🚨 Hazing Victims in Monroe County, Tennessee: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Monroe County, Tennessee, you are not alone. We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We are bringing that same fight to Monroe County families.

🔍 The Hazing Crisis in Monroe County, Tennessee

Hazing is not just a distant problem — it happens right here in Tennessee. While Monroe County may be a smaller community, the same national fraternities and sororities that have caused life-threatening injuries and deaths across the country operate at universities near Monroe County. These organizations prioritize tradition over safety, and students pay the price.

This is not “boys being boys” or “girls being girls.” Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is often criminal. And it is happening to students from Monroe County families.

We are currently litigating a case where a student was waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles — all as part of fraternity “initiation.” He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. This same fraternity has chapters at universities near Monroe County. Your child could be next.

⚠️ What Counts as Hazing in Tennessee?

Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123) defines hazing as:

Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one student acting alone or with others, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

This includes:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
• Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, isolation, threats
• Dangerous stunts: Activities that put students at risk of serious injury or death
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects

Consent is NOT a defense in Tennessee. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Monroe County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can — and should — be held responsible:

In our current case, we are suing all of these entities — and we will do the same for Monroe County families.

💰 What Compensation Can Monroe County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills: Emergency room, hospitalization, specialists, therapy
• Future medical expenses: Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential surgeries
• Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity: If injuries affect future career opportunities
• Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, transfer costs, tutoring

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain: The agony of injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, or alcohol poisoning
• Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
• Humiliation: Shame from degrading activities
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement: Scars from burns, branding, or injuries

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

• Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Our current case involves waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles — exactly the type of conduct that warrants punitive damages

Precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover millions of dollars. Our current case seeks $10 million, and we will fight for Monroe County families to receive the same level of compensation.

📅 Tennessee Statute of Limitations — ACT NOW

Tennessee law gives you only 1 YEAR from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.

This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you lose your right to sue forever.

Why you can’t wait:

• Evidence disappears (texts deleted, photos lost, witnesses forget)
• Organizations destroy records
• Medical treatment may take months to fully document injuries
• Fear and shame often delay reporting

We offer free, confidential consultations. Contact us today to protect your rights.

🏫 Universities Near Monroe County With Greek Life

Monroe County families send their children to colleges and universities across Tennessee and the Southeast. Many of these institutions have active Greek organizations where hazing occurs.

Universities near Monroe County with Greek life include:

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Monroe County, they face the same risks.

🔥 The Pi Kappa Phi Case: What Happened and Why It Matters to Monroe County

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case is a warning to all fraternities and universities near Monroe County.

What Happened:

• Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH), accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025
• Over the next 7 weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse:
  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to perform 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
  • Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event and forced to exercise until he could not stand without help
• He crawled up the stairs when he got home
• The next day, he couldn’t move
• His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• He was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days

Why This Matters to Monroe County:

1. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Monroe County
2. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist at Monroe County-area fraternities
3. Universities near Monroe County face the same liability failures as UH
4. If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Bermudez
5. This case proves that hazing cases can win millions — and we will bring that fight to Monroe County

📋 What Monroe County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
• Remove them from the situation if possible
• Get them to a safe location

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the emergency room immediately — even if injuries seem minor
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case
• Document everything: photos of injuries, medical bills, doctor’s notes

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp messages — anything related to hazing
• Photos and videos from pledge events, injuries, or hazing activities
• Social media posts from fraternity/sorority members about hazing
• Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
• Names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
• Financial records (medical bills, lost wages, tuition costs)

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not give statements to university administrators alone
• Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers
• Do not post about the incident on social media

Anything you say can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communication.

Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Time is critical — Tennessee’s 1-year statute of limitations is strict
• Evidence disappears quickly — organizations delete messages, destroy records
• We offer free, confidential consultations — no obligation, no upfront cost

Call us 24/7: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

🛡️ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Monroe County Hazing Case

1. We Are Hazing Litigation Experts

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We have specific experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, fraternity abuse, and university liability
• We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid responsibility — and how to defeat them

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how insurance companies value claims, delay cases, and try to minimize payouts
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Monroe County families

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Monroe County Families

• Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
• Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for cases involving out-of-state national organizations
• We travel to Monroe County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Video consultations available for Monroe County families who cannot travel

4. Aggressive, Trial-Ready Representation

• We don’t back down from powerful institutions
• We don’t accept lowball settlement offers
• We are willing to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice
• We have 25+ years of litigation experience and a proven track record of winning big cases

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

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest
• No financial risk for you

6. Compassionate, Bilingual Service

• We treat Monroe County families with respect, dignity, and compassion
• Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers
• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families

7. We Fight for More Than Money

• We want to stop hazing culture at Monroe County-area universities
• We want to hold institutions accountable
• We want to protect future students from what happened to your child

📞 Monroe County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Monroe County, Tennessee, you have legal rights. We can help.

📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Monroe County Families

Q: My child is afraid of retribution. Will speaking up make things worse?

A: We understand the fear of retribution. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward. We protect our clients’ identities and safety. The law also provides protections against retaliation. The only way to stop the cycle is to speak up.

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

A: No. Tennessee 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’re not sure if what happened counts as hazing. How do we know?

A: If your child was subjected to physical abuse, forced consumption, humiliation, or dangerous activities as part of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, it likely counts as hazing. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case.

Q: The university says they had no knowledge of the hazing. Can they still be liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students and supervise Greek organizations. If they failed to implement adequate oversight or ignored warning signs, they can be held liable — even if they claim ignorance.

Q: My child is an international student. Can we still pursue a case?

A: Absolutely. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and will protect their privacy.

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is different. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Psychological impact
• Lost wages or educational opportunities
• Egregiousness of the conduct
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing

Precedent cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We will fight for maximum compensation for your family.

Q: How long will the case take?

A: Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation.

Q: Will we have to go to court?

A: Most cases settle out of court. However, if the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive trial experience and a proven track record of winning in court.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Tennessee?

A: We can still represent you. We handle hazing cases nationwide, including in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and beyond. Distance is not a barrier.

🎯 Our Message to Fraternities Near Monroe County

To the fraternities operating near Monroe County, Tennessee:

We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that are securing multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide will be applied to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon — if your chapter is near Monroe County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

We have proven that hazing cases can be won. We have proven that fraternities will pay millions. We have proven that universities will be held accountable.

Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ Our Message to Universities Near Monroe County

To the universities near Monroe County with Greek life:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to supervise Greek organizations, when you ignore warning signs, when you allow hazing to continue — you are liable.

The University of Houston is currently facing a $10 million lawsuit because they owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.

Monroe County families deserve better. Tennessee students deserve better.

If your university has failed to protect students from hazing, we will hold you accountable.

💙 To Monroe County Hazing Victims and Families

You are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault. You did not deserve this.

Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is often criminal. And it is never acceptable.

We believe you. We will fight for you. We will make them pay.

Call us today. Your consultation is free. Your case matters.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

📜 Tennessee Hazing Law — Know Your Rights

Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123 — Hazing

(a) As used in this section, “hazing” means any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property, of any higher education institution by one (1) student alone or acting with others, directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or that induces or coerces a student to endanger such student’s mental or physical health or safety, for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are students at a higher education institution.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to engage in hazing.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to recklessly permit hazing to occur.

(d) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly fail to report hazing in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate officials of the institution.

(e) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(f) Any organization that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control shall be subject to appropriate discipline by the higher education institution.

Key Points for Monroe County Families:

• Hazing is a crime in Tennessee — punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500
• Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child agreed to participate
• Universities must discipline organizations that allow hazing
• Anyone who knows about hazing and fails to report it can be charged

🚀 Take Action Today — Monroe County Families Deserve Justice

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Monroe County, Tennessee, contact Attorney 911 today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)

📧 ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win your case.

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Serving Monroe County, Tennessee and nationwide.
Hazing litigation experts. Aggressive representation. Proven results.