Hazing Lawyer for Kiowa County, Kansas – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911: Fighting for Kiowa County Families Against Hazing Abuse
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Kiowa County Parents: Your Child Could Be in Danger
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in too many cases, it’s deadly.
Right now, we’re fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for torturing a student until he was hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity has chapters near Kiowa County. The same national organizations operate at Kansas universities. And the same negligence exists at institutions across the state.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Kiowa County or anywhere in Kansas, they could be next.
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group. In Kansas, it’s illegal—and it can lead to serious injury or death.
Common Hazing Practices in Kiowa County and Kansas:
- Physical abuse: Forced exercise until collapse, beatings, paddling
- Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous stunts: Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure
Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Kidney failure
- Traumatic brain injury
- Alcohol poisoning
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Death
Kiowa County Hazing: The Local Reality
While Kiowa County itself may not have large universities, many families in the area send their children to colleges across Kansas and neighboring states where Greek life thrives. Some of the universities near Kiowa County with active Greek organizations include:
- Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS) – Just 60 miles north of Kiowa County
- Wichita State University (Wichita, KS) – Major Greek life presence
- University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) – Large Greek system
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) – Active fraternities and sororities
- Emporia State University (Emporia, KS) – Greek life culture
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, and others—have chapters at these Kansas universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Kiowa County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court right now.
The Landmark Case: What Happened at UH Could Happen in Kansas
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic torture during the Fall 2025 pledge process. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue running
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout—hazing continued
Result:
Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical exertion, releasing toxins that nearly destroyed his kidneys.
Why This Matters to Kiowa County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Kiowa County.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Kansas fraternities.
- Universities near Kiowa County face the same liability failures as UH.
- If your child is being hazed in Kansas, we will fight for you with the same aggression.
Media Coverage of the Case:
- ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge”
- KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
Who Is Liable for Kiowa County Hazing?
When hazing occurs, everyone involved can be held accountable—not just the students who participated. In our lawsuit, we’re pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing culture; failed to supervise |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Kiowa County Parents: If your child is hazed at a Kansas university, we will pursue every liable party—no matter how powerful.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kiowa County or Kansas
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
- Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails) about hazing.
- Document witness names—other pledges, bystanders, or members who saw what happened.
- Keep medical records—hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront the fraternity/sorority leadership.
- Do not give statements to university administrators alone.
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
- We will preserve evidence and build your case.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Kiowa County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Kiowa County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in court today.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook—and we use it against them.
3. Nationwide Reach – Including Kiowa County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Kiowa County and all of Kansas. We have:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel for Kiowa County cases
- Remote consultation options for Kansas families
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City Explosion – Involved in multi-billion-dollar mass tort litigation
- Multi-Million Dollar Settlements – Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Criminal Defense Experience – Hundreds of cases dismissed or reduced
- Hazing-Specific Expertise – Representing victims of fraternity/sorority abuse
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Kansas come from Hispanic families. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.
6. Contingency Fee – No Upfront Costs
We understand that Kiowa County families may be concerned about legal fees. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Hazing Precedents: Multi-Million Dollar Proof
Hazing cases win big when victims have strong legal representation. Some landmark cases:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 Million Settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 Million Jury Verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ Million Settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential Settlement |
| Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 Million Lawsuit Pending |
Kiowa County Families: These results are possible for Kansas victims too. The same legal strategies apply.
Kansas Hazing Laws: Your Rights
Kansas has strict anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Kansas Statutes § 21-5414, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If hazing results in serious injury or death, the penalties increase significantly.
Key Legal Points for Kansas Victims:
- Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
- Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing on their campuses.
- National fraternities/sororities can be sued for failing to supervise their chapters.
- Individual members can be held personally responsible for their actions.
Statute of Limitations in Kansas:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
Kiowa County Families: Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately.
Fraternities Near Kiowa County with Hazing Histories
The following fraternities have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide, including at Kansas universities. If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they are at risk.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Kansas Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | KU, K-State, Wichita State |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths; chemical burns cases | KU, K-State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021, death), multiple alcohol poisoning cases | KU, K-State, Wichita State |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death) | KU, K-State, Fort Hays State |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing hospitalizations | KU, K-State |
| Sigma Chi | UT Austin hazing death (2025) | KU, Wichita State |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death) | KU, K-State |
Kiowa County Parents: If your child is pledging any of these fraternities—or any Greek organization—they need protection.
What Kiowa County Families Can Recover
If your child is hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Lost academic opportunities
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded when conduct is egregious or intentional
- Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
- Can reach millions of dollars in cases involving torture or death
Kiowa County Hazing Lawyer: Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Kiowa County or anywhere in Kansas, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- Remote video meetings for Kiowa County families
- Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
- Immediate response – We travel to Kansas for depositions and trials
Kiowa County Parents: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing doesn’t stop unless victims stand up. Your child’s case could save lives.
Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911
We are the hazing lawyers Kiowa County families trust.
