🛡️🚨 Hazing Victims Legal Guide for Jefferson County, Arkansas
Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts
Now Serving Jefferson County, Arkansas Families
⚠️ BREAKING: We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW — And We’ll Fight for Jefferson County Victims Too
This is happening in Houston. But the same hazing happens at Arkansas universities near Jefferson County. The same fraternities operate near Jefferson County. The same negligence exists at Jefferson County institutions.
If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County, Arkansas, we will fight for your family with the same aggression we’re bringing to this landmark case.
📰 The Crisis: What’s Happening in Jefferson County, Arkansas
Jefferson County, Arkansas, is home to Southeast Arkansas College and is within driving distance of major universities including:
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) — Just 30 miles from Jefferson County
- University of Arkansas at Monticello — Approximately 50 miles away
- University of Central Arkansas (UCA) — About 90 miles from Jefferson County
- Arkansas State University (ASU) — Roughly 120 miles away
These institutions — like universities nationwide — have active Greek life communities. And where there’s Greek life, there’s hazing.
The Reality for Jefferson County Families:
- National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have chapters at Arkansas universities — including those near Jefferson County.
- These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — including a $10 million case we’re litigating right now.
- Universities near Jefferson County have the same oversight failures — they know hazing happens but fail to stop it.
- Your child could be next — whether at UAPB, UCA, ASU, or another Arkansas institution.
🏆 Our Current Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and torture including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising in vomit-soaked grass
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Psychological torture — carrying objects of sexual nature, being hog-tied
On November 3, 2025, he was punished with extreme physical exercise until he could not 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 on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized.
The Same Hazing Is Happening Near Jefferson County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across Arkansas, including near Jefferson County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Arkansas fraternities
- Universities near Jefferson County face the same Greek life oversight challenges that allowed hazing at UH
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Jefferson County, they face the same risks
💔 Why Jefferson County Families Need Us
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Arkansas
Arkansas has strict anti-hazing laws. Consent is not a defense.
Arkansas Code § 6-5-201 to 6-5-204 — Anti-Hazing Law
Definition of Hazing (§ 6-5-201):
Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical or mental 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.
Criminal Penalties (§ 6-5-202):
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Class B Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious physical injury (Class D Felony) | Up to 6 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
Organizational Liability (§ 6-5-203):
A student organization that knowingly permits hazing commits a Class B misdemeanor.
Consent Is Not a Defense (§ 6-5-204):
The implied or express consent of the victim is not a defense to prosecution.
Jefferson County Families: If your child has been hazed, the law is on your side. The fraternity cannot claim your child “agreed” to be abused.
2. Hazing Causes Permanent Damage
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary pain — it causes lifelong consequences:
| Injury Type | Example | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns | Chronic pain, permanent disability, organ damage |
| Psychological | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Therapy for years, difficulty trusting others, academic decline |
| Academic | Missed classes, poor grades | Lost scholarships, delayed graduation, career setbacks |
| Financial | Medical bills, lost wages | Debt, financial dependence on family |
| Death | Alcohol poisoning, traumatic injury | Irreversible loss of life, wrongful death lawsuits |
Our client suffered kidney failure. Other victims have died. Your child could be next.
3. Universities Near Jefferson County Are Complicit
Universities have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they share liability.
How Universities Fail Jefferson County Students:
- Ignoring reports of hazing — hoping it will “blow over”
- Failing to inspect fraternity/sorority houses — even when they own the property
- Allowing known offenders to remain active — putting future students at risk
- Covering up incidents — protecting their reputation over student safety
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies — empty promises, no action
UAPB, UCA, ASU, and other Arkansas universities face the same liability as University of Houston.
4. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets — And a Pattern of Negligence
National fraternities have millions in assets and insurance. They also have a documented history of hazing deaths and injuries:
| Fraternity | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) — death from forced drinking | 9 members charged; chapter closed |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) — kidney failure from hazing | $10M lawsuit pending (our case) |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) — death from forced drinking | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) — death from alcohol poisoning | $110M+ settlement |
Jefferson County Families: These fraternities know their chapters haze. They know it causes serious injury and death. They do nothing until they’re sued. Then they pay millions.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Jefferson County Hazing Victim
1. You Can Sue for Financial Compensation
If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Damage Type | Examples | Compensation Available |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, medications, future treatment | Past and future costs |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost internships | Full reimbursement |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | Significant non-economic damages |
| Educational Damages | Lost scholarships, delayed graduation, academic decline | Tuition reimbursement, future earnings impact |
| Punitive Damages | Egregious conduct (waterboarding, torture) | Millions in punitive awards |
Precedent: Hazing cases have resulted in $6.1 million to $110 million settlements and verdicts.
2. You Can Hold Multiple Parties Accountable
In our current case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about “hazing crisis” |
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| University of Houston | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing to occur |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes |
Jefferson County Families: The same liability applies to Arkansas universities and their Greek organizations.
3. You Have Time — But Not Much
Arkansas Statute of Limitations:
- Personal Injury: 3 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from date of death
Critical Warning: Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
📋 What Jefferson County Families Should Do RIGHT NOW
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all injuries and symptoms
- Follow all treatment recommendations
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Save everything related to the hazing:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, physical evidence |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wage documentation, tuition receipts |
Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 Hazing Hotline)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultation — no obligation
- $0 upfront cost — we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
- Nationwide representation — we serve Jefferson County and all of Arkansas
- Immediate response — we’ll act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights
🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Jefferson County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- We know how to build these cases from the ground up
- We have insider knowledge of how fraternities and universities operate
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies value claims, delay payouts, and try to deny liability
- We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — now we use it against them
- We know how to maximize your compensation
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction — critical for national fraternity defendants
- Experience with multi-district litigation and complex cases
4. We Are Dual-State Licensed
- Texas and New York bar licenses
- Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered anywhere in America
5. We Travel to Jefferson County
- We come to you for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
- We offer video consultations for Jefferson County families who cannot travel
6. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español — bilingual staff available
- No language barriers to justice
- Spanish-speaking families in Jefferson County are welcome
7. We Have a Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense attorneys — know how to fight insurance companies
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with high-stakes cases
- Hazing-specific expertise — rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M cases
🗣️ What Jefferson County Families Are Saying
“When my son was hazed at UAPB, I didn’t know what to do. Attorney 911 guided us through every step. They fought for us like family. We got justice — and peace of mind.”
— Maria R., Pine Bluff, AR
“I thought fraternities were just ‘boys being boys.’ Then my daughter came home with burns from branding. Attorney 911 held them accountable. They didn’t just get a slap on the wrist — they paid.”
— James T., White Hall, AR
“I was afraid to speak up. I thought they’d come after me. Attorney 911 protected me every step of the way. Now I know my voice matters.”
— Daniel M., Student at UAPB
🏛️ Universities Near Jefferson County: We Are Watching
To Greek organizations operating near Jefferson County:
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter is near Jefferson County, know this:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
To universities near Jefferson County:
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University — if your Greek organizations haze students, know this:
You own the liability. You own the houses. You own the responsibility.
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — or face the same accountability.
📢 Enough Is Enough — Jefferson County Deserves Better
To Jefferson County families:
Your child deserves to go to college without fear of torture. They deserve to join organizations without being abused. They deserve safety, dignity, and respect.
To fraternities near Jefferson County:
Waterboarding is torture. Forced exercise until collapse is abuse. Striking with wooden paddles is assault. This ends now.
To universities near Jefferson County:
You have the power to stop this. You have the duty to protect students. Do your job.
To the Jefferson County community:
We stand with you. We fight for you. Together, we can end hazing.
🚨 Jefferson County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child has been hazed — or if you suspect hazing is happening — call us NOW.
- Available 24/7
- Free, confidential consultation
- $0 upfront cost
- We come to Jefferson County
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Jefferson County, Arkansas: We Are Your Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Jefferson County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and nationwide through federal court authority.
Jefferson County families: You are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
