Hazing Lawyers Serving Okaloosa County, Florida – Attorney 911
Hazing Victims in Okaloosa County Deserve Justice
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Okaloosa County, Florida, you are not alone. The same national fraternities operating at universities near Okaloosa County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries—including a $10 million lawsuit we are currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
This happened in Houston. It could happen in Okaloosa County. And we will fight for Okaloosa County families with the same aggression.
The Hazing Crisis in Okaloosa County, Florida
Hazing is not just a problem at big universities—it happens right here in Okaloosa County. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters near Okaloosa County have been involved in multi-million-dollar lawsuits for hazing deaths and injuries.
Universities Near Okaloosa County with Greek Life:
- University of West Florida (Pensacola, FL) – Active Greek organizations, including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others
- Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) – One of the largest Greek systems in the country, with documented hazing incidents
- University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) – Multiple fraternities and sororities with hazing histories
- Troy University (Dothan, AL – nearby) – Greek organizations with potential hazing risks
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths. If your child has been hazed at a university near Okaloosa County, we can help.
What Is Hazing? Florida Law Explained
Florida law defines hazing as any action that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a student organization. This includes:
✅ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or other substances leading to alcohol poisoning or choking
✅ Psychological abuse – Humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation
✅ Dangerous activities – Waterboarding, extreme weather exposure, confinement
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects
Florida Statute § 1006.63 makes hazing a criminal offense. Even if your child “consented,” Florida law states that consent is not a defense—the organization is still liable.
The $10 Million Fight – Our Current Hazing Case
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:
🔹 Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
🔹 Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
🔹 Struck with wooden paddles
🔹 Forced to eat until vomiting, then continue running
🔹 Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing (October 15, 2025)
This same fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey, Florida State University). They had 8 years to fix their culture—and they failed.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing to stop it.
This is the same negligence that happens at universities near Okaloosa County.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Okaloosa County?
Hazing cases involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held accountable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing risks but failed to supervise chapters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing occurs |
| Chapter Officers | Leaders who directed or allowed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes or properties |
| Insurance Companies | Provide liability coverage for organizations and individuals |
Okaloosa County families: If your child was hazed, we will pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
What Can Okaloosa County Hazing Victims Recover?
Hazing victims in Okaloosa County can pursue compensation for:
💰 Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
💰 Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma from abuse
💰 Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
💰 Educational disruption – Tuition refunds, academic setbacks
💰 Punitive damages – To punish the organization for egregious conduct
Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can recover millions:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110 million+ settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
Okaloosa County families: These results are possible for your case.
What Should Okaloosa County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
If your child has been hazed, act immediately to protect their rights:
✅ 1. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
✅ 2. Preserve evidence – Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts
✅ 3. Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university alone – They will try to minimize the incident
✅ 4. Do NOT post about the incident on social media – Anything you say can be used against you
✅ 5. Contact an experienced hazing lawyer – Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to sue.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Okaloosa County Hazing Cases?
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case
We are actively litigating a hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases and win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York)
This gives us a strategic advantage when suing national organizations headquartered in other states.
5. We Travel to Okaloosa County
We will come to Okaloosa County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Se Habla Español
We serve Spanish-speaking families in Okaloosa County without language barriers.
7. $0 Upfront – Contingency Fee
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We only get paid if you do.
Okaloosa County Hazing Victims – Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a university near Okaloosa County, we can help. We offer:
📞 24/7 Free Consultations – Call 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email – ralph@atty911.com
💻 Video Consultations – Available for Okaloosa County families
🚗 We Come to You – We travel to Okaloosa County for meetings and depositions
We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re fighting it right now. Let us fight for your Okaloosa County family.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Okaloosa County, Florida and nationwide.
