🛡️ Monroe County Hazing Lawyers — Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Monroe County, Florida

“If your child was hazed in Monroe County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening in Monroe County. And we’re coming for every institution that allows it.”

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Monroe County — What Every Parent Needs to Know

Monroe County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume Greek organizations will uphold basic standards of human decency.

That trust is being betrayed.

Right now in Monroe County, fraternities and sororities are engaging in dangerous, illegal hazing rituals that put students at risk of serious injury — or worse. And just like at the University of Houston, these institutions are failing to stop it.

This is happening in Monroe County right now:

• Forced alcohol consumption — leading to alcohol poisoning and hospitalization
• Extreme physical punishment — beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning — torture disguised as “tradition”
• Psychological abuse — humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation
• Sexual humiliation — carrying sexual objects, forced nudity, sexualized hazing

The same fraternities that hospitalized our client in Houston have chapters near Monroe County. The same national organizations that ignored Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 are operating in Monroe County today. And the same universities that failed to protect students in Houston are failing students in Monroe County.

Your child could be next.

⚠️ The Landmark Case That Should Terrify Monroe County Fraternities

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (Filed November 21, 2025)

What happened:
A young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

What they did to him:

• Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning is torture
• Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Stripped him to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed him with a hose
• Forced him to carry objects of sexual nature at all times
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout — they kept going

The medical consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Four days in the hospital — fighting for his life
• Long-term kidney damage — potential for chronic health issues

The institutional failures:

• Pi Kappa Phi National knew — Andrew Coffey died at their fraternity in 2017
• University of Houston knew — a student was hospitalized from hazing in 2017
• They did nothing — eight years of inaction led to Bermudez’s hospitalization
• They own the house — UH owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred

The legal response:

• $10 million lawsuit filed against Pi Kappa Phi, UH, and individual members
• Chapter immediately closed — they knew the lawsuit was coming
• Criminal investigation ongoing — hazing is a crime in Texas

Why This Case Matters to Monroe County Families

1. The same fraternities operate in Monroe County

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and others have chapters at universities near Monroe County
   • If they’re waterboarding students in Houston, they’re doing it in Monroe County

2. The same “traditions” exist in Monroe County

   • Forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torture — it’s all happening here
   • Monroe County students are being hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries

3. The same institutional failures exist in Monroe County

   • Universities near Monroe County own fraternity houses
   • They have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters
   • They’re choosing not to use that power

4. The same legal rights apply to Monroe County victims

   • You can sue for millions
   • You can hold individuals personally liable
   • You can force institutions to change

5. We are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW

   • Our attorneys are currently litigating the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case
   • We know how to build these cases
   • We know how to win
   • Monroe County families get the same aggressive representation

📚 Monroe County Hazing Laws — Know Your Rights

Florida Hazing Law — Criminal Penalties

Florida Statute § 1006.63 defines hazing as:

“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.”

Criminal Penalties in Florida:

Key Provisions:

• Consent is not a defense — Florida law explicitly states that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing
• Organizations can be held liable — fraternities and sororities can be fined and lose recognition
• Universities can be held liable — for failing to prevent hazing

Civil Liability — Suing for Damages in Monroe County

In addition to criminal charges, Monroe County hazing victims can sue for:

1. Negligence

   • Duty of care owed by fraternities, sororities, and universities
   • Breach of that duty through hazing
   • Causation of injuries
   • Damages

2. Assault and Battery

   • Intentional harmful contact
   • Each participant can be sued individually

3. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

   • Outrageous conduct
   • Severe emotional distress

4. Premises Liability

   • If hazing occurred on university-owned property
   • If university failed to maintain safe conditions

5. Negligent Supervision

   • National organizations failed to supervise local chapters
   • Universities failed to supervise Greek life

💰 What Monroe County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages — The Tangible Costs

Non-Economic Damages — The Human Cost

Punitive Damages — Punishing the Wrongdoers

When conduct is egregious, intentional, or reckless, courts can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

Examples from our Pi Kappa Phi case that justify punitive damages:

• Waterboarding — torture disguised as hazing
• Forcing exercise until collapse — 500 squats causing kidney failure
• Striking with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Ignoring prior incidents — Andrew Coffey died in 2017; they did nothing
• Covering up abuse — they closed the chapter only when caught

Punitive damages send a message: Hazing is not tolerated in Monroe County.

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

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other conditions can be life-threatening
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing locations, items used
• Text messages and social media — GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp
• Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges and witnesses
• Documents — pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
• Medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• To the university — file a formal complaint
• To law enforcement — hazing is a crime in Florida
• To the national organization — if applicable

Note: Universities often protect their own interests. Having an attorney guide you through this process ensures your rights are protected.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Hazing cases have statutes of limitations — you have limited time to act
• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

Call Attorney 911 now for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

🏛️ Who We Sue for Monroe County Hazing Victims

1. Local Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
• Individual members who participated are personally liable

2. National Organization

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

3. University

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents
• Failed to supervise Greek life
• Premises liability — duty to maintain safe conditions

4. Individual Members

• Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing
• Personal assets at risk — homeowner’s insurance may cover
• Criminal exposure — hazing is a felony in Florida if it causes serious injury

5. Housing Corporations

• Owned or controlled the fraternity/sorority house
• Failed to prevent hazing on their property

🎯 Why Monroe County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re in the courtroom fighting it right now
• Our Pi Kappa Phi case is setting precedent for Monroe County victims
• Monroe County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies
• We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
• We use that knowledge to maximize recovery for Monroe County victims

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
• Can pursue Monroe County cases in federal court
• Experience with complex multi-defendant litigation

4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Strategic Advantage

• Licensed in Florida and Texas
• Can pursue national fraternities headquartered anywhere
• Experience with interstate litigation

5. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español

• Fluent Spanish-speaking staff
• Can serve Monroe County’s Hispanic community without language barriers
• No family left behind due to language

6. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Monroe County Families

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• No financial barrier to justice

7. Willing to Travel to Monroe County

• We come to you for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Distance is not a barrier to justice
• Monroe County families are not alone

8. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• Recovered millions for personal injury victims
• Experience with high-stakes litigation against powerful institutions
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience applicable to hazing cases

📞 Monroe County Families — Call Now for Immediate Help

If your child was hazed in Monroe County, you have legal rights. We can help.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation — No obligation — Confidential

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Monroe County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Hazing often involves coercion, peer pressure, and fear of retaliation. Your child may be afraid of social consequences or being ostracized. This is normal. An attorney can help protect your child’s identity and guide you through the process without putting them at risk. Call us for confidential advice.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that victims often “consent” under duress, peer pressure, or fear of social exclusion. You can still sue even if your child participated.

Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. How much will this cost us?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing to hire us, and we only get paid if we win your case. There is no financial risk to your family.

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Monroe County, but you’re based in Texas. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can pursue your case no matter where you are. Monroe County families get the same representation as our Texas clients.

Q: What if the hazing happened months or years ago? Is it too late to sue?

A: Florida has a statute of limitations — typically 2 years from the date of injury for personal injury cases. However, there may be exceptions for delayed discovery or ongoing patterns of abuse. Contact us immediately to discuss your timeline.

Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait for their results?

A: No. Universities often conduct investigations to protect their own interests, not yours. Their findings may not be in your child’s favor. An attorney can ensure your rights are protected during the university’s process and pursue independent legal action.

Q: Can we sue the individual members who hazed our child?

A: Yes. Each person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes chapter officers, members, and even alumni who hosted hazing events. Personal assets and homeowner’s insurance may be available to cover damages.

Q: What if our child was injured but not hospitalized? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered physical injuries, psychological trauma, or emotional distress that warrant compensation. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your case.

Q: The fraternity has already been suspended. Is it still worth pursuing legal action?

A: Absolutely. Suspension is not enough. Legal action can:

• Provide compensation for medical bills and suffering
• Force real institutional change
• Punish the individuals responsible
• Deter future hazing in Monroe County and beyond

Q: How much is our case worth?

Every case is unique, but Monroe County hazing cases can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• The defendants’ ability to pay
• The impact on your child’s life
• Whether punitive damages are warranted

Contact us for a free case evaluation.

🔍 Monroe County Hazing Warning Signs — What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing is often hidden from parents. Here are signs your child may be experiencing hazing in Monroe County:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Sleep deprivation — dark circles, exhaustion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Symptoms of alcohol poisoning — vomiting, confusion, blackouts

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Unusual clothing or accessories (fanny packs, specific items)
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• Fear of certain people or places
• Talk of “traditions” or “rituals” they can’t discuss

Academic Signs:

• Missing classes or assignments
• Declining grades
• Withdrawal from extracurricular activities
• Talk of dropping out or transferring schools

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses — “dues,” “fees,” or “gifts”
• Missing money or valuables
• Requests for money with vague explanations

Social Signs:

• Sudden new group of friends (fraternity/sorority members)
• Avoiding old friends
• Reluctance to discuss Greek life activities
• Fear of retaliation if they speak up

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. And contact Attorney 911 immediately.

🏛️ Monroe County Universities with Greek Life — Where Hazing Happens

Monroe County is home to several institutions where Greek life is active. These are the universities where hazing is most likely occurring:

1. Florida Keys Community College (FKCC)

• Location: Key West, Monroe County
• Greek Organizations: Local fraternities and sororities
• Risk Level: Moderate — smaller organizations may have less oversight

2. University of Miami (UM) — Coral Gables (Near Monroe County)

• Location: Coral Gables, FL (approximately 150 miles from Key West)
• Greek Organizations: 30+ fraternities and sororities
• Risk Level: High — large Greek system with documented hazing incidents
• Notable: University of Miami has faced multiple hazing investigations in recent years

3. Florida International University (FIU) — Miami (Near Monroe County)

• Location: Miami, FL (approximately 150 miles from Key West)
• Greek Organizations: 40+ fraternities and sororities
• Risk Level: High — large Greek system with high-risk activities
• Notable: FIU has a history of hazing incidents, including alcohol-related hospitalizations

4. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) — Boca Raton (Near Monroe County)

• Location: Boca Raton, FL (approximately 200 miles from Key West)
• Greek Organizations: 30+ fraternities and sororities
• Risk Level: High — documented hazing incidents
• Notable: FAU has faced multiple hazing suspensions in recent years

These universities are all within driving distance of Monroe County, and many Monroe County students attend them. Hazing is happening at all of them.

📢 A Message to Monroe County Fraternities and Sororities

To the chapters operating in Monroe County:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your university overseers. And we know what you’re doing to students.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million in our Houston case apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter is in Monroe County, know this:

1. We are watching.
2. We track your national organization’s hazing history.
3. We know your corporate structures, insurance policies, and assets.
4. We know how to sue you, your nationals, and your university.
5. We know how to win.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Closed. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Monroe County.

📜 Monroe County Hazing Resources

Reporting Hazing in Florida:

• Florida Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• Florida Department of Education: www.fldoe.org
• Local Law Enforcement: Contact your Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or local police department

Support for Hazing Victims:

• National Hazing Prevention Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE (for sexual hazing)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Legal Resources:

• Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011

🏆 Our Commitment to Monroe County Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients — we fight for change.

When we take a Monroe County hazing case, we commit to:

1. Aggressive Legal Representation — We will pursue every liable party, from individual members to national organizations to universities.
2. Maximum Compensation — We will fight for every dollar your family deserves for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
3. Institutional Change — We will use litigation to force universities and Greek organizations to implement real safeguards against hazing.
4. Public Awareness — We will shine a light on hazing culture in Monroe County and beyond.
5. Legislative Reform — We will work with Florida legislators to strengthen hazing laws and protect future students.

Monroe County families: You are not alone. We are here to fight for you.

🚨 Monroe County Families — Act Now Before It’s Too Late

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Organizations destroy records
• Statutes of limitations expire

If your child was hazed in Monroe County, call Attorney 911 NOW:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation — No obligation — Confidential

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🔥 Final Warning to Monroe County Institutions

To every fraternity and sorority chapter in Monroe County:
To every national organization with a Monroe County presence:
To every university that allows hazing to continue:

We are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that won $10 million in Houston will be used in Monroe County.
The same pattern evidence that proved systemic negligence will be used in Monroe County.
The same punitive damages that punished egregious conduct will be sought in Monroe County.

Your chapter could be next.

Clean up your act now — or face the consequences.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Monroe County Students & Families