Hazing Lawyer in Morgan County, Kentucky | Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Morgan County and Across Kentucky
If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Morgan County, Kentucky — you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this crisis nationwide, and we’re here to fight for Morgan County families.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same national fraternities operate at Kentucky universities near Morgan County — including Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, and others. The same hazing culture exists here. And we will hold Morgan County institutions accountable just like we’re doing in Texas.
Morgan County families: You have legal rights. You have powerful options. And you have a team that will fight for you.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Why Morgan County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
🏆 We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW — And Winning
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to get justice for Morgan County families.
🎓 We Understand Greek Life at Kentucky Universities
Morgan County is home to students who attend universities across Kentucky — including Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, University of Kentucky, and others. We know the Greek organizations operating near Morgan County:
- Pi Kappa Phi — The same fraternity we’re suing in Texas
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths nationally
- Kappa Sigma — Multiple hazing incidents
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Multiple hazing deaths
- Phi Delta Theta — Multiple hazing deaths
- Sigma Chi — Hazing lawsuits pending
- And many more
These same national organizations have chapters at Kentucky universities near Morgan County. They have the same hazing culture. And they will be held accountable.
💼 We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have:
- In-house legal teams
- Insurance company lawyers
- Risk management professionals
- Crisis PR firms
You need a law firm with the resources, experience, and determination to level the playing field. Attorney 911 has:
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
- Federal court authority — we can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- A track record of multi-million dollar results
🌍 We Serve Morgan County Families — No Matter Where the Hazing Occurred
While we are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), hazing is a national crisis that requires a national response. We represent hazing victims and their families anywhere in America, including Morgan County, Kentucky.
- Federal court authority — we can file in federal court for Kentucky cases
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely from Morgan County
- Travel commitment — we come to Kentucky for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
🗣️ We Protect Your Privacy and Your Rights
Hazing victims often fear retaliation, social stigma, or academic consequences. We understand. We protect you.
- Confidential consultations — your story stays private
- Protection from retaliation — we take legal action against intimidation
- Academic advocacy — we work with schools to protect your education
- Media strategy — we control the narrative to protect your reputation
💰 We Fight for Maximum Compensation
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits win millions:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
Our $10 million demand is in line with these precedents — and we will fight for every dollar Morgan County families deserve.
What Is Hazing? A Warning for Morgan County Parents
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “team bonding.”
Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And it is illegal in Kentucky.
Common Hazing Activities in Kentucky (Based on Our Case and National Patterns)
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Physical Exertion | 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, running drills, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
| Forced Consumption | Forced drinking (alcohol), forced eating (food, peppercorns, milk) until vomiting | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, internal injuries |
| Waterboarding/Torture | Simulated drowning with hoses, buckets of water, or other methods | Drowning, asphyxiation, psychological trauma |
| Physical Assault | Paddling, beating, branding, burning | Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scarring |
| Sleep Deprivation | All-night activities, early morning wake-ups, forced driving | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health decline |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Exposure | Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces, extreme heat | Hypothermia, heat stroke, frostbite |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, errands, driving members | Exhaustion, academic decline |
Real Hazing Incidents — This Is Happening Near Morgan County
In our current case:
- A student 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Lied in vomit-soaked grass and forced to continue activities
- Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
At other universities:
- Stone Foltz (Ohio, 2021) — Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning ($10.1 million settlement)
- Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana, 2017) — Forced drinking game; BAC 0.495; died ($6.1 million jury verdict)
- Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, 2017) — Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911; died ($110+ million settlement)
These incidents are not isolated. They happen at Kentucky universities near Morgan County. And they can happen to your child.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Morgan County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, knew about “hazing crisis,” failed to enforce policies | Pi Kappa Phi National |
| University | Failed to protect students, owned fraternity house, knew about prior incidents | University of Houston |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Beta Nu Housing Corporation |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former member and spouse named in our lawsuit |
| Coaches/Advisors | For sports teams/clubs — failed to supervise | Applicable to Morgan County ROTC, sports teams |
In our current case, we are suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National
✅ The local chapter
✅ The housing corporation
✅ The University of Houston
✅ The UH Board of Regents
✅ The chapter president
✅ The pledgemaster
✅ Current and former members
✅ A former member and his spouse
Morgan County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
Kentucky Hazing Laws — What Morgan County Families Need to Know
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 164.375 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Kentucky:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
This includes:
- Physical abuse
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates a risk of harm
Criminal Penalties in Kentucky:
- Class A Misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail, $500 fine)
- Class D Felony if the hazing results in serious physical injury or death (1-5 years in prison)
Civil Liability:
- Victims can sue for damages
- Kentucky has no cap on pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages may be awarded for egregious conduct
Kentucky’s “Max Gruver Act” — Named After Hazing Victim
Kentucky has strengthened its hazing laws in recent years. The Max Gruver Act (2018) was named after Maxwell Gruver, who died from hazing at LSU. The law:
- Requires universities to provide hazing education
- Mandates reporting of hazing incidents
- Increases penalties for hazing
Despite the law, hazing continues at Kentucky universities — including near Morgan County.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Morgan County
🚨 Immediate Steps — Preserve Evidence and Protect Your Child
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Document all symptoms and treatments
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take photos: Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Document everything: Dates, times, locations, participants, witnesses
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- They will destroy evidence, coordinate stories, and intimidate witnesses
- Let us handle all communication
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not delete old posts (that’s destruction of evidence)
- Stay quiet on social media until your case is resolved
-
Report to Authorities (Optional)
- Consider filing a police report
- Consider filing a Title IX report with the university
- We can guide you through this process
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be
⏳ Time Is Critical — Kentucky Statute of Limitations
- Personal Injury: 1 year from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 1 year from the date of death
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
How We Build a Strong Hazing Case for Morgan County Families
Step 1: Free Consultation
- We listen to your story
- We evaluate the strength of your case
- We explain your legal options
- No obligation. No pressure.
Step 2: Investigation
- We gather all evidence (medical records, communications, photos, videos)
- We identify all liable parties
- We interview witnesses
- We preserve critical evidence before it disappears
Step 3: Medical Documentation
- We work with medical experts to document injuries
- We calculate future medical needs
- We build a life care plan for long-term consequences
Step 4: Demand and Negotiation
- We send a demand letter to all defendants
- We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- If they refuse to settle fairly, we file a lawsuit
Step 5: Litigation
- We file a lawsuit in the appropriate court
- We conduct discovery (depositions, document requests, subpoenas)
- We build the strongest possible case for trial
Step 6: Resolution
- We negotiate a settlement that compensates you fairly
- If necessary, we take your case to trial
- We fight for every dollar you deserve
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Morgan County
❓ Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can sue the organization, the individuals, and any property owners where hazing occurred.
❓ What if my child “consented” to participate?
Consent is not a defense in Kentucky. Kentucky law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
❓ What if the university claims they didn’t know?
Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing — and failed to act — they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They knew.
❓ What if the fraternity is already suspended?
That doesn’t protect them from liability. In fact, suspensions often happen after serious incidents — proving the organization knew about the problem. We can still sue the national organization, the local chapter, and the individuals.
❓ Can we sue the national fraternity?
Absolutely. National organizations have the power to stop hazing. If they knew about problems and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “a hazing crisis” and did nothing.
❓ What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We protect our clients from retaliation. We take legal action against anyone who intimidates or retaliates against hazing victims. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
❓ How much is our case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Punitive damages
Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits win millions:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Ohio)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania)
Our $10 million demand is in line with these precedents.
❓ How long will the case take?
Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work as efficiently as possible to resolve your case while fighting for maximum compensation.
❓ How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if you win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.
Universities Near Morgan County with Greek Life — Know the Risks
Morgan County is home to students who attend universities across Kentucky. These institutions have active Greek organizations with documented hazing risks:
| University | Location | Notable Greek Organizations | Hazing History Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta | Multiple hazing incidents reported in Kentucky |
| Morehead State University | Morehead, KY | Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Tau | Hazing violations documented |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing incidents, suspensions |
| Murray State University | Murray, KY | Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Tau | Hazing violations reported |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi | Hazing incidents documented |
These same national fraternities have chapters at universities near Morgan County — and they have the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Texas.
Real Hazing Stories — This Could Happen in Morgan County
🔴 Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at UH, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next 7 weeks, he was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue running
- Another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do extreme 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.
Diagnosis:
- Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- Hospitalized for 4 days
Our Response:
We filed a $10 million lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- The chapter president, pledgemaster, and multiple members
Why This Matters to Morgan County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Morgan County
- The same hazing culture exists at Kentucky institutions
- Universities near Morgan County face the same liability failures
- If this can happen at UH, it can happen in Morgan County
🔴 Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha
What Happened:
Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome:
- $10.1 million total settlement (university + fraternity)
- Multiple criminal convictions
- Chapter permanently expelled
Why This Matters to Morgan County:
- Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at universities near Morgan County
- Forced drinking is a common hazing tactic
- This could happen to your child
🔴 Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta
What Happened:
Maxwell Gruver, 18, participated in a “Bible Study” pledge event where pledges were quizzed on fraternity history. Wrong answers meant forced drinking. Maxwell’s BAC reached 0.495 — more than 6 times the legal limit. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome:
- $6.1 million jury verdict
- Criminal conviction for negligent homicide
- Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana
Why This Matters to Morgan County:
- Phi Delta Theta has chapters at universities near Morgan County
- Forced drinking games are common
- Kentucky has similar laws — but they’re not enough to stop hazing
🔴 Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi
What Happened:
Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a bid acceptance night. He fell down basement stairs multiple times. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding.
Outcome:
- $110+ million settlement
- Multiple criminal convictions
- Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law — Pennsylvania
Why This Matters to Morgan County:
- Beta Theta Pi has chapters at universities near Morgan County
- Extreme drinking rituals are common
- Universities near Morgan County have the same oversight failures
The Message to Greek Organizations Near Morgan County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Morgan County, Kentucky:
We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid $110 million in settlements are operating at Kentucky universities.
If you haze students near Morgan County:
- We will sue your chapter
- We will sue your national organization
- We will sue your university
- We will sue your housing corporation
- We will sue every individual who participated
- We will pursue every dollar of insurance coverage
- We will take your case to trial if necessary
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Morgan County, know this:
- We are currently litigating a $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi
- We have beaten fraternities in court before
- We will do it again
- Your chapter could be next
Universities near Morgan County:
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Morehead State University
- University of Kentucky
- Murray State University
- Western Kentucky University
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
If you fail, we will hold you accountable.
Contact Attorney 911 — Morgan County Hazing Lawyers
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Morgan County, Kentucky — we can help.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Serving Morgan County and all of Kentucky:
- West Liberty
- Caney
- Ezel
- Elkfork
- Malone
- Mize
- Cannel City
- And surrounding areas
We also serve students from Morgan County who attend universities across Kentucky, including:
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Morehead State University
- University of Kentucky
- Murray State University
- Western Kentucky University
No matter where the hazing occurred, we will fight for you.
Why Morgan County Families Trust Attorney 911
✅ 25+ Years of Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for victims for over 25 years. He knows how to take on powerful institutions — and win.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Before switching sides, Ralph and Lupe worked for insurance companies. They know their playbook — and they know how to beat it.
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including in complex cases against large institutions.
✅ Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to federal court and can pursue hazing cases nationwide — including in Kentucky.
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses
Licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations.
✅ Contingency Fee Basis
$0 upfront. We only get paid if you win. This levels the playing field against powerful institutions.
✅ Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
We treat our clients like family. We listen. We care. And we fight aggressively for justice.
Client Testimonials — Real Results for Real Families
“After an 18 wheeler hit me, I was hurt, scared, and didn’t know what to do. After one phone call with Ralph, I knew everything was going to be OK.”
— Mary F.
“We’ve been family friends your whole life! Ha. Thank you for trusting us for over 20 years with your family’s legal emergencies.”
— Attorney 911 Response to Ariel Strawn
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.”
— Kiwi Potato (Local Guide)
“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”
— Ambur Hamilton
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”
— Dame Haskett
“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!”
— Devin Hebert (Local Guide)
Final Message to Morgan County Families
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. The institutions you trusted betrayed that trust.
Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not bonding.
It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And it is illegal.
But you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have powerful options. And you have a team that will fight for you.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to get justice for Morgan County families.
Call us today. Let us fight for your child. Let us hold the people responsible accountable. Let us make sure this never happens to another Morgan County family.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Morgan County families: Enough is enough.
