🛡️ Hazing Lawyers for Jackson County, Arkansas Families
When tradition becomes torture — we fight back.
Jackson County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students. But when that trust is betrayed through hazing, the consequences can be devastating — physical injuries, psychological trauma, even death.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. Jackson County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide nationwide.
If your child has been hazed at a college near Jackson County, Arkansas — whether at Arkansas State University-Newport, Williams Baptist University, or any other institution — we can help. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Arkansas and Beyond
Hazing is not just a problem in Texas. It happens at colleges and universities across Arkansas, including near Jackson County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at the University of Houston and Texas A&M maintain chapters at Arkansas institutions. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in Greek organizations near Jackson County.
Jackson County families need to know: hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
Common hazing activities include:
- Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
- Extreme physical exercise (excessive pushups, squats, runs)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Beating or paddling
- Forced consumption of food, liquids, or non-food items
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Servitude (cleaning, errands, driving members)
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened at University of Houston Could Happen Near Jackson County
This Is Not Theoretical — We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10 million
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — Attorney 911
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with hose
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during a workout — other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered
- Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion
- Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion for non-compliance
The Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis — breakdown of muscle tissue releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream
- Acute kidney failure — life-threatening complication requiring hospitalization
- Three nights, four days in the hospital — intensive medical treatment
- Severe muscle pain and difficulty walking — documented at admission
- Brown urine — classic sign of muscle breakdown (myoglobinuria)
The Institutional Response:
- Pi Kappa Phi National immediately closed the UH chapter — they knew litigation was coming
- University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of community standards”
- Both admitted they knew about the risks and failed to act
Why This Matters to Jackson County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Jackson County
- The same fraternities that operate at UH and Texas A&M have chapters at Arkansas institutions
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Arkansas fraternities
- Universities near Jackson County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed at a college near Jackson County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing Near Jackson County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our UH case, we are pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Jackson County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any Greek chapter near Jackson County that hazes students |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis”; pattern of violations | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and others with Arkansas chapters |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing; owned/controlled property; institutional negligence | Arkansas State University-Newport, Williams Baptist University, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, active members |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Former members or alumni who host events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability | Liability policies of fraternities, universities, individuals |
Jackson County families: You don’t have to sue just the local chapter. We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Jackson County Hazing Victim
Arkansas and Federal Laws Protect Hazing Victims
Arkansas Hazing Law (Arkansas Code § 6-5-201 to 6-5-205):
- Definition: Hazing includes any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with an organization.
- Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine). If it causes serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class D felony (up to 6 years in prison).
- Consent is not a defense — Arkansas law explicitly states that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing.
Federal Civil Rights Claims:
- Hazing that involves discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected classes may violate Title IX or Section 1983.
- Universities receiving federal funding must protect students from harassment and discrimination.
Negligence Claims:
- Duty of care owed to students
- Breach of that duty through hazing
- Causation of injuries
- Damages
Assault and Battery:
- Intentional harmful or offensive contact
- Each participant can be sued individually
Jackson County families: These laws apply to hazing incidents at any Arkansas college or university — including those near Jackson County.
💰 What Compensation Is Available for Jackson County Hazing Victims?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity — if injuries affect future career prospects
- Educational damages — tuition, fees, scholarships lost due to academic disruption
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — from injuries sustained during hazing
- Mental anguish — trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD from abuse
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — scars, burns, or other permanent marks
Punitive Damages:
- Purpose: To punish defendants for egregious conduct and deter future hazing
- When awarded: When conduct is intentional, reckless, or shows deliberate indifference
- Jackson County relevance: Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse support punitive damages
Jackson County families: You don’t have to pay us upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Jackson County
Immediate Steps for Jackson County Families:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Get a full medical evaluation — even if injuries seem minor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Document Everything
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications (texts, emails, social media, GroupMe messages)
- Keep a journal documenting what happened, how you feel, and how it’s affecting your life
- Get contact information for witnesses
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post on social media about the incident
-
Preserve Evidence
- Do not delete any messages, photos, or videos
- Do not destroy clothing or other physical evidence
- Save all medical records and bills
-
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- Consider filing a police report
- Consider reporting to the university’s Title IX office
- Consider reporting to the national organization
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations
- We can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights
Jackson County families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations apply. Contact us immediately.
🎯 Why Jackson County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are the Hazing Litigation Experts — Now Serving Jackson County
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Jackson County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Ralph Manginello has been trying cases for over two decades — we know how to win |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think and how to maximize your recovery |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue cases in federal court — critical for national fraternity defendants |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for national cases |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Jackson County victims |
| Bilingual Representation | Se habla español — we serve Jackson County’s diverse community |
| Proven Track Record | Recovered millions for personal injury victims — we fight for maximum compensation |
| Contingency Fee Basis | $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win your case |
| Willingness to Travel | We come to Jackson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Compassionate Representation | We treat Jackson County families like family — you’re not just a case number |
Jackson County families: We are not afraid to take on universities, national fraternities, or powerful institutions. We are fighting this battle right now in Houston, and we will bring the same fight to Jackson County.
🏆 Our Experience Fighting Hazing and Institutional Negligence
Hazing-Specific Experience:
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Rhabdomyolysis injury expertise — same medical condition as our UH client
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation — experience with Greek life culture and dynamics
- Texas A&M University hazing cases — institutional accountability
High-Profile Case Experience:
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation — Mass tort experience against large corporate defendants
- Ryan Mitchell Smith Case (ABC13 coverage) — High-profile criminal defense with media attention
- Assault Family Member Trial Dismissal — Aggressive trial advocacy
- Civil Rights Litigation — Federal appellate experience; abuse of process claims
Why This Experience Matters for Jackson County Families:
- We know how to take on powerful institutions — universities and national fraternities won’t intimidate us
- We have experience with complex medical evidence — critical for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and other hazing injuries
- We are trial-tested — if defendants won’t settle fairly, we will take your case to trial
- We have media relationships — we know how to use public pressure to support your case
- We are not afraid to fight — we have the resources and experience to go the distance
🗓️ Timeline of a Jackson County Hazing Case
| Phase | What Happens | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial Consultation | Free case evaluation; sign retainer | 1 day |
| 2. Investigation | Gather evidence; interview witnesses; obtain medical records | 1-3 months |
| 3. Medical Treatment | Complete treatment; reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) | 2-12 months |
| 4. Demand Package | Compile damages; send demand to defendants | After MMI |
| 5. Negotiation | Settlement discussions with defendants | 1-6 months |
| 6. Litigation (if needed) | File lawsuit; discovery; depositions | 6-18 months |
| 7. Mediation | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement | 1 day |
| 8. Trial (if needed) | Present case to judge/jury | Days to weeks |
| 9. Resolution | Settlement or verdict; payment | Varies |
Jackson County families: Every case is unique. Some settle within months; others take years. We will keep you informed at every step.
📢 What Jackson County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
Jackson County families: We treat you like family because that’s what you are to us.
🏛️ Universities and Colleges Near Jackson County, Arkansas
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including at colleges and universities near Jackson County, Arkansas.
Institutions Near Jackson County Where Hazing May Occur:
| Institution | Location | Distance from Jackson County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University-Newport | Newport, AR | Within Jackson County | Likely Greek organizations |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | ~30 miles from Jackson County | Active Greek system |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | ~50 miles from Jackson County | Major Greek life presence |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | ~150 miles from Jackson County | Large Greek system |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | ~100 miles from Jackson County | Active Greek life |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | ~120 miles from Jackson County | Major Greek presence |
Jackson County families: If your child attends any college or university — in Arkansas or anywhere in America — and has been hazed, we can help.
📞 Contact Attorney 911 — Jackson County Hazing Lawyers
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Jackson County Families:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Houston Headquarters (Serving Jackson County):
Attorney 911
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office (Serving Jackson County):
Attorney 911
[Address details available upon request]
Beaumont Office (Serving Jackson County):
Attorney 911
[Address details available upon request]
Jackson County families: We offer video consultations and will travel to Jackson County for your case.
Free Consultation for Jackson County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jackson County, Arkansas, contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We will:
- Listen to your story
- Evaluate your legal options
- Explain your rights
- Develop a strategy for justice and compensation
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
🔥 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Jackson County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Alpha Order, and all others:
We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi for waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse that hospitalized a student. The same legal strategies that are winning in Houston apply to your chapters near Jackson County.
If you haze students at colleges near Jackson County, Arkansas, we will:
- Sue your local chapter
- Sue your national organization
- Sue your housing corporation
- Sue your individual members
- Pursue every liable party to the fullest extent of the law
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is now closed. Your chapter could be next.
🎓 To Universities Near Jackson County: The Liability Is Yours
Arkansas State University-Newport, Williams Baptist University, and all others:
When you own fraternity and sorority houses, when you recognize Greek organizations, when you collect fees from them — you have a duty to protect your students.
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where waterboarding occurred. They knew about a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017. They are now facing a $10 million lawsuit.
If you fail to prevent hazing at your institution, you will face:
- Lawsuits from Jackson County families
- Media scrutiny
- Legislative oversight
- Loss of funding
- Loss of reputation
Act now. Implement real oversight. Protect your students — or face the consequences.
💔 To Jackson County Families: You Are Not Alone
We understand the pain, the fear, and the betrayal you’re feeling. We understand the desire to protect your child and seek justice.
We are here for you.
- Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email us: ralph@atty911.com
- Visit us: attorney911.com
Jackson County families: Together, we can hold the institutions accountable and ensure this never happens to another family.
🛡️ Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for Jackson County Hazing Victims
Immediate. Aggressive. Compassionate.
Serving Jackson County, Arkansas and nationwide.
Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
