π¨ Hazing Lawyers Serving Kay County, Oklahoma β Justice for Hazing Victims
Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’ | Now Serving Kay County, Oklahoma Families
π Why Kay County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
Kay County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But when Greek life hazing turns violent, the consequences can be devastating β hospitalization, permanent injury, or even death. If your child has been hazed in Kay County or at a university near Kay County, you need aggressive, experienced legal representation that knows how to fight powerful institutions.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to hold fraternities and universities accountable, and how to win. Kay County families get the same elite representation we provide in Texas.
π₯ What Sets Us Apart for Kay County Hazing Victims
| Advantage | How It Helps Kay County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts β ready to fight for Kay County victims |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and institutions try to deny claims β we use that knowledge against them |
| Federal Court Authority | Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas β can pursue Kay County cases in federal court |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed β strategic advantage against national fraternities headquartered anywhere |
| $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Active | We’re litigating a hazing case RIGHT NOW β Kay County families get the same aggressive representation |
| Se Habla EspaΓ±ol | Bilingual support for Spanish-speaking Kay County families |
| Nationwide Service | While based in Houston, we serve hazing victims across America, including Kay County |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront β Kay County families pay nothing unless we win your case |
| Travel Commitment | We come to Kay County for depositions, trials, and client meetings when needed |
ποΈ Hazing at Kay County-Area Universities β The Reality
Kay County is home to Northern Oklahoma College, and many Kay County families send their children to nearby universities with active Greek life:
- University of Oklahoma (Norman) β Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
- Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) β Strong Greek life presence
- University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond) β Active Greek organizations
- Oklahoma City University β Greek life chapters
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate at these universities:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Kay County-Area Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) β $10M settlement; Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) β death; Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) β $10M lawsuit | OU, OSU, UCO |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021) β $1M+ settlement | OU, OSU |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) β death; Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) β $10M lawsuit | OU, OSU |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) β $110M+ settlement | OU, OSU |
| Sigma Chi | Recent death lawsuit (UT Austin, 2025) β wrongful death | OU, OSU |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) β $6.1M verdict | OU, OSU |
Kay County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity at any of these universities, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court right now.
π¨ What Is Hazing? β Kay County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is illegal in Oklahoma and includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Common Hazing Activities at Kay County-Area Universities:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning β this is torture |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, errands |
Kay County families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “building brotherhood.” This is abuse, assault, and sometimes torture.
π₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing β What Kay County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries including:
| Injury | Symptoms | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Severe muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, unconsciousness | Brain damage, respiratory arrest, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Headache, dizziness, memory loss, nausea | Permanent cognitive impairment, disability |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination | Cardiac arrest, frostbite, organ damage |
| Heat Stroke | High body temperature, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Internal Bleeding | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Shock, organ failure, death |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Flashbacks, nightmares, social withdrawal | Long-term mental health issues, suicide risk |
Kay County parents: If your child comes home from college with unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, or changes in behavior, ask questions. Hazing often goes unreported due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization.
βοΈ Oklahoma Hazing Law β What Kay County Victims Can Sue For
Oklahoma Statutes Β§ 21-1190 β Hazing Prohibited
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with an organization.
Criminal Penalties:
- Misdemeanor β Up to 1 year in county jail, $500 fine
- Felony β If hazing results in death or great bodily injury
Civil Liability:
Oklahoma law allows victims to sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Consent is NOT a Defense:
Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
π° What Kay County Hazing Victims Can Recover β Multi-Million Dollar Precedents
Kay County families may be skeptical that hazing cases can win big settlements. They can β and they do. Here are recent multi-million dollar hazing verdicts and settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | OUR CASE | $10 million demanded |
Kay County families: These results are possible for Kay County victims too. The same legal strategies apply.
π What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kay County β Immediate Action Guide
If your child has been hazed at a Kay County-area university, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations run out.
π¨ IMMEDIATE STEPS:
-
Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek medical attention immediately β even if injuries seem minor
-
Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Save communications β text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
- Document everything β dates, times, locations, names of participants
- Get witness contact information β other pledges, bystanders
-
Report the Incident
- File a police report β hazing is a crime in Oklahoma
- Report to university β Title IX office, Greek life office
- Report to national organization β if fraternity/sorority
-
Do NOT
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or university
- Post on social media about the incident
- Delete any messages or posts
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β 24/7 for Kay County hazing emergencies
- Free consultation β we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Contingency fee β $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
π’ Who Is Liable for Kay County Hazing?
When your child is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing; failed to supervise |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity house |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their home; premises liability |
Kay County families: We sue everyone responsible β not just the individuals, but the institutions that enabled the abuse.
π Kay County Hazing Victims β Contact Attorney 911 Now
If your child has been hazed at a Kay County-area university, you have legal rights. We are ready to fight for you.
π Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β 24/7 for Kay County Hazing Emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Kay County families on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis β you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
π’ How We Serve Kay County, Oklahoma
While we are based in Houston, Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Kay County, Oklahoma. We offer:
- Free video consultations β Kay County families can meet with us remotely
- Travel to Kay County β For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Nationwide litigation β Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere
- Bilingual support β Se habla espaΓ±ol for Spanish-speaking Kay County families
- 24/7 availability β Kay County hazing emergencies don’t wait for business hours
π― Our Active Hazing Case β The Fight We’ll Bring to Kay County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi β $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic hazing including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather
- Sprayed with a hose while minimally clothed
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout (October 2025)
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises 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 where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.
Our Response:
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter
- University of Houston
- UH Board of Regents
- Individual fraternity members
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their residence)
Media Coverage:
- ABC13 Houston
- KHOU 11
- Houston Chronicle
- Houston Public Media
Why This Matters to Kay County:
- The same fraternities operate at Kay County-area universities
- The same hazing culture exists at Kay County-area Greek organizations
- Universities near Kay County face the same liability failures
- If it can happen in Houston, it can happen in Kay County β and we’re ready to fight for Kay County families
π‘οΈ How We Protect Kay County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand retention of all communications, photos, videos
- Subpoena social media companies for deleted content
2. Aggressive Discovery
- Subpoena fraternity/sorority records
- Depose chapter officers and national leadership
- Obtain university oversight documents
- Request insurance policies
3. Multi-Defendant Strategy
- Sue the local chapter, national organization, university, and individuals
- Pursue all available insurance coverage
- Maximize recovery from deep-pocket defendants
4. Medical Documentation
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Calculate future medical expenses
- Assess long-term impact on health and earning capacity
5. Psychological Support
- Connect victims with trauma therapists
- Document PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Pursue compensation for mental health treatment
6. Media Strategy
- Publicize the case to prevent future hazing
- Pressure institutions to reform
- Support legislative change
7. Legislative Advocacy
- Work with Oklahoma legislators on new hazing laws
- Support federal Stop Campus Hazing Act
- Testify at legislative hearings
β Frequently Asked Questions β Kay County Hazing Victims
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. They may worry about social retaliation or being ostracized. You can still take legal action on their behalf. Contact Attorney 911 for a confidential consultation. We can advise you on the best steps to protect your child’s rights and safety.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?
A: No. Oklahoma law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity and university are still liable for the harm they caused.
Q: We’re in Kay County, Oklahoma. Can you really help us from Texas?
A: Absolutely. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have:
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
- Willingness to travel to Kay County for depositions and trials
- Video consultation technology for Kay County families
- Experience litigating against national organizations headquartered anywhere
We are currently representing a hazing victim in Houston, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Kay County families.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Kay County hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you get paid. This allows Kay County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit for hazing in Oklahoma?
A: Oklahoma has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, do not wait β evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the process takes time. Contact Attorney 911 immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?
A: Yes. Even if hazing occurs off-campus, universities can still be held liable if:
- They knew or should have known about the hazing
- They failed to implement adequate safeguards
- The hazing was part of an officially recognized organization
- They received prior complaints about the chapter
In our current case, hazing occurred at a university-owned fraternity house β a clear case of premises liability.
Q: My child was hazed, but no one was physically injured. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injury. Victims often experience:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of trust
- Academic decline
- Social withdrawal
These are real, compensable injuries. We work with mental health experts to document the impact and pursue compensation.
Q: The fraternity has already suspended the chapter. Isn’t that enough?
A: No. Suspending or closing a chapter is damage control β not accountability. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter 7 days before we filed the lawsuit. They did this to limit their liability, not because they care about student safety.
Closing a chapter does not:
- Compensate victims for their injuries
- Hold individuals accountable
- Prevent the fraternity from returning to campus
- Change the culture that allowed the abuse
We pursue legal action to:
- Obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future damages
- Hold individuals personally liable
- Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
- Drive systemic change in Greek life culture
π Kay County Hazing Victims β Call Attorney 911 Now
If your child has been hazed at a Kay County-area university, you have legal rights. We are ready to fight for you.
π Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β 24/7 for Kay County Hazing Emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Kay County, Oklahoma on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis β you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
π Why Kay County Families Trust Attorney 911
Client Testimonials
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” β Dame Haskett
“We’ve been family friends your whole life! Ha. Thank you for trusting us for over 20 years with your family’s legal emergencies.” β Attorney 911 Response to Ariel Strawn
“Ralph didn’t have me driving out to court just to reschedule it like my last lawyer did. He saved me a lot of time, money, and very prompt on answering any and all questions I had. Case dismissed.” β Kristyn Hinchliffe
“I highly recommend this law firm. I was helped by Leonor, and the attorney Manginello helped me with my case. Nothing but amazing communication, and they helped me understand the whole process. Got my case dismissed!!” β Ruben Garza
“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.” β 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.” β Debra Cambric-Chisolm
Kay County families: We treat every client like family. We fight hard for every case, no matter the size. When you hire Attorney 911, you get aggressive, compassionate representation from attorneys who truly care.
π Kay County Parents β Protect Your Child from Hazing
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed
Kay County parents should watch for these red flags:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Emotional Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns | Withdrawal from family and friends | Increased anxiety or fear |
| Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation | Sudden decline in academic performance | Depression or mood swings |
| Difficulty walking or moving | Avoiding certain people or places | Loss of interest in activities |
| Unexplained weight loss | Secretive behavior about Greek life | Nightmares or flashbacks |
| Frequent illnesses or injuries | Changes in sleep patterns | Increased irritability or anger |
| Sudden changes in appearance | Self-harm or suicidal thoughts |
If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be too afraid to speak up.
How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing
- Start the conversation early β before they go to college
- Educate them on what hazing looks like β it’s not always obvious
- Encourage open communication β let them know they can talk to you
- Teach them to trust their instincts β if something feels wrong, it probably is
- Provide alternatives β there are other ways to make friends and build community
- Empower them to say no β they have the right to refuse any activity that makes them uncomfortable
- Let them know help is available β from you, from the university, from us
Kay County parents: You can’t be with your child 24/7, but you can prepare them to recognize and resist hazing.
ποΈ University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University β Hazing Culture Exposed
University of Oklahoma (OU)
Greek Life Size: One of the largest Greek systems in the country with over 60 fraternities and sororities
Notable Hazing Incidents:
- 2018: OU Sigma Chi chapter suspended for hazing
- 2019: OU Kappa Sigma chapter suspended for hazing
- 2021: OU Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) chapter suspended for hazing
- 2023: OU Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter suspended for hazing
University Response:
OU has a hazing reporting hotline and claims to take hazing seriously. However, the repeated suspensions show that hazing culture persists despite university policies.
Kay County Connection:
Many Kay County students attend OU. The same fraternities that have been suspended for hazing at OU are the same ones that have killed students at other universities.
Oklahoma State University (OSU)
Greek Life Size: Large Greek system with strong alumni network
Notable Hazing Incidents:
- 2017: OSU Sigma Chi chapter suspended for hazing
- 2019: OSU Kappa Sigma chapter suspended for hazing
- 2021: OSU Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter suspended for hazing
- 2023: OSU Phi Delta Theta chapter suspended for hazing
University Response:
OSU has a zero-tolerance hazing policy and claims to investigate all reports. However, the repeated incidents show that enforcement is inconsistent.
Kay County Connection:
OSU is a popular choice for Kay County students. The hazing culture at OSU puts Kay County students at risk.
π’ Message to Kay County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To fraternities operating at Kay County-area universities:
We are watching. We are building cases. We are holding institutions accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta β if your chapter operates near Kay County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We have proven these cases can be won. We have proven fraternities will pay. We have proven universities will be held liable.
Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
π’ Message to Kay County Universities: The Time for Accountability Is Now
To University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, and all universities serving Kay County students:
You have the power to stop hazing. You have the authority to regulate Greek life. You have the responsibility to protect your students.
When you fail to act, you become liable.
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized. They knew about a prior hazing incident in 2017. They did nothing. Now they are a defendant in a $10 million lawsuit.
Kay County universities: You have been warned. The next hazing incident at your institution could be your liability.
Act now or face the same accountability.
π Our Commitment to Kay County Hazing Victims
At Attorney 911, we are committed to:
- Fighting for justice for every Kay County hazing victim
- Holding institutions accountable β no matter how powerful
- Driving systemic change in Greek life culture
- Protecting future students from the same abuse
- Supporting Kay County families through the legal process
We are not afraid to take on universities, national fraternities, or insurance companies. We have 25+ years of experience, former insurance defense insight, and a proven track record of winning multi-million dollar cases.
Kay County families: When you hire Attorney 911, you get a team that will fight for you with everything we have.
π Kay County Hazing Victims β Call Attorney 911 Now
If your child has been hazed at a Kay County-area university, you have legal rights. We are ready to fight for you.
π Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β 24/7 for Kay County Hazing Emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Kay County, Oklahoma on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis β you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’ | Fighting for Kay County Hazing Victims
Kay County Office: Served remotely from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont with travel to Kay County as needed
Service Area: Kay County, Oklahoma + Nationwide
Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Kay County parents: Your child’s safety is our priority. Call us before it’s too late.