🛡️ Hazing Victims in Madison County — Legal Rights & How to Get Justice

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Madison County, Missouri, you are not alone — and you have legal rights.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. The same fraternities operate near Madison County. The same hazing culture exists here. And we are ready to fight for Madison County families with the same aggression.

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

🚨 What Is Hazing — And Why It’s Illegal in Missouri

Hazing is not harmless fun or tradition. It is abuse, often rising to the level of assault, battery, and reckless endangerment.

Missouri law (RSMo § 578.360) defines hazing as:

“Any activity which recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization.”

This includes:

• Forced physical activities (excessive exercise, calisthenics)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Physical abuse (paddling, beating, waterboarding)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
• Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury

In Missouri, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor — punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. If the hazing results in serious physical injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.

Most importantly: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not excuse the conduct.

🏫 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Madison County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:

In our current case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national fraternity
• The university (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members
• A former member and their spouse (who allowed hazing at their home)

Madison County families: The same liability applies here.

💔 What Hazing Does to Victims

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries — it leaves lifelong scars, both physical and emotional.

Physical Injuries We’ve Seen in Hazing Cases:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (like our client)
• Acute alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Broken bones — from paddling or physical abuse
• Internal bleeding — from blunt force trauma
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
• Severe dehydration — from excessive exercise
• Sexual assault injuries — in cases involving sexual hazing

Emotional & Psychological Trauma:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from waterboarding, torture, or extreme humiliation
• Anxiety and depression — often requiring long-term therapy
• Suicidal ideation — many victims report feeling hopeless after hazing
• Loss of trust — difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
• Academic decline — inability to focus, dropping out, failing classes
• Social isolation — fear of retribution, shame, or being ostracized

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was so traumatized he was afraid to speak publicly due to fear of retribution. This is not uncommon — many hazing victims are intimidated into silence.

Madison County families: Your child’s trauma is real. It is valid. And it deserves justice.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Madison County

If you suspect or know your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And in Missouri, you typically have only 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• Remove them from the dangerous environment immediately
• Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
• Document all injuries with photos

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. SAVE EVERYTHING.

WARNING: Fraternities and universities will try to delete evidence. Do not let them. If you have screenshots, back them up immediately.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer

• They will try to get your child to sign documents
• They will try to get statements that can be used against them
• They will try to control the narrative
• Anything your child says can be used against them in court

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• The clock is ticking — Missouri’s 2-year statute of limitations applies
• Evidence preservation is critical
• Early legal intervention protects your child’s rights

Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911

💰 What Compensation Is Available for Hazing Victims?

Hazing victims in Madison County may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure. Madison County families can pursue similar compensation.

Why so much?
Because hazing causes lifelong harm. Medical bills pile up. Careers are disrupted. Mental health treatment continues for years. And institutions need to feel the financial pain to change their culture.

🏛️ Real Cases — Real Results for Hazing Victims

Hazing cases do win, and they win big. Here are just a few examples:

The message is clear: When fraternities and universities allow hazing, they pay. And they pay millions.

🔍 How We Prove Your Hazing Case

At Attorney 911, we have a proven process for building strong hazing cases:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Demand they not destroy any evidence
• Obtain texts, social media, photos, videos before they’re deleted

2. Medical Documentation

• Work with doctors to document all injuries
• Obtain hospital records, test results, treatment plans
• Document long-term health consequences

3. Witness Interviews

• Interview other pledges who were hazed
• Interview bystanders who witnessed the abuse
• Interview former members who may have knowledge

4. Institutional Investigation

• Request all university records related to Greek life
• Request all fraternity records from national organization
• Request all prior hazing reports at the school

5. Expert Testimony

• Medical experts — to explain injuries and long-term impact
• Hazing culture experts — to explain how hazing works and why it’s dangerous
• Economic experts — to calculate lost wages and future medical costs

6. Aggressive Litigation

• File lawsuits against all responsible parties
• Take depositions of fraternity members, university officials, national leaders
• Negotiate from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10M case
• Go to trial if needed — we’re not afraid to fight in court

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. What should I do?

A: Your child’s wishes are important, but their health and safety come first. Many victims are afraid of retribution or social backlash. We can discuss confidential options that protect their identity while holding the organization accountable.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Does that matter?

A: No. Missouri law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable for any harm caused.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does it cost?

A: You pay nothing upfront. At Attorney 911, we work on contingency — that means we only get paid if you win. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing, they can be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says they’ve “suspended” the chapter. Does that mean they’re not liable?

A: No. Suspending or closing a chapter after someone is hurt doesn’t absolve them of liability. In fact, it often shows they knew the conduct was wrong and are trying to limit their exposure.

Q: My child is an international student. Does that affect their rights?

A: No. International students have the same legal rights as any other student. Your immigration status does not prevent you from seeking justice.

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

A: In Missouri, you typically have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school, not a college?

A: Hazing happens at all levels — high schools, colleges, sports teams, ROTC, marching bands. We represent victims of all ages.

Q: Can we sue if no one was physically injured?

A: Yes. Psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression are valid injuries. Many hazing victims suffer severe emotional harm even without physical injuries.

Q: What if the fraternity says it was “just a prank”?

A: There is no such thing as “just a prank” when it causes harm. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and extreme physical abuse are not pranks — they’re torture. And they’re illegal.

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Madison 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 build these cases. We know how to win them. And we’re ready to bring that same fight to Madison County.

2. We Know How to Sue National Fraternities

National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Sigma Chi have millions in assets and insurance. We know how to pierce their corporate shields and hold them accountable.

3. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

4. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue cases against national fraternities anywhere in the country. Distance is not a barrier — we can represent Madison County families no matter where the hazing occurred.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full bilingual support — from initial consultation to trial.

6. We Travel to Madison County

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials. Madison County families don’t have to travel to us.

7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

You pay nothing to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. This means no financial risk for Madison County families.

8. We Have a Proven Track Record

• $10M hazing lawsuit currently pending
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• Former insurance defense experience — we know their playbook
• 25+ years of litigation experience — we’re battle-tested

📞 Madison County Families: Call Us Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

If your child was hazed at a college, university, or high school near Madison County, Missouri, we can help.

Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Or email: ralph@atty911.com

We will:

• Listen to your story
• Explain your legal rights
• Develop a plan to hold the responsible parties accountable
• Fight for the compensation your family deserves

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And Missouri’s 2-year statute of limitations applies.

Call Attorney 911 now — before it’s too late.

🏆 Our Promise to Madison County Families

“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We will fight for them like they’re our own family. Because in Madison County, and across America, no child should be tortured in the name of tradition.”

— Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena, Attorney 911

🔍 Know the Signs of Hazing — Protect Your Child

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Watch for these warning signs:

If you notice these signs, ask questions. And if you suspect hazing, call us immediately.

📚 Additional Resources for Madison County Families

⚠️ Final Warning to Madison County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Madison County:
We are watching. We are documenting. And we are coming for every chapter that allows hazing to continue.

To the universities near Madison County:
If you own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs, you are just as liable as the students who perpetrate it. We will hold you accountable.

To the national organizations:
You have the power to stop this. You have the money to change the culture. And if you don’t, we will take every dollar you have to make sure this never happens again.

The message is clear:

• Waterboarding? We’ll sue.
• Forced drinking? We’ll sue.
• Extreme physical abuse? We’ll sue.
• Anything that harms our kids? We’ll sue.

Enough is enough.

🚀 Take Action Now — Madison County Families

Step 1: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
Step 2: Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, medical records)
Step 3: Do not talk to the fraternity or university without a lawyer
Step 4: Let us handle the rest

Madison County families: Your child deserves justice. And we are ready to fight for it.

Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911