Hazing Victims in Hempstead County, Arkansas: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice
Hempstead County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Hempstead County, Arkansas, you need to know one critical fact: what happened was not “tradition,” “team bonding,” or “just part of the process.” It was abuse. It was assault. And it was preventable.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting this battle in court—right now—with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a young man with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Hempstead County. The same negligence exists at Arkansas institutions. And we will fight for Hempstead County families with the same aggression.
This guide is for Hempstead County parents, students, and victims who are suffering in silence. We will explain:
- What constitutes hazing in Arkansas
- Who is legally responsible
- What compensation you may be entitled to
- What to do immediately if your child has been hazed
- How Attorney 911 can help Hempstead County families—no matter where the hazing occurred
🚨 What Is Hazing? Arkansas Law Explained
Hazing is not just “rough initiation.” It is any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of their willingness to participate.
Arkansas Hazing Law (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-5-201 to 6-5-207)
Arkansas law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one student acting alone or with others, directed against another student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
This includes:
✅ Physical abuse – Beating, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, drugs, or non-food items (e.g., hot sauce, milk, peppercorns)
✅ Psychological abuse – Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, isolation
✅ Dangerous activities – Waterboarding, extreme exposure to heat/cold, confinement
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
🔴 Arkansas law explicitly states: “Consent is NOT a defense.” Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter.
💔 Real Hazing Cases That Could Happen in Hempstead County
Case 1: The University of Houston Hazing Lawsuit ($10 Million Pending)
What happened:
A “ghost rush” (a student not yet enrolled at UH) was hazed by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The abuse included:
- Waterboarding 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 made to run in his own vomit
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour
Result:
- The victim was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- The fraternity chapter was shut down within days
- A $10 million lawsuit was filed by Attorney 911
Why this matters for Hempstead County:
Pi Kappa Phi has chapters across the country—including near Arkansas. If this could happen at UH, it could happen at any university near Hempstead County.
Case 2: The Death of Stone Foltz (Ohio, 2021) – $10.1 Million Settlement
What happened:
A Bowling Green State University student was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Result:
- The university paid $2.9 million
- The fraternity paid $7.2 million
- Total: $10.1 million
Why this matters for Hempstead County:
This case proves that hazing deaths and injuries lead to multi-million-dollar settlements. The same legal strategies apply to Arkansas cases.
Case 3: Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
What happened:
A freshman at LSU was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. His blood alcohol level was 0.495 (6x the legal limit). He died from alcohol poisoning.
Result:
- A $6.1 million jury verdict was awarded to his family
- The hazing perpetrator was criminally convicted of negligent homicide
- Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony
Why this matters for Hempstead County:
Juries hate hazing. If your child was injured or killed due to hazing near Hempstead County, a jury could award millions in damages.
⚖️ Who Is Legally Responsible for Hazing in Hempstead County?
If your child was hazed, multiple parties can be held liable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Hempstead County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and participated in hazing | Chapters at Arkansas universities (e.g., SAE, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma, etc.) |
| National Fraternity/Sorority | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing culture | Nationals like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Kappa Sigma, etc. |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it happens; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Little Rock, Fort Smith), Henderson State, SAU, Ouachita Baptist, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, active members |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing events; failed to report abuse | Alumni who turn a blind eye or actively participate |
| Insurance Companies | Provide liability coverage for organizations | Fraternity insurance, university insurance, homeowners’ policies |
🔴 Arkansas universities and Greek organizations have the same liability as those in Texas. If your child was hazed at a school near Hempstead County, the same legal principles apply.
💰 What Compensation Can Hempstead County Families Recover?
Hazing victims may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
1. Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)
| Damage Type | Examples | Hempstead County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, rehabilitation | If your child was hospitalized for rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, or injuries |
| Future Medical Costs | Dialysis, kidney transplant, ongoing treatment | If hazing caused permanent damage (e.g., kidney failure, brain injury) |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injury | If your child had to take time off work or lost an internship |
| Educational Impact | Tuition refunds, scholarship loss, delayed graduation | If hazing forced your child to drop out or transfer schools |
| Property Damage | Damaged clothing, personal items | If hazing involved destruction of property |
2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
| Damage Type | Examples | Hempstead County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, medical procedures | Broken bones, burns, muscle damage, kidney failure |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation | Victims often suffer long-term psychological trauma |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | Being forced to strip, carry sexual objects, or lie in vomit |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities | Missing out on college experiences, social life, sports |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries | Branding, paddle strikes, or other physical abuse |
3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. For example:
- Waterboarding a student (as in our UH case)
- Forcing exercise until kidney failure (as in our UH case)
- Covering up prior hazing incidents (as many universities do)
- Ignoring warnings from other students
🔴 Arkansas allows punitive damages in personal injury cases. If the hazing was particularly cruel or the university/fraternity ignored prior warnings, a jury could award additional millions to punish the wrongdoers.
📋 What Should Hempstead County Families Do IMMEDIATELY?
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and the statute of limitations (deadline to sue) is ticking.
✅ Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the ER or urgent care immediately—even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything (photos, medical records, doctor’s notes)
- Get a full medical evaluation—some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
✅ Step 2: Preserve Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots + originals)
- Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity/sorority property
- Social media posts (yours or others’) referencing hazing
- Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
- Witness names and contact info (other pledges, friends, bystanders)
✅ Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in Arkansas)
- Report to the university (Title IX office, Greek life office)
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority (if applicable)
⚠️ WARNING: Do not confront the fraternity/sorority or sign anything without a lawyer.
✅ Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
Hempstead County families should call Attorney 911 immediately. We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations (no obligation)
✔ $0 upfront cost (we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win)
✔ Nationwide representation (we can help no matter where the hazing occurred)
✔ Aggressive litigation (we’ve won millions in hazing cases)
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🏛️ Arkansas Universities and Greek Life: The Hazing Problem
Hazing is not limited to big-name schools in other states. It happens right here in Arkansas, including near Hempstead County.
Arkansas Universities with Greek Life (Potential Hazing Risks)
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) | Fayetteville, AR | SAE, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Delta Gamma, Chi Omega | Multiple hazing incidents reported in past decade |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Smaller Greek presence, but hazing still occurs | Reports of alcohol-related hazing |
| Henderson State University | Arkadelphia, AR | Fraternities and sororities active | Hazing allegations in past |
| Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia, AR | Greek organizations present | Hazing concerns reported |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | Strong Greek culture | Hazing incidents documented |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | Greek life active | Hazing reports in past |
🔴 If your child attends any of these schools—or any school with Greek life—they are at risk of hazing.
🎯 Why Hempstead County Families Should Choose Attorney 911
1. 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
- We have firsthand experience with fraternity hazing, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university liability
- We know exactly how to build these cases—and we know how to win
2. We Have a Proven Track Record
✅ $10+ million in hazing settlements/verdicts (similar to our current case)
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys (we know how they’ll try to deny your claim)
✅ Federal court authority (we can sue in federal court if needed)
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) (we can take on national fraternities anywhere)
3. We Serve Hempstead County Families—No Matter Where the Hazing Happened
- We offer video consultations for Hempstead County families who can’t travel
- We travel to Hempstead County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront
- We speak Spanish (Se habla español)—no language barriers
4. We Understand the Unique Pressures Arkansas Families Face
- Fear of retaliation (we protect our clients’ identities)
- Shame and embarrassment (we handle cases with sensitivity and discretion)
- Distance from legal help (we bridge the gap for Hempstead County families)
- Uncertainty about the process (we guide you every step of the way)
🔥 What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If you don’t take legal action, the cycle of hazing will continue. Fraternities, sororities, and universities will keep:
- Torturing students (waterboarding, forced drinking, paddling)
- Covering up incidents (threatening victims, destroying evidence)
- Ignoring the problem (until someone dies or gets hospitalized)
- Planning their comeback (Pi Kappa Phi already said they want to return to UH)
🔴 Your child’s case could save lives. By stepping forward, you:
✔ Hold abusers accountable
✔ Force institutions to change
✔ Protect future students
📞 Hempstead County Families: Call Attorney 911 Today
You don’t have to fight this alone. We are here to help Hempstead County families seek justice—no matter where the hazing occurred.
✅ Free, Confidential Consultation
✅ $0 Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee)
✅ Nationwide Representation
✅ Aggressive Litigation Against Universities & Fraternities
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
📍 We serve Hempstead County, Arkansas, and all of Arkansas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🚨 Final Warning: The Clock Is Ticking
Arkansas has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105). If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
Hempstead County families: Don’t let the people who hurt your child get away with it. Call us today.
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Hempstead County Families
1. “My child doesn’t want to sue because they’re afraid of retaliation. What can we do?”
✅ We protect our clients’ identities—your child’s name can be kept confidential in legal filings.
✅ Fraternities and universities cannot legally retaliate—if they do, it’s another lawsuit.
✅ The law is on your side—Arkansas and federal law protect victims from retaliation.
2. “The fraternity says my child ‘consented’ to hazing. Is that a valid defense?”
❌ NO. Arkansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-5-204). Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter.
3. “We can’t afford a lawyer. How much will this cost?”
✅ $0 upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
4. “The hazing didn’t happen in Arkansas. Can you still help us?”
✅ YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Hempstead County families whose children were hazed out of state. Distance is not a barrier.
5. “What if the university/fraternity offers us a settlement? Should we take it?”
⚠️ NEVER accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies and universities lowball victims—they will offer far less than your case is worth. We negotiate for maximum compensation.
6. “How long will a hazing lawsuit take?”
⏳ Most cases settle within 12-24 months. Severe cases (like wrongful death or permanent injuries) may take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
7. “Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?”
✅ YES. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects)
- Financial losses (missed work, therapy costs)
8. “What if the fraternity/sorority has already been suspended?”
✅ That doesn’t end your legal rights. Suspensions are temporary—many fraternities return to campus. A lawsuit holds them permanently accountable.
9. “Will my child have to testify in court?”
⚖️ Most cases settle before trial. If your case does go to trial, we prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
10. “How do we know if we have a strong case?”
✅ Call us for a free evaluation. We’ll review:
- The severity of the hazing
- The injuries suffered (physical, emotional, financial)
- The evidence available (texts, photos, witnesses)
- The defendants’ ability to pay
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
🏆 Our Promise to Hempstead County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t just see your child as a “case.” We see them as a person who was betrayed by the people they trusted.
We promise:
✔ Aggressive representation—we don’t back down from universities or fraternities
✔ Compassionate guidance—we understand the trauma you’re going through
✔ Maximum compensation—we fight for every dollar you deserve
✔ Justice for your child—we hold abusers accountable
Hempstead County families: You have the power to stop hazing. Let us help you use it.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
#EndHazing #JusticeForVictims #HempsteadCountyStrong
