🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Jewell County, Kansas – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
When “tradition” becomes torture, we fight back.
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Jewell County, Kansas, you’re not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that hospitalized our client in Houston operate at institutions across Kansas and the Midwest. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Jewell County families.
Jewell County parents: Your child deserves the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston. We will travel to Jewell County for your case.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Kansas and Beyond
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have active chapters at universities throughout Kansas and nearby states. The same national organizations that paid $10 million in our current case have chapters near Jewell County where the same dangerous “traditions” exist.
Universities near Jewell County with Greek life include:
- Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS) – 90 miles from Jewell County
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) – 150 miles from Jewell County
- University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) – 200 miles from Jewell County
- Wichita State University (Wichita, KS) – 220 miles from Jewell County
- Nebraska and Missouri institutions within driving distance
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas operate at these schools. If your child was hazed in Kansas, we can help.
🏥 What Hazing Does to Students – Medical Consequences
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “going through initiation.” It’s assault, battery, and sometimes torture – with real medical consequences.
Our current client suffered:
- Rhabdomyolysis – muscle breakdown that releases toxins into the bloodstream
- Acute kidney failure – life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
- Three nights and four days in the hospital – fighting for his life
- Permanent kidney damage risk – ongoing health concerns
Other medical consequences of hazing we’ve seen:
- Alcohol poisoning (BAC levels 5-6x the legal limit)
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
- Broken bones from physical abuse
- Hypothermia from forced exposure
- Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Jewell County families: If your child was hospitalized or traumatized by hazing, you have legal rights.
💰 Why $10 Million? The Precedent for Hazing Cases
We’re currently seeking $10 million in our Houston hazing case – and that number is supported by recent legal precedent:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Bermudez (our case) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Pending | $10 million demanded |
Jewell County families: These verdicts prove that hazing cases win millions when victims come forward. The same compensation is available to Kansas victims.
⚖️ Kansas Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights
Kansas has strict anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities in the state:
Kansas Statute § 21-5417 – Hazing
“Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with an educational institution.”
Penalties:
- Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine)
- Class A misdemeanor if serious bodily injury occurs (up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine)
- Felony if death occurs
Important for Jewell County victims:
- Consent is not a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate
- Organizations can be held liable – not just individual members
- Universities can be held liable – for failing to protect students
🏢 Who We Sue for Jewell County Hazing Victims
When we take a hazing case, we pursue every responsible party – not just the individuals who directly participated. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| National Fraternity Organization | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “hazing crisis” |
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| University | Failed to supervise Greek life despite prior hazing incidents |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
Jewell County families: We will identify every liable party in your case and pursue them aggressively.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Jewell County
Immediate Steps for Jewell County Families
- Get medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
- Preserve evidence – Save all texts, photos, videos, social media posts
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority – They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
- Call us immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911 – The clock is ticking on your legal rights
Evidence to Preserve for Jewell County Cases
| Evidence Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Proves physical injuries |
| Photos of injuries | Documents abuse |
| Text messages | Shows coordination of hazing |
| Social media posts | Can corroborate timeline |
| Witness statements | Other pledges’ accounts |
| Fraternity documents | Pledge manuals, schedules |
| Academic records | Shows impact on education |
🎯 Why Jewell County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Hazing Lawyers – We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook.
What this means for your Jewell County case:
- We know how to maximize insurance payouts
- We know how to defeat their delay tactics
- We know how to expose their cover-ups
- We know how to find the money – even when they claim they have none
Our Hazing-Specific Advantages for Jewell County Families
| Advantage | How It Helps Your Case |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense | Know how to fight insurance company tactics |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York – strategic for national fraternities |
| $10M Hazing Case Experience | Currently litigating major hazing case |
| Multi-Million Dollar Settlements | Proven track record in personal injury |
| Will Travel to Jewell County | We come to you for depositions and meetings |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families |
We Understand the Fear – And We Protect Our Clients
Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). We get it. Hazing victims often don’t come forward because they’re afraid of:
- Social ostracism
- Retaliation from fraternity members
- Academic consequences
- Being labeled a “snitch”
We protect our clients. We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies. You don’t have to face them alone.
📞 Jewell County Hazing Victims – Call Now
The clock is ticking. Kansas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait.
Jewell County Families – Contact Us Today
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
We will travel to Jewell County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 Our Message to Kansas Fraternities
To fraternities operating near Jewell County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Jewell County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Jewell County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities in Kansas: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Kansas institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jewell County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Kansas State University. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are licensed in Texas and New York. We will travel to Kansas for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: What if my child consented to the hazing activities?
A: Consent is not a defense under Kansas law. The statute explicitly states that even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal. The law recognizes that peer pressure, threats, and social coercion mean true consent is often impossible.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency – we don’t get paid unless you get paid. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter where the hazing occurred. Kansas law applies to hazing on or off campus. If the hazing was connected to a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization, we can pursue the case.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston for owning the fraternity house and failing to prevent hazing.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear social or academic retaliation. We protect our clients by handling all communications with the fraternity and university. Your identity can be protected during litigation.
Q: How long do these cases take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle in 6-12 months, while others may take 1-3 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: Psychological trauma is real and compensable. If your child suffered PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional harm from hazing, you may have a case. These damages are often significant.
🏆 Our Hazing Case Experience – Fighting for Victims Nationwide
Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
What happened:
- Our client, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi
- Over 7 weeks of systematic abuse, including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to run through his own vomit
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout (Oct 15, 2025)
- On November 3, 2025, he was punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand without help
- He crawled up the stairs when he got home
- His condition worsened over three days
- His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025
- Diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
- Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days
Legal action:
- $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter November 14, 2025 – before the lawsuit was filed
- Media coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Why this matters for Jewell County families:
- Same fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) has chapters near Jewell County
- Same national organization that failed to prevent Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017
- Same pattern of institutional failure
📚 Hazing Education for Jewell County Parents
What Jewell County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing is not just “rough initiation” – it’s abuse
Hazing activities that cause physical or psychological harm are illegal in Kansas. This includes:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise
- Beatings or paddling
- Sleep deprivation
- Humiliation or degradation
- Waterboarding or other torture-like activities
2. Hazing happens at Kansas schools
While we haven’t seen specific reports from Jewell County, hazing incidents have occurred at:
- Kansas State University – multiple incidents over the years
- University of Kansas – Greek life hazing reported
- Wichita State University – hazing allegations
- Fort Hays State University – Greek life incidents
3. Universities often cover up hazing
In our current case:
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (different fraternity)
- They failed to implement real oversight
- Now they’re defendants in our lawsuit
4. National organizations know about the problem
Pi Kappa Phi:
- Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at their FSU chapter
- Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 at their UH chapter
- Same national organization – they had 8 years to fix their culture and did nothing
5. Hazing can have lifelong consequences
- Physical injuries can be permanent
- Psychological trauma can last for years
- Academic performance often suffers
- Career opportunities can be impacted
- Trust in institutions is broken
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing for Jewell County Parents
What to Watch For
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained injuries, bruises, limping, exhaustion |
| Behavioral | Sudden withdrawal, depression, anxiety, fear of social situations |
| Academic | Drop in grades, missing classes, failing assignments |
| Social | Avoiding certain people, reluctance to discuss “pledge activities” |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses, requests for money for “fraternity activities” |
| Schedule | Late nights, early mornings, unexplained absences |
| Language | Using fraternity/sorority slang, talking about “traditions” or “tests” |
What to Do If You Suspect Hazing in Jewell County
- Talk to your child – Create a safe space for them to share
- Document everything – Save texts, photos, social media posts
- Contact the university – Report your concerns to Greek Life office
- Contact us – 1-888-ATTY-911 – We can help protect your child’s rights
- Consider medical evaluation – Even if injuries seem minor
🎓 Hazing in Different Organizations – Not Just Greek Life
Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities and sororities. It happens in:
| Organization Type | Examples of Hazing |
|---|---|
| Sports teams | Forced drinking, physical abuse, humiliation |
| Marching bands | Sleep deprivation, physical punishment |
| ROTC programs | Extreme physical training, degradation |
| Honor societies | Rituals involving alcohol or humiliation |
| Academic clubs | “Initiation” activities that cross the line |
| Military academies | Extreme physical and psychological abuse |
Jewell County families: If your child was hazed in any organization, we can help.
📞 Jewell County Hazing Victims – Contact Us Now
The clock is ticking. Kansas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Jewell County Families – We’re Here to Help
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
We will travel to Jewell County for your case. Your child deserves justice – no matter where you are.
🏆 Why Jewell County Families Trust Attorney 911
Real Results for Real Families
“After being injured by a falling stack of gates at a department store I sought medical help & legal advice, after getting nowhere, I contacted Ralph Manginello. He listened intently heard my concerns and issues and immediately began working to protect my rights. He treated me professionally, with respect and understanding.” – Ken Taylor
“I was in a very bad vehicle accident last year… when they picked up my case they were on it it did not take a very long time for us to settle… the settlement was in my favor in my opinion they did a great job” – Sharon Giron
“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
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me. They worked on my case for about three years.” – Debra Cambric-Chisolm
For Jewell County hazing victims:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena
🔥 Final Message to Kansas Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Jewell County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
To the universities in Kansas:
We know you have the power to stop hazing. We know you choose reputation over safety. We know you’ll be held accountable.
The message from our $10 million lawsuit is clear:
When you waterboard a student in Kansas, you pay.
When you force someone to exercise until their kidneys fail, you pay.
When you lie in vomit-soaked grass and call it brotherhood, someone pays.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every institution in Kansas, every national organization, and every individual who thinks they can torture our kids and walk away.
Jewell County families: The fight starts with you. Call us today. 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
