Hazing Lawyer in Glenn County, California – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
Glenn County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. We Can Help.
If your son or daughter was subjected to dangerous hazing rituals at a Glenn County college, university, or Greek organization, you are not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded and hospitalized a student at University of Houston have chapters operating near Glenn County. The same universities that failed to stop hazing on their campuses are present in our community. And the same culture of abuse that has killed and injured students nationwide exists right here in Northern California.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the same type of abuse that could be happening to students in Glenn County. We know how to fight these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Glenn County families.
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Glenn County
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was seven weeks of systematic torture:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose – simulated drowning as punishment
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups – until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting – then made to keep running through his own vomit
- Hog-tied face-down on a table – another pledge was restrained for over an hour
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious – fraternity members kept going
On November 6, 2025, Bermudez was rushed to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure – a life-threatening condition caused by extreme muscle breakdown. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This didn’t just happen in Texas. It happens in California. It happens near Glenn County. And it could happen to your child.
Why Glenn County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is moving forward as we speak. We know the defendants. We know their tactics. We know how to beat them.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, deny liability, and blame the victim. We’ve seen their strategies from the inside – and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Glenn County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed at a Glenn County college, university, or Greek organization, we can help. We offer:
✅ Free remote consultations – meet with us by phone or video
✅ Willingness to travel to Glenn County – for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Federal court authority – we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
Our firm has handled multi-million dollar cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – mass tort experience against corporate giants
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases – proven track record of large verdicts
- Criminal defense with high-profile media coverage – experience handling sensitive cases
Hazing cases require this level of experience. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. You need attorneys who can go toe-to-toe with them.
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations in Spanish
- Ongoing case communication in Spanish
- Translation of all legal documents
- No language barriers to justice
6. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We understand that Glenn County families may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney. We take hazing cases on contingency – meaning:
- $0 upfront – no retainer, no hourly fees
- We only get paid if we win your case – our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Hazing in Glenn County – What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Is Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse
Fraternities and other organizations often claim hazing is “just tradition” or “harmless fun.” That’s a lie. Hazing is:
- Assault – physical abuse, forced consumption, sleep deprivation
- Battery – unwanted physical contact, striking with objects
- Torture – waterboarding, extreme physical punishment
- Reckless endangerment – activities that put lives at risk
- Sometimes manslaughter or murder – when it leads to death
In Texas, hazing is a crime. In California, it’s also illegal under Education Code § 32050-32054, with penalties including:
- Up to 1 year in jail for hazing that causes serious bodily injury
- Up to 3 years in prison for hazing that causes death
- Organizational penalties – fines, loss of recognition
The Same Fraternities Operate in Glenn County
The national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing deaths and injuries have chapters at California universities near Glenn County, including:
| Fraternity | Hazing History | California Chapters Near Glenn County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure (our case); Andrew Coffey death (2017) | CSU Chico, UC Davis, Sacramento State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement); multiple hazing deaths | CSU Chico, UC Davis, Sacramento State |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths; “True Gentleman” culture of abuse | CSU Chico, UC Davis |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death ($6.1M verdict); forced alcohol consumption | CSU Chico, Sacramento State |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement); 12-hour delay in calling 911 | UC Davis, Sacramento State |
If your child is pledging a fraternity at a Glenn County college or nearby university, they face the same risks as our client in Texas.
Universities Near Glenn County Have Failed Before
California universities have a history of failing to prevent hazing:
- UC Berkeley – Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing in recent years
- CSU Chico – Sigma Nu chapter suspended in 2023 for hazing
- Sacramento State – Multiple Greek organizations disciplined for hazing
- UC Davis – Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) suspended in 2022 for hazing
These institutions know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. They choose not to – until someone gets hurt.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Glenn County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
If your child shows any signs of hazing-related injuries, take them to the emergency room or urgent care right away. Common symptoms include:
✅ Severe muscle pain or weakness – could indicate rhabdomyolysis
✅ Dark or brown urine – sign of muscle breakdown
✅ Difficulty walking or moving – from extreme physical exertion
✅ Vomiting or dehydration – from forced alcohol or food consumption
✅ Signs of alcohol poisoning – confusion, slow breathing, unconsciousness
✅ Bruises, cuts, or burns – from physical abuse
✅ Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms – from psychological trauma
Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases rise or fall on evidence. Do not delete anything. Save:
📱 Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – any communication about hazing
📸 Photos and videos – of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity events
📝 Documents – pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
📞 Witness information – names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
📧 Emails – from the fraternity, university, or others involved
If your child is still in the hazing environment, help them document safely. Evidence disappears quickly.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers and PR professionals working to protect their reputations – not your child. Anything you say can be used against you.
❌ Do NOT give a statement to the fraternity
❌ Do NOT sign any documents without legal review
❌ Do NOT talk to university administrators without your attorney present
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In California, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We will:
✔ Evaluate your case at no cost
✔ Explain your legal rights and options
✔ Preserve critical evidence
✔ Handle all communications with the fraternity and university
✔ Fight for maximum compensation
Who We Sue in Glenn County Hazing Cases
Hazing is never the fault of just one person. We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Officers (president, pledgemaster) who directed activities
- Members who participated
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Knew about hazing culture and did nothing
- Have deep pockets and insurance policies
3. The University or College
- Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it happens
- Owns or controls fraternity houses where hazing occurs
- Has substantial institutional resources
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Chapter officers who directed hazing
- Members who participated
- Alumni who hosted hazing events
5. Housing Corporations
- Own or control property where hazing occurred
- Failed to prevent hazing on their premises
Damages We Pursue for Glenn County Hazing Victims
Hazing causes real harm – physically, emotionally, and financially. We fight for full compensation, including:
Economic Damages
💰 Medical expenses – hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment
💰 Lost wages – time missed from work or internships
💰 Educational costs – tuition, fees, lost scholarships
💰 Future earning capacity – if injuries affect career prospects
Non-Economic Damages
💔 Physical pain and suffering – from injuries, medical treatment, recovery
💔 Mental anguish – PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse
💔 Emotional distress – humiliation, shame, loss of trust
💔 Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages
🔥 Punishment for egregious conduct – when hazing is particularly outrageous
🔥 Deterrence for future hazing – to send a message that this won’t be tolerated
In Texas, we’re seeking $10 million for our client. Glenn County families deserve the same level of compensation.
Hazing Cases We’ve Handled – And Won
1. Pi Kappa Phi – University of Houston ($10M Lawsuit Pending)
What Happened: Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing. He was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Who We’re Suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- Beta Nu Chapter (UH)
- University of Houston
- UH Board of Regents
- Individual fraternity members
Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025. Media coverage from ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media.
2. Kappa Sigma – Texas A&M (Confidential Settlement)
What Happened: A student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after extreme physical hazing.
Outcome: Confidential settlement. Chapter suspended.
3. Multiple Rhabdomyolysis Cases (Ongoing)
We have represented multiple students hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis – a life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical exertion during hazing.
Hazing Deaths and Settlements – The Proof They Will Pay
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what fraternities and universities have paid:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | $4+ million settlement |
Glenn County families: These same results are possible for you.
Glenn County Hazing Lawyer – Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a Glenn County college, university, or Greek organization, you have legal rights. We can help.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if you win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glenn County Hazing Cases
1. My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?
Yes. In California, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that victims cannot consent to illegal activities. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
2. The fraternity said this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
No. “Tradition” does not justify abuse. If a fraternity’s “tradition” involves waterboarding, forced exercise, or physical assault, that’s not tradition – it’s a crime.
3. The university says they didn’t know. Can they still be sued?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing – and they almost always do – they can be held liable for failing to stop it.
4. My child is afraid of retaliation. How can we protect them?
We understand the fear of retaliation. We will:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity and university
- Protect your child’s identity if needed
- Pursue legal action to prevent further harassment
5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In California, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a hazing lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
6. We’re in Glenn County. How can a Texas law firm help us?
We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Free remote consultations by phone or video
- Willingness to travel to Glenn County for depositions and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue your case
- Experience handling cases against national fraternities and universities
7. How much is our case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- University/fraternity’s prior knowledge of hazing
- Egregiousness of the conduct
Our current Pi Kappa Phi case is seeking $10 million. Glenn County families deserve the same level of compensation.
8. What if my child was hazed at a high school in Glenn County?
Hazing happens at all levels – high schools, colleges, sports teams, clubs. We handle hazing cases involving:
- High school sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Clubs and organizations
- Any group using abuse as “initiation”
To Glenn County Fraternities and Universities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Glenn County:
We know who you are. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know your chapters engage in the same dangerous rituals.
To the universities near Glenn County:
We know you own the fraternity houses. We know you have the power to stop hazing. We know you choose not to.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and all the others:
Your chapters near Glenn County are on notice. The same legal strategies that shut down the UH chapter and secured $10 million in Texas apply to you in California. We will hold you accountable.
Glenn County Parents: This Is Your Warning
If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, or any organization at a Glenn County college or nearby university, they are at risk. Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The same culture of abuse exists here.
Talk to your child. Ask them what’s really happening. Tell them they can come to you – no matter what. And if they’re hurt, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We fight for Glenn County families. We fight for justice. We fight to make sure this never happens to another child.