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Blog | Arkansas

Monroe County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 15 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Monroe County: You Are Not Alone. We Will Fight For You.

Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Monroe County families.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any other organization in Monroe County, you have legal rights. We will travel to Monroe County. We will fight for you. We will hold every responsible party accountable β€” the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and the individuals who participated.

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

πŸ”₯ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Monroe County

On November 21, 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during the pledge process.

The hazing activities our client endured included:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning, a form of torture
  • Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles β€” physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting β€” then forced to continue exercising
  • Sleep deprivation β€” forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
  • Psychological torture β€” carrying objects of sexual nature, threats of expulsion
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts β€” they kept going

Leonel Bermudez spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life. He was not even a University of Houston student yet β€” he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member expected to transfer for the upcoming semester. They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled.

This happened in Houston. But it could happen β€” and likely is happening β€” in Monroe County.

⚠️ Hazing is Happening at Monroe County Institutions

Monroe County is home to educational institutions where Greek life thrives, including:

  • University of Arkansas at Monticello β€” located in Monticello, the county seat of Monroe County
  • Nearby community colleges and universities that serve Monroe County students

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate chapters at or near Monroe County institutions:

  • Pi Kappa Phi β€” the same fraternity we’re suing in Houston
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β€” paid millions in hazing settlements
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β€” multiple hazing deaths, including $10M settlement
  • Phi Delta Theta β€” $6.1M jury verdict for hazing death
  • Beta Theta Pi β€” $110M+ settlement for hazing death

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Monroe County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

πŸ“œ Monroe County Parents: Know Your Legal Rights

Hazing is Illegal in Arkansas

Arkansas has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Arkansas Code Β§ 6-5-207, hazing is defined as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one student acting alone or with others, directed against another student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose membership is comprised of students.

Hazing that causes serious physical injury is a Class D felony in Arkansas, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not matter.

You Can Sue for Hazing in Monroe County

Hazing is not just a crime β€” it’s also grounds for civil lawsuits. Monroe County families can sue for:

  1. Medical expenses β€” hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
  2. Pain and suffering β€” physical and emotional trauma
  3. Lost wages β€” if your child missed work or opportunities
  4. Educational disruption β€” if hazing affected grades or enrollment
  5. Punitive damages β€” to punish the defendants for egregious conduct

Who can be sued?

  • The local chapter β€” the Monroe County organization that conducted the hazing
  • The national organization β€” the parent fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise
  • The university or college β€” if they knew or should have known about hazing
  • Individual members β€” the people who participated in or facilitated hazing
  • Housing corporations β€” if hazing occurred at a fraternity or sorority house

πŸ’” The Devastating Impact of Hazing on Monroe County Families

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It leaves lifelong scars on victims and their families:

Physical Consequences:

  • Rhabdomyolysis β€” muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (as in our Houston case)
  • Alcohol poisoning β€” forced drinking can be fatal
  • Traumatic brain injuries β€” from beatings or falls
  • Broken bones β€” from physical abuse
  • Sexual assault injuries β€” hazing often includes sexual abuse

Psychological Consequences:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) β€” from torture-like activities
  • Anxiety and depression β€” from humiliation and abuse
  • Suicidal ideation β€” hazing victims are at increased risk of suicide
  • Trust issues β€” difficulty forming healthy relationships
  • Academic decline β€” inability to focus on studies

Long-Term Consequences:

  • Permanent kidney damage β€” may require lifelong dialysis or transplant
  • Chronic pain β€” from physical injuries
  • Career limitations β€” if injuries affect physical ability
  • Financial burden β€” medical bills, therapy costs
  • Loss of educational opportunities β€” dropping out, transferring schools

Monroe County families deserve to know: This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse β€” and it must stop.

πŸ›οΈ Why Monroe County Universities Are Liable

Universities near Monroe County have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. When they fail, they can be held accountable.

How universities fail Monroe County students:

  • Ignoring reports of hazing β€” turning a blind eye to complaints
  • Failing to inspect fraternity/sorority houses β€” even when they own the property
  • Not enforcing their own anti-hazing policies β€” empty words on paper
  • Allowing dangerous organizations to operate β€” despite prior incidents
  • Covering up incidents β€” to protect their reputation

In our Houston case:

  • The University of Houston OWNED the fraternity house where hazing occurred
  • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
  • They failed to implement real oversight despite knowing the risks
  • They are now named as defendants in our $10 million lawsuit

Monroe County universities face the same liability risks.

πŸ’° Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Hazing Cases Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These precedents apply to Monroe County families too:

Case Fraternity University Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State Settlement $110 million+
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Settlement Confidential (major)
Tucker Hipps Sigma Phi Epsilon Clemson Settlement $500,000+
Bermudez (OUR CASE) Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston Pending $10 million demanded

These results are possible for Monroe County victims too.

πŸ“‹ What Monroe County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

STEP 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately obvious
  • Medical records are critical evidence

STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
  • Save all communications β€” texts, emails, social media messages, GroupMe chats
  • Document everything β€” dates, times, locations, what happened
  • Get witness names and contact information

STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

  • The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
  • They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements
  • Do not give any statements without an attorney present

STEP 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free, confidential consultations
  • We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win
  • We will travel to Monroe County for your case

STEP 5: Report to Authorities

  • Consider filing a police report β€” hazing is a crime in Arkansas
  • Report to the university’s Title IX office if applicable
  • Report to the national organization (though they may cover it up)

βš–οΈ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Monroe County Hazing Case

We Are Currently Fighting This Battle β€” Right Now

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us β€” we’re in the fight. Monroe County families get the same aggressive representation.

Nationwide Reach β€” We Serve Monroe County

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Monroe County. Our capabilities include:

  • Federal court authority β€” we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas AND New York
  • Video consultations β€” meet with us remotely
  • Willingness to travel β€” we come to Monroe County for depositions and trials

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutions will try to minimize or deny your claim. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation

  • BP Texas City Explosion β€” mass tort litigation against major corporation
  • Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts and settlements
  • Federal court experience β€” U.S. District Court admission
  • Criminal defense experience β€” we know how to fight institutional power

Hazing-Specific Expertise

  • Rhabdomyolysis cases β€” we understand the medical complexities
  • Fraternity litigation experience β€” we know how Greek organizations operate
  • Institutional negligence cases β€” we hold universities accountable
  • Pattern evidence expertise β€” we prove systemic problems

Compassionate, Bilingual Representation

  • Se habla espaΓ±ol β€” we serve Spanish-speaking Monroe County families
  • Compassionate approach β€” we understand the trauma of hazing
  • Client-focused service β€” you’re not just a case to us

Contingency Fee β€” $0 Upfront

We understand that Monroe County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. We take hazing cases on contingency:

  • $0 upfront costs
  • $0 unless we win
  • We only get paid if you get paid

🎯 Our Strategy for Monroe County Hazing Cases

1. Identify ALL Responsible Parties

We don’t just sue the local chapter. We pursue:

  • The local chapter β€” direct perpetrators
  • The national organization β€” failed to supervise
  • The university β€” failed to protect students
  • Individual members β€” personal liability
  • Housing corporations β€” premises liability

2. Gather Irrefutable Evidence

We build cases with:

  • Medical records β€” documenting injuries
  • Communications β€” texts, social media, emails
  • Witness testimony β€” other pledges, bystanders
  • Pattern evidence β€” prior hazing incidents at the same organization
  • Expert testimony β€” medical experts, hazing culture experts

3. Maximize Damages

We pursue every category of damages available:

  • Economic damages β€” medical bills, lost wages
  • Non-economic damages β€” pain and suffering, emotional distress
  • Punitive damages β€” to punish egregious conduct

4. Send a Message

Our goal is not just compensation β€” it’s prevention. We want to:

  • Stop the chapter from hazing again
  • Force the national organization to implement real reforms
  • Make the university take Greek life oversight seriously
  • Protect future Monroe County students

πŸ“ž Monroe County Families: Call Now for Help

If your child has been hazed in Monroe County, time is critical.

  • Evidence disappears β€” organizations destroy records, witnesses forget
  • Statutes of limitations apply β€” you may lose your right to sue
  • Medical conditions worsen β€” some injuries require immediate treatment

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We serve Monroe County families with the same dedication we’re bringing to our Houston hazing case. You are not alone. We will fight for you.

🚨 Warning to Monroe County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Monroe County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that are securing multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” if your chapter is operating near Monroe County, know this:

  • We track your corporate structures
  • We know your insurance policies
  • We know your documented history of hazing
  • We know how to sue you and win

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? They’re now shut down. Your chapter could be next.

Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.

πŸ“’ A Message to Monroe County Parents

Parents of Monroe County: Your children are at risk.

The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters near Monroe County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Houston have campuses serving Monroe County families.

You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. That trust is being betrayed.

We are here to fight back. We are here to hold them accountable. We are here to protect Monroe County students.

If your child is being hazed β€” or if you even suspect they are β€” call us. We will help.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Enough is enough. Monroe County students deserve better. We will fight for them.

Attorney 911 β€” Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’
Serving Monroe County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Nationwide representation for hazing victims

Monroe County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

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