Hazing Victims in Phelps County, Missouri: Your Legal Rights & Path to Justice

You Are Not Alone — Hazing Happens Here Too

Phelps County is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) in Rolla — a campus where Greek life thrives, traditions run deep, and the same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing nationwide maintain active chapters. If your child has been hazed at Missouri S&T, a local college, or any institution near Phelps County, you have legal rights, and you have options.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that made national headlines after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and forced consumption. The same fraternities operate at Missouri S&T and colleges across Missouri. The same risks exist here in Phelps County.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Missouri. It’s happening near Phelps County. And it’s time to stop it.

What Is Hazing? Missouri Law Defines It Clearly

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360, hazing is defined as:

“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 or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education.”

This includes:
✔ Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, extreme exercise to exhaustion
✔ Forced consumption — alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of vomiting or injury
✔ Psychological torture — humiliation, sleep deprivation, isolation
✔ Dangerous stunts — blindfolded activities, exposure to extreme temperatures
✔ Sexual humiliation — forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, degrading acts

Missouri law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal, and those who engage in it — or allow it — are liable.

The Hazing Crisis in Missouri & Near Phelps County

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) — Rolla, MO

Missouri S&T is a major public university in Rolla, Phelps County, with a strong Greek life presence. The same fraternities involved in national hazing deaths — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — have active chapters at Missouri S&T.

The risks are real:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical punishment causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or traumatic injuries
• Psychological trauma resulting in PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Sexual assault or humiliation as part of “initiation”

Other Colleges Near Phelps County with Greek Life:

• University of Missouri (Mizzou) — Columbia, MO (~1.5 hours from Rolla)
• Missouri State University — Springfield, MO (~2.5 hours from Rolla)
• Southeast Missouri State University — Cape Girardeau, MO (~3 hours from Rolla)
• Lindenwood University — St. Charles, MO (~2.5 hours from Rolla)

If your child attends — or plans to attend — any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas.

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Phelps County Families Too

Our Landmark Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez — a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet)
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats, 100+ pushups until collapse
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with hose
• Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workout — they kept going

Result:

• Chapter shut down immediately after hospitalization
• $10 million lawsuit filed — currently pending
• National media coverage (ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media)

Why This Matters to Phelps County:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter at Missouri S&T — the same national organization
✅ The same “traditions” exist at Missouri S&T fraternities
✅ Universities like Missouri S&T have the same duty to protect students
✅ If this happened in Texas, it can happen in Missouri — and it likely already has

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Phelps County?

If your child has been hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

In our UH case, we are suing ALL of these parties — and we’ll do the same for Phelps County families.

What Can You Recover? Damages in Hazing Cases

Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full compensation for all harm caused. This includes:

1. Economic Damages (Tangible Costs)

• Medical bills — ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy
• Future medical expenses — ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential dialysis or transplant
• Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity — if injuries affect future career potential
• Educational disruption — tuition, fees, lost scholarships

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
• Mental anguish from trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress from humiliation and abuse
• Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement — scars, permanent injuries

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or showed deliberate indifference, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

In our UH case, we are seeking punitive damages because:

• Waterboarding is torture
• They knew about prior hazing deaths (Andrew Coffey, 2017)
• They allowed hazing to continue despite “a hazing crisis”
• Another pledge lost consciousness — and they kept going

Missouri Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 — Anti-Hazing Law

• Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $2,000 fine)
• If hazing causes serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class D felony (up to 7 years in prison)
• Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate

Missouri’s “Max’s Law” (2022) — Named After Max Gruver (LSU)

• Strengthened hazing penalties
• Requires universities to publicly report hazing incidents
• Encourages whistleblower protections for students who report hazing

Title IX (Federal Law) — Sexual Hazing & Gender-Based Abuse

If hazing involved sexual assault, harassment, or gender-based humiliation, the university may also be liable under Title IX for failing to protect students.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Phelps County

Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations apply. If your child has been hazed, take these steps immediately:

1. Get Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are crucial evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — DO NOT DELETE
✅ Photos & videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
✅ Witness contact information — other pledges, bystanders, friends
✅ Medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Fraternity documents — pledge manuals, schedules, rules

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative
• They may pressure your child to sign waivers or nondisclosure agreements
• Anything your child says can be used against them

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Free consultation — no upfront cost
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We travel to Phelps County for depositions, trials, and meetings
• Video consultations available if you can’t travel

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Phelps County Families Choose Attorney 911

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

• Right now, we are litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know how to build these cases, negotiate with insurers, and win in court
• Phelps County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies
• We know exactly how they try to minimize claims
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue federal civil rights claims (e.g., Title IX, negligence)
• Phelps County families are not limited by geography

4. We Come to You — No Need to Travel to Texas

• We travel to Phelps County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Video consultations available for remote meetings
• You don’t have to navigate this alone

5. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects all students, including international and Spanish-speaking families
• Our staff is fluent in Spanish
• We ensure no language barriers to justice

6. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• $10M+ in settlements and verdicts across personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
• Wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and institutional negligence expertise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Phelps County Families

1. My child was hazed at Missouri S&T. Can we sue?

Yes. Missouri law allows hazing victims to sue for negligence, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can also be held liable.

2. What if my child “consented” to hazing?

Consent is NOT a defense under Missouri law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

3. How much is a hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but serious hazing injuries can result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries (e.g., hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption)
• University’s knowledge of prior hazing incidents
• National fraternity’s history of hazing violations

Precedent cases show:

• $10.1M (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1M jury verdict (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110M+ (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

• Missouri personal injury statute of limitations: 5 years (from date of injury)
• However, evidence disappears quickly — the sooner you act, the stronger your case
• Criminal charges may have shorter deadlines — contact us immediately

5. Will my child have to testify?

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

6. What if the fraternity offers a settlement?

Do NOT accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and fraternities lowball victims to avoid full accountability. We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

7. Can we sue the national fraternity?

Yes. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They can be held liable for failing to supervise local chapters.

8. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand the fear of retaliation. Missouri law protects whistleblowers who report hazing. We will protect your child’s identity and ensure their safety throughout the legal process.

9. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never have to worry about legal bills while seeking justice.

10. My child wasn’t a student yet — can we still sue?

Yes. In our UH case, the victim was a “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at the university. The fraternity hazed him anyway, and we are holding them accountable. If your child was recruited and hazed, they have a case.

Fraternities Near Phelps County With Hazing Histories

The following fraternities have documented hazing incidents nationwide and maintain active chapters near Phelps County, including at Missouri S&T, Mizzou, and other Missouri universities:

If your child was hazed by any of these fraternities — or any other organization — we can help.

The Time to Act Is Now — Phelps County Families Deserve Justice

If your child has been hazed at:

✔ Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) — Rolla, MO
✔ University of Missouri (Mizzou) — Columbia, MO
✔ Missouri State University — Springfield, MO
✔ Southeast Missouri State University — Cape Girardeau, MO
✔ Lindenwood University — St. Charles, MO
✔ Any other college or university near Phelps County

You have rights. You have options. And you are not alone.

Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free, Confidential Consultation

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

We come to Phelps County. We fight for Missouri families. We win.

Together, We Can End Hazing in Missouri

Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “brotherhood.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes murder.

But change starts with one brave voice.

If your child has been hazed, your case could save the next student. Your courage could prevent the next family from suffering what you’ve been through.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Phelps County.

Call us today. Justice starts now. 🚨