🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Neosho County, Kansas Families — Attorney 911

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Neosho County, Kansas — whether at Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott Community College, or any other institution in the Four State Area — you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for Neosho County families with the same aggression.

📞 Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com/hazing

🏆 Why Neosho County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. The same fraternities operate at universities near Neosho County. The same negligence exists at Neosho County institutions. We know how to win.

2. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Neosho County

While based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Neosho County, Kansas. Our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier to justice.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for Neosho County families.

4. $0 Upfront — Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that cost can be a barrier for Neosho County families. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

5. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español

Neosho County has a diverse community. Our staff is fluent in Spanish, and we are committed to serving all families without language barriers.

6. Aggressive, Compassionate Advocates

We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We fight hard for Neosho County families because we truly care about stopping this epidemic.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Neosho County, Kansas

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities far away. It happens right here in the Four State Area — at Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott Community College, and other schools near Neosho County.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Examples of Hazing Near Neosho County:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, drinking games)
• Physical abuse (beating, paddling, excessive exercise)
• Psychological abuse (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
• Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts)
• Dangerous stunts (simulated drowning, extreme weather exposure)
• Servitude (forced cleaning, running errands for members)

Why Hazing Is So Dangerous

Hazing can cause serious injuries and even death. In our current case, a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and damages the kidneys. Other common consequences include:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Heat stroke or hypothermia
• Cardiac arrest
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Death

Hazing Is Illegal in Kansas

Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-5414) makes hazing a criminal offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Consent is not a defense — even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Despite the law, hazing continues because universities and fraternities prioritize reputation over safety. That’s where we come in.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened at UH — And Why It Matters to Neosho County

This Could Have Happened Near Neosho County

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

What They Did to Him:

• 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 vomiting, then 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
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — they kept going
• Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather
• Carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
• Drive fraternity members during early morning hours, causing exhaustion

The Result:

• November 3, 2025: Bermudez collapses after extreme hazing; can’t stand without help
• November 4-5: Symptoms worsen; can’t move
• November 6: Mother rushes him to the hospital with brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
• November 6-10: Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Why This Case Matters to Neosho County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Neosho County

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities near Neosho County, including Pittsburg State University.
   • If it happened at UH, it could happen — or is happening — near Neosho County.

2. Universities Near Neosho County Have the Same Power — and the Same Failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred.
   • Universities near Neosho County have the same power to regulate Greek life — and the same liability when they fail to protect students.

3. They Knew It Was Dangerous — And Did Nothing

   • Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State).
   • UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Jared Munoz at UH).
   • They had 8 years to fix the culture. They didn’t.
   • If it happened twice at UH, how many times has it happened near Neosho County?

4. They’re Already Planning to Come Back

   • In their official statement, Pi Kappa Phi wrote: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
   • No remorse. No accountability. Just waiting for this to blow over.
   • We won’t let that happen. Our $10 million lawsuit is designed to send a message that will protect Neosho County students.

5. This Isn’t “Tradition” — It’s Torture

   • The U.S. government considers waterboarding torture when done to enemy combatants.
   • Pi Kappa Phi did it to a college student trying to make friends.
   • This is not hazing. This is abuse. This is illegal.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Neosho County Hazing Victim

1. Kansas Law Protects You

Under Kansas Statute 21-5414, hazing is a criminal offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held criminally and civilly liable.

2. You Can Sue for Money Damages

If your child was hazed near Neosho County, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic impact)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization and prevent future hazing)

Precedent Cases Show You Can Win Millions:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

3. Who Can Be Sued?

In our UH case, we are suing:

• The local fraternity chapter (directly organized the hazing)
• The national fraternity organization (failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis”)
• The university (owned the fraternity house; failed to protect students)
• Individual members (participated in or allowed the hazing)
• Alumni who hosted hazing (premises liability)

The same defendants can be sued for Neosho County cases.

4. You Have Time — But Not Much

• Kansas statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of injury
• Evidence disappears quickly — text messages get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Neosho County

Step 1: Ensure Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can develop days later.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

• Text messages (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat)
• Social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X)
• Photos and videos (of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house)
• Witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders)
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results)
• Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront the fraternity or sorority.
• Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company.
• Anything you say can be used against you.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

📞 Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We will:

• Provide a free, confidential consultation
• Help you preserve evidence
• Guide you through next steps
• Handle all communication with the organization, university, and insurance companies
• Fight for maximum compensation for your child

💰 What Is Your Neosho County Hazing Case Worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can recover millions of dollars in compensation. Factors that increase case value include:

Our UH case involves:
✅ Severe physical injury (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure)
✅ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, 500 squats, paddles)
✅ Pattern evidence (prior hazing death and hospitalization)
✅ Institutional knowledge (UH and Pi Kappa Phi knew it was happening)
✅ $10 million demand

Neosho County cases with similar factors can expect comparable compensation.

🎯 Who Is Liable for Neosho County Hazing?

1. The Local Fraternity or Sorority Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Officers (president, pledge master) can be held personally liable
• Members who participated can be sued individually

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew about hazing risks (many have prior incidents)
• Have deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance

3. The University or College

• Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
• Negligent supervision — failed to monitor Greek life
• Institutional negligence — knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Deep pockets — substantial endowments and insurance

4. Individual Members

• Each person who participated in or allowed hazing can be sued personally
• Stone Foltz case: Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

5. Alumni Who Hosted Hazing

• If hazing occurred at an off-campus residence, the property owner can be sued
• Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage

6. Insurance Companies

• National organizations, universities, and individuals often have liability insurance
• These policies can provide millions in coverage
• As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to maximize policy payouts

🔍 How We Build Your Neosho County Hazing Case

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence
• Obtain text messages, social media posts, photos, videos
• Secure witness statements from other pledges and bystanders
• Request fraternity documents (pledge manuals, meeting minutes)

2. Medical Documentation

• Obtain hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results
• Work with medical experts to document injuries (physical and psychological)
• Calculate future medical expenses (therapy, specialists, potential complications)

3. Pattern Evidence

• Research prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
• Identify systemic failures in oversight
• Show that the organization knew or should have known about the risks

4. Expert Testimony

• Medical experts — to explain injuries and long-term impact
• Greek life experts — to explain the culture and dynamics of hazing
• Economic experts — to calculate lost wages, future earning capacity
• Psychological experts — to document PTSD, anxiety, depression

5. Aggressive Negotiation

• Demand policy limits from insurance companies
• Push for maximum settlement without going to trial
• Refuse lowball offers that don’t compensate your child fairly

6. Trial Preparation (If Necessary)

• File lawsuit if defendants refuse to settle fairly
• Conduct depositions of fraternity members, university administrators
• Present case to judge and jury
• Fight for maximum compensation and punitive damages

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Neosho County Hazing Cases

1. “My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?”

YES. Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-5414), consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

2. “The university says this was just ‘boys being boys.’ Is that a defense?”

NO. Hazing is not “tradition” or “boys being boys.” It is illegal, dangerous, and often constitutes torture. Courts and juries recognize this — as shown by the $6.1 million verdict in the Maxwell Gruver case.

3. “The fraternity says they’ll handle this internally. Should we trust them?”

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Fraternities and universities have a conflict of interest. Their goal is to protect their reputation, not to get you justice. They will minimize the incident, destroy evidence, and pressure your child to stay quiet. You need your own attorney to protect your rights.

4. “We’re not from Texas. Can Attorney 911 still help us?”

YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Neosho County, Kansas. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and will come to Neosho County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

5. “How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?”

$0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid if you get paid.

6. “How long will the case take?”

Every case is different. Some cases settle in 6-12 months, while others take 2-3 years if they go to trial. We work as quickly as possible to get you the compensation you deserve.

7. “Will my child have to testify?”

Possibly, but we prepare our clients thoroughly. Many cases settle before trial, so your child may never have to testify in court.

8. “What if the fraternity retaliates against my child?”

Retaliation is illegal. If the fraternity or its members try to intimidate or retaliate against your child, we will hold them accountable and seek additional damages.

9. “Can we file a criminal complaint too?”

YES. Hazing is a criminal offense in Kansas. We can help you coordinate with local law enforcement to pursue criminal charges against the individuals responsible. Criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously.

10. “What if my child was hazed at a high school near Neosho County?”

We also represent high school hazing victims. Hazing isn’t just a college problem — it happens in high schools too. If your child was hazed at a Neosho County high school (e.g., Neosho County Community High School, Chanute High School, Erie High School), contact us immediately.

🏛️ Universities and Colleges Near Neosho County — We’re Watching

Hazing happens at institutions across the Four State Area. We are committed to holding all of them accountable.

Institutions Near Neosho County Where Hazing Could Occur:

To fraternities and sororities operating near Neosho County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Neosho County or the Four State Area, we will pursue every liable entity — your national organization, your local chapter, your individual members, and the universities that enable you.

To universities near Neosho County:
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents and failed to protect students. If your institution owns or controls property where hazing occurs, you are liable. If you know about hazing and do nothing, you are liable. Act now — or face accountability in court.

📢 Enough Is Enough — Neosho County Families Deserve Justice

Hazing has claimed too many lives and ruined too many futures. It’s time to hold institutions accountable and protect Neosho County students.

What You Can Do:

1. If your child was hazed, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
2. If you know about hazing, report it — to us, to the university, to law enforcement
3. Share this page with other Neosho County families who may need help
4. Demand change from universities and Greek organizations near Neosho County

Our Promise to Neosho County Families:

• We will fight aggressively for your child
• We will hold every liable party accountable
• We will pursue maximum compensation
• We will protect your child from retaliation
• We will work to prevent this from happening to another Neosho County family

🚨 Neosho County Hazing Victims — Contact Us Now

📞 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com/hazing

Free, confidential consultation. $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.

Serving Neosho County, Kansas and the Four State Area:

• Neosho County, KS (Erie, Chanute, St. Paul, Galesburg)
• Crawford County, KS (Pittsburg, Frontenac, Girard)
• Bourbon County, KS (Fort Scott, Uniontown, Fulton)
• Labette County, KS (Parsons, Oswego, Chetopa)
• Montgomery County, KS (Independence, Coffeyville)
• Cherokee County, KS (Columbus, Baxter Springs)
• Allen County, KS (Iola, Humboldt)
• Anderson County, KS (Garnett, Colony)
• Woodson County, KS (Yates Center)
• Neosho County, MO (Seneca, Granby)
• Jasper County, MO (Joplin, Carthage)
• Newton County, MO (Neosho, Granby)
• McDonald County, MO (Pineville, Anderson)
• Benton County, AR (Bentonville, Rogers)
• Washington County, AR (Fayetteville, Springdale)
• Crawford County, AR (Fort Smith, Van Buren)

We come to you. We fight for you. Justice doesn’t stop at state lines.