Hazing Lawyer in Wichita County, Kansas: Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice

Wichita County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities will protect their students from harm. They assume that Greek organizations — with their promises of brotherhood and sisterhood — will treat new members with dignity.

But too often, that trust is betrayed.

The same national fraternities and sororities that operate in Texas — the ones currently being sued for $10 million after a University of Houston student was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing — have chapters right here in Kansas. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and others — the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide — maintain active chapters at universities near Wichita County.

If your child has been hazed in Wichita County or anywhere in Kansas, you have legal rights. And you have powerful allies in this fight.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.

Wichita County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

The Hazing Crisis in Wichita County and Beyond

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”

It is abuse.
It is assault.
It is torture.
And sometimes, it is murder.

The Statistics Are Chilling:

• 55% of college students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of students who are hazed do not report it
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations

These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a culture of abuse that universities and national Greek organizations have allowed to flourish — often with tragic consequences.

The University of Houston Case: This Could Happen in Wichita County

What Happened at UH Is Happening Near Wichita County Right Now

In November 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of brutal hazing.

This wasn’t just hazing. This was torture.

Our client was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to continue running
• Deprived of sleep — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
• Humiliated — forced to carry objects of sexual nature, stripped in cold weather
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply

Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout on October 15, 2025. The fraternity members did nothing. They kept going.

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he couldn’t stand without help. 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 rhabdomyolysis — his muscles were breaking down — and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

Why This Case Matters to Wichita County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Wichita County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Kansas.
   • Other national fraternities with hazing histories — Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — also have chapters at universities near Wichita County.
   • If this happened at UH, it can happen — and likely is happening — at Kansas institutions.

2. Universities Near Wichita County Have the Same Oversight Failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
   • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 where another student was hospitalized.
   • They failed to implement real oversight.
   • Kansas universities face the same liability risks when they fail to protect students.

3. National Organizations Know About the Problem — and Do Nothing

   • Pi Kappa Phi knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies.
   • They had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died in 2017 at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter.
   • They did nothing.
   • The same national organizations with chapters near Wichita County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries.

4. This Isn’t the First Time — and It Won’t Be the Last

   • Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University.
   • Stone Foltz died in 2021 at a Pi Kappa Alpha event at Bowling Green State University.
   • Max Gruver died in 2017 at a Phi Delta Theta event at LSU.
   • Timothy Piazza died in 2017 at a Beta Theta Pi event at Penn State.
   • Each of these cases resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and new hazing laws.
   • The same cycle is happening in Kansas.

What Is Hazing? — It’s More Than You Think

Many Wichita County parents and students don’t recognize hazing when they see it. They think it’s just “initiation” or “tradition.” But under Kansas law — and the laws of most states — hazing includes any activity that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm for the purpose of initiation into an organization.

Hazing Can Include:

✅ Physical Abuse — Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced Consumption — Alcohol, food, non-food substances (e.g., eating until vomiting)
✅ Sleep Deprivation — Late-night activities, forced early morning tasks
✅ Psychological Abuse — Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
✅ Sexual Abuse — Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning — As seen in the UH case
✅ Exposure — Forced to endure extreme cold or heat
✅ Servitude — Forced to clean, drive members, run errands

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — as seen in our UH case
• Acute kidney failure — as seen in our UH case
• Alcohol poisoning — common in forced drinking hazing
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
• Death

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Wichita County?

When hazing occurs, everyone involved can be held legally responsible — not just the individuals who participated, but the organizations that allowed it to happen.

Potential Defendants in Wichita County Hazing Cases:

The Deep Pockets: National Organizations and Universities

• National fraternity/sorority organizations have millions in assets and insurance.
• Universities have substantial endowments and liability insurance.
• This is not about suing broke college students — it’s about holding institutions accountable.

Wichita County Families: You Have Legal Rights

If your child has been hazed in Wichita County or anywhere in Kansas, you have the right to:

1. Seek compensation for medical bills, therapy, and other expenses
2. Hold the individuals and organizations responsible accountable
3. Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
4. Help prevent this from happening to another Wichita County family

What You Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Therapy and mental health treatment (for PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Lost wages (if hazing impacted ability to work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
• Educational damages (if hazing disrupted academic progress)

The $10 Million Question: Can Wichita County Families Really Win?

Yes. And they have.

Hazing Cases with Multi-Million Dollar Outcomes:

These aren’t just numbers. These are messages.

Every time a fraternity or university pays millions of dollars for hazing, it sends a message to every other chapter: This will cost you.

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

If your child has been hazed — or if you suspect they have — time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And in Kansas, you have a limited time to take legal action.

Step-by-Step Guide for Wichita County Families:

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor.
   • Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other hazing injuries can be life-threatening if untreated.
   • Medical records are critical evidence.

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Save all text messages, social media posts, and emails about the hazing.
   • Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
   • Document everything — dates, times, locations, what was said.
   • Get names and contact information of witnesses.
   • Do not delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing.

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

   • They will try to control the narrative.
   • They will try to get your child to sign documents that waive their rights.
   • They will try to minimize what happened.
   • Anything your child says can be used against them.

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that contradicts your claim.
   • Even innocent posts can be twisted and used against you.

5. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

   • The sooner you involve an attorney, the better.
   • We can preserve evidence, guide your child through the process, and protect their rights.
   • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

6. Consider Reporting to Authorities

   • Hazing is a crime in Kansas.
   • You can file a police report.
   • You can report to the university’s Title IX office.
   • We can help you navigate these processes.

Why Wichita County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — and Winning

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Wichita County and across Kansas. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — the same fight we bring to Wichita County families.

Why We’re Different:

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know their playbook. We used to work for them. Now we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
✅ Federal Court Authority — We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national organizations.
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses — Texas and New York. This gives us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities headquartered in other states.
✅ Proven Track Record — We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including in complex cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation.
✅ Aggressive Litigators — We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We take cases to trial when necessary.
✅ Bilingual Services — Se habla español. We serve Wichita County’s Hispanic community without language barriers.
✅ Contingency Fee — $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

We Come to Wichita County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we travel to Wichita County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The Clock Is Ticking: Kansas Statute of Limitations

In Kansas, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a hazing incident. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date of the injury.

If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Don’t let the fraternity, sorority, or university silence your child. Don’t let them get away with abuse. Contact us today.

Wichita County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

We know how overwhelming this can feel. We know your child may be afraid of retaliation. We know you may be worried about the cost of fighting back.

You are not alone.

Our client in the UH case was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We understand that fear. We will protect your child every step of the way.

Lupe Pena, one of our attorneys, said it best:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your case could save lives.

Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Wichita County Families

If your child has been hazed in Wichita County or anywhere in Kansas, contact us immediately. We offer free, confidential consultations.

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

Serving Wichita County and all of Kansas with the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wichita County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

Hazing victims often stay silent due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the organization. But silence protects the abusers. The longer you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• The statute of limitations may expire
• Another student could be hurt

We can help your child understand their rights and the importance of speaking out — without putting them at risk.

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

No. Under Kansas law — and the laws of most states — consent is not a defense to hazing.

• Kansas Statute 21-5419 defines hazing and does not include consent as a defense.
• Peer pressure, threats, and social exclusion negate true consent.
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens.

The law is clear: You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime.

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

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

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Have the power to regulate Greek organizations
• Have prior knowledge of hazing at their institution
• Fail to implement meaningful oversight

They can be held liable for negligence.

In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They failed to act. That’s negligence.

4. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth hundreds of thousands — or millions — of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of the injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• The impact on your child’s life (physical, emotional, academic)
• Whether punitive damages are warranted

Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110 million.

5. My child was hazed at a university near Wichita County, but I live in Wichita County. Can you still help?

Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Wichita County and across Kansas. We can:

• Offer video consultations
• Travel to Wichita County for meetings and depositions
• Pursue cases in federal court when appropriate
• Work with local counsel if needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. How long will a hazing lawsuit take?

Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on:

• The complexity of the case
• The number of defendants
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial
• The court’s schedule

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, but we will never rush your child’s case for a lower settlement. We fight for full and fair compensation.

7. What if my child was hazed at a private university or college near Wichita County?

Private universities have the same duty to protect students as public institutions. In fact, they may have even more liability because:

• They often have more control over student organizations
• They may have more resources to pay damages
• They can’t hide behind governmental immunity

We pursue hazing cases against both public and private universities.

8. My child is an international student. Can they still sue?

Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting their status.

9. The fraternity/sorority says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?

No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. If the activity:

• Puts students at unreasonable risk of harm
• Causes physical or psychological injury
• Violates university policy or state law

It is hazing — and it is illegal.

10. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so our interests are aligned with yours.

Universities Near Wichita County with Greek Life: The Hazing Risk Is Real

Wichita County is home to hardworking families who value education and community. Many send their children to colleges and universities across Kansas — institutions where Greek life thrives.

But the same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate at these schools.

Kansas Universities with Greek Life (Partial List):

• Wichita State University — Multiple fraternities and sororities
• University of Kansas — Large Greek system
• Kansas State University — Active Greek community
• Fort Hays State University — Greek organizations present
• Emporia State University — Greek life active
• Pittsburg State University — Greek organizations
• Washburn University — Greek life present

These institutions — and the national Greek organizations that operate on their campuses — have the same duty to protect students that the University of Houston failed to uphold.

A Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Wichita County

To the chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and all other Greek organizations operating near Wichita County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million for a hazing victim in Texas apply to your chapter.

You have a choice:

1. Clean up your culture now — before another student is hurt.
2. Wait until we sue you — and pay the price.

We have proven these cases can be won. We will pursue every liable entity — the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

A Message to Universities Near Wichita County

To the administrators at Wichita State University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and all other Kansas institutions:

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They failed to act. Now they’re being sued for $10 million.

The same institutional negligence that made UH a defendant exists at your campus.

You have a duty to protect your students. If you:

• Own or control fraternity/sorority housing
• Have the power to regulate Greek organizations
• Know or should know about hazing risks
• Fail to implement meaningful oversight

You will be held accountable.

Act now — or face the same consequences.

Wichita County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing doesn’t have to be tolerated. It doesn’t have to be “tradition.” It doesn’t have to ruin — or end — your child’s life.

You have the power to fight back.
You have the power to hold them accountable.
You have the power to protect the next student.

Contact Attorney 911 today.

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We serve Wichita County and all of Kansas with the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

$0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win.

Enough is enough.