Hazing Victims in Labette County Deserve Justice — We’re Fighting for You
If your child has been hazed in Labette County, Kansas, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay silent.
Labette County families send their children to colleges and universities across Kansas and the region, expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of abuse thrives — one that has left students hospitalized, traumatized, and even dead. The same fraternities and sororities that operate at universities near Labette County have paid millions of dollars in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same institutions that should protect students have failed time and again.
We are Attorney 911, and we are fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This didn’t happen in some distant state — it happened in 2025, and it could happen to a student from Labette County next.
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Labette County, we can help you fight back.
This Is What Hazing Really Looks Like — And It’s Happening Near Labette County
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.
In our current case, a student was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls — until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until he vomited — then forced to continue running in his own vomit
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leaving him exhausted
- Psychological torture — carrying objects of a sexual nature at all times, being hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Threats of expulsion — if he refused to comply
This student wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet. He was a “ghost rush” — someone expected to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even a student.
And here’s the worst part: This wasn’t the first time. Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017. The University of Houston had another student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They knew this could happen. They did nothing to stop it. And now, a student is in the hospital with kidney failure.
This is happening at universities near Labette County. The same fraternities operate here. The same risks exist. And the same justice is possible.
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
While we are based in Texas, hazing is a nationwide epidemic, and we represent victims across America — including in Labette County, Kansas. Our attorneys are admitted to federal court and have the authority to pursue cases wherever justice is needed.
We serve Labette County hazing victims through:
✅ Federal court authority — We can file lawsuits in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when national fraternities and universities are involved.
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility in pursuing national organizations.
✅ Video consultations — Labette County families can meet with us remotely for free consultations, without needing to travel.
✅ Travel commitment — We will travel to Labette County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
✅ Contingency fee representation — You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets.
Labette County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas. You don’t have to fight this alone.
The Same Fraternities Are Operating Near Labette County
Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity involved in our current case, has 150+ chapters across America — including at universities near Labette County. Other fraternities with documented hazing histories also have chapters in the region, including:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Involved in the $10.1 million Stone Foltz settlement
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths and injuries
- Phi Delta Theta — Involved in the $6.1 million Maxwell Gruver jury verdict
- Beta Theta Pi — Involved in the $110+ million Timothy Piazza settlement
- Sigma Chi — Recent lawsuit filed at University of Texas at Austin for hazing-related death
These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern — and it’s happening at universities near Labette County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Labette County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence is present. And the same legal rights apply.
Universities Near Labette County Are Liable Too
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the fraternity — but they didn’t.
Universities near Labette County have the same responsibilities — and the same failures.
When universities:
- Own or control fraternity houses
- Fail to investigate hazing reports
- Ignore prior incidents
- Allow dangerous cultures to thrive
They are legally liable for the harm that results.
In 2017, a student at the University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at a different fraternity. The university knew hazing was dangerous. They did nothing. Eight years later, another student was hospitalized after hazing at a different fraternity.
This is not negligence. This is institutional failure.
We Know How to Win These Cases — And We’re Doing It Right Now
Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for victims against powerful institutions. We know how to:
✅ Expose the truth — We have successfully litigated hazing cases involving Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and rhabdomyolysis injuries. We know how to uncover the evidence that institutions want to hide.
✅ Hold every defendant accountable — We sue the fraternity chapter, the national organization, the university, and the individuals who participated. No one gets away with it.
✅ Maximize your compensation — We pursue every category of damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
✅ Protect your rights — We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies so you don’t have to face intimidation or manipulation.
✅ Fight for systemic change — Our cases don’t just win compensation — they force universities and fraternities to change their cultures. The Stone Foltz case resulted in a $10.1 million settlement and new Ohio hazing laws. The Maxwell Gruver case resulted in a $6.1 million jury verdict and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act. Your case can save lives.
What Labette County Families Need to Know About Hazing Laws
Hazing Is Illegal in Kansas
Kansas has anti-hazing laws that make hazing a criminal offense. Under Kansas law, hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student
- Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership in an organization
- Includes physical brutality, forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, or other dangerous activities
In Kansas, consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the people who haze them can still be held criminally and civilly liable.
Universities Can Be Sued for Negligence
Universities near Labette County have a duty to protect their students. When they fail to:
- Enforce anti-hazing policies
- Investigate reports of hazing
- Remove dangerous organizations
- Provide safe environments
They can be held legally responsible for the harm that results.
National Fraternities Are Liable Too
National fraternity and sorority organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters. When they fail to:
- Enforce anti-hazing rules
- Investigate complaints
- Discipline dangerous chapters
- Provide proper training
They can be held liable for the harm their chapters cause — even in Labette County.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Labette County
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Labette County, take these steps immediately:
1. Seek Medical Attention
- Hazing injuries can be life-threatening, even if they don’t seem serious at first.
- Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can cause permanent damage or death if untreated.
- Get your child evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries, the location where hazing occurred, and any items used in hazing.
- Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
- Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, who was involved, what was said.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel
- Fraternities and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They will ask your child to sign documents or give statements.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
- Do not let them intimidate or manipulate you.
4. Contact an Attorney Immediately
- The statute of limitations in Kansas is typically 2 years — but evidence disappears quickly, so don’t wait.
- We offer free consultations to Labette County families.
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
- Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Why Labette County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know How They Think
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies and defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know:
- How insurance companies value claims
- How they try to deny or minimize compensation
- How they manipulate victims into accepting lowball settlements
We use that knowledge to fight for you.
We Have Decades of Litigation Experience
- Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of courtroom experience.
- Lupe Peña has 12+ years of litigation experience, including at a national defense firm.
- We have handled hundreds of personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
- We have experience with federal court cases and multi-defendant litigation.
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- We are litigating this case as we speak.
- We know the strategies, tactics, and evidence that win hazing cases.
- Labette County families get the same aggressive representation.
We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations
- Ongoing case communication
- Document translation and explanation
- Courtroom interpretation coordination
No language barriers. No excuses.
We Travel to Labette County
We understand that Labette County families may not be able to travel to Texas. That’s why we:
- Offer video consultations
- Travel to Labette County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Handle all communications remotely
- Make the process as easy as possible for you
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
We Work on Contingency — You Pay Nothing Upfront
We know that cost can be a barrier to hiring an attorney, especially for families dealing with medical bills and trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront cost — You don’t pay us anything to start your case.
- We only get paid if we win — Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.
- No hidden fees — You’ll know exactly what to expect.
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets.
The Compensation Labette County Families Can Recover
If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, future medical care
- Lost wages — If your child missed work due to injuries
- Educational disruption — Tuition and fees for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships
- Future earning capacity — If injuries affect your child’s career prospects
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering — The physical agony of hazing injuries
- Mental anguish — The trauma, fear, and humiliation of being hazed
- Emotional distress — Anxiety, depression, PTSD from the experience
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — Permanent scars or injuries
Punitive Damages
- Punitive damages are awarded to punish defendants for egregious conduct.
- They are available when hazing involves torture, reckless endangerment, or deliberate indifference to safety.
- In our current case, waterboarding, 500 squats until collapse, and striking with wooden paddles all support punitive damages.
Recent Hazing Cases Show What’s Possible for Labette County Families
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| 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 |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
These results are possible for Labette County families too.
Frequently Asked Questions for Labette County Families
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Under Kansas law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the people who hazed them can still be held liable. The law recognizes that peer pressure, threats, and social coercion make true consent impossible.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. The law does not allow dangerous “traditions” to continue just because “that’s how it’s always been done.”
Q: We’re in Labette County. Can you still represent us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Labette County. We offer video consultations, travel to you when needed, and handle all communications remotely. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Q: What if the fraternity threatens my child?
A: That’s retaliation — and it’s illegal. If the fraternity or its members threaten, intimidate, or retaliate against your child for speaking out, that creates additional legal claims. Document everything and tell us immediately.
Q: How long will this take?
Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on the complexity. Some settle quickly; others go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward?
We understand the fear of retribution. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to do an interview due to retribution. We protect our clients’ identities and safety. Your child’s privacy and well-being are our top priorities.
Q: Can we sue the university too?
A: YES — if the university failed to protect your child. If the university owned the fraternity house, ignored prior hazing incidents, or failed to enforce anti-hazing policies, they can be held liable.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, a bar, or any other location, the fraternity and its members can still be held liable.
Labette County Families: This Is Your Call to Action
Enough is enough.
For too long, fraternities and universities have gotten away with hazing our children. They’ve hidden behind “tradition” and “brotherhood” while students are waterboarded, forced to drink until they die, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
But we are changing that.
Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is sending a message: Hazing will not be tolerated. The people who do it will be held accountable. The institutions that enable it will pay.
Labette County families deserve that same justice.
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Labette County, contact us immediately. We offer free consultations, and we work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
Call Us Now — 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com/hazing
What Happens When You Call:
- Free consultation — We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case.
- No pressure — You decide if you want to move forward.
- Immediate action — We’ll send preservation letters to protect evidence.
- No upfront cost — We only get paid if we win your case.
- Aggressive representation — We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.
To the Fraternities Operating Near Labette County:
We are watching.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi — if your chapter operates near Labette County, know this:
- We are tracking your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance policies.
- We know your EINs, your legal names, your addresses.
- We know your hazing histories — who has paid millions, who has had chapters closed, who has been sued before.
- We know how to hold you accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in America. Your chapter could be next.
To the Universities Near Labette County:
You own the problem.
When you own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs, you own the liability. When you ignore prior hazing incidents, you own the negligence. When you fail to protect students, you own the consequences.
The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to stop it — and they didn’t.
We are coming for every university that enables hazing. We will hold you accountable.
To Labette County Families:
Your child trusted these people.
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that they would be safe.
That trust was betrayed.
But you have the power to fight back. You have the power to demand justice. You have the power to protect the next student.
We are here to help you do it.
Call us now. The clock is ticking.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Together, we can end hazing in Labette County — and across America.
