Hazing Lawyers in Kent County, Delaware – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
Kent County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice
If your son or daughter has been a victim of hazing in Kent County, Delaware, you’re not alone. Hazing is a serious problem at colleges and universities across America—including those near Kent County. The same fraternities that have caused life-threatening injuries and deaths nationwide operate right here in Delaware.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Kent County families.
Hazing in Kent County: It’s Happening Here
While our current case is in Texas, the same national fraternities with documented hazing histories have chapters at or near Kent County universities. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen right here in Delaware.
Kent County parents: If your child attends college near Kent County, they face the same risks. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client operate at Delaware institutions. The same universities that failed to stop hazing in Texas have the same oversight failures here.
What Is Hazing? The Kent County Reality
Hazing isn’t harmless “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.
Common Hazing Practices in Kent County and Beyond
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, traumatic brain injury |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, organ failure |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hoses or other methods | Traumatic stress, respiratory distress, death |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health crises |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, long-term trauma |
Kent County Hazing: The Medical Consequences
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort. It can destroy lives.
- Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (like our client)
- Acute Alcohol Poisoning – Can be fatal (like Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, Andrew Coffey)
- Traumatic Brain Injury – From beatings or falls
- Hypothermia/Hyperthermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures
- Cardiac Arrest – From extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, Anxiety, Depression – Long-term psychological damage
- Death – Hazing kills students every year
The Pi Kappa Phi Case: What Happened in Texas Could Happen in Kent County
Our Landmark $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and multiple individuals on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?
- Waterboarded with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed from exhaustion
- Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault
- Forced to eat until vomiting – Then forced to continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down on a table – Another pledge was restrained this way for over an hour
- Hospitalized for 4 days – With kidney failure and muscle breakdown
Kent County families: This isn’t just a Texas problem. The same fraternities operate at universities near Kent County. The same universities fail to protect students. The same hazing culture exists here in Delaware.
Why Kent County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are the Hazing Litigation Experts
We don’t just handle hazing cases—we specialize in them. Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for victims of institutional negligence, including:
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook—and now we use it against them.
✅ Federal Court Authority – We can pursue hazing cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national organizations.
✅ Dual-State Licensed – Texas and New York. This allows us to sue national fraternities headquartered anywhere in the U.S.
✅ Proven Track Record – We’ve won millions for personal injury victims, including cases against major corporations and institutions.
✅ Hazing-Specific Experience – We’ve handled cases involving rhabdomyolysis, fraternity abuse, and university negligence.
✅ Nationwide Service – While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across America, including in Kent County.
We Speak Your Language – Literally
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We have bilingual staff who can communicate with you in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers prevent you from getting the justice you deserve.
Kent County Hazing: Who Is Liable?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Fraternity Organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University | Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated the hazing |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Kent County families: The same liability structure applies here. If your child was hazed at a Delaware university, we can pursue every responsible party.
Kent County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Delaware Anti-Hazing Law
Delaware has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Delaware Code Title 14, § 906, hazing is defined as:
Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.
Key Provisions:
- Hazing is a criminal offense – Can result in fines and jail time
- Consent is not a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
- Organizations can be penalized – Including fines and loss of recognition
- Universities must report hazing – Failure to report is a violation
Civil Liability for Kent County Hazing Victims
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Kent County can sue for damages, including:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
- Lost wages – Time missed from work or school
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages – To punish egregious conduct
- Wrongful death – If hazing results in death
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts have awarded millions to victims and their families.
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver (LSU) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez (UH) | Pi Kappa Phi | Our Case | $10 million sought |
Kent County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Delaware victims.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kent County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get medical care. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Text messages, emails, GroupMe chats – Save everything
- Photos/videos – Document injuries and hazing activities
- Witness information – Get names and contact info
- Medical records – Keep all hospital and doctor notes
- Social media posts – Screenshot anything related to hazing
Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity or university without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And Delaware has a statute of limitations—you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit.
Call us 24/7 for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer video consultations for Kent County families who cannot travel to Texas.
Kent County Hazing: Common Questions
1. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Delaware law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
2. Can I sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable. In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
3. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (including alumni) can be held liable.
4. How much is my Kent County hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing victims have recovered millions. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- University/fraternity knowledge of prior hazing
- Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption)
5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We protect our clients and ensure their safety throughout the legal process.
6. How long will my case take?
Most hazing cases settle within 1-2 years, but complex cases can take longer. We work aggressively to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you only pay if we win. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
Kent County Hazing: The Warning Signs
Hazing often starts subtly but escalates quickly. Kent County parents: Watch for these red flags:
✅ Sudden exhaustion or sleep deprivation – Your child seems constantly tired
✅ Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or burns
✅ Withdrawal from social activities – Avoiding friends or family
✅ Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, mood swings
✅ Secretive behavior – Hiding phone, avoiding questions about Greek life
✅ Physical symptoms – Vomiting, passing out, difficulty walking
✅ Financial requests – Asking for money for “fraternity dues” or “events”
If you notice these signs, act immediately. Call us for a confidential consultation.
Kent County Hazing: We Will Fight for You
This Is What We Do
We are not just lawyers. We are advocates for change. We are fighting to end hazing culture in America.
Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is just the beginning. We will pursue every defendant—the fraternity, the university, the individuals—until justice is served.
Kent County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not your child’s fault. The institutions that allowed this to happen must be held accountable.
We will:
✅ Investigate aggressively – Gather evidence, interview witnesses
✅ Pursue every defendant – No one escapes liability
✅ Maximize your compensation – Medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
✅ Protect your privacy – No unnecessary publicity
✅ Fight until the end – We don’t back down from powerful institutions
Contact Attorney 911 Today
If your child has been a victim of hazing in Kent County, time is running out.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront fees. We only get paid if you win.
Kent County families: We will travel to Delaware for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Enough Is Enough. Let’s End Hazing in Kent County.
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Kent County, Delaware and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
