🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Pinal County, Arizona — Attorney 911
Pinal County Families: We’re Fighting the Hazing Crisis — And We’ll Fight for You
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Pinal County, Arizona — we can help.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Pinal County, Arizona: Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Pinal County is home to families who send their children to some of Arizona’s finest institutions — Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and many more. These universities attract students from across Arizona, including from Pinal County’s communities like Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Florence, and Maricopa.
But here’s what Pinal County parents need to know: The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others — operate chapters at Arizona universities. And the same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening right here in Arizona.
🔥 This Is Happening Now — The Case That Proves It
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (2025)
What Happened in Houston Could Happen to a Pinal County Student
In November 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing.
The Abuse He Endured:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing — they kept going
- He wasn’t even a student yet — they hazed a “ghost rush” who wasn’t enrolled
The Result:
- 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure
- Rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down from over-exertion
- Lifelong health consequences — potential kidney damage
Why This Matters to Pinal County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including at Arizona universities
- The same national organization that failed to prevent this in Houston operates in Arizona
- The same “traditions” are happening at Arizona fraternities
- If your child is pledging a fraternity near Pinal County, they face the same risks
This didn’t just happen in Texas. It’s happening in Arizona. And it could happen to your child.
🏛️ Arizona Universities with Greek Life — Hazing Risks Near Pinal County
Pinal County families send their children to universities across Arizona. Here are some of the institutions where Greek life thrives — and where hazing risks exist:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 60+ fraternities & sororities | Large Greek system; national fraternities with hazing histories |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 50+ fraternities & sororities | Strong Greek culture; national organizations with prior incidents |
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | 20+ fraternities & sororities | Smaller but active Greek life; national fraternity chapters |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | Growing Greek community | Private university with national fraternity chapters |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Prescott, AZ | Smaller Greek presence | National fraternities with hazing risks |
National Fraternities with Arizona Chapters and Hazing Histories:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Arizona Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Bermudez (2025), Andrew Coffey (2017) | ASU, UA, NAU |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple deaths, lawsuits | ASU, UA |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021), UH case (2017) | ASU, UA, NAU |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017) | ASU, UA |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) | ASU |
| Sigma Chi | Recent lawsuit (2025) | ASU, UA |
Pinal County Parents: If your child is pledging any of these fraternities at an Arizona university, they are at risk of the same hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez.
🚨 What Is Hazing? Arizona Law and the Reality
Arizona Hazing Law — A.R.S. §15-2301
Arizona Revised Statutes define hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:
(1) The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with or the maintenance of membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution.
(2) The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm or personal degradation.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Any activity that creates risk of serious harm
Arizona Law Also States:
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if a student “agrees” to participate, it’s still hazing
- Hazing is a Class 1 Misdemeanor — punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine
- If hazing results in death or serious physical injury, it’s a Class 4 Felony — punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison
Pinal County Families: If your child has been hazed in Arizona, the fraternity and its members may face criminal charges — and you can pursue civil compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
💔 The Medical Reality of Hazing — What Pinal County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes real, life-threatening injuries with lifelong consequences.
Common Hazing Injuries:
| Injury | What It Is | Symptoms | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exertion | Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, kidney failure | Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplant |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Overdose from forced drinking | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, unconsciousness, death | Brain damage, liver damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Head trauma from beatings or falls | Headache, dizziness, memory loss, confusion | Permanent cognitive impairment, disability |
| Internal Bleeding | From physical abuse | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Organ damage, death |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Extreme cold/heat exposure | Shivering, confusion, loss of consciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Fractures & Sprains | From physical abuse or forced activities | Pain, swelling, inability to move | Permanent disability, arthritis |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma | Nightmares, flashbacks, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts | Lifelong mental health treatment, disability |
In Leonel Bermudez’s case:
- Rhabdomyolysis from 500 squats and extreme exercise
- Acute kidney failure — required 4 days of hospitalization
- Potential lifelong kidney damage — may require monitoring, dialysis, or transplant
This is not harmless fun. This is not tradition. This is abuse — and it’s happening at Arizona universities near Pinal County.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Pinal County, Arizona
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Pinal County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the situation immediately | Prevent further physical or psychological harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; prevent delayed complications |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Take photos of injuries, save all communications (texts, social media, emails) | Critical for building your case |
| 4. Do NOT Contact the Fraternity | Do not confront members or leadership | They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses |
| 5. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Avoid discussing the incident online | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 6. Report to Authorities | File a police report; contact university Title IX office | Criminal and campus investigations may be needed |
| 7. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 | Know your rights; protect your child’s future |
Pinal County Families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
⚖️ Who Is Liable? The Deep Pockets in Hazing Cases
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility — and they all have insurance and assets to compensate victims.
Potential Defendants in Arizona Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Pinal County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | ASU, UA, NAU chapters near Pinal County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. — same nationals as in Texas |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite power to regulate | ASU, UA, NAU — all have Greek life oversight |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students who perpetrated abuse |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to oversee chapter activities | Adults who should have prevented hazing |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity houses where abuse happens |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes | Former members with deep pockets |
Pinal County Families: We don’t just sue broke college students. We pursue the national organizations, universities, and insurance companies that enable hazing culture.
💰 What Compensation Is Available for Pinal County Hazing Victims?
Arizona law allows hazing victims to recover full compensation for their injuries. This includes:
Economic Damages (Tangible Losses):
- Medical bills — ER, hospitalization, specialists, therapy
- Future medical expenses — ongoing treatment, rehabilitation
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Educational disruption — tutoring, delayed graduation, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain — from injuries, medical treatments
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, fear
- Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience, social life
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct):
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or malicious
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, paddling — all support punitive damages
Pinal County Families: In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client. Similar compensation is available for Arizona hazing victims.
📚 Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions
These Cases Prove Pinal County Families Can Win
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ Million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Pending | $10 Million |
Pinal County Families: These verdicts and settlements show that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Arizona cases.
🎯 Why Pinal County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys Who Know How to Win
| Advantage | What It Means for Pinal County Families |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims — and we use that knowledge against them |
| $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Pending | We’re actively litigating a hazing case right now — we know how to build these cases |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue your case in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Licensed | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| 25+ Years of Trial Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and beyond |
| Multi-Million Dollar Settlements | Proven track record of winning big for victims |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Pinal County families |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win your case |
Pinal County Families: We understand the fear and uncertainty you’re facing. We’re here to fight for you — and we won’t stop until we get justice.
📞 Pinal County Hazing Victims — Call Now
If your child has been hazed at an Arizona university, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Pinal County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we travel to Arizona for your case.
🔹 Free Consultation
🔹 $0 Upfront Cost
🔹 Available 24/7
🔹 Se Habla Español
🚨 To Arizona Fraternities Near Pinal County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi —
If your chapter operates near Pinal County, Arizona, know this:
- We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
- We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your hazing histories
- We will pursue every liable party — your national organization, your chapter, your members
- If you haze students in Arizona, we will find out — and we will sue you
The same legal strategies that shut down the UH chapter apply to your Arizona chapter.
Clean up your act. Or we will clean you out in court.
🏆 Our Commitment to Pinal County Families
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
— Lupe Pena, Attorney 911
Pinal County families: We see your children as more than just cases. We see them as people — as students, as future leaders, as someone’s child. And we will fight for them as if they were our own.
This is not just about compensation. This is about accountability. This is about change.
Call us today. Let’s stop the hazing in Arizona.
