Hazing Victims in Hendry County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

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

Hendry County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students from harm. But tragically, hazing continues to occur at institutions near Hendry County, just as it has at schools across Florida and the nation. The same fraternities involved in high-profile hazing deaths and lawsuits operate chapters at universities near Hendry County. If your child has been hazed, they deserve justice — and our law firm is here to fight for Hendry County families.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure due to extreme hazing. This isn’t just a Houston problem — it’s a national crisis, and it affects Hendry County families too. If your child has been hazed at a university near Hendry County, we will bring the same aggressive legal strategy to your case.

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

Hazing is often dismissed as “harmless tradition” or “just part of Greek life.” But the reality is far darker. Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Hazing Activities That Have Harmed Students Near Hendry County:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
• Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities, forced driving, disrupted sleep schedules
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats of expulsion
• Waterboarding/simulated drowning: A form of torture used in hazing incidents
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Extreme exposure: Forced to endure cold or heat, confined spaces

These aren’t “pranks” or “team-building exercises.” They are assault, battery, and reckless endangerment — and they can lead to hospitalization, permanent injury, or death.

Hazing in Florida: The Legal Framework for Hendry County Families

Florida has strong laws against hazing, and Hendry County families can use these laws to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Florida Anti-Hazing Law (Fla. Stat. § 1006.63)

Hazing is a criminal offense in Florida. The law defines hazing as any action that:

• Creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death
• Is done for the purpose of initiation or admission into an organization
• Includes physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or other dangerous activities

Penalties for Hazing in Florida:

Important Note for Hendry County Families:

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, Florida law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.

Civil Liability: Holding Institutions Accountable

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Hendry County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Who Can Be Sued?

• 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
• Housing corporations that owned/controlled the property where hazing occurred

Real Hazing Cases: What Happened and What Families Recovered

Hazing cases don’t just make headlines — they result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that hold institutions accountable. Here are some real cases that show what’s possible for Hendry County families:

1. Stone Foltz — Pi Kappa Alpha (Ohio, 2021)

• What happened: A pledge at Bowling Green State University was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)
• Why it matters for Hendry County: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters near Hendry County. This case shows that fraternities and universities both pay when hazing turns deadly.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Phi Delta Theta (Louisiana, 2017)

• What happened: A pledge at LSU was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495 (6x the legal limit). He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity
• Why it matters for Hendry County: This case led to the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana. It shows that juries award millions when hazing causes death.

3. Timothy Piazza — Beta Theta Pi (Pennsylvania, 2017)

• What happened: A pledge at Penn State was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement (confidential)
• Why it matters for Hendry County: This case shows that strong evidence (security camera footage) leads to massive verdicts. It also led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, which strengthened penalties for hazing.

4. Andrew Coffey — Pi Kappa Phi (Florida, 2017)

• What happened: A pledge at Florida State University was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: Confidential settlement (fraternity + individuals charged criminally)
• Why it matters for Hendry County: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters near Hendry County. This case proves that the same fraternity has a documented history of deadly hazing.

5. Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez — Pi Kappa Phi (Texas, 2025)

• What happened: A pledge at the University of Houston was subjected to waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, 500 squats, and wooden paddles. He was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Outcome: $10 million lawsuit filed (case ongoing)
• Why it matters for Hendry County: This case is happening right now, and the same legal strategies apply to Hendry County families. Pi Kappa Phi has chapters near Hendry County, and universities near Hendry County face the same liability failures as UH.

Hazing at Universities Near Hendry County: The Same Risks Exist Here

Hendry County is home to families who send their children to colleges and universities across Florida. Many of these institutions have active Greek life organizations, including the same fraternities and sororities involved in the cases above. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Hendry County, they face the same risks.

Universities Near Hendry County with Greek Life:

1. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) — Fort Myers, FL (~45 miles from Hendry County)

   • Active Greek organizations, including fraternities with national affiliations
   • Known for strong Greek life culture

2. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) — Boca Raton, FL (~100 miles from Hendry County)

   • Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
   • Past hazing incidents reported

3. University of South Florida (USF) — Tampa, FL (~150 miles from Hendry County)

   • One of Florida’s largest Greek systems
   • Past hazing incidents and investigations

4. University of Florida (UF) — Gainesville, FL (~250 miles from Hendry County)

   • Major Greek life presence
   • Past hazing incidents and suspensions

5. Florida State University (FSU) — Tallahassee, FL (~400 miles from Hendry County)

   • Greek life is a significant part of campus culture
   • Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at FSU in 2017

Fraternities Near Hendry County with Hazing Histories:

Hendry County parents: If your child is pledging any of these fraternities, they are joining organizations with documented histories of hazing deaths and injuries. The same nationals that failed to protect students in other states operate chapters near Hendry County.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hendry County

If your child has been hazed at a university near Hendry County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what Hendry County families should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning) can be life-threatening and may not show symptoms immediately.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Save everything:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails — Screenshot and save all communications about hazing.
• Photos and videos — Document injuries, hazing activities, and the location where hazing occurred.
• Physical evidence — Clothing, paddles, or other items used in hazing.
• Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders, or anyone who saw the hazing.
• Medical records — Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
• Academic records — If hazing affected your child’s grades or enrollment.

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.

3. Report the Hazing

• File a police report — Hazing is a crime in Florida.
• Report to the university — Submit a formal complaint to the university’s Greek life office or Title IX office.
• Report to the national organization — If the hazing occurred at a fraternity/sorority, report it to the national headquarters.

4. Contact a Hazing Attorney

• Do NOT speak to insurance companies or university lawyers without an attorney. They will try to minimize your claim.
• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We represent hazing victims on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• We will handle all communications with the defendants and their insurance companies.

Why Hendry County Families Choose Attorney 911

Hazing cases are complex and high-stakes. You need attorneys who understand the legal, medical, and cultural aspects of hazing — and who aren’t afraid to take on powerful institutions. Here’s why Hendry County families trust us:

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We’re representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit.
• Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.
• This case is happening right now, and we’re bringing the same aggressive strategy to Hendry County families.

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims.
• We know how insurance companies value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. We’re Admitted to Federal Court

• We can pursue hazing cases in federal court, which is critical when suing national organizations.
• Federal court gives us access to broader discovery tools and the ability to pursue civil rights claims.

4. We’re Licensed in Texas AND New York

• Our dual-state bar admission gives us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities and sororities.
• Many national organizations are headquartered in New York, so we can pursue them in their home jurisdiction.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• We’ve recovered millions of dollars for victims in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
• We’ve handled high-profile cases with media attention, including the BP Texas City explosion litigation.
• We know how to build strong cases and negotiate from a position of strength.

6. We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency

• Hendry County families pay $0 upfront to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• This means no financial risk for you.

7. We Travel to Hendry County for Your Case

• We’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we travel to Hendry County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
• Distance is not a barrier to justice.

8. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds, including Spanish-speaking families.
• We provide bilingual legal services to ensure no Hendry County family is left behind.

What Damages Can Hendry County Families Recover?

Hazing victims are entitled to full compensation for their injuries. Damages may include:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses (past and future) — Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications
• Lost wages — Time missed from work due to injuries
• Lost earning capacity — If injuries affect future career opportunities
• Educational expenses — Tuition refunds, lost scholarships, academic disruption

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain — The agony of hazing injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
• Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in activities, social isolation

Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)

• Awarded when defendants act with gross negligence or intentional harm.
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
• Critical in hazing cases where institutions turn a blind eye to abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hendry County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

Hazing victims often fear retaliation or feel loyalty to the organization. But reporting hazing is critical for:

• Protecting your child’s health (some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can be life-threatening).
• Preventing future hazing (your child’s case could save others).
• Preserving legal rights (statutes of limitations apply).

What we can do:

• We can protect your child’s identity during the legal process.
• We can handle all communications with the defendants so your child doesn’t have to.
• We can pursue the case confidentially until your child is ready to go public.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

No. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, even if they claim ignorance. If:

• The university owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred, or
• The university had prior knowledge of hazing at the organization, or
• The university failed to implement adequate oversight of Greek life,

then the university can be held liable for negligence.

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

• Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years.
• For wrongful death cases, it’s 2 years from the date of death.
• For minors, the clock may not start until they turn 18.

But don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

5. We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Hendry County families pay $0 upfront to hire us. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%).
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

This ensures that every Hendry County family can afford justice, regardless of financial circumstances.

6. My child was hazed at a university outside Hendry County. Can you still help?

Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Students from Hendry County attending out-of-state universities.
• Students hazed at universities near Hendry County (e.g., FGCU, FAU, USF, UF).
• Students hazed in any state, as long as the defendants have ties to Florida.

Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admission allow us to pursue cases across the country.

7. What if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries? Can we still sue?

Yes. Hazing often causes psychological trauma even without physical injuries. If your child suffered:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Academic decline

they may still have a valid legal claim. Psychological injuries are compensable under Florida law.

8. The fraternity has already been suspended. Why do we need to sue?

Suspensions and expulsions are not enough. They don’t:

• Compensate your child for their injuries.
• Hold the individuals who harmed your child accountable.
• Prevent the fraternity from reopening under a new name.
• Send a message to other organizations that hazing will cost them millions.

A lawsuit is the only way to ensure real accountability and prevent future hazing.

9. Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

Yes, you can sue the national organization. National fraternities and sororities:

• Have deep pockets (millions in assets and insurance).
• Are responsible for overseeing local chapters.
• Often know about hazing at their chapters but fail to stop it.

In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi, we’re suing both the local chapter and the national organization because both failed to prevent hazing.

10. What if my child was hazed but didn’t report it immediately?

It’s never too late to seek justice, but time is critical. The sooner you act:

• The easier it is to preserve evidence.
• The stronger your legal case will be.
• The more likely you are to meet deadlines (statutes of limitations).

Contact us immediately for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and advise you on the best path forward.

Hazing at Universities Near Hendry County: The Warning Signs

Hendry County parents should be aware of the warning signs of hazing. If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, they may be a victim:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones)
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Weight loss or dehydration

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear of certain people or places
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
• Avoiding discussions about Greek life or “pledging”

Academic Signs:

• Missing classes or dropping grades
• Skipping exams or assignments
• Withdrawing from extracurricular activities

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses (e.g., buying alcohol for others, paying for “events”)
• Requests for money without explanation

If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately and contact an attorney.

How Attorney 911 Builds a Strong Hazing Case for Hendry County Families

Hazing cases require specialized legal strategies. Here’s how we build a strong case for Hendry County families:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence.
• Obtain text messages, social media posts, and emails before they’re deleted.
• Secure security camera footage from fraternity houses or event locations.

2. Medical Documentation

• Obtain complete medical records to prove the extent of injuries.
• Work with medical experts to explain how hazing caused the injuries.
• Calculate future medical expenses (e.g., ongoing therapy, kidney monitoring).

3. Identifying All Liable Parties

• Local chapter — Directly organized and conducted hazing.
• National organization — Failed to supervise despite knowledge of hazing.
• University — Failed to protect students despite prior incidents.
• Individual members — Participated in or facilitated hazing.
• Housing corporations — Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred.

4. Proving Pattern of Negligence

• Obtain prior hazing reports from the same organization.
• Show that the national organization knew about hazing risks.
• Prove that the university knew about hazing at the organization.

5. Expert Testimony

• Hazing culture experts — Explain how hazing works and why it’s dangerous.
• Medical experts — Testify about the severity of injuries and long-term impact.
• Economic experts — Calculate lost wages and future earning capacity.

6. Aggressive Negotiation or Trial

• Negotiate from strength — We know how insurance companies value claims.
• Refuse lowball offers — We won’t settle for less than your case is worth.
• Take it to trial if necessary — We’re not afraid to go to court to get justice.

The Attorney 911 Difference: Why Hendry County Families Trust Us

1. We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing — We’re Fighting It Right Now

While other firms claim to handle hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case is happening right now, and we’re bringing the same strategy to Hendry County families.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Companies

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides. We know how insurance companies:

• Value claims
• Delay cases
• Try to deny liability
• Lowball settlements

We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. We’re Not Afraid of Powerful Defendants

We’ve taken on:

• Multi-billion dollar corporations (BP Texas City explosion litigation)
• National fraternities and sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, others)
• Major universities (University of Houston, others)

We know how to build strong cases and negotiate from strength.

4. We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency

• No upfront costs — You pay nothing to hire us.
• No hourly fees — We don’t charge by the hour.
• No risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

5. We Travel to Hendry County for Your Case

We’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we travel to Hendry County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Hazing affects students from all backgrounds, including Spanish-speaking families. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure no Hendry County family is left behind.

7. We Care About Our Clients Like Family

We don’t just see our clients as cases — we see them as people who’ve been wronged. We fight for Hendry County families because we truly care.

Hendry County Families: It’s Time to Take Action

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “team-building.” It’s abuse, and it has no place at universities near Hendry County.

If your child has been hazed, they deserve justice, accountability, and compensation. The institutions that allowed this to happen must be held responsible.

Hendry County Families: Call Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

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

We will fight for your Hendry County family — because no child should suffer in silence.

Hendry County Parents: One Call Can Change Everything

You sent your child to college to learn, grow, and thrive — not to be tortured, humiliated, or hospitalized. If your child has been hazed, you have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent this from happening to another Hendry County family.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re ready to fight for you.

Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyers for Hendry County Hazing Victims

📍 Serving Hendry County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com