🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Wallace County, Kansas – Attorney 911

Hazing Victims in Wallace County Deserve Justice

Wallace County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide mentorship, leadership, and community. But too often, that trust is betrayed by a culture of abuse disguised as “tradition.”

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate at universities near Wallace County. The same negligence exists at Kansas institutions. And we will fight for Wallace County families with the same aggression.

If your child has been hazed in Wallace County or anywhere in Kansas, you are not alone. We are here to help.

This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Wallace County.

The Case That Proves Hazing Is Systemic – And Wallace County Students Are at Risk

In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme hazing.

What happened to Bermudez wasn’t an accident. It was torture.

During his pledge period, Bermudez was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a practice considered torture when used on enemy combatants
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – until he collapsed and couldn’t stand without help
• Struck with wooden paddles – physical abuse with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting – then made to continue exercising in his own vomit
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological humiliation – carried objects of a sexual nature, stripped in cold weather

The result?

• Brown urine – a sign of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
• Acute kidney failure – life-threatening condition requiring four days in the hospital
• Permanent health risks – potential long-term kidney damage

This wasn’t the first time. In 2017, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State University died from forced alcohol consumption. The fraternity had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing. In 2017, a University of Houston student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing. UH had eight years to implement real oversight. They did nothing.

Now, another student has paid the price.

Hazing Isn’t “Tradition.” It’s Abuse. And It’s Illegal in Kansas.

Kansas law defines hazing as:

“Any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
• Psychological abuse (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
• Any activity that creates a substantial risk of harm

Kansas Statute 21-5414 makes hazing a crime:

• Class A misdemeanor for hazing that causes bodily harm
• Felony if the hazing results in death

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the law says it’s still illegal.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Wallace County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can – and should – be held accountable:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly liable for the abuse. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
• Active members who participated
• Members who failed to stop the abuse

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing the chapter president, pledgemaster, and multiple members personally.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance policies. They are responsible for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s 2017 death)
• Allowing a culture of abuse to continue

Pi Kappa Phi knew about their “hazing crisis” and did nothing. They will pay for that failure.

3. The University

Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurs
• Know or should have known about hazing risks
• Fail to investigate or stop hazing

They are liable for the harm.

In our case, University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the abuse happened. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They failed to act. Now, they are a defendant in our lawsuit.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in, encouraged, or failed to stop hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:

• Members who physically abused pledges
• Members who watched and did nothing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Spouses who allowed hazing on their property

In the Stone Foltz case, a fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

What Wallace County Families Can Do If Their Child Was Hazed

If your child has been hazed in Wallace County or at a Kansas university, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, and psychological trauma.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails – screenshot everything.
• Photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or abusive activities.
• Names and contact info of witnesses, other pledges, or bystanders.
• Medical records from hospital visits, therapy sessions, or doctor’s appointments.
• Any documents given to your child (pledge manuals, schedules, rules).

Do NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report – hazing is a crime in Kansas.
• Report to the university – request a Title IX investigation if applicable.
• Report to the national organization – demand action.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be. We offer free consultations to Wallace County families.

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Wallace County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the defendants. We know their tactics. We know how to win.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. We Travel to Wallace County

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Wallace County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

Wallace County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

• No financial risk to you
• No hourly fees
• We fight hard because we only succeed if you do

5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and families in Wallace County are Spanish-speaking. We provide full legal services in Spanish to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.

6. We Have a Proven Track Record

• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how the other side thinks
• Federal court admission – we can pursue cases nationwide

Hazing Cases We’ve Handled

1. Pi Kappa Phi – University of Houston (2025)

• Injury: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
• Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
• Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH, chapter officers, individual members
• Status: $10 million lawsuit filed; media coverage by ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle

2. Kappa Sigma – Texas A&M University

• Injury: Chemical burns from forced consumption of toxic substances
• Result: Confidential settlement exceeding $1 million

3. Multiple Rhabdomyolysis Cases

• Injury: Muscle breakdown from forced exercise leading to kidney failure
• Result: Multiple confidential settlements

What Compensation Is Available for Wallace County Hazing Victims?

Hazing victims in Wallace County may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational losses (tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation)
• Future medical expenses (dialysis, kidney transplant, ongoing care)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
• Humiliation and shame from hazing activities
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities, social isolation)

Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or part of a pattern, courts may award punitive damages to:

• Punish the defendants for their conduct
• Deter future hazing at other chapters
• Send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated

In the Maxwell Gruver case, a jury awarded $6.1 million. In the Timothy Piazza case, the settlement exceeded $110 million.

Wallace County Universities With Greek Life – Are They Safe?

Many universities near Wallace County have active Greek organizations, including:

• Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS) – 45 miles from Wallace County
• University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney, NE) – 150 miles from Wallace County
• Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO) – 200 miles from Wallace County

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths operate at these schools:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Beta Theta Pi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Wallace County-area university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

Warning Signs of Hazing in Wallace County

Parents in Wallace County should watch for these red flags:

✅ Sudden changes in behavior – withdrawal, anxiety, depression
✅ Unexplained injuries – bruises, burns, sprains
✅ Sleep deprivation – fatigue, dark circles under eyes
✅ Secretive behavior – avoiding questions about Greek life activities
✅ Drop in academic performance – missed classes, failing grades
✅ Physical symptoms – nausea, vomiting, difficulty walking
✅ Fear of retribution – reluctance to discuss Greek life
✅ Sudden financial requests – “dues,” “fees,” or unexpected expenses

If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

Fraternities Near Wallace County With Hazing Histories

The following fraternities have documented hazing incidents nationwide. If they have chapters near Wallace County, your child could be at risk:

These are the same Greek letters on Wallace County-area campuses. The same culture. The same danger.

What to Do If Your Child Is Being Hazed in Wallace County

1. Ensure Their Safety

If your child is in immediate danger, remove them from the situation immediately. Call 911 if necessary.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor. Hazing can cause:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown → kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

3. Preserve Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or abusive items.
• Screenshot all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails).
• Write down witness names and contact information.
• Save all medical records from hospital visits or therapy sessions.

4. Report the Hazing

• File a police report – hazing is a crime in Kansas.
• Report to the university – demand an investigation.
• Report to the national organization – demand chapter suspension.

5. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

Fraternities and universities will try to:

• Minimize the abuse (“It’s just tradition”)
• Shift blame (“Your child consented”)
• Destroy evidence (delete messages, intimidate witnesses)
• Offer low settlements before you know your rights

Talk to an attorney first. We will handle all communications.

6. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. We offer free, confidential consultations to Wallace County families.

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Wallace County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not harmless fun. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it can be deadly.

If your child has been hazed in Wallace County or at a Kansas university, we are here to fight for you. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to hold every responsible party accountable.

This is what we’re fighting for in our $10 million lawsuit. This is what we’ll fight for in Wallace County.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

24/7 Hazing Hotline for Wallace County Families:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We serve Wallace County and all of Kansas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wallace County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. Should I still call a lawyer?

Yes. Many hazing victims are afraid of retribution or social consequences. We can advise you on your legal options without your child’s direct involvement. In some cases, we can file a lawsuit on behalf of the family or pursue institutional accountability without naming the victim.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?

No. Kansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says it’s still illegal. Fraternities use this argument to avoid liability, but it will not hold up in court.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?

Yes. Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Have prior knowledge of hazing risks (like UH’s 2017 incident)
• Fail to implement reasonable oversight

They can be held liable even if they claim ignorance.

4. How much is my Wallace County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
• Prior incidents (pattern of hazing at the chapter or university)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)
• Cover-up attempts (destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses)

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are seeking $10 million. In the Stone Foltz case, the family received $10.1 million. In the Timothy Piazza case, the settlement exceeded $110 million.

5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Kansas?

Kansas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing. This means you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Call us today for a free case evaluation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

6. My child was hazed at a university outside of Wallace County. Can you still help?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and beyond. We have federal court authority and are licensed in Texas and New York, allowing us to pursue cases across state lines.

If your child was hazed at:

• Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS)
• University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney, NE)
• Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)
• Any other university

We can help. Call us today.

7. I’m worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. How much will this cost my family?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• $0 to hire us – no retainer, no hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win your case – our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
• No financial risk to you – if we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Wallace County families should never let cost prevent them from seeking justice.

8. What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can the university still be liable?

Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if:

• The university had prior knowledge of hazing risks
• The university failed to take reasonable steps to prevent hazing
• The hazing was organized or condoned by university-recognized groups

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, some hazing occurred at a private residence. We are still pursuing the university for liability.

9. Can we sue the national fraternity even if the hazing was done by local members?

Yes. National fraternities and sororities are legally responsible for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s 2017 death)
• Allowing a culture of abuse to continue

They have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide significant compensation for victims.

10. What should I do if my child is currently being hazed?

Act immediately:

1. Remove your child from the situation – their safety is the top priority.
2. Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor.
3. Preserve all evidence – texts, photos, witness names.
4. Report the hazing – to police, the university, and the national organization.
5. Contact Attorney 911 – we can guide you through the next steps and protect your legal rights.

Do NOT confront the fraternity or university without legal counsel. Call us first: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Wallace County Parents: This Is What Happens When You Call Attorney 911

Step 1: Free, Confidential Consultation

• We listen to your story and evaluate your case.
• We explain your legal rights and options.
• We answer all of your questions.

Step 2: Immediate Action Plan

• Evidence preservation – we send letters demanding that all evidence be preserved.
• Medical records – we obtain all medical documentation of your child’s injuries.
• Witness interviews – we identify and interview witnesses.
• Investigation – we gather all available evidence to build your case.

Step 3: Demand Letter

• We send a demand letter to all responsible parties (fraternity, university, individuals).
• We outline the evidence, the law, and the compensation we are seeking.
• We open settlement negotiations.

Step 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

• If the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit.
• We handle all court filings, depositions, and legal proceedings.
• We prepare your case for trial if necessary.

Step 5: Resolution

• Settlement: Most cases settle out of court. We negotiate the highest possible compensation for your family.
• Trial: If necessary, we take your case to trial and fight for a jury verdict.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed every step of the way. You will never be left in the dark.

Wallace County Families Deserve Justice. We Will Fight for You.

Hazing destroys lives. It hospitalizes students. It kills. And it happens at universities near Wallace County every year.

But it doesn’t have to.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting to change the culture of Greek life. We are holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. We are sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

If your child has been hazed in Wallace County or anywhere in Kansas, we are here to help. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to win.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We don’t get paid unless you do. Wallace County families pay $0 upfront.

🚨 Don’t Wait. Evidence Disappears. Witnesses Forget. Your Rights Expire.

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Serving Wallace County, Kansas and nationwide.