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Kings County (Earth/North America/United States/California/Kings County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Pike: $24M | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 18 min read
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🚨 Kings County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | Attorney 911

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.

If your child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or worse by fraternity or sorority hazing in Kings County, we can help. We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re ready to bring the same aggressive representation to Kings County families.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Kings County — What Every Parent Needs to Know

Kings County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They believe that when their child joins a fraternity or sorority, they’ll be welcomed into a supportive community.

That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing is happening at universities near Kings County — and it’s not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s sending students to the hospital — or worse.

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in Kings County. The same cultures of abuse that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Kings County institutions. The same negligence that allowed a student to be waterboarded at UH is present at universities near Kings County.

Kings County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face the same risks. And if something happens, you need a Kings County hazing lawyer who knows how to fight back.

⚠️ This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Kings County.

The Case That Proves Hazing Is Out of Control

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet.

He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. But when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, he was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with kidney failure.

What they did to him:

  • Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning
  • Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault
  • Forced him to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited — then made him keep running
  • Forced him to lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Made him drive fraternity members at all hours — sleep deprivation
  • Threatened him with expulsion if he didn’t comply
  • Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The result?

  • Severe rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down
  • Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition
  • 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
  • Permanent health consequences

This wasn’t an accident. It was torture. And it’s happening at universities near Kings County.

🏢 Who Is Responsible for Hazing in Kings County?

When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is liable. That includes:

Responsible Party Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted the hazing
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
National Fraternity/Sorority Organization Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise chapters
University or College Failed to protect students; knew or should have known about hazing risks
Housing Corporation Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Alumni Who Hosted Hazing Premises liability for hosting dangerous activities

The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters near Kings County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Houston have the same oversight failures here.

Kings County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We know how to hold every responsible party accountable.

💰 Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions — Kings County Victims Can Too

Hazing cases don’t just result in apologies. They result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have won:

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 (estimated) settlement
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Confidential settlement
Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston $10 million lawsuit pending

These results are possible for Kings County hazing victims too. The same legal strategies apply. The same defendants — fraternities, universities, individuals — can be held accountable.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Kings County Hazing Victim

1. You Can Sue Even If You “Consented” to Hazing

Texas law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing.

When fraternities or sororities say:

  • “He agreed to participate”
  • “He knew what he was signing up for”
  • “He could have left at any time”

Texas Education Code § 37.154 says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

The law was written specifically to prevent this defense. You can still sue even if you participated in hazing activities.

2. You Can Sue the University — Even If It Wasn’t Their Fault

Universities near Kings County have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they can be held liable for:

  • Premises Liability — If they own or control the property where hazing occurred
  • Negligent Supervision — If they failed to monitor Greek organizations
  • Institutional Negligence — If they knew or should have known about hazing risks

University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were being tortured. That’s negligence — and Kings County universities can be held to the same standard.

3. You Can Sue the National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have millions of dollars in assets and insurance. They also have a legal duty to supervise their chapters.

In our Pi Kappa Phi case:

  • They knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017
  • They knew about “a hazing crisis”
  • They did nothing to stop it
  • Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025

The same nationals operate near Kings County. If your child was hazed, we can pursue the national organization for failing to protect them.

4. You Can Sue Individual Members — Including Chapter Officers

Individuals who participate in or facilitate hazing can be held personally liable.

In the Stone Foltz case:

  • The chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
  • Other members faced criminal charges

Kings County hazing victims: We will identify and pursue every individual who harmed your child.

5. You Can Recover Compensation for Medical Bills, Pain and Suffering, and More

Hazing victims are entitled to compensation for:

Damage Type Examples
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
Lost Wages Time missed from work due to injuries
Pain and Suffering Physical pain from injuries and abuse
Mental Anguish PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing
Emotional Distress Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
Punitive Damages Additional damages to punish egregious conduct

Kings County families: You don’t have to pay for what they did to your child.

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

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and other injuries may not show symptoms right away
  • Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
  • Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
  • Get witness information — other pledges, bystanders
  • Document everything — write down what happened, when, where, who was involved

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They will try to get you to sign documents waiving your rights
  • Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media

  • Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you
  • Even innocent posts can be twisted to make it seem like you weren’t really hurt

Step 5: Contact a Kings County Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free, confidential consultations
  • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
  • We will preserve evidence, investigate the case, and fight for maximum compensation

🎯 Why Kings County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

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. We know how to win. Kings County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think. We know their playbook. We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. If your case involves a national fraternity or out-of-state defendants, we can pursue it in federal court.

4. We’re Dual-Licensed (Texas & New York)

This gives us strategic advantage when suing national organizations headquartered in other states.

5. We Travel to Kings County

We come to Kings County for:

  • Depositions
  • Client meetings
  • Trials
  • Anything your case requires

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. We Work on Contingency

  • $0 upfront
  • We don’t get paid unless you get paid
  • No financial risk to you

7. We Speak Spanish

  • Se habla español
  • Bilingual staff available
  • No language barriers to justice

8. We Have a Proven Track Record

  • 25+ years of litigation experience
  • Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
  • Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to beat them
  • Google 4.9-star rating — 250+ reviews

📞 Kings County Hazing Victims: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out.

If your child has been hazed in Kings County, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

  • Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • Email: ralph@atty911.com
  • Video Consultation: Available for Kings County families

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now — and we’ll fight for Kings County families too.

Frequently Asked Questions for Kings County Families

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered psychological trauma, emotional distress, or other harm. We can evaluate the case and determine your legal options.

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

A: Yes. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child participated, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: We’re not in Houston. Can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Kings County. We offer video consultations and travel to Kings County for your case.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retribution. We will protect your child’s identity and take steps to prevent retaliation. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was also afraid — we’re fighting for him too.

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

A: In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights may expire.

Q: Can we sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek organizations, they can be held liable even if they didn’t know about a specific incident.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it was part of fraternity/sorority activities, the organization can be held liable.

Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct)

🔍 Hazing Warning Signs for Kings County Parents

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Kings County, watch for:

Warning Sign What It Might Mean
Sudden secrecy They can’t tell you what they’re doing
Unexplained bruises or injuries Physical abuse
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation Late-night activities, forced driving
Weight loss or changes in eating habits Forced consumption or food deprivation
Anxiety, depression, or mood swings Psychological trauma from hazing
Sudden withdrawal from friends/family Isolation as part of hazing
Unexplained absences Forced activities at odd hours
Carrying strange objects Humiliation rituals (e.g., fanny pack with sexual objects)
Defensive when asked about Greek life Trying to hide what’s happening
Sudden decline in academic performance Hazing taking time/energy away from studies

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. And if you suspect hazing, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

📢 A Message to Kings County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Kings County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements nationwide apply to your chapter.

If you haze students in Kings County, we will find every liable entity:

  • Your chapter
  • Your national organization
  • Your housing corporation
  • Your individual members
  • The university that allowed it

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

We are coming for you.

We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ A Message to Kings County Universities

To the universities near Kings County:

You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students.

When you own fraternity houses, you own the responsibility for what happens inside them.

When you recognize Greek organizations, you recognize the duty to supervise them.

When you collect tuition from students, you collect the obligation to keep them safe.

University of Houston owned the house where a student was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They are being sued for $10 million.

Kings County universities: You are on notice. If hazing happens on your campus, you will be held accountable.

🌐 Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Do We

Hazing is a national epidemic. The same fraternities that have killed students at Penn State, LSU, and Florida State operate chapters at universities near Kings County.

Kings County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We are Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We fight for victims nationwide.

If your child has been hazed in Kings County, call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

📞 Kings County Hazing Lawyer — Free Consultation

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com

We fight for Kings County families. We fight for justice. We fight to end hazing.

Enough is enough.

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