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February 24, 2026 19 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Lincoln County, Oklahoma: You Have Rights and We Can Help

This Happens in Oklahoma Too. We’re Fighting It in Texas β€” And We’ll Fight for Lincoln County Families Too.

Lincoln County parents: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust universities to protect them. You assume Greek organizations will provide brotherhood, not torture.

But hazing is happening at universities near Lincoln County β€” right now.

And when it happens, the institutions responsible will do everything they can to silence victims, minimize the abuse, and avoid accountability.

We are Attorney 911. We’re currently fighting 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 hold institutions accountable. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Lincoln County families who have suffered from hazing.

πŸ₯ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Lincoln County

On November 3, 2025, a young man named Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

What they did to him:

  • Waterboarded him with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning, a form of torture
  • Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
  • Struck him with wooden paddles
  • Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him continue exercising
  • Hog-tied another pledge face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
  • Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workouts

The result: Bermudez spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life. His muscles broke down from the abuse, releasing toxins that nearly destroyed his kidneys.

The same fraternities that did this in Houston operate chapters at universities near Lincoln County. The same culture of abuse exists. The same failure to protect students is happening.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Lincoln County, they face the same risks.

πŸ“š Lincoln County Families: Know the Universities Near You

While we don’t have specific reports of hazing incidents at every institution near Lincoln County, we know that hazing is a nationwide epidemic that affects universities of all sizes β€” including those in Oklahoma.

Universities near Lincoln County where Greek life exists and hazing could occur:

University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)

  • Distance from Lincoln County: ~60 miles
  • Greek organizations: 40+ fraternities and sororities
  • Greek life size: One of the largest Greek systems in Oklahoma
  • Why this matters: Large Greek systems often have higher rates of hazing due to intense competition and peer pressure.

Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)

  • Distance from Lincoln County: ~90 miles
  • Greek organizations: 40+ fraternities and sororities
  • Greek life size: Major presence with significant influence on campus culture
  • Why this matters: OSU has faced Greek life controversies in the past, including alcohol-related incidents.

University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, OK)

  • Distance from Lincoln County: ~50 miles
  • Greek organizations: 20+ fraternities and sororities
  • Greek life size: Smaller but active Greek community
  • Why this matters: Even smaller Greek systems can have hazing issues, especially with less institutional oversight.

Oklahoma City University (OKC, OK)

  • Distance from Lincoln County: ~50 miles
  • Greek organizations: 10+ fraternities and sororities
  • Greek life size: Private university with selective Greek organizations
  • Why this matters: Hazing can be more secretive at private institutions with less public scrutiny.

East Central University (Ada, OK)

  • Distance from Lincoln County: ~70 miles
  • Greek organizations: Several active chapters
  • Greek life size: Smaller regional university
  • Why this matters: Hazing often goes unreported at smaller schools where students fear social retaliation.

Langston University (Langston, OK)

  • Distance from Lincoln County: ~80 miles
  • Greek organizations: Historically Black fraternities and sororities
  • Greek life size: Significant cultural importance
  • Why this matters: Hazing in Divine Nine organizations is well-documented and can be particularly severe due to cultural pressures.

Lincoln County parents: If your child is attending or planning to attend any of these universities β€” or any university with Greek life β€” they are at risk of hazing. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at these Oklahoma schools.

βš–οΈ Oklahoma Hazing Laws: What Lincoln County Families Need to Know

Oklahoma Statutes Β§ 21-1190 β€” Hazing Defined

In Oklahoma, hazing is defined as:

Any activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education.

This includes:

  • Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
  • Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions
  • Confinement in small spaces
  • Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury

Oklahoma Statutes Β§ 21-1190.1 β€” Criminal Penalties

Offense Penalty
Misdemeanor hazing Up to 1 year in county jail, $500-$1,000 fine
Felony hazing (causes great bodily injury) Up to 5 years in state prison, $5,000 fine
Felony hazing (causes death) Up to 10 years in state prison, $10,000 fine

Important note: Oklahoma law makes it illegal to fail to report hazing if you have knowledge of it.

Oklahoma Statutes Β§ 21-1190.2 β€” Consent Is Not a Defense

It is not a defense to prosecution that the victim consented to the hazing activity.

This is critical for Lincoln County families. When fraternities argue:

  • “He agreed to participate”
  • “He knew what he was getting into”
  • “He could have left at any time”

Oklahoma law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

πŸ’° Lincoln County Families: You Can Sue for Hazing in Oklahoma

If your child was hazed at a university near Lincoln County, you have the right to pursue civil damages β€” even if criminal charges are not filed.

Who Can Be Sued in Oklahoma:

Defendant Basis for Liability
Local fraternity/sorority chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National fraternity/sorority organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
University/college Failed to protect students; premises liability
Individual members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
Alumni/former members Hosted hazing events; premises liability
Housing corporations Owned property where hazing occurred

Damages Lincoln County Families Can Recover:

Damage Type Examples
Medical expenses Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, future treatment
Lost wages Time missed from work due to injuries
Pain and suffering Physical pain from hazing activities
Mental anguish PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
Emotional distress Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
Loss of enjoyment of life Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive damages To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
Wrongful death damages If hazing results in death (funeral expenses, loss of companionship)

πŸ“… Lincoln County Families: Act Now β€” Statute of Limitations

Oklahoma Statute of Limitations for Hazing Lawsuits:

Claim Type Time Limit
Personal injury 2 years from date of injury
Wrongful death 2 years from date of death

Lincoln County families: DO NOT WAIT.

  • Evidence disappears (texts, photos, videos)
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Organizations destroy records
  • Your legal rights expire

The time to act is NOW.

πŸ›‘οΈ How Attorney 911 Protects Lincoln County Hazing Victims

1. We Understand Hazing Culture

  • We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
  • We’ve studied the psychology of hazing: peer pressure, fear of exclusion, institutional loyalty
  • We know how fraternities and universities cover up abuse
  • We know how to expose the truth

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

  • Ralph Manginello β€” 25+ years of litigation experience
  • Lupe Pena β€” Former national insurance defense attorney (knows how the other side thinks)
  • Former insurance defense attorneys β€” We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims
  • Dual-state bar admission β€” Texas and New York (strategic advantage against national fraternities)

3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

  • We pursue every liable defendant β€” individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
  • We calculate full damages β€” medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
  • We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
  • We take cases to trial when necessary β€” we don’t accept lowball offers

4. We Protect Lincoln County Victims

  • Confidentiality β€” We protect your privacy and your case
  • Evidence preservation β€” We act fast to secure texts, photos, videos
  • Witness protection β€” We help witnesses come forward safely
  • 24/7 availability β€” We’re here when you need us

5. We Serve Lincoln County Families

  • Free consultation β€” No cost to discuss your case
  • Contingency fee β€” $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
  • Remote consultations β€” Meet with us by phone or video
  • We travel to Lincoln County β€” For depositions, meetings, and trials

πŸ“ž Lincoln County Families: What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed

STEP 1: Ensure Safety

  • If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
  • Remove them from the hazing environment
  • Seek medical attention β€” even if injuries seem minor

STEP 2: Preserve Evidence

  • Text messages β€” Save all communications about hazing
  • Photos/videos β€” Document injuries and hazing locations
  • Social media β€” Screenshot posts, messages, stories
  • Witnesses β€” Get names and contact information
  • Documents β€” Save pledge manuals, schedules, rules

STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

  • Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
  • Do not sign anything
  • Do not post about the incident on social media
  • Anything you say can be used against you

STEP 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

We will:

  • Evaluate your case for free
  • Explain your legal rights
  • Develop a strategy for justice
  • Handle all communications with the organization and insurance companies
  • Fight for maximum compensation

❓ Lincoln County Families: Common Questions About Hazing Cases

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Oklahoma 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 for the harm they caused.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse β€” these are not traditions, they are crimes. Juries will not accept “tradition” as an excuse for torture.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. Many universities know hazing happens but turn a blind eye β€” that doesn’t absolve them of responsibility.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We work to:

  • Protect your child’s identity during legal proceedings
  • Secure witness protection if needed
  • Hold organizations accountable for any retaliation
  • Ensure your child feels safe coming forward

Q: We’re in Lincoln County. How can a Houston law firm help us?

A: We serve hazing victims nationwide. Our services for Lincoln County families include:

  • Remote consultations β€” Meet with us by phone or video
  • Federal court authority β€” We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Travel to Lincoln County β€” For depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Local coordination β€” We work with Lincoln County resources as needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid if you get paid.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within months, while others may take 1-2 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Q: Can we sue even if no criminal charges are filed?

A: YES. Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal cases. You can pursue compensation even if no criminal charges are filed against the perpetrators.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a university outside Oklahoma?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed at a university in another state, we can still evaluate your case and pursue justice.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

The value depends on:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Psychological impact
  • University/fraternity’s knowledge of prior hazing
  • Evidence of egregious conduct

Precedent cases show hazing lawsuits can be worth millions:

  • $10.1 million β€” Stone Foltz (Ohio, Pi Kappa Alpha)
  • $6.1 million β€” Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana, Phi Delta Theta)
  • $110+ million β€” Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, Beta Theta Pi)

πŸ”₯ Lincoln County Fraternities: We Are Watching You

To the fraternities operating near Lincoln County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. We know your insurance structures.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Chi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho β€” if your chapter is near Lincoln County, know this:

  • The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
  • The same $6.5 million personal judgment against a chapter president can happen to your officers.
  • The same $110 million settlements are possible if you harm students.
  • We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national insurance.
  • If you haze students near Lincoln County, we will find every liable entity.
  • We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.

To university administrators near Lincoln County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

  • You own fraternity houses.
  • You have the power to regulate Greek life.
  • You have the duty to protect students.
  • Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ† Lincoln County Families: We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You

Our Experience with Hazing and Personal Injury Cases:

Case Type Outcome
Hazing (current case) $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
BP Texas City Explosion Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
Wrongful Death Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Catastrophic Injury Millions recovered for brain injury, spinal cord injury
Insurance Bad Faith Success against major insurance companies
Criminal Defense Hundreds of cases dismissed; charges reduced

Client Testimonials:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” β€” Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” β€” Donald Wilcox

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” β€” Vivian Ruiz

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” β€” Kiwi Potato (Local Guide)

πŸ“ž Lincoln County Families: Your Next Step

If your child was hazed at a university near Lincoln County, you have legal rights. You have options. You have Attorney 911.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Lincoln County families. We fight for Lincoln County victims. We win for Lincoln County families.

🎯 Lincoln County Parents: Protect Your Child. Hold Them Accountable.

Hazing doesn’t build character. It destroys lives.

Fraternities don’t create brotherhood. They create trauma.

Universities don’t protect students. They protect their reputations.

We protect victims.

If your child was hazed near Lincoln County, we will fight for you. We will hold them accountable. We will make them pay.

Lincoln County families: Enough is enough.

Call Attorney 911 today.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Attorney 911 β€” Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’
Serving Lincoln County, Oklahoma and Nationwide
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β€” Available to Travel to Lincoln County

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