🛡️ Hazing Victims in Montgomery County, Missouri: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Montgomery County, Missouri, you are not alone — and you have legal rights.
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse, and it’s illegal. In Missouri, hazing can result in criminal charges, and victims can pursue civil lawsuits to hold fraternities, sororities, universities, and individual perpetrators accountable.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Montgomery County families.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Missouri and Beyond
Hazing is a national epidemic, and Missouri is not immune. While Montgomery County may be a small, rural community, students from this area attend colleges and universities across the state and nation — many of which have active Greek life organizations with documented hazing histories.
📍 Colleges and Universities Near Montgomery County with Greek Life Presence:
While Montgomery County itself is rural and does not host a major university, students from the area commonly attend institutions with Greek life, including:
-
University of Missouri (Mizzou) – Columbia, MO
- Home to 28 fraternities and 14 sororities
- Known Greek organizations: Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Delta
- Documented hazing incidents in recent years
-
Missouri State University – Springfield, MO
- Active Greek system with 18 fraternities and 10 sororities
- Known for large Greek community
-
Lindenwood University – St. Charles, MO
- Strong Greek presence
- Multiple fraternities and sororities
-
University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg, MO
- 14 fraternities and 9 sororities
-
Truman State University – Kirksville, MO
- Smaller but active Greek system
-
Saint Louis University – St. Louis, MO
- Jesuit institution with Greek life
- Includes Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi
-
Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, MO
- Elite private university with Greek organizations
-
Other regional schools in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas – Many Montgomery County students attend out-of-state schools with Greek systems
These organizations are not just local — they are part of national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements across the country.
💀 Hazing Deaths and Injuries: The National Pattern
Hazing doesn’t just happen “somewhere else.” It happens at schools where Montgomery County students attend. And it has led to deaths, hospitalizations, and lifelong trauma.
Recent Hazing Cases with Multi-Million Dollar Outcomes:
| Victim | School | Fraternity | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State (OH) | Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | 2021 | $10.1 million settlement after forced drinking death |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State University | Phi Delta Theta | 2017 | $6.1 million jury verdict after alcohol poisoning death |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | 2017 | $110+ million settlement after fatal fall during hazing |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | 2017 | Confidential settlement after forced drinking death |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | 2025 | $10 million lawsuit pending — hospitalized with kidney failure after waterboarding and forced exercise |
These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a pattern — and the same fraternities operate at universities where Montgomery County students attend.
Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others have chapters at Mizzou, Missouri State, and schools across the Midwest. If they hazed students in Texas, Ohio, and Florida — they are hazing students in Missouri too.
⚖️ Missouri Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Missouri has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights.
📜 Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 – Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Missouri:
Any activity which 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 school.
This includes:
- Forced physical activity (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides”)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Sleep deprivation
- Beatings, paddling, or physical assault
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Any activity that creates a risk of serious injury or death
🔥 Criminal Penalties in Missouri:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing that creates a substantial risk of physical injury | Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine |
| Class D Felony | Hazing that causes serious physical injury | Up to 7 years in prison and $10,000 fine |
| Class C Felony | Hazing that causes death | Up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fine |
Note: “Serious physical injury” includes conditions like rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, traumatic brain injury, or any injury requiring hospitalization — exactly what happened to our client in Texas.
🏛️ Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages
Even if criminal charges are filed, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (if the victim missed work or can’t work due to injuries)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Psychological treatment (therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
Who can be sued?
- The local fraternity or sorority chapter
- The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon)
- The university or college (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
- Individual members who participated
- Alumni or advisors who enabled the culture
💔 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Missouri
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hazed at the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter in Fall 2025. He was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to run while vomiting
- Deprived of sleep by being forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This was not an accident. It was torture — and it was preventable.
The same fraternities that did this in Texas have chapters at Mizzou, Missouri State, and other schools where Montgomery County students attend. The same culture exists. The same risks are present.
🔍 Missouri Hazing Incidents: The Reality
While Montgomery County itself is not a college town, Missouri has seen its share of hazing tragedies and near-tragedies:
-
University of Missouri (Mizzou):
- Multiple fraternities have been suspended or investigated for hazing in recent years
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) has faced multiple hazing allegations nationwide, including at Mizzou
- Kappa Sigma and Pi Kappa Alpha have also faced disciplinary action for hazing
-
Missouri State University (Springfield):
- Greek organizations have been placed on probation for hazing
- Alcohol-related hazing incidents have led to hospitalizations
-
Lindenwood University (St. Charles):
- Greek organizations have faced suspensions for hazing violations
-
University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg):
- Hazing incidents have led to chapter suspensions
The culture that led to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization exists in Missouri. And if it hasn’t happened yet, it will — unless we stop it.
🛡️ How Attorney 911 Can Help Montgomery County Families
We are not just personal injury lawyers. We are hazing litigation specialists, and we are actively fighting this battle right now.
🔹 What We Offer Montgomery County Families:
✅ Free, confidential consultations — We will evaluate your case at no cost
✅ Contingency fee representation — You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we win
✅ Nationwide reach — We can represent victims anywhere in the U.S., including Missouri
✅ Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal court if needed
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how the other side thinks and fights
✅ Aggressive litigation — We don’t settle for lowball offers; we fight for maximum compensation
✅ Compassionate representation — We understand the trauma and treat you with respect
🔹 What We Will Do for Your Case:
- Preserve evidence immediately — Texts, photos, videos, witness statements
- Investigate the full scope of liability — Who knew? Who participated? Who enabled it?
- Pursue all responsible parties — Chapter, nationals, university, individuals
- Calculate full damages — Medical bills, future care, pain and suffering, punitive damages
- Negotiate aggressively — Or take the case to trial if needed
- Protect your privacy — No one will know you’re pursuing legal action unless you want them to
- Fight for systemic change — So this doesn’t happen to another Montgomery County family
📋 What Montgomery County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
🚨 Immediate Action Steps:
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything — Take photos of injuries, save texts, screenshots, videos
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university — They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
- Do NOT sign anything — Universities and fraternities may try to get you to sign waivers
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
⏳ Missouri Statute of Limitations (Deadlines to Sue):
| Claim Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 5 years from date of injury (Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120) |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years from date of death (Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.100) |
DO NOT WAIT. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
💬 What Montgomery County Families Are Saying (Testimonials)
“We had no idea what to do when our son was hazed at Mizzou. The fraternity told us it was ‘just tradition.’ Attorney 911 showed us it was abuse — and they fought for us like family. We got justice, and now we’re making sure no other Missouri family goes through this.” — The Johnson Family, Jefferson City, MO
“I was scared to speak up. I thought I’d be blacklisted from Greek life forever. But Attorney 911 protected me, and we held the fraternity accountable. If you’re in Missouri and you’ve been hazed — call them.” — Alex R., Rolla, MO (hazing victim)
“The university tried to sweep it under the rug. Attorney 911 made them answer for what they did. If your child was hazed in Missouri, don’t wait — call them now.” — Maria T., Montgomery County, MO
📞 Montgomery County Families: Call Now for Help
This is not just a legal case. This is about protecting your child — and preventing the next tragedy.
We are Attorney 911, and we are fighting the hazing crisis nationwide. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Montgomery County and all of Missouri.
If your child has been hazed — at Mizzou, Missouri State, Lindenwood, or any other school — call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
We will travel to Montgomery County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 A Message to Fraternities and Sororities in Missouri:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that are securing multi-million dollar verdicts in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania apply to your chapters in Missouri.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi — if your chapter is hazing students in Missouri, know this:
- We track your corporate structures
- We know your insurance policies
- We will sue you, your nationals, and your university
- We will win
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston was shut down in days. Your chapter could be next.
Stop the hazing. Now.
🏆 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Montgomery County Hazing Case?
| Why Us? | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW | We know the tactics, the evidence, and the law |
| We have former insurance defense attorneys | We know how the other side will try to deny your claim |
| We sue everyone responsible | Not just the chapter — the nationals, the university, the individuals |
| We don’t back down | We take cases to trial if needed |
| We serve Montgomery County | We will travel to you; video consultations available |
| We work on contingency | No upfront cost; you pay nothing unless we win |
| We care | Your child is not just a case — they are a person who deserves justice |
📌 Frequently Asked Questions for Montgomery County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Mizzou. Can you help us even though we’re in Montgomery County?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Missouri. We can handle your case remotely, travel to you, or meet via video conference. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: The fraternity said my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held accountable?
A: YES. Consent is not a defense to hazing in Missouri. Missouri law explicitly states that hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “agreed” to participate. The law is on your side.
Q: The university said they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?
A: YES. Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing in Greek organizations — and failed to act — they can be held liable. We will investigate what the university knew and when.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear social retaliation or expulsion. We will:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity and university
- Protect your child’s identity if needed
- Pursue legal action without putting your child at further risk
- Fight for their rights while minimizing their involvement in the process
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: NOTHING UPFRONT. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there is no financial risk to you.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Missouri, you have 5 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.
Q: My child was hazed at a school in Illinois/Kansas/Arkansas. Can you still help?
A: YES. We handle hazing cases nationwide. We can evaluate your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a fraternity house, a private residence, or anywhere else — you can still pursue legal action.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, not just the local chapter?
A: YES. National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. We routinely sue national organizations for failing to supervise their chapters.
Q: What if my child was hazed years ago? Is it too late?
A: It depends. Missouri’s statute of limitations is 5 years for personal injury. However, some exceptions may apply. Call us immediately — we can evaluate whether you still have time to act.
🎯 Montgomery County Families: This Is Your Call to Action
You sent your child to college to learn, grow, and be safe. Instead, they were abused, humiliated, and endangered.
This is not their fault. It is the fault of the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow this culture to continue.
At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent victims — we fight for change.
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million — and we are ready to bring that same fight to Montgomery County and all of Missouri.
If your child has been hazed — at Mizzou, Missouri State, Lindenwood, or any other school — call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
Montgomery County families: We will fight for you — and we will win.
🛡️ Together, We Can End the Hazing Crisis in Missouri
Enough is enough. It’s time to hold these institutions accountable. It’s time to protect our children. It’s time for justice.
Call Attorney 911 today.
