Hazing Lawyers in Ray County, MO – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Ray County, MO, you are not alone. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate in and around Ray County. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that these organizations know the risks and do nothing to stop the abuse. Ray County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we provide nationwide.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
Why Ray County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Ray County, MO. We are currently representing a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, and we will bring the same relentless advocacy to Ray County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—previously worked for insurance defense firms, including Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurers try to minimize or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for Ray County victims.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and hold dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York). This means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court—a critical advantage when suing national fraternities with chapters across the country, including near Ray County.
4. $10 Million Lawsuit Experience – We Know How to Win Big
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case involves waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical punishment, and institutional negligence—the same types of abuse that occur at fraternities and sororities near Ray County. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
5. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures that every Ray County family—regardless of financial situation—can afford top-tier legal representation.
6. We Travel to Ray County – Distance Is Not a Barrier
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we travel to Ray County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We also offer remote consultations via phone or video for Ray County families who cannot travel.
7. Bilingual Support – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Ray County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide full bilingual support in Spanish and English, ensuring no language barriers prevent you from seeking justice.
The Hazing Crisis in Ray County, MO – It’s Happening Here Too
Fraternities and Sororities Near Ray County Have the Same Hazing Culture
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have active chapters at universities near Ray County. These organizations have a documented history of hazing, including:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) – Died from forced alcohol consumption | Chapter closed; criminal charges |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) – Hospitalized with kidney failure after waterboarding and 500 squats | $10M lawsuit pending (our case) |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) – Died from forced drinking | $10.1M settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Died from forced drinking | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) – Died after being forced to drink and falling down stairs | $110M+ settlement |
These same fraternities operate near Ray County, and they bring the same dangerous culture with them.
Universities Near Ray County Are Just as Liable
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house where our client was hazed. The university knew about prior hazing incidents but failed to act. The same negligence exists at universities near Ray County:
- Universities have the power to regulate Greek life but often turn a blind eye to hazing.
- Universities own or control fraternity housing in many cases, making them liable for what happens on their property.
- Universities receive complaints about hazing but fail to investigate or discipline organizations.
If your child was hazed at a university near Ray County, the school shares responsibility—and we will hold them accountable.
What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in Missouri
Missouri law defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with an organization. This includes:
✅ Physical abuse – Beating, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., peppercorns, milk, hot dogs)
✅ Waterboarding or simulated drowning – A form of torture
✅ Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities that lead to exhaustion
✅ Psychological abuse – Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Exposure to extreme conditions – Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces
Missouri law explicitly states that “consent is not a defense”—meaning even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.**
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Ray County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share liability, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing risks |
| University/college | Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred; failed to prevent abuse |
| Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) | Directed hazing activities |
| Individual members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni who hosted hazing | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Spouses of members | Allowed hazing at their residence |
| Insurance companies | Provide coverage for the fraternity, university, and individuals |
We sue everyone responsible—because hazing is never the fault of just one person.
What Should Ray County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
- Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (from psychological abuse)
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Any communications about hazing
- Photos and videos – Of injuries, hazing activities, or the fraternity house
- Medical records – Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
- Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Fraternity documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
If you don’t preserve evidence now, it may disappear—and so will your case.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative and shift blame to your child.
- They will offer lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your damages.
- They will pressure your child to sign away their rights.
- They will destroy evidence if they think they can get away with it.
Do not give statements, sign documents, or accept any offers without speaking to an attorney first.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines (usually 2 years from the date of injury in Missouri). The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Schedule a free consultation
What Compensation Can Ray County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, surgery, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain from hazing; emotional trauma |
| Mental anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Disfigurement | Scars from branding, burns, or injuries |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | Inability to participate in activities due to injuries |
| Punitive damages | Additional compensation to punish the organization for egregious conduct |
| Wrongful death | If hazing led to death, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future earnings |
In our current $10 million case, our client suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats. His medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term health risks justify the demand—and the same compensation is available for Ray County victims.
What Makes Our Firm Different for Ray County Hazing Cases?
1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case – We Know How to Win
Most personal injury lawyers have never handled a hazing case. We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, giving us real-time experience in building these complex cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know How They Fight
Before representing victims, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance defense firms, including Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurers try to minimize claims, deny liability, and lowball settlements. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for Ray County families.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue National Organizations Anywhere
Many hazing cases involve national fraternities with chapters across the country. We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and hold dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), allowing us to pursue cases in federal court—a critical advantage when suing organizations with deep pockets and nationwide reach.
4. We Travel to Ray County – No Need to Come to Texas
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we travel to Ray County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We also offer remote consultations via phone or video, so Ray County families can get legal help without leaving home.
5. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures that every Ray County family—regardless of financial situation—can afford top-tier legal representation.
6. Bilingual Support – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Ray County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide full bilingual support in Spanish and English, ensuring no language barriers prevent you from seeking justice.
Fraternities & Sororities Near Ray County, MO – We Are Watching
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate near Ray County. If your chapter is hazing students, we will find out—and we will hold you accountable.
Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories Near Ray County:
| Fraternity | Hazing Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Waterboarded pledge (UH, 2025) | $10M lawsuit (our case) |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey died from forced drinking (FSU, 2017) | Chapter closed; criminal charges |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz died from forced drinking (BGSU, 2021) | $10.1M settlement |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns, forced drinking (multiple cases) | Multiple lawsuits |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver died from forced drinking (LSU, 2017) | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza died after forced drinking (Penn State, 2017) | $110M+ settlement |
| Sigma Chi | UT Austin student died from alleged hazing (2025) | Lawsuit pending |
If your fraternity has a chapter near Ray County, know this:
- We track your house corporations, alumni chapters, and national insurance policies.
- We document every hazing incident at your chapters nationwide.
- We sue everyone responsible—including individual members, chapter officers, and national leadership.
- We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
Universities Near Ray County – You Are Liable Too
Many universities near Ray County own or control fraternity housing, making them legally responsible for what happens on their property. If your university knew about hazing and did nothing, we will hold you accountable.
Universities with Hazing Liability Near Ray County:
- University of Missouri (Mizzou) – Multiple hazing incidents reported
- Missouri State University (Springfield) – Greek life under scrutiny
- University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg) – Hazing allegations
- Truman State University (Kirksville) – Greek life investigations
- Lindenwood University (St. Charles) – Hazing reports
- Rockhurst University (Kansas City) – Greek life oversight issues
If your university owns or controls a fraternity house where hazing occurred, you share liability. We will sue you for failing to protect students.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Ray County
✅ DO:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Preserve all evidence – Texts, photos, videos, witness names, medical records.
- Contact Attorney 911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 or ralph@atty911.com
- Report the hazing to authorities – Consider filing a police report or Title IX complaint.
❌ DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts – This is destruction of evidence.
- Talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer – They will try to shift blame.
- Sign anything from the organization – You may be waiving your rights.
- Post about the incident on social media – Anything you post can be used against you.
Ray County Families: You Have Rights—And We Will Fight for You
Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter. If your child was hazed at a university near Ray County, you have the right to hold the fraternity, the university, and the individuals responsible accountable.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we will bring the same aggressive, experienced representation to Ray County families.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Schedule a consultation online
We don’t just talk about hazing. We fight it in court. And we win.
