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Jefferson County (Earth/North America/United States/Mississippi/Jefferson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 16 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Jefferson County, Mississippi Families – Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse

When “tradition” becomes torture, we fight back.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening at universities near Jefferson County, Mississippi too. If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County, we will fight for you with the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our Houston case.

🏥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Jefferson County

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse as a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. The hazing included:

  • 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts
  • Result: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure – 4 days in the hospital

This same fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, has chapters at universities near Jefferson County. The same national organization that failed to prevent this in Houston operates near Jefferson County too. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Jefferson County-area fraternities and sororities.

⚠️ Jefferson County Parents: Your Child Is at Risk

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “building character.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s happening right here in Mississippi.

Universities Near Jefferson County with Greek Organizations:

Jefferson County is located in southwestern Mississippi, near the Louisiana border. While Jefferson County itself is rural, several universities with active Greek life chapters are located within a reasonable distance:

  • Alcorn State University (Lorman, MS – ~45 miles northeast)

    • Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including chapters of national organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta.
  • Jackson State University (Jackson, MS – ~70 miles northeast)

    • One of Mississippi’s largest historically Black universities with a significant Greek presence, including Divine Nine organizations.
  • University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS – ~120 miles southeast)

    • Hosts numerous fraternities and sororities, including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others.
  • Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS – ~130 miles north)

    • Another historically Black university with active Greek organizations.
  • Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA – ~100 miles southwest)

    • While located in Louisiana, LSU is close enough to Jefferson County to draw students from the area. It has a large Greek system with chapters of many national fraternities and sororities, including those with documented hazing histories.

These universities have the same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Jefferson County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

💰 Why $10 Million? Because Hazing Costs Millions

We’re seeking $10 million in our Houston case because that’s what it takes to send a message. Hazing cases win big:

Case Fraternity University Outcome
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State $110+ million settlement
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Confidential settlement
Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston $10 million lawsuit pending

Jefferson County families: These same results are possible for your child. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and insurance policies—they can and will pay when held accountable.

⚖️ Mississippi Hazing Laws – Know Your Rights

Mississippi has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Mississippi Code § 97-3-105, hazing is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines and imprisonment. More importantly, consent is not a defense—meaning even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Who Can Be Sued in Jefferson County Hazing Cases?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held liable, including:

  1. Local Chapter – The fraternity or sorority that directly organized the hazing
  2. National Organization – The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise
  3. University – The school that allowed hazing to occur on its campus or property
  4. Individual Members – The students who directly participated in the hazing
  5. Housing Corporations – The entities that own or control fraternity/sorority houses
  6. Advisors/Alumni – Adults who knew or should have known about the hazing

Jefferson County families: If your child was hazed at Alcorn State, Jackson State, Southern Miss, or any university near Jefferson County, we can pursue all liable parties—regardless of where the incident occurred.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Jefferson County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a university near Jefferson County, take these steps immediately:

  1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
  2. Preserve Evidence – Save all texts, social media messages, photos, and videos related to the hazing.
  3. Document Everything – Write down what your child tells you about the hazing, including dates, locations, and participants.
  4. Do NOT Confront the Organization – They will destroy evidence and coordinate their story.
  5. Do NOT Sign Anything – The fraternity, sorority, or university may try to get you to sign a release or waiver.
  6. Call Us Immediately1-888-ATTY-911 – The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

Jefferson County families: We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🏛️ Who We Sue for Jefferson County Hazing Victims

In our Houston case, we’re suing:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National – Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing
  • Beta Nu Chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
  • University of Houston – Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
  • Individual Members – Participated in the hazing
  • Former Members & Spouse – Allowed hazing at their residence

For Jefferson County families, we will pursue the same types of defendants:

  • The local chapter that hazed your child
  • The national organization that failed to supervise
  • The university that allowed it to happen
  • The individuals who participated
  • Any housing corporations or alumni involved

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Jefferson County Hazing Case

  1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – Our $10 million hazing lawsuit is active and making headlines.
  2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how the other side thinks and fights.
  3. Federal Court Authority – We can pursue cases in federal court if needed.
  4. Dual-State Licensed – Texas AND New York – strategic advantage for national fraternities.
  5. No Upfront Costs – We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
  6. We Travel to Jefferson County – For depositions, meetings, and trials.
  7. 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting for victims for over two decades.
  8. We Speak Spanish – Se habla español – serving Jefferson County’s diverse community.

📞 Jefferson County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at Alcorn State, Jackson State, Southern Miss, or any university near Jefferson County, call us immediately.

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

We serve Jefferson County and all of Mississippi. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Jefferson County for your case.

⏳ Don’t Wait – Evidence Disappears Fast

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. But the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case:

  • Texts and social media messages get deleted
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Universities and fraternities destroy records
  • Statutes of limitations expire – in Mississippi, you typically have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but don’t wait.

Our client in Houston acted immediately—hospitalized on November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.

🔥 To Fraternities Near Jefferson County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma—if your chapter operates near Jefferson County, know this:

  • We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was hospitalized.
  • We have won millions for hazing victims nationwide.
  • We track your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your hazing histories.
  • If you haze students near Jefferson County, we will pursue every liable entity.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in Mississippi too.

📢 Enough Is Enough – Stand with Jefferson County Families

Hazing has claimed too many lives and ruined too many futures. It’s time to hold institutions accountable.

If you’re a Jefferson County parent, student, alumni, or community member who wants to stand against hazing, here’s how you can help:

  • Share this page with Jefferson County families who may need help
  • Contact your legislators and demand stronger hazing laws in Mississippi
  • Pressure universities near Jefferson County to implement real Greek life oversight
  • Support hazing victims who are afraid to come forward

Together, we can protect Jefferson County students and end the culture of hazing.

🏆 Our Commitment to Jefferson County Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just talk about fighting hazing—we’re doing it right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston is active, and we’re bringing that same fight to Jefferson County.

Jefferson County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston. If your child has been hazed at a university near Jefferson County, we will:

Fight for maximum compensation – medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
Hold all liable parties accountable – fraternities, sororities, universities, individuals
Protect your child’s future – academic, professional, and emotional recovery
Travel to Jefferson County – for depositions, meetings, and trials
Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

This isn’t just a case. It’s a movement. Join us in protecting Jefferson County students from hazing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jefferson County Families

Q: My child was hazed at Alcorn State/Jackson State/Southern Miss. Can you help even though we’re in Jefferson County?

A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Jefferson County and all of Mississippi. We offer video consultations and will travel to Jefferson County for your case.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Absolutely. In Mississippi, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal, and the organization can be held liable.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. In our Houston case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take these concerns seriously. We will protect your child’s identity and pursue the case aggressively to prevent future harm to others.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you only pay if we get you money.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 3 years from the date of injury. However, don’t wait—evidence disappears, and the sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students and can be held liable for negligent supervision even if they claim they didn’t know. In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred—giving them clear liability.

Q: My child wasn’t physically injured, but they’re traumatized. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is a valid basis for a lawsuit. In our Houston case, our client is experiencing fear of retribution—which is itself a form of emotional distress. We will pursue compensation for all forms of harm, including mental anguish.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding is torture—whether it’s done to enemy combatants or college students. There is no “tradition” exception to assault, battery, or hazing laws.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. In our Houston case, some hazing occurred at a former member’s residence—and we’re holding the homeowners accountable.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

A: You can sue both. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies, and they can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters. In our Houston case, we’re suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National.

📞 Jefferson County Families: Call Now – 1-888-ATTY-911

If your child has been hazed at Alcorn State, Jackson State, Southern Miss, or any university near Jefferson County, call us immediately.

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

We serve Jefferson County, Mississippi, and all of the Magnolia State. Your child deserves justice—no matter where the hazing occurred.

🔗 Additional Resources for Jefferson County Families

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Jefferson County, Mississippi, and Nationwide

📍 Houston Office: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📍 Austin Office: Serving Jefferson County
📍 Beaumont Office: Serving Jefferson County

We will travel to Jefferson County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

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