🚨 Hazing Victims in Lyon County: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help

Lyon County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization in or near Lyon County, Kansas — you have legal rights. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston, forcing him into kidney failure, operate right here in Kansas. The same negligence that allowed a student to be hospitalized at the University of Houston exists at institutions near Lyon County.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating 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 fight for Lyon County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current case.

What Is Hazing? The Lyon County Reality

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups — until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to continue exercising through his own vomit
• Deprived of sleep — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
• Humiliated — carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather

This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others — have active chapters at universities near Lyon County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist right here in Kansas.

Lyon County Hazing: What You Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Kansas

Kansas has strict anti-hazing laws. Under Kansas Statutes § 21-5417, hazing is defined as any activity that:

• Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student
• Is used for initiation into any organization
• Causes or is likely to cause bodily injury

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor for participating in hazing
• Felony if hazing results in great bodily harm or death
• Organizations can be fined and lose recognition

Most importantly: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

2. Hazing Causes Real Harm — Physical and Psychological

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It causes:

• Physical injuries: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), broken bones, burns, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Academic impact: Poor grades, dropping out, lost scholarships
• Financial burden: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages

In our current case, the victim suffered:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down from extreme exercise
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Three nights, four days in the hospital — fighting for his life
• Ongoing health complications — potential long-term kidney damage

3. Who Is Liable for Lyon County Hazing?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

In our current case, we are suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The local UH chapter
• The housing corporation
• The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members and officers
• A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

What Lyon County Families Can Do Right Now

1. Preserve Evidence Immediately

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Evidence disappears fast. Preserve:

✅ Medical records — Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Photos and videos — Injuries, hazing activities, locations
✅ Communications — Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
✅ Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Financial records — Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records create crucial documentation for your case.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership — They will coordinate their story and destroy evidence
• Do not give statements to university administrators — They protect the institution, not you
• Do not sign anything — You may unknowingly waive your rights
• Do not post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

The clock is ticking. In Kansas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. But evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

At Attorney 911, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations — No obligation
• Contingency fee representation — You pay $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
• Nationwide service — We represent hazing victims across America, including Lyon County
• Travel commitment — We come to Lyon County for depositions, meetings, and trials

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

The $10 Million Message: What Lyon County Families Can Win

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million in damages for our client. This isn’t just about compensation — it’s about sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

What Lyon County families can recover:

Economic Damages (Measurable Losses)

• Medical expenses — Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment
• Lost wages — Time missed from work due to injuries
• Educational costs — Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity — If injuries affect long-term career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain — From injuries and medical treatment
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
• Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement — Permanent scars or injuries

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

When hazing is particularly outrageous, juries can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct. In our current case, the conduct includes:

• Waterboarding — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced exercise to the point of kidney failure — reckless disregard for safety
• Striking with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Ignoring prior incidents — Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017; they did nothing to change

Precedent Cases: Lyon County Families Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent years:

The message is clear: When fraternities and universities allow hazing, they pay millions. The same results are possible for Lyon County families.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Lyon County Hazing Case

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the battle right now. Lyon County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court — a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

We are licensed in Texas and New York. This is crucial for hazing cases because many national fraternities are headquartered in New York.

5. Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience directly applicable to hazing cases
• High-profile media coverage — ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

6. We Come to Lyon County

While we’re based in Texas, we travel to Lyon County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trial

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that cost is a concern. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

• $0 upfront — You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if you win — Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict
• No risk to you — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

8. We Speak Spanish

Many hazing victims and families in Lyon County speak Spanish. We have bilingual staff ready to assist.

Lyon County Hazing: What to Do Next

Step 1: Call Us Immediately

Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Step 2: We Evaluate Your Case

We’ll review:

• What happened to your child
• The evidence you’ve preserved
• The parties responsible
• Your legal options

Step 3: We Build Your Case

We’ll:

• Gather all evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Consult medical experts
• Calculate your damages
• Prepare for negotiation or trial

Step 4: We Fight for You

We’ll:

• Negotiate aggressively with defendants
• File a lawsuit if necessary
• Take your case to trial if needed
• Fight for every dollar you deserve

Frequently Asked Questions for Lyon County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented” to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. In Kansas, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity and university are still liable.

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

A: NO. “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. No amount of tradition makes it acceptable.

Q: We’re in Lyon County, but you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?

A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Lyon County. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Phone meetings
• Travel to Lyon County
• Remote case management

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Typically 2 years from the date of injury in Kansas. But evidence disappears fast, so contact us immediately.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Hazing victims often fear retribution for speaking out. We take steps to:

• Protect your identity
• Secure evidence before it’s destroyed
• Hold organizations accountable without putting you at risk

Q: Can we sue the university, not just the fraternity?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it’s part of the organization’s activities, the fraternity and university can still be liable.

Q: Can individual fraternity members be held personally liable?

A: YES. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. Individuals who participate in or facilitate hazing can be sued personally.

The Lyon County Hazing Crisis: It’s Time to Act

Hazing isn’t a Lyon County problem. It’s a national crisis. And it’s time for Lyon County families to fight back.

The same fraternities that:

• Waterboarded a student at the University of Houston
• Forced another student to drink until he died at Florida State
• Allowed a student to fall down stairs repeatedly at Penn State

…are operating right here in Kansas.

The same universities that:

• Owned the house where our client was tortured
• Knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
• Failed to protect their students

…are right here in Kansas.

Lyon County families: It’s time to hold them accountable.

Call Attorney 911 Now

If your child has been hazed in or near Lyon County, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We don’t get paid unless you win. You have nothing to lose — and justice to gain.

Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Lyon County

Enough is enough. No more waterboarding. No more forced drinking. No more 500 squats until muscles break down. No more wooden paddles. No more humiliation. No more hospitalizations. No more deaths.

Lyon County families: It’s time to fight back. Call Attorney 911 today.