Hazing Victims in Jefferson County, Tennessee: Legal Rights and Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice

If your child has been the victim of fraternity or sorority hazing in Jefferson County, Tennessee, you need to know: this is not tradition. This is not bonding. This is abuse. And it’s illegal.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic torture disguised as “brotherhood.” The same fraternities operate at universities near Jefferson County. The same negligence exists at Tennessee institutions. And we will fight for Jefferson County families with the same aggression.

You are not alone. Your child has rights. And we will hold those responsible accountable.

Hazing in Tennessee: The Crisis in Jefferson County

Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas or Florida — it’s happening right here in Jefferson County, Tennessee, and across the Volunteer State. Whether your child attends Carson-Newman University, Walters State Community College, or another institution near Jefferson County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in our landmark case.

The Reality of Hazing in Tennessee

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed (Alfred University study)
• Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the United States
• 95% of hazing victims never report it — often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization

In Tennessee, hazing is a crime. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123, hazing that creates a substantial risk of physical harm is a Class A misdemeanor — punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. If hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class E felony, carrying 1-6 years in prison.

What Tennessee Law Says About Hazing

Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123: Hazing

Definition of Hazing in Tennessee:

Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, 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.

Prohibited Conduct Includes:

• Physical brutality (beating, whipping, branding, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse or humiliation
• Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical harm

Key Legal Point:

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Tennessee law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Jefferson County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our current case, we’re suing:

Jefferson County Families: If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Jefferson County, we will pursue every liable party — from the individual members to the national organization to the university itself.

The $10 Million Message We’re Sending — And What It Means for Jefferson County

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to our client, Leonel Bermudez. Here’s what happened to him — and why this matters for Jefferson County families:

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez (Our Client)

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning as punishment
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to run sprints while in distress
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Not even a student yet — he was a “ghost rush,” hazed before enrolling

This didn’t happen in a war zone. It happened at a fraternity house — owned by a major university.

Why This Case Matters for Jefferson County

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Jefferson County

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have active chapters at Tennessee universities near Jefferson County.
   • If they’re doing this in Texas, they’re doing it in Tennessee.

2. Universities Near Jefferson County Have the Same Power — and the Same Failures

   • Carson-Newman University, Walters State Community College, and others own or control fraternity houses.
   • They have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
   • They choose not to — until someone gets hurt.

3. National Organizations Know About the Problem

   • Pi Kappa Phi knew about “a hazing crisis” (per lawsuit allegations) and did nothing.
   • The same nationals operate in Tennessee — they know what’s happening in their Jefferson County chapters.

4. $10 Million Sends a Message

   • This isn’t just about compensation. It’s about changing the culture.
   • When fraternities pay millions, they start taking hazing seriously.
   • Jefferson County families can send the same message.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Jefferson County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms but can be life-threatening.
• Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — any communication about hazing
• Photos or videos of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity events
• Names and contact information of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders)
• Physical evidence — clothing, paddles, other items used in hazing
• Medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to control the narrative.
• They will ask you to sign documents that may waive your rights.
• They will pressure you to stay quiet.
• Anything you say can be used against you.

Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Do not post about the incident.
• Do not post about being “fine” — even if you feel okay, this can be used against you.
• Do not engage with Greek life members online.
• Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts to minimize your claim.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Jefferson County families
• $0 upfront cost — we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
• Nationwide representation — we can help no matter where the hazing occurred
• Video consultations — meet with us remotely if you can’t travel
• Travel to Jefferson County — we’ll come to you for depositions and meetings

What We Can Recover for Jefferson County Families

Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. We pursue compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational impact (tuition loss, scholarship loss, delayed graduation)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (the agony of hazing injuries)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct (when hazing is especially cruel or reckless)
• Deterrence for future hazing (to prevent others from being hurt)

Tennessee has no cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, meaning juries can award millions for pain and suffering.

Tennessee Hazing Precedents: What’s Possible for Jefferson County Families

While Tennessee doesn’t have as many publicized hazing verdicts as some states, multi-million-dollar settlements are possible — especially when institutions are involved. Consider these national precedents that apply to Tennessee cases:

Jefferson County Families: If your child was hazed at a university near Jefferson County, you have the right to pursue significant compensation — and we have the experience to make it happen.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Jefferson County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know how to build these cases from the ground up.
• We know how to hold institutions accountable.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know how they value claims, delay cases, and deny liability.
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Reach — We Can Help Anywhere

• Federal court authority — we can sue in federal court if needed.
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York.
• Video consultations — meet with us remotely.
• We travel to Jefferson County — for depositions, meetings, and trials.

4. $0 Upfront Cost — We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do

• No retainer. No hourly fees.
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

5. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

• We don’t back down from powerful institutions.
• We treat you like family — not just another case.
• We fight for justice — not just settlements.

6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
• We provide bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families.
• No language barriers to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Jefferson County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they’re afraid to come forward. What should we do?

Many hazing victims stay silent due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the organization. But you have options:

• Report anonymously to the university or law enforcement.
• Contact us confidentially — we can advise you without revealing your identity.
• Know your rights — Tennessee law protects you from retaliation.

Remember: The longer you wait, the harder it is to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.

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

No. Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

3. What if the hazing happened off-campus? Does the university still have responsibility?

Yes. Tennessee universities have a duty to protect students — even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable.

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

• Personal injury: 1 year from the date of injury (Tennessee statute of limitations).
• Wrongful death: 1 year from the date of death.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately.

5. My child attends Carson-Newman University. Can you help us?

Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at Carson-Newman University, Walters State Community College, and other Tennessee institutions near Jefferson County.

6. What if the fraternity tries to intimidate us into dropping the case?

• Document everything — save texts, emails, voicemails.
• Do not engage — refer all communication to your attorney.
• Report threats to law enforcement.
• We will protect you — from intimidation and retaliation.

7. How much is my child’s case worth?

Every case is unique, but we evaluate:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, long-term damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (torture, forced consumption, physical abuse)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or nationals know about prior hazing?)
• Pattern of abuse (was this a one-time incident or systematic hazing?)
• Defendant’s ability to pay (universities and nationals have deep pockets)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Jefferson County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

8. What if my child was hazed at a different university, not in Jefferson County?

We represent hazing victims nationwide. Whether the incident occurred at UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt, ETSU, or any other school, we can help.

Fraternities and Sororities Near Jefferson County: We’re Watching You

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Jefferson County, Tennessee:

We know who you are.
We know your corporate structures.
We know your insurance policies.
We know your hazing histories.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Gamma Delta, Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Chi Alpha, Delta Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Alpha Psi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta:

If your chapter operates near Jefferson County, know this:

• We are actively tracking hazing incidents at your chapters.
• We have experience suing your national organizations (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc.).
• We know how to pierce your corporate veils and hold individuals personally liable.
• We will pursue every liable party — from the pledge master to the national president.

The $10 million lawsuit we filed in Texas is just the beginning. Your chapter could be next.

Universities Near Jefferson County: You Have a Choice

To the administrations of Carson-Newman University, Walters State Community College, and other Tennessee institutions:

You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail, you become part of the problem.

You have two options:

1. Proactively address hazing — implement real oversight, enforce policies, and protect students.
2. Continue to enable abuse — and face multi-million-dollar lawsuits, criminal charges, and public outrage.

The choice is yours. But know this: We will hold you accountable.

Jefferson County Families: Enough Is Enough

To the parents, students, and families of Jefferson County:

Your child trusted these organizations.
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the sorority. They trusted the university.

That trust was betrayed.

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.”

It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

You have the power to stop it.

• Report it.
• Speak out.
• Demand justice.

We’re here to help.

Contact Attorney 911 — Jefferson County’s Hazing Lawyers

If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County or anywhere in Tennessee, call us NOW.

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

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations
✅ $0 upfront cost — we work on contingency
✅ Nationwide representation — we can help anywhere
✅ Video consultations — meet with us remotely
✅ Travel to Jefferson County — we come to you

Se habla español.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims in Jefferson County face physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. But you don’t have to face it alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for justice — for Leonel Bermudez, for your child, and for every student who deserves to be safe.

Call us today. The consultation is free. The fight for justice starts now.