🛡️ Hazing Victims in Livingston County, Kentucky — Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — proving that fraternities and universities can and will be held accountable. The same justice is available to Livingston County families.
If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Livingston County, Kentucky — whether at Murray State University, the University of Kentucky, West Kentucky Community and Technical College, or any other institution — you have legal rights. Hazing is not “tradition.” It is abuse. And in Kentucky, as in Texas, victims have powerful legal recourse.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Livingston County
Livingston County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing incidents across America operate chapters at universities near Livingston County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston — waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, physical punishment — happen right here in Kentucky.
This isn’t just happening elsewhere. It’s happening near Livingston County.
Universities and Colleges Near Livingston County with Greek Life:
- Murray State University (45 miles from Livingston County) — Active Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
- University of Kentucky (200 miles) — Large Greek presence
- Western Kentucky University (120 miles) — Greek organizations
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College (30 miles) — Student organizations with initiation practices
- Southeast Missouri State University (across the river) — Greek chapters
The same fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — have chapters at these universities.
⚠️ What Constitutes Hazing in Kentucky?
Kentucky law defines hazing broadly. It includes any activity that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
- Is required for membership or affiliation
- Involves humiliation, degradation, or abuse
- Occurs on or off campus
This includes:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise (like 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Beating with paddles or other objects
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury or death
Kentucky law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
💔 Real Hazing Incidents That Could Happen in Livingston County
Case 1: The $10 Million Fight We’re Waging Right Now
Victim: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
What Happened: Waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, forced to eat until vomiting. Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Status: $10 million lawsuit filed November 2025 — we’re fighting this battle now.
Livingston County Connection: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across the region. The same fraternity that did this in Houston operates near Livingston County.
Case 2: The Student Who Died After Forced Drinking
Victim: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during initiation. Died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement — largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
Livingston County Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at universities near Livingston County. This could happen to a Livingston County student.
Case 3: The Pledge Who Fell Down Stairs and Died
Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State University)
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fell down stairs multiple times. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions.
Livingston County Connection: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at universities near Livingston County. The same reckless disregard for safety exists.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Livingston County Hazing Victim
1. Kentucky Anti-Hazing Laws
Kentucky has strong anti-hazing statutes. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Kentucky, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines. If hazing results in serious physical injury or death, it can be elevated to a felony.
Key Kentucky Statutes:
- KRS 164.375 — Prohibits hazing at educational institutions
- KRS 508.100 — Assault statutes apply to hazing injuries
- KRS 525.135 — Criminal hazing statute
2. Civil Lawsuits for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, victims and families can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Who Can Be Sued:
- The local fraternity chapter
- The national fraternity organization
- The university or college
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers and leaders
3. Federal Civil Rights Claims
If hazing involves discrimination (based on race, gender, religion, etc.), or if the university failed to protect students, federal civil rights laws may apply.
🔍 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Livingston County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything — rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other serious conditions often have delayed symptoms
- Keep all medical records and bills
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take screenshots of all social media posts about hazing
- Photograph injuries at all stages of healing
- Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Write down everything you remember about the incident
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not give statements to university administrators alone
- Do not sign anything from the organization
Step 4: Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department or Kentucky State Police
- Report to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office
- Report to the national fraternity organization
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations for Livingston County families
- Immediate evidence preservation
- Aggressive representation against fraternities and universities
- Contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win
We will travel to Livingston County for your case.
🏢 Who We Sue for Livingston County Hazing Victims
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers and members are personally liable
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise and prevent hazing
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Have deep pockets and insurance policies
3. The University or College
- Failed to protect students from known hazards
- Own or control property where hazing occurs
- Have substantial insurance coverage
4. Individual Members
- Participated in hazing activities
- Can be held personally liable for damages
5. Housing Corporations
- Own the fraternity/sorority house
- Responsible for conditions on the property
💰 What Livingston County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, treatments, therapy)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
- Future medical expenses (ongoing treatment, potential dialysis/transplant)
- Educational disruption (tuition, lost scholarships)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement (scars from burns, branding, etc.)
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded when conduct is especially egregious
- Meant to punish and deter future hazing
- Can be substantial in hazing cases
Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz case)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver case)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza case)
Livingston County families can recover similar amounts.
⏳ Time Is Critical — Kentucky Statute of Limitations
- Personal Injury: 1 year from date of injury (KRS 413.140)
- Wrongful Death: 1 year from date of death
- Federal Claims: Varies (typically 2-4 years)
DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Livingston 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. We know how to win these cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook — and we use it against them.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to practice in federal court, allowing us to pursue cases against national organizations regardless of where they’re based.
4. Willingness to Travel to Livingston County
We will come to Livingston County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier.
5. Contingency Fee Basis
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
6. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
We understand the trauma hazing victims experience. We treat Livingston County families with respect and fight aggressively for justice.
7. Proven Track Record
- $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
- Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
- Successful complex litigation against major institutions
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
📞 Livingston County Families — Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Livingston County, Kentucky, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
🌐 attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. You pay nothing unless we win.
🔥 Warning to Fraternities and Universities Near Livingston County
To fraternities operating near Livingston County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Livingston County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Livingston County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities near Livingston County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Livingston County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
📚 What Livingston County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is More Common Than You Think
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it
2. Hazing Can Happen Anywhere
- Fraternities and sororities
- Sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC
- Academic clubs
- Honor societies
3. Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed
- Sudden change in behavior or mood
- Unexplained injuries
- Fear of certain people or places
- Sudden withdrawal from social activities
- Secretive about organization activities
- Signs of physical exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Bruises, burns, or other unexplained marks
4. What to Do If You Suspect Hazing
- Talk to your child privately and non-judgmentally
- Document everything they tell you
- Contact an attorney immediately
- Do NOT confront the organization without legal counsel
🏛️ Kentucky Universities Must Do Better
Livingston County families trust universities to protect their children. When that trust is broken, universities must be held accountable.
Universities near Livingston County have a legal and moral duty to:
- Implement real oversight of Greek organizations
- Enforce anti-hazing policies consistently
- Investigate reports of hazing thoroughly
- Remove organizations that violate policies
- Educate students about hazing dangers
When universities fail, we hold them accountable in court.
📢 Our Message to Livingston County Hazing Victims
You are not alone. You did not deserve this. You have the power to fight back.
The fraternity members who hazed you thought they could get away with it. The university that failed to protect you thought no one would hold them accountable.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we will fight for you.
Call us today. Let’s bring them to justice.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 — Livingston County hazing victims deserve justice.
