haskell County
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities — it happens at colleges and fraternities near Haskell County too. The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at institutions across Kansas and the Midwest.
Haskell County Parents: Know the Warning Signs
Hazing often starts with seemingly harmless “traditions,” but it can quickly escalate to dangerous, even life-threatening activities. Watch for these red flags in your child:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
- Sudden weight loss or signs of exhaustion
- Withdrawal from social activities or family
- Increased secrecy about their schedule
- References to “pledging,” “brotherhood,” or “sisterhood” activities
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Missing classes or declining academic performance
- Being forced to carry strange objects
- Sleep deprivation or signs of extreme fatigue
- Sudden interest in Greek life after initial disinterest
If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
What Is Hazing? Haskell County Families Need to Know
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Common Hazing Activities Near Haskell County:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances, drugs |
| Sleep Deprivation | All-night activities, forced early mornings |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning, water torture |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands |
This is NOT “tradition.” This is NOT “building character.” This is ABUSE.
The Haskell County Hazing Case That Shows What’s Really Happening
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure for three nights and four days.
The Hazing Activities:
- 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue running
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Hog-tied — another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather
- Carried a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he didn’t comply
The Result:
Bermudez collapsed on November 3, 2025. He was so exhausted he couldn’t 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.
This happened in Houston. It happens near Haskell County too.
Why This Matters to Haskell County Families
-
The same national fraternities operate near Haskell County
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters at universities across Kansas and the Midwest
- If they’re waterboarding students in Houston, they’re likely doing it near Haskell County too
-
Universities near Haskell County have the same liability
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- Universities near Haskell County have the same power — and the same responsibility — to stop hazing
-
Hazing culture is systemic
- Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died in 2017
- They did nothing — and now another student was hospitalized
- The same pattern exists at other fraternities and universities
-
Your child could be next
- Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other organizations
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 95% of hazing victims don’t report it
Haskell County Families: Who Is Liable for Hazing?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current lawsuit, we’re pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students despite having power to regulate |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes |
Haskell County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.
Haskell County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights
Texas and Kansas Law Protect Hazing Victims
Kansas Anti-Hazing Statute (K.S.A. 21-5414):
- Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine)
- If hazing causes great bodily harm, it’s a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine)
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, hazing is still illegal
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157:
- Hazing is illegal in Texas
- Universities must report hazing incidents
- Consent is NOT a defense
Federal Civil Rights Claims:
- Hazing that targets protected classes (race, gender, religion) may violate federal anti-discrimination laws
- Universities receiving federal funding have additional responsibilities
Haskell County families: These laws apply to hazing that occurs near Haskell County and across America.
Haskell County Hazing Cases: What You Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Lost academic opportunities
- Rehabilitation costs
- Therapy and counseling expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
Punitive Damages
- Awarded when conduct is especially egregious
- Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
- Can be millions of dollars in cases like ours
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 MILLION. This is what’s possible for Haskell County victims.
Haskell County Families: What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- If there’s an immediate medical emergency, call 911
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
Step 3: Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or emails
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Get names and contact information of any witnesses
- Document everything your child tells you about what happened
Step 4: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
- Do NOT give statements to administrators or insurance companies
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- We will protect your rights and fight for justice
Why Haskell County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case
We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re in the courtroom fighting it right now. Haskell County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, how they value cases, and how to maximize your recovery.
3. Nationwide Reach
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Haskell County. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willingness to travel to Haskell County
- Video consultation capability
4. Proven Track Record
- $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
- Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies
5. We Understand the Culture
Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We don’t just see your child as a case — we see them as a person.
6. We Speak Spanish
Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families. We offer bilingual services to ensure no language barriers prevent justice.
7. We Fight for Haskell County Families
We’re not afraid to take on universities, national fraternities, or insurance companies. We will fight aggressively for Haskell County hazing victims.
Haskell County Hazing Lawyers: Our Promise to You
- We will listen to your story without judgment
- We will investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties
- We will preserve all evidence to build the strongest case
- We will fight aggressively against insurance companies and institutions
- We will pursue every dollar you deserve
- We will protect your privacy and your child’s future
- We will not rest until justice is served
Haskell County families: You’re not alone. We’re here to help.
Haskell County Hazing: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Both Kansas and Texas law state that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Hazing is illegal in Kansas and Texas, regardless of how long the “tradition” has existed.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retribution for speaking out. We will:
- Protect your identity as much as possible
- Advise you on how to document any retaliation
- Pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs
- Work with law enforcement if threats are made
Q: We’re in Haskell County. How can a Texas lawyer help us?
A: We serve clients nationwide. We can:
- Meet with you via video consultation
- Travel to Haskell County for depositions and trials
- Pursue your case in federal court
- Work with local counsel if needed
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: You typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident in both Kansas and Texas. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be affected by delays.
Q: What if my child was hazed in another state?
A: We can help. We represent hazing victims nationwide. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Q: Can we sue the university?
A: Possibly. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to stop it, they may be liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
Q: What about criminal charges?
A: Hazing is a crime in both Kansas and Texas. We can:
- Coordinate with law enforcement
- Help you file criminal complaints
- Work with prosecutors to ensure justice is served
Q: How much is our case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological impact
- University/fraternity’s knowledge of prior incidents
- Egregiousness of conduct
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 MILLION. This is what’s possible for severe hazing cases.
Haskell County Hazing: The Organizations That Need to Be Held Accountable
These national fraternities have chapters near Haskell County and have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Haskell County Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, hospitalization) | Chapters at Kansas universities |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Max Gruver (2017, death), multiple lawsuits | Chapters at Kansas universities |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021, death), multiple lawsuits | Chapters at Kansas universities |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death), $110M+ settlement | Chapters at Kansas universities |
| Phi Delta Theta | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Chapters at Kansas universities |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple lawsuits, recent death at UT Austin | Chapters at Kansas universities |
Haskell County families: If your child was hazed by any of these organizations, we can help.
Haskell County Hazing Lawyers: Contact Us Today
If your child was hazed in Haskell County or anywhere in America, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
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Free, confidential consultation • No upfront fees • We fight for justice
Haskell County Families: You Have the Power to Stop Hazing
Every time a hazing victim comes forward, they protect the next student.
Leonel Bermudez’s case exposed Pi Kappa Phi’s culture of abuse. Our lawsuit is forcing them to change. Your case can do the same for organizations near Haskell County.
Be brave. Step forward. Let’s end hazing together.
🚨 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.