🚨 Hazing Lawyers for McKean County Families — Justice for Hazing Victims

Attorney 911 — Fighting for McKean County Students and Families Affected by Fraternity and Sorority Hazing

🎯 Hazing Happens in McKean County — And It’s Time to Stop It

McKean County families trust that when they send their children to college, they’ll be safe. But the reality is that hazing is happening right now at universities near McKean County — in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near McKean County. The same negligence exists. And we’re ready to fight for McKean County families with the same aggression.

If your child was hazed in McKean County or at a nearby university, we can help.

🏢 Who We Are — McKean 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’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including McKean County families — through our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Why McKean County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
— Lupe Peña, Attorney at Law

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in McKean County and Beyond

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or affiliation with an organization.

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
• Extreme physical exercise to exhaustion
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Sexual abuse or humiliation

Hazing Statistics — The Reality in McKean County and Across America

Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Hazing is not:

• “Boys being boys”
• “Building brotherhood”
• “Paying your dues”
• “Just part of the process”

Hazing is:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Sometimes manslaughter or murder

And it’s happening to McKean County students.

⚠️ Our Landmark Case — The $10 Million Fight That Shows What’s Possible for McKean County Families

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing is happening at universities near McKean County. The same fraternities operate near McKean County. And we will fight for McKean County families with the same aggression.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client

The Medical Consequences

After being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises on November 3, 2025, Bermudez became so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was too sore to move. By November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized.

The Institutional Response — They Knew and Did Nothing

• Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and then closed the UH chapter — proving they knew the conduct was wrong.
• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — they had the power to stop it.
• Both entities had prior notice: Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State). UH had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 (Jared Munoz at Pi Kappa Alpha).
• They did nothing to prevent this from happening again.

The Lawsuit and Media Coverage

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The local UH chapter
• The fraternity housing corporation
• University of Houston
• UH Board of Regents
• Individual fraternity members

The case was covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media.

“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.”
— Ralph Manginello, Attorney at Law

💰 Precedent Cases — Multi-Million Dollar Proof That McKean County Families Can Win

Hazing Cases Win Big — And McKean County Families Can Too

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. The same results are possible for McKean County families.

Why These Precedents Matter for McKean County

1. $10 Million is Realistic — The Stone Foltz family received $10.1 million for a hazing death. Our client survived but has serious injuries, and our $10 million demand is in line with this precedent.
2. Universities Pay — Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million. University of Houston faces similar liability.
3. National Fraternities Pay — Pi Kappa Alpha paid $7.2 million in the Stone Foltz case. Pi Kappa Phi National faces similar liability.
4. Juries Hate Hazing — The Gruver case resulted in a $6.1 million jury verdict. Waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles will outrage a jury.
5. Criminal Charges Can Follow — Multiple fraternity members in these cases were criminally convicted. UH’s spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges.”

⚖️ Legal Framework — McKean County Families’ Rights Under the Law

Pennsylvania Hazing Laws — What McKean County Families Need to Know

Pennsylvania has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2810, hazing is defined as:

Any action or situation that 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 operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

Criminal Penalties in Pennsylvania:

Civil Liability for Hazing in Pennsylvania:
McKean County families can sue for:

• Negligence — Failure to protect students
• Assault and Battery — Intentional harmful contact
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Extreme and outrageous conduct
• Premises Liability — If hazing occurred on property owned by the university
• Negligent Supervision — Failure to monitor Greek life

Important Note: Consent is not a defense to hazing in Pennsylvania. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in McKean County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. At Attorney 911, we pursue every liable entity to maximize compensation for McKean County families.

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted hazing
• Individual members participated
• Officers (president, pledgemaster) directed activities

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Failed to supervise local chapter
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knew or should have known about hazing culture
• Deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance

3. University or College

• Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
• Failed to monitor Greek life
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to protect students

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Participated in hazing
• Failed to stop hazing
• Directed or encouraged hazing
• Can be sued personally — Stone Foltz case: chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million

5. Housing Corporations

• Owned fraternity/sorority house
• Failed to prevent hazing on premises

6. Insurance Companies

• Liability insurance for fraternities, universities, and individuals
• Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus locations

📋 What McKean County Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed

Step-by-Step Action Guide for McKean County Hazing Victims

If your child was hazed in McKean County or at a nearby university, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.

🚨 IMMEDIATE STEPS — DO THIS NOW

⏳ NEXT STEPS — WITHIN 72 HOURS

📅 LONG-TERM STEPS — WITH YOUR ATTORNEY

🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects McKean County Hazing Victims

Our Approach — Aggressive, Compassionate, Results-Driven

At Attorney 911, we understand that hazing victims and their families are going through one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives. We combine aggressive legal representation with compassionate client care to protect McKean County families and secure maximum compensation.

1. Immediate Response

• 24/7 availability — McKean County families can call us anytime
• Free initial consultation — No obligation; we evaluate your case at no cost
• Emergency evidence preservation — We act fast to secure critical evidence

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Medical expert consultations — Document injuries and long-term impact
• Witness interviews — Gather testimony from other pledges and witnesses
• Digital evidence collection — Recover deleted texts, social media, photos
• Institutional records requests — Obtain fraternity, university, and police records

3. Strategic Legal Action

• Multi-defendant lawsuits — Sue the chapter, nationals, university, and individuals
• Federal court strategy — Leverage our federal court admission for broader reach
• Pattern evidence — Show systemic failure across multiple chapters
• Punitive damages — Seek additional compensation for egregious conduct

4. Compassionate Client Support

• Trauma-informed representation — We understand the emotional impact of hazing
• Bilingual services — Se habla español for Spanish-speaking McKean County families
• Transparent communication — We keep you informed at every step
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win

5. Fighting for Systemic Change

• Media advocacy — We expose hazing culture through national media
• Legislative action — We support hazing reform laws at the state and federal level
• University accountability — We demand real change in Greek life oversight
• Deterrence — Our lawsuits send a message that hazing will not be tolerated

💔 Types of Hazing Injuries We Handle for McKean County Families

Hazing causes physical, psychological, and financial harm. We pursue compensation for all types of injuries suffered by McKean County victims.

Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (like our Pi Kappa Phi client)
• Acute alcohol poisoning — Forced drinking leading to hospitalization or death
• Traumatic brain injury — From beatings, falls, or other physical abuse
• Broken bones — From paddling, beatings, or physical abuse
• Burns — From branding, hot objects, or chemical exposure
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — From exposure to extreme temperatures
• Internal injuries — From forced consumption or physical trauma
• Sexual assault injuries — Physical and psychological trauma

Psychological Injuries

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — From waterboarding, torture, or extreme abuse
• Anxiety and depression — From ongoing trauma and fear of retribution
• Suicidal ideation — From extreme psychological distress
• Trust issues — Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
• Academic decline — Inability to focus due to trauma

Financial and Educational Impact

• Medical bills — Emergency room, hospitalization, therapy, medication
• Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
• Educational disruption — Dropped classes, delayed graduation, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity — If injuries cause permanent limitations
• Rehabilitation costs — Physical therapy, mental health treatment

📞 McKean County Families — Contact Us Now

Hazing victims in McKean County and across America deserve justice. We’re fighting for it right now.

If your child was hazed in McKean County or at a nearby university, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free case evaluation — No obligation; we’ll tell you if you have a case
✅ $0 upfront fees — We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Video consultations — McKean County families can meet with us remotely
✅ Travel to McKean County — We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ 24/7 availability — We’re here when you need us

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Legal deadlines expire.

🎯 Our Message to McKean County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near McKean 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, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Chi, and every other national fraternity:

If your chapter operates near McKean County, know this:

• We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance structures.
• We know your national organization’s hazing death record.
• We know how much you’ve paid in settlements.
• If you haze students in McKean County, we will find every liable entity.
• We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near McKean County:

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

Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple, Duquesne, and every other university with Greek life near McKean County:

• You own the fraternity houses.
• You have the power to regulate.
• You have the duty to protect.
• If you fail to act, you will be held accountable.

To the Greek life leadership at McKean County institutions:

The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏆 Why McKean County Families Trust Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Battle — And Winning

We’re not talking about hazing in the abstract. We’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. We know the defendants’ playbook. We know their insurance strategies. We know how to dismantle their defenses.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge — Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims — because we used to work for them. Now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for McKean County families.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — Nationwide Reach

Licensed in Texas AND New York, with admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can pursue McKean County hazing cases in federal court. This gives us broader legal tools and greater leverage against national fraternities and universities.

4. We Travel to McKean County

Distance is not a barrier. We will travel to McKean County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials
• University investigations

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for McKean County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
• Six-figure verdicts in catastrophic injury cases
• Successful outcomes in federal court litigation

8. We Care — Because We’re Parents Too

Ralph Manginello is the father of three. Lupe Peña is a third-generation Texan with deep family values. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We fight hard for McKean County families because we truly care.

📚 Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in McKean County

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed in McKean County?

Yes. If your child was hazed and suffered physical or psychological injuries, you can sue the fraternity, sorority, university, and individuals responsible.

2. What can I sue for in a hazing lawsuit?

You can sue for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct)
• Educational disruption (lost scholarships, delayed graduation)

3. How much is my hazing case worth?

Hazing cases can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• The strength of the evidence
• The skill of your attorney

Precedent cases show verdicts and settlements ranging from $500,000 to $110+ million.

4. Do I need a lawyer for a hazing case?

Yes. Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an experienced hazing attorney to level the playing field and maximize your compensation.

5. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is 2 years from the date of injury. However, there may be exceptions for:

• Minors (the clock may not start until they turn 18)
• Delayed discovery of injuries (e.g., PTSD diagnosed later)

Do not wait. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

6. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

7. Can I sue the national fraternity organization?

Yes. National fraternities and sororities can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knowing about hazing culture and failing to act
• Having deep pockets and insurance coverage

8. Can I sue the university?

Yes, if the university:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to monitor Greek life
• Had prior hazing incidents and failed to act

9. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.

10. What if my child is afraid of retribution?

We understand. Our Pi Kappa Phi client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to ensure their safety throughout the legal process.

11. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

At Attorney 911, we work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery.

12. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Hazing lawsuits can take 1-3 years from filing to resolution, depending on:

• The complexity of the case
• The number of defendants
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.

13. Can I still sue if the fraternity was already suspended?

Yes. Suspension or closure of the chapter does not absolve the fraternity, university, or individuals of liability.

14. What if my child was hazed at a university outside McKean County?

We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed at a university outside McKean County, we can still evaluate your case.

15. What should I do if my child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue?

We respect your child’s wishes. However, we encourage you to consult with an attorney to understand your options. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, reporting the hazing can help prevent it from happening to others.

🎓 Hazing Resources for McKean County Families

Organizations Fighting Hazing

Pennsylvania Hazing Laws and Reporting

Mental Health Support for Hazing Victims

📢 Final Message to McKean County Families

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood or sisterhood.

It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s illegal.

And it’s happening to McKean County students right now.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting to stop it. We’re fighting for accountability. We’re fighting for change.

If your child was hazed, you are not alone. We’re here to help.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving McKean County and Nationwide

📍 Houston Office: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📍 Austin Office: Serving McKean County from Austin
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📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

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