Attorney 911: Macon County Hazing Lawyers – Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
🚨 Hazing in Macon County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
Macon County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide a supportive environment—not a culture of abuse. But the reality is stark: hazing is happening at colleges and universities near Macon County, and the consequences can be devastating.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and forced consumption. This isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a national pattern of institutional failure that affects students across America, including those from Macon County.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Macon County, you have legal rights—and we can help.
🏢 Who We Are: Macon County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Macon County, through our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.
Why Macon County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
| Advantage | How It Helps Macon County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts—ready to fight for Macon County families |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims—now we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Macon County hazing cases in federal court, where national fraternities and universities have deeper pockets |
| Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage for Macon County cases involving national fraternities headquartered outside Missouri |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Macon County families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10M UH hazing case—same strategies available for Macon County victims |
| Will Travel to Macon County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings—distance is not a barrier to justice |
Our Approach: Immediate, Aggressive, and Compassionate
When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s a hazing incident in Macon County or a fraternity house anywhere in America—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Macon County hazing victims, our team:
✅ Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
✅ Preserves evidence immediately (texts, photos, medical records, witness statements)
✅ Negotiates from strength—we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
✅ Travels to Macon County for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
✅ Provides remote consultations—Macon County families can video chat with our attorneys
✅ Fights institutional cover-ups—if a university or fraternity tries to silence victims, we take it to court
If a Greek organization or university near Macon County has harmed your child, we will hold them accountable.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Macon County & Beyond
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, reckless, or negligent act—on or off campus—that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation, pledging, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Hazing is NOT:
❌ “Tradition”
❌ “Building brotherhood/sisterhood”
❌ “Harmless fun”
Hazing IS:
✔ Assault (physical abuse, forced consumption)
✔ Battery (unwanted physical contact)
✔ Torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation)
✔ Reckless endangerment (forcing exercise to exhaustion)
✔ Sometimes manslaughter or murder (when it results in death)
Hazing Statistics: The Reality Macon County Families Face
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
- 40% of student athletes report hazing (Alfred University Study)
- Since 2000, there has been at least ONE hazing death every year in the U.S. (Hank Nuwer, Hazing Researcher)
- 95% of hazing victims do NOT report it (National Collaborative for Hazing Research and Prevention)
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations
Common Hazing Activities Near Macon County
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, burning | Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scarring |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, chemical burns |
| Extreme Exercise | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills) | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning with hoses, held underwater | Hypoxia, brain damage, death |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health crises |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, STI transmission |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heat stroke, suffocation |
Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort—it can lead to lifelong injuries and death.
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats) | Kidney failure, dialysis, transplant |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis, dehydration | Chronic kidney disease, lifelong monitoring |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Death, brain damage, coma |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to cold/heat | Organ failure, death |
| Cardiac Arrest | Extreme physical stress | Death, permanent heart damage |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological torture | Therapy, medication, lifelong trauma |
| Death | Any of the above | Irreversible loss |
💡 Our client in the UH case suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises. He spent 4 days in the hospital—and this could have happened to your child at a Macon County institution.
⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why Macon County Families Need to Pay Attention
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
📰 MEDIA COVERAGE:
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at UH, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Him:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning while doing calisthenics
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills) – Until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – Then forced to keep running
✅ Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting – Humiliation and health risk
✅ Carried a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times – Psychological abuse
✅ Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour – False imprisonment
✅ Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours – Sleep deprivation
✅ Threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he stopped – Coercion
The Medical Consequences:
- November 3, 2025: Punished for missing an event—forced to do extreme exercises until he could not stand without help
- November 4, 2025: “Really sore and couldn’t really move”
- November 5, 2025: “The next day was worse”
- November 6, 2025: Mother rushes him to the hospital—he was passing brown urine (myoglobinuria), a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis
- Diagnosis: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure
- Hospitalization: 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
💡 Ralph Manginello’s Statement to ABC13:
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
💡 Lupe Pena’s Statement to ABC13:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Why This Case Matters to Macon County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide—including near Macon County.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Macon County fraternities.
- Universities near Macon County face the same liability failures as UH.
- If your child is being hazed in Macon County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston.
- This is not an isolated incident—it’s part of a national pattern.
⚠️ Pi Kappa Phi’s Own Response:
On November 21, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi National posted a statement on their website:
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”
Translation:
- “Violations” = They admitted the hazing happened.
- “Closed the chapter” = They knew the lawsuit was coming and tried to distance themselves.
- “Look forward to returning to campus” = They’re already planning their comeback while our client recovers.
This is not remorse—it’s damage control.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts—and Macon County families can achieve the same justice.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement + Judgment | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ (est.) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | FSU | Settlement | Confidential |
| Tucker Hipps (2014) | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Clemson | Settlement | $500K+ |
What These Cases Mean for Macon County Victims:
✅ Juries award MILLIONS for hazing injuries and deaths.
✅ Universities and national fraternities BOTH pay.
✅ Individuals (chapter presidents, pledgemasters) can be held personally liable.
✅ Criminal charges often follow civil lawsuits.
✅ These cases lead to new hazing laws.
Our $10 million demand is not just reasonable—it’s supported by precedent.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Macon County Hazing Victims’ Rights
Missouri Hazing Laws
Missouri has strict anti-hazing laws that protect students, including those from Macon County.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 – Hazing Defined:
“Any activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.”
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.363 – Criminal Penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) for hazing
- Class D Felony (up to 7 years in prison) if hazing causes serious physical injury or death
Consent is NOT a Defense in Missouri:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the victim consented to the hazing activity.”
💡 This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Civil Liability: Who Can Macon County Families Sue?
| Defendant | Basis for Liability | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized/conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi chapter near Macon County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. |
| University/College | Owned property; failed to prevent hazing | University of Missouri, Truman State, Moberly Area Community College, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility | President, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who abused pledges |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Former members who hosted hazing events |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Fraternity/national organization insurance policies |
Types of Damages Macon County Victims Can Recover
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000 – $3M+ |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, humiliation | $100,000 – $2M+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) | $500,000 – $5M+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | $1M – $10M+ |
💡 Missouri does NOT cap pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases (unlike medical malpractice cases).
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Macon County
Immediate Steps for Macon County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the situation immediately | Prevent further harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis symptoms may be delayed |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Take photos of injuries, save texts/GroupMe messages, get witness contact info | Critical for building your case |
| 4. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative | Anything you say can be used against you |
| 5. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Insurance companies and defendants will use posts to minimize your claim | Stay quiet until your case is resolved |
| 6. Report to Authorities | File a police report; report to university Title IX office | Creates official record |
| 7. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 immediately—1-888-ATTY-911 | Protect your rights; preserve evidence |
Evidence to Preserve for Your Macon County Hazing Case
✅ Medical records (hospital visits, therapy, prescriptions)
✅ Photos/videos (injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house)
✅ Text messages/GroupMe/Snapchat (communications about hazing)
✅ Witness statements (other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
✅ Academic records (impact on grades, scholarships)
✅ Financial records (medical bills, lost wages)
What NOT to Do After Hazing
❌ Delete messages or posts (destruction of evidence)
❌ Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization or university
❌ Accept a settlement without consulting an attorney (first offers are always lowball)
❌ Wait to act (Missouri has a 5-year statute of limitations, but evidence disappears fast)
🎯 Why Macon County Families Need Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical—we are in the fight, and we know how to win.
2. We Understand Greek Life Culture
- Ralph Manginello is a former college athlete and youth coach—he understands team dynamics and the pressures that lead to hazing.
- We know how fraternities and sororities operate—their structures, their insurance, their national organizations.
- We know how to expose institutional cover-ups.
3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions
- National fraternities have millions in assets and insurance.
- Universities have deep pockets and legal teams.
- We have the experience, the experts, and the determination to level the playing field.
4. We Will Travel to Macon County
- We offer video consultations for Macon County families.
- We travel to Macon County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs
- $0 upfront—you pay nothing to hire us.
- We only get paid if you win.
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—you keep the rest.
📢 Putting Macon County Fraternities on Notice
To fraternities and sororities operating near Macon 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 Macon County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Macon County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities in Macon 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 Macon County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 Macon County Hazing Victories Are Possible
Case Study: How We Win Hazing Cases
Our Strategy for Macon County Victims:
- Immediate Evidence Preservation – Secure texts, photos, medical records before they disappear.
- Multi-Defendant Lawsuits – Sue the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals responsible.
- Pattern Evidence – Show that hazing is systemic, not an isolated incident.
- Expert Witnesses – Medical experts, Greek life culture experts, institutional negligence experts.
- Aggressive Negotiation – Demand full policy limits from insurance companies.
- Trial Readiness – If they won’t settle fairly, we take it to a jury.
Result: Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts—just like the cases we’ve cited.
📞 Macon County Families: Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Macon County, you have legal rights—and we can help.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
Free Consultation – No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Macon County, Missouri.
🔥 Final Message: Enough Is Enough
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It is:
✔ Assault
✔ Battery
✔ Torture
✔ Reckless endangerment
✔ Sometimes manslaughter
✔ Sometimes murder
Macon County families: Your child deserves better. Your child deserves justice.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every institution, every fraternity, every individual who thinks they can torture our kids and walk away.
Enough is enough. Call us today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Macon County and all of Missouri from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
