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Knox County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down By Our $10M Lawsuit | Attorney911 β€” Federal Court Admitted | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 15 min read
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πŸ›‘οΈ Hazing Victims in Knox County: Your Legal Rights & How We Can Help

Attorney 911 β€” Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Serving Knox County Families

🚨 This Happens in Knox County Too β€” And We’re Fighting Back

Knox County parents, we need to talk about something happening right now at colleges near you β€” something that could be happening to your child.

Right now, in Houston, our attorneys are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. A young man named Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. Struck with wooden paddles. Hospitalized for four days with kidney failure.

This isn’t just a Houston problem. This is a Knox County problem too.

The same fraternities operate at universities near Knox County. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence happens. And if your child is being hazed in Knox County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.

⚠️ What Hazing Really Looks Like in Knox County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It isn’t “building character.” It isn’t “tradition.”

In Knox County and across America, hazing includes:

  • Waterboarding β€” simulated drowning with hoses
  • Forced eating until vomiting β€” then forced to keep running
  • 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls β€” until muscles break down
  • Wooden paddles β€” physical beatings
  • Sleep deprivation β€” forced to drive members at all hours
  • Sexual humiliation β€” forced to carry sexual objects
  • Hog-tying β€” another pledge tied face-down for over an hour
  • Threats β€” expulsion if they don’t comply

This is what’s happening to students near Knox County. This could be happening to your child.

πŸŽ“ Knox County Parents: Your Child Is at Risk

If your child attends or plans to attend college near Knox County, they face the same risks Leonel Bermudez faced:

  • National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have chapters at Knox County-area universities
  • Universities near Knox County have the same oversight failures as University of Houston
  • The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Knox County Greek life
  • Your child could be next

Knox County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston. We will travel to Knox County. We will fight for Knox County victims. We will hold Knox County institutions accountable.

πŸ’° Hazing Costs Millions β€” And Knox County Victims Can Win

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers β€” they’re messages that say: This cannot happen again.

Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:

Case University Fraternity Amount Knox County Relevance
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 Million Same fraternity operates near Knox County
Maxwell Gruver LSU Phi Delta Theta $6.1 Million Hazing is a felony in some states
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ Million Shows what juries award for egregious hazing
Andrew Coffey FSU Pi Kappa Phi Confidential Same fraternity; died from hazing in 2017
Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi $10 Million (pending) Our current case β€” same fight for Knox County victims

Knox County families: These same results are possible for your child. The same legal strategies apply. The same institutions are liable.

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights as a Knox County Hazing Victim

1. You Have the Right to Compensation

If your child was hazed in Knox County, you can sue for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
  • Lost wages (current and future)
  • Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships)
  • Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

2. Consent is NOT a Defense

Texas and Illinois law both say: You cannot consent to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does not excuse the abuse.

3. Multiple Defendants Can Be Held Liable

In Knox County hazing cases, we sue:

  • The local fraternity chapter (direct perpetrators)
  • The national organization (failed to supervise)
  • The university (failed to protect students)
  • Individual members (personal liability)
  • Housing corporations (premises liability)

4. You Have Time β€” But Not Much

  • 2-year statute of limitations in most states
  • Evidence disappears
  • Witnesses forget
  • Call us NOW to protect your rights

🏒 Who We Sue for Knox County Hazing Victims

When we represent Knox County families, we pursue everyone responsible:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis”
University Failed to protect students; knew hazing was happening
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
Housing Corporation Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their residence

Knox County institutions cannot hide. They will be held accountable.

πŸ“‹ What Knox County Families Should Do Right Now

If Your Child Has Been Hazed:

  1. Get medical attention immediately β€” document everything
  2. Preserve all evidence β€” texts, photos, videos, witness names
  3. Do NOT talk to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers β€” they will try to control the narrative
  4. Do NOT post on social media β€” anything you post can be used against you
  5. Call us immediately β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

If Your Child Is Currently Being Hazed:

  1. Remove them from the situation immediately β€” safety first
  2. Document everything β€” take photos, save messages
  3. Report to authorities β€” consider police report
  4. Report to Title IX β€” hazing often involves gender discrimination
  5. Call us immediately β€” we can help protect your child

If Your Child Was Hazed in the Past:

  1. It’s not too late β€” but time is limited
  2. Gather all evidence you still have
  3. Call us immediately β€” we’ll evaluate your case

πŸ† Why Knox County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston. This isn’t hypothetical β€” we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW. Knox County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook β€” and we use it against them. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court β€” can pursue Knox County cases in federal jurisdiction. This is critical when suing national organizations that operate across state lines.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

Licensed in Texas AND New York β€” strategic advantage for Knox County cases involving national fraternities headquartered anywhere in America.

5. We Travel to Knox County

For depositions, client meetings, and trials β€” we come to Knox County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. $0 Upfront Cost

We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win. Knox County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

7. Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families. Knox County Spanish-speaking families are welcome.

8. 25+ Years of Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of courtroom experience. We’ve handled hundreds of cases, including high-profile litigation like the BP Texas City explosion.

9. We Know Hazing Culture

Ralph was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We know what’s really happening in these organizations.

10. We Care About Knox County Families

This isn’t just a case to us. This is about protecting Knox County children. This is about holding institutions accountable. This is about making sure no other Knox County family goes through what our client’s family is going through.

πŸ“ž Knox County Families: Call Us Now β€” Free Consultation

Legal Emergency Hotline for Knox County Hazing Victims:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Knox County hazing emergencies

❓ Knox County Parents: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child was hazed at a Knox County-area university. Can you help us?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Knox County. We will travel to Knox County for your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: We can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. We sue the individuals, the chapter, the nationals, and the university if they knew or should have known.

Q: What if my child “agreed” to participate?

A: Consent is not a defense. Illinois and Texas law both explicitly say you cannot consent to hazing. The law is clear: consent does not matter.

Q: What if the hazing happened years ago?

A: Call us immediately. The statute of limitations is typically 2 years, but there may be exceptions. We need to evaluate your case right away.

Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing?

A: We protect our clients. Universities often try to silence victims. We ensure your child’s rights are protected while pursuing justice.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: This is a real concern. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution. We take precautions to protect our clients’ identities and safety during litigation.

Q: How much will this cost us?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.

Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended?

A: That doesn’t end liability. In fact, it’s an admission of wrongdoing. We’ll use that against them in court.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: Yes, if they knew or should have known. In our current case, University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Knox County universities face the same liability.

Q: What if my child is an international student?

A: Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We’ve represented international students before. Your visa status is protected.

🎯 To Fraternities Operating Near Knox County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” if your chapter operates near Knox County, know this:

  1. We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after waterboarding a student
  2. We know your corporate structures β€” EINs, housing corporations, insurance policies
  3. We know your history β€” every hazing death, every lawsuit, every chapter closure
  4. We know your playbook β€” how you try to silence victims, destroy evidence, control narratives
  5. We are coming for you β€” if you haze students in Knox County, we will find every liable entity

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your Knox County chapter could be next.

πŸ›οΈ To Knox County Universities: The Same Liability Exists Here

University of Houston owned the house where a student was waterboarded. The same liability exists at Knox County universities.

If your institution:

  • Recognizes Greek organizations
  • Collects student fees from them
  • Allows them to operate on campus
  • Has any oversight responsibility

Then you have a duty to protect students. When you fail, you are liable.

Knox County universities: The same negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ“’ Knox County Parents: This Is Your Wake-Up Call

This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” This is happening near Knox County. This could be happening to your child right now.

Ask your child:

  • Have you seen hazing at your school?
  • Have you been pressured to participate in dangerous activities?
  • Have you seen forced drinking, physical abuse, or humiliation?
  • Do you feel safe in your Greek organization?

If the answer is no, call us. If the answer is “I can’t talk about it,” call us immediately.

πŸ”₯ Knox County Families: Enough Is Enough

To the fraternities near Knox County: We see you. We know what you’re doing. And we will hold you accountable.

To the universities near Knox County: We see your failures. We know you’re not protecting students. And we will make you answer for it.

To Knox County parents: We see your fear. We know your pain. And we will fight for your child.

To Knox County students: We see your courage. We know your struggle. And we will stand with you.

This ends now. The time for change is here.

πŸ“ž Knox County Families: Call Now β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

You are not alone. We are here to help. We will fight for you.

Legal Emergency Hotline for Knox County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Serving Knox County and nationwide. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

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