Hazing Victims in Schuyler County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
Schuyler County Parents and Students: This Is Happening Near You
You need to know this: The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston until he suffered kidney failure have active chapters at universities near Schuyler County. The same “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital for four days with rhabdomyolysis exist right here in Missouri. And the same institutional failures that allowed this to happen at UH are happening at colleges across our state.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. This is happening near Schuyler County. And if your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they could be next.
The Hazing Crisis Comes to Schuyler County
What Happened at UH Could Happen Here
In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez—a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet—accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic torture:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running
- Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth (another pledge)
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
On November 3, 2025, after being forced to perform extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed, Bermudez collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—a life-threatening condition caused by muscle breakdown. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
Why This Matters to Schuyler County Families
-
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Schuyler County
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at major universities across Missouri
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and other nationals with hazing histories are active near Schuyler County
- These organizations share the same culture, the same “traditions,” and the same disregard for student safety
-
Universities Near Schuyler County Have the Same Liability Problems
- Colleges near Schuyler County own or control fraternity houses
- They have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters
- They choose not to—until someone gets hurt or dies
-
This Isn’t “Tradition”—It’s Torture
- Waterboarding is considered torture when used against enemy combatants
- Forcing students to exercise until their muscles break down is medical negligence
- These aren’t pranks—they’re crimes
-
Victims Are Afraid to Speak Up
- Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution”
- Schuyler County victims face the same fear of social ostracism, academic retaliation, and physical intimidation
- We protect our clients. We fight for justice without fear.
Schuyler County’s Legal Rights in Hazing Cases
Missouri Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Missouri has strong laws against hazing, but many families don’t know their rights:
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360 – Hazing Defined:
“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.”
Key Points:
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them
- Both individuals AND organizations can be held liable
- Universities can be liable if they knew or should have known about hazing
- Criminal penalties include fines and jail time
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.363 – Criminal Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious physical injury (felony) | Up to 4 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death (felony) | Up to 7 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine |
Civil Liability:
In addition to criminal charges, victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Schuyler County Hazing Case?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| University/College | Owned the property; failed to protect students |
| Fraternity Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled the property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
In the UH case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse (where hazing occurred)
The same legal strategy applies to Schuyler County cases.
Schuyler County Hazing: What It Really Looks Like
Common Hazing Activities at Missouri Universities
Based on our experience and documented cases nationwide, these are the types of hazing happening near Schuyler County:
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, burning | Broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injury |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Extreme Exercise | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, all-night activities | Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health crises |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning | Sprayed with hoses, held underwater | Drowning, panic attacks, psychological trauma |
| Exposure | Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces | Hypothermia, frostbite, heat stroke |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, psychological trauma |
Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation”—it causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries:
| Condition | Cause | Symptoms | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion | Muscle pain, weakness, dark urine | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis | Decreased urination, swelling, confusion | Dialysis, kidney transplant, death |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Vomiting, unconsciousness, slow breathing | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls | Headache, confusion, loss of consciousness | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Heat Stroke | Extreme exercise in heat | High body temperature, nausea, confusion | Organ damage, death |
| Hypothermia | Exposure to cold | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse | Cardiac arrest, death |
| PTSD | Psychological abuse | Flashbacks, anxiety, avoidance | Long-term therapy, medication |
| Depression/Anxiety | Humiliation, isolation | Persistent sadness, loss of interest | Suicidal ideation, self-harm |
| Death | Any of the above | Cardiac arrest, organ failure | Irreversible loss |
Our client suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise. This is happening to Missouri students too.
Schuyler County Families: What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis symptoms (muscle pain, dark urine) may not appear immediately
- Alcohol poisoning can be fatal hours after drinking stops
- Psychological trauma may not be apparent right away
- Medical records are critical evidence—they document the harm
If your child shows any of these symptoms after hazing, go to the ER:
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Dark brown or red urine
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of consciousness
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Evidence disappears fast. Collect everything now:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital bills, doctor notes, test results, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used in hazing |
| Texts/Messages | GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp, iMessage |
| Social Media | Posts, stories, or messages about hazing (screenshot everything) |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules, emails from the organization |
| Witness Info | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fee statements |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Hazing
Make official reports to create a paper trail:
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in Missouri)
- Report to the university’s Title IX office (if sexual harassment/assault occurred)
- Report to the university’s Greek life office
- Report to the national organization (if applicable)
Why this matters:
- Creates official documentation of the incident
- Triggers university investigations
- May lead to criminal charges
- Strengthens your civil case
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately
Hazing cases are complex. You need experienced legal representation.
Why hire Attorney 911 for your Schuyler County hazing case?
✅ We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW—currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how the other side thinks and how to beat them
✅ Federal court admission—can pursue cases nationwide, including Schuyler County
✅ Dual-state bar licenses—Texas AND New York, with experience against national fraternities
✅ Proven track record—multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
✅ We come to Schuyler County—travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Video consultations available—Schuyler County families can meet with us remotely
✅ Contingency fee—$0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Schuyler County Hazing: What You Can Recover
Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | ER visits, hospital stays, tests, medications, therapy | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Future Medical | Ongoing treatment, specialists, potential dialysis/transplant | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for disrupted semester, lost scholarships | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Future Earning Capacity | If injuries affect long-term career prospects | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Pain | Pain from injuries, medical treatment, recovery | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | Fear, humiliation, trauma from hazing | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct)
When conduct is outrageous, courts award punitive damages to send a message.
Examples from our UH case:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forcing exercise until kidney failure
- Striking with wooden paddles
- Continuing hazing after another pledge collapsed
Potential Value: $500,000 – $5,000,000+ per defendant
Schuyler County Precedent Cases: You Can Win Big
Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Settlements in Hazing Cases
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10,100,000 | 2021 |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6,100,000 | 2017 |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110,000,000+ | 2017 |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (high) | 2017 |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4,000,000+ | 2021 |
Schuyler County families: These same results are possible for you.
Why These Cases Matter for Schuyler County
- Juries Award Millions for Hazing—even when victims survive
- Universities and Nationals Both Pay—they can’t hide behind each other
- Criminal Charges Often Follow—individuals face jail time
- Cases Drive Legislative Change—hazing laws get stronger after high-profile cases
- The Same Fraternities Are Involved—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, SAE, and others operate near Schuyler County
Schuyler County Fraternities on Notice
National Organizations with Hazing Histories Near Schuyler County
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Missouri Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) | University of Missouri, Missouri State University, others |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths, alcohol poisoning cases | University of Missouri, Washington University, others |
| Sigma Chi | Recent lawsuit at UT Austin (2025) | University of Missouri, Missouri S&T, others |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) | University of Missouri, Missouri State, others |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | University of Missouri, others |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) | University of Missouri, others |
| Delta Chi | Adam Oakes (VCU, 2021) | University of Missouri, others |
To fraternities operating near Schuyler County:
- We are watching.
- The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
- If you haze students in Missouri, we will use every piece of this intelligence to hold you accountable.
- The Beta Nu chapter at UH learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
Schuyler County Universities on Notice
Missouri Colleges with Greek Life: You Have the Power to Stop Hazing
Universities near Schuyler County that own or control fraternity houses:
| University | Greek Life Presence | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) | Strong Greek system | Owns/controls fraternity properties |
| Missouri State University | Active Greek life | Has oversight responsibility |
| Truman State University | Greek organizations present | Can regulate and inspect chapters |
| University of Missouri – Kansas City | Greek system | Owns fraternity properties |
| Washington University in St. Louis | Greek life | Oversight of chapters |
| Saint Louis University | Greek organizations | Can suspend or shut down chapters |
To university administrators near Schuyler County:
- You own the buildings where hazing occurs.
- You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
- You choose not to—until someone gets hurt or dies.
- When that happens, you will be held accountable.
- The University of Houston is currently facing a $10 million lawsuit for the same failures.
- Schuyler County institutions: This could be you.
Schuyler County Parents: How to Protect Your Child
Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed
Hazing is often hidden, but these signs may indicate your child is a victim:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Emotional Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises or injuries | Sudden withdrawal from family/friends | Anxiety or depression |
| Weight loss | Changes in sleep patterns | Mood swings |
| Fatigue | Loss of interest in activities | Fear of discussing Greek life |
| Difficulty walking or moving | Secretive behavior | Nightmares or flashbacks |
| Wearing unusual clothing | Avoiding certain people/places | Suicidal thoughts |
| Signs of alcohol abuse | Decline in academic performance | Self-harm |
What to Say to Your Child About Hazing
-
“You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.”
- Hazing isn’t about earning respect—it’s about power and control.
-
“If something feels wrong, it probably is.”
- Trust their instincts. If an activity feels dangerous or humiliating, it likely violates the law.
-
“You can leave at any time.”
- No one has the right to keep them against their will. They can walk away.
-
“I’m here for you, no matter what.”
- Many victims stay silent out of fear of disappointing their parents. Make sure they know you support them.
-
“This isn’t tradition—it’s abuse.”
- Help them recognize hazing for what it is: a crime, not a rite of passage.
Schuyler County’s Legal Options
1. Criminal Complaint
- File a police report with your local law enforcement
- Hazing is a crime in Missouri (misdemeanor or felony depending on severity)
- Can lead to arrests and criminal charges against perpetrators
2. University Complaint
- Report to the university’s Greek life office
- Report to the Title IX office (if sexual harassment/assault occurred)
- Can lead to chapter suspension or expulsion
3. Civil Lawsuit
- Sue the fraternity, university, and individuals for damages
- Recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more
- Hold institutions accountable to prevent future hazing
Our firm handles all three tracks simultaneously.
Schuyler County Families: Why Choose Attorney 911?
We’re Not Just Lawyers—We’re Legal Emergency Responders
When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s on a Missouri highway, a Schuyler County campus, or a fraternity house anywhere in America—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Schuyler County hazing victims, our team:
✅ Builds cases with expert witnesses—medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, institutional negligence specialists
✅ Preserves evidence immediately—texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
✅ Negotiates from strength—we’re currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case
✅ Travels to Schuyler County—for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
✅ Provides remote consultations—Schuyler County families can video chat with our attorneys
✅ Fights for maximum compensation—medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
Our Schuyler County Advantages
| Advantage | How It Helps You |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys who know how to win |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know their playbook—now we use it against them |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Schuyler County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York—strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking clients |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case—same strategies for Schuyler County |
| Will Travel to Schuyler County | Immediate response, relentless pursuit, and willingness to come to you |
What Schuyler County Families Say About Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“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
“I was in a very bad vehicle accident last year… when they picked up my case they were on it it did not take a very long time for us to settle… the settlement was in my favor in my opinion they did a great job” — Sharon Giron
Schuyler County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps
1. Call Us Immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
2. Schedule a Free Consultation
- In-person in Houston, Austin, or Beaumont
- Video conference for Schuyler County families
- We come to Schuyler County for meetings
3. Let Us Handle Everything
- We preserve evidence
- We deal with the fraternity/university
- We fight for maximum compensation
- You focus on healing
4. We Work on Contingency
- $0 upfront—no cost to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless you win
- No hidden fees—you keep the compensation you deserve
Schuyler County: The Time to Act Is Now
Why You Can’t Wait
⏳ 2-Year Statute of Limitations—Missouri law gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears fast.
🗑 Evidence Destruction—Fraternities and universities will delete messages, destroy documents, and intimidate witnesses.
💔 Psychological Trauma—The longer you wait, the harder it is to document the emotional impact.
🏛 Institutional Pressure—Universities and fraternities will try to silence you. We protect you.
What Happens If You Don’t Act
- The fraternity continues hazing other students
- The university continues ignoring the problem
- The individuals who hurt your child face no consequences
- Your child’s medical bills go unpaid
- Your child’s trauma goes untreated
- Another Schuyler County family could face the same nightmare
Schuyler County Families: We Are Your Legal Emergency Response Team
Hazing isn’t tradition. It isn’t brotherhood. It isn’t building character.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes manslaughter. And it’s illegal.
If your child has been hazed in Schuyler County or anywhere in Missouri, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to our $10 million UH case.
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it RIGHT NOW.
Call us before it’s too late.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Schuyler County hazing victims: We will bring the light. We will demand justice. We will not stop until this ends.
