🛡️ Hawkins County Hazing Victim Legal Guide — Attorney 911
Hawkins County Families: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting This Fight — Right Now.
🚨 Hawkins County Hazing Emergency: What You Need to Know
This Is Happening in Hawkins County Too
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities. It happens right here in Hawkins County — at colleges, high schools, sports teams, and student organizations. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate right here in East Tennessee.
If your child attends:
- East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City
- Northeast State Community College in Blountville
- Walters State Community College in Morristown
- Any high school or college in Hawkins County
They face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🏢 Who We Are: Hawkins County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
We are a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Hawkins County, Tennessee, and nationwide.
Why Hawkins County families choose us:
✅ 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience — Battle-tested in state and federal courts
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how the other side thinks
✅ Federal Court Authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas AND New York licensed
✅ Nationwide Hazing Expertise — Currently litigating a $10M hazing case
✅ Se Habla Español — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
✅ Contingency Fee Representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
Hawkins County families: You deserve the same aggressive representation we provide nationally.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Hawkins County — What’s Really Happening
Hazing in Hawkins County: The Hidden Danger
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal.
In Hawkins County, hazing happens in:
- Fraternities and sororities at ETSU and other colleges
- High school sports teams (football, basketball, baseball)
- Marching bands and music programs
- ROTC and military-affiliated groups
- Honor societies and academic clubs
- Church youth groups
- Any organization that uses “initiation”
The same national Greek organizations with chapters near Hawkins County have paid millions in hazing settlements:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Kappa Sigma
These same organizations operate at ETSU and other schools near Hawkins County.
What Hawkins County Parents Need to Know
1. Hazing is Illegal in Tennessee
Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws. It is a crime to haze someone in Hawkins County.
Tennessee Code § 49-7-123 — Hazing Prohibited:
“It is unlawful for any person to engage in hazing. Hazing means any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any educational institution that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”
Penalties in Tennessee:
- Class A misdemeanor — Up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine
- Class E felony — If serious bodily injury occurs (1-6 years in prison)
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child agreed to participate
2. Universities Can Be Held Liable
Colleges and high schools in Hawkins County have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they can be sued.
ETSU and other Hawkins County institutions:
- Know hazing happens
- Have the power to stop it
- Often fail to act until someone gets hurt
In our current case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity
- They did nothing to prevent it from happening again
- A student ended up in the hospital with kidney failure
The same institutional failures happen at Hawkins County schools.
3. National Organizations Are Responsible
National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can — and do — pay millions when their chapters haze students.
In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis”
- They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
- They allowed waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse
- They are being sued for $10 million
The same nationals operate near Hawkins County. They can be held accountable here too.
4. Criminal Charges May Follow
Hazing that causes serious injury or death can lead to criminal charges in Tennessee.
Possible charges:
- Assault
- Reckless endangerment
- False imprisonment
- Manslaughter (if death occurs)
In our current case:
- The university spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges”
- The same could happen in Hawkins County
⚠️ What Hawkins County Hazing Really Looks Like
Hawkins County Families: This Is What Hazing Does to Our Kids
From our current $10M case — what happened to Leonel Bermudez:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — Simulated drowning (considered torture by the U.S. government)
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups — Until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — Physical beating
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting — Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns consumed until he vomited, then forced to keep running
✅ Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass — Humiliation and degradation
✅ Sleep deprivation — Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
✅ Carried sexual objects at all times — Psychological abuse
✅ Another pledge lost consciousness — During forced workouts (October 15, 2025)
✅ Hog-tied face-down on a table — With an object in his mouth for over an hour (October 13, 2025)
Result:
- Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown
- Acute kidney failure — Life-threatening condition
- 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital — Fighting for his life
- Permanent health consequences — Potential long-term kidney damage
This happened at the University of Houston. The same things happen in Hawkins County.
Hazing in Hawkins County: Warning Signs
Hawkins County parents: Watch for these signs that your child may be hazed:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Academic Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns | Withdrawal from family/friends | Sudden drop in grades |
| Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation | Mood swings, anxiety, depression | Skipping classes |
| Difficulty walking or moving | Secretive about activities | Missing assignments |
| Weight loss or gain | Loss of interest in favorite activities | Withdrawal from academic programs |
| Alcohol poisoning symptoms | Sudden new group of friends | Loss of scholarships |
| Signs of restraint (rope burns, etc.) | Fear of certain people or places | Transferring schools unexpectedly |
| Changes in appearance | Talking about “traditions” or “initiation” | Dropping out of school |
| Unexplained medical bills | Avoiding questions about activities |
If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing in Hawkins County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hawkins County Hazing Victim
Hawkins County Families: You Have Powerful Legal Options
1. Civil Lawsuit for Compensation
You can sue for:
- Medical bills — Hospitalization, treatment, future care
- Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional trauma
- Lost wages — Time missed from work or school
- Future earning capacity — If injuries affect career options
- Punitive damages — To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing
In Tennessee, there is NO CAP on pain and suffering damages.
Our current case: $10 million demand against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
2. Who Can Be Sued in Hawkins County?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/High School | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise; negligent oversight |
| Insurance Companies | Liability coverage for defendants |
3. Criminal Complaint
You can report hazing to:
- Local police (Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, Rogersville Police Department)
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
- District Attorney (3rd Judicial District, serving Hawkins County)
- Tennessee Attorney General’s Office
Hazing is a crime in Tennessee. Perpetrators can face jail time.
4. Title IX Complaint (for College Students)
If the hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender discrimination, you can file a Title IX complaint with the school.
ETSU Title IX Office:
- Contact: ETSU Title IX Coordinator
- Website: ETSU Title IX
- Phone: (423) 439-8544
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hawkins County
Hawkins County Hazing First Response Protocol
ACT IMMEDIATELY. EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS FAST.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Get your child to a safe location immediately | Remove from dangerous situation |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not show symptoms immediately |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Save ALL texts, social media, photos, videos, GroupMe/Snapchat | Evidence is crucial for legal case |
| 4. Document Everything | Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, names | Memory fades; detailed account strengthens case |
| 5. DO NOT Talk to the Organization | Do not confront fraternity/sorority, coach, or school officials without legal counsel | They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence |
| 6. DO NOT Post on Social Media | Stay off social media about the incident | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 7. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free consultation; know your rights |
| 8. Report to Authorities | File police report; consider Title IX complaint | Criminal investigation may follow |
Hawkins County Medical Warning: Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency that can occur from extreme physical hazing.
What it is:
- Breakdown of muscle tissue
- Releases myoglobin into bloodstream
- Can cause kidney failure and death
Symptoms:
- Severe muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Dark brown or red urine
- Difficulty moving
- Fatigue
If your child shows these symptoms after hazing:
- GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY
- Tell doctors they were forced to do extreme exercise
- Request blood tests for creatine kinase (CK) levels
Hawkins County hospitals:
- Ballad Health Hawkins County Memorial Hospital (Rogersville)
- Johnson City Medical Center (Johnson City)
- Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport)
💰 What Your Hawkins County Hazing Case Is Worth
Hawkins County Families: You May Be Entitled to Significant Compensation
Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in substantial settlements and verdicts.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Our Current Case | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million demanded |
Factors that increase compensation in Hawkins County cases:
✅ Severe physical injuries — Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage
✅ Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression
✅ Sexual assault component — Sexual hazing significantly increases case value
✅ Wrongful death — Highest value cases
✅ Institutional knowledge — If school/organization knew about prior hazing
✅ Cover-up attempts — Dramatically increases punitive damages
✅ Academic impact — Lost scholarships, delayed graduation
✅ Career impact — Lost internships, damaged reputation
Hawkins County families: Your case may be worth $1 million or more.
📢 Hawkins County Hazing: What We’re Fighting For
This Isn’t Just About Money — It’s About Change
We’re fighting to:
- Hold Hawkins County institutions accountable — No more “boys will be boys” excuses
- Protect future Hawkins County students — Make sure no other child is hazed
- Change the culture — End the “tradition” of abuse
- Send a message — Hazing costs millions; it must stop
From our attorneys:
“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
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” — Ralph Manginello
🎯 Hawkins County Fraternities: We Are Watching
A Warning to Greek Organizations Near Hawkins County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Hawkins County:
We are watching. We are building cases. We know what you’re doing.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Hawkins County, know this:
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- We have successfully sued fraternities before
- We know your corporate structures
- We know your insurance policies
- We know your national organizations have paid millions in settlements
- We will hold you accountable
To ETSU and other Hawkins County schools:
- You own the property where hazing happens
- You have the power to stop it
- You have the duty to protect your students
- We will hold you accountable for your failures
To individual members:
- You can be sued personally
- You can face criminal charges
- Your future is at risk
- We will hold you accountable
📞 Hawkins County Hazing Victims: Contact Us Immediately
Hawkins County Families: We Are Here to Help
If your child has been hazed in Hawkins County, call us NOW.
📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultation — No obligation
- $0 upfront cost — We work on contingency; we don’t get paid unless you win
- Nationwide representation — We serve Hawkins County from our Texas offices
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Travel to Hawkins County — For depositions, meetings, and trials
We will:
- Evaluate your case immediately
- Preserve critical evidence
- Protect your rights
- Fight for maximum compensation
- Hold all responsible parties accountable
❓ Hawkins County Hazing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions from Hawkins County Families
1. My child was hazed at ETSU. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?
YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Hawkins County. We can:
- Evaluate your case remotely
- File lawsuits in Tennessee courts
- Travel to Hawkins County for your case
- Pursue federal claims if appropriate
2. My child is afraid to speak up. What should we do?
We understand the fear of retaliation. We can:
- Protect your child’s identity during investigation
- File anonymous reports where possible
- Build the case without your child being exposed
- Seek protective orders if needed
3. The fraternity/school says my child “consented.” Is that a defense?
NO. Tennessee law says consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.
4. How long do we have to take legal action?
Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
5. Can we sue the national fraternity?
YES. National organizations can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise their chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Allowing a culture of hazing to continue
6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
It doesn’t matter. Tennessee hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing was part of an organization’s activities, they can be held liable.
7. My child was hazed in high school. Can we sue?
YES. Hazing is illegal at all educational levels in Tennessee. High schools and their employees can be held liable.
8. What if my child was drinking during the hazing?
The organization is still responsible. Forced or coerced drinking is a form of hazing. The law holds the perpetrators accountable regardless of alcohol use.
9. Can we report hazing anonymously?
You can report hazing to:
- School officials
- Police (some departments allow anonymous tips)
- Tennessee Department of Education
However, for a legal case, your child will need to be identified. We can help protect their identity during the process.
10. What if my child is an immigrant or undocumented?
Your child’s immigration status does NOT affect their right to compensation. We have bilingual staff and can serve immigrant families. We will protect your privacy.
🗓️ Hawkins County Hazing Timeline: What to Expect
| Phase | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Within 24 hours | Free case evaluation; sign retainer |
| Investigation | 1-3 months | Gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain records |
| Medical Treatment | Ongoing | Complete treatment; reach Maximum Medical Improvement |
| Demand Package | After MMI | Compile damages; send demand to defendants |
| Negotiation | 1-4 months | Settlement discussions with defendants |
| Litigation (if needed) | 6-18 months | File lawsuit; discovery; depositions |
| Mediation | 1 day | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement |
| Trial (if needed) | Days to weeks | Present case to judge/jury |
| Resolution | Varies | Settlement or verdict; payment |
Hawkins County families: We move quickly to protect your rights.
🏆 Why Hawkins County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are the Nation’s Leading Hazing Litigation Experts
✅ Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — We’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how the other side thinks
✅ Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar admission — Texas AND New York licensed
✅ Proven track record — Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
✅ Compassionate representation — We treat Hawkins County families like family
✅ No upfront cost — We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
Hawkins County families: You deserve the best legal team fighting for you.
📚 Hawkins County Hazing Resources
Organizations That Can Help
| Organization | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office | (423) 272-7631 | Report criminal hazing |
| Rogersville Police Department | (423) 272-3222 | Report criminal hazing |
| Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) | (800) 824-3463 | State-level criminal investigation |
| 3rd Judicial District Attorney | (423) 272-7000 | Prosecute criminal hazing cases |
| ETSU Title IX Office | (423) 439-8544 | Report sexual hazing or gender discrimination |
| Tennessee Department of Education | (615) 741-5158 | Report school hazing |
| Hazing Prevention Network | hazingprevention.org | National hazing prevention organization |
| Clery Center | clerycenter.org | Campus safety and crime reporting |
| StopHazing | stophazing.org | Research and prevention resources |
🚨 Hawkins County Hazing Emergency: Final Warning
Hawkins County Families: Time Is Running Out
Hazing is happening right now in Hawkins County.
If your child is being hazed:
- They are at risk of serious injury or death
- They are being psychologically traumatized
- Their future is in danger
You have legal rights. You have options. You are not powerless.
But you must act NOW.
Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call us today. We are ready to fight for Hawkins County families.
📞 Hawkins County Hazing Victims: Call Now
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Hawkins County hazing emergencies
Free consultation. $0 upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Hawkins County families: We are your legal emergency responders.
