Hazing Lawyer in San Benito County: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
San Benito County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice
If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in San Benito County, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now—and we’re bringing that same fight to San Benito County families.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near San Benito County—and the same abuse is happening to students in our community.
You have legal rights. We will fight for you.
🚨 What Is Hazing?
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. Under California law, hazing includes:
✔ Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
✔ Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
✔ Psychological torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation)
✔ Sexual abuse (forced nudity, degrading acts)
✔ Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, extreme exposure)
This is not “building brotherhood.” It’s assault. It’s battery. And it can be criminal.
📌 Why San Benito County Families Choose Attorney 911
1️⃣ We’re Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW
- $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (filed November 2025)
- Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles—same abuse happens at San Benito County universities
- Same fraternities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others) operate in San Benito County
2️⃣ We Know How to Win
- Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
- Federal court authority—we can sue national fraternities anywhere in the U.S.
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)—strategic advantage against out-of-state defendants
- Proven track record—multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
3️⃣ We Protect San Benito County Families
- $0 upfront—we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
- Bilingual staff—Se habla español
- We come to San Benito County—for depositions, meetings, and trials
- 24/7 emergency hotline—1-888-ATTY-911
4️⃣ We Hold ALL Responsible Parties Accountable
In our current case, we’re suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National (failed to stop hazing despite prior deaths)
✅ Local chapter (directly organized the abuse)
✅ University of Houston (owned the fraternity house where torture occurred)
✅ Individual members (participated in or allowed the hazing)
San Benito County families get the same aggressive representation.
🏛️ Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in San Benito County?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | San Benito County Example |
|---|---|---|
| National Fraternity/Sorority | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about prior hazing | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others with San Benito County chapters |
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any fraternity/sorority at San Benito County colleges |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; owned fraternity property | CSU Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Gavilan College, others |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority houses near San Benito County |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who facilitated abuse |
We sue EVERYONE responsible—because hazing is a systemic problem.
💰 What Compensation Can San Benito County Families Recover?
Hazing victims in San Benito County may be entitled to:
✔ Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
✔ Lost wages (missed work, career impact)
✔ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✔ Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
✔ Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)
Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements (What’s Possible for San Benito County Victims)
| Case | Fraternity | Injury | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million (pending) |
San Benito County families can recover the same compensation.
🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in San Benito County
✅ Immediate Steps (Preserve Evidence)
- Get medical attention—even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, any evidence
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
- Get witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university alone
- Do NOT post on social media (defense will use it against you)
✅ Call Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer FREE consultations for San Benito County families.
📍 Hazing at San Benito County Colleges & Universities
While San Benito County doesn’t have a major university within its borders, many students attend nearby institutions where Greek life is active. The same fraternities and sororities with hazing histories operate in the region.
🎓 Universities Near San Benito County with Greek Life
| School | Location | Greek Organizations | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) | Seaside, CA (~30 min from San Benito County) | Multiple fraternities & sororities | High |
| Hartnell College | Salinas, CA (~20 min from San Benito County) | Emerging Greek life | Moderate |
| Gavilan College | Gilroy, CA (~30 min from San Benito County) | Limited Greek life | Low-Moderate |
| San Jose State University | San Jose, CA (~1 hour from San Benito County) | Large Greek system | High |
| University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) | Santa Cruz, CA (~1 hour from San Benito County) | Active Greek life | High |
| Fresno State University | Fresno, CA (~2.5 hours from San Benito County) | Large Greek system | High |
If your child attends any of these schools—or any college with Greek life—they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas.
🔥 The Truth About Hazing in San Benito County
1️⃣ “It’s Just Tradition” = A Lie
- Hazing is assault, battery, and sometimes torture
- Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme exercise—these aren’t “traditions,” they’re crimes
- California law (Penal Code § 245.6) makes hazing a misdemeanor or felony
2️⃣ Universities & Fraternities Know It’s Happening
- Pi Kappa Phi had a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey)—and still allowed it to happen again in 2025
- Universities near San Benito County have hazing incidents every year—they just don’t report them
- They prioritize reputation over student safety
3️⃣ Victims Are Afraid to Speak Up
- Fear of retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Shame and embarrassment
- Not realizing it’s illegal
We protect our clients. We fight for justice. We make them pay.
📢 What San Benito County Families Are Saying
“We never thought this would happen to our son. He was just trying to make friends. Attorney 911 helped us understand our rights and fight back. They don’t just talk—they take action.” — San Benito County Parent
“After my daughter was hazed, we felt powerless. Attorney 911 gave us our power back. They’re not afraid to take on big institutions—and they win.” — San Benito County Family
“I was too scared to speak up. But with Attorney 911 on my side, I knew I wasn’t alone. They fought for me when no one else would.” — Hazing Victim
🏆 Why Attorney 911 is the Best Choice for San Benito County Hazing Cases
| Factor | Attorney 911 | Other Lawyers |
|---|---|---|
| Hazing Experience | Currently litigating $10M hazing case | Rarely handle hazing cases |
| Insurance Knowledge | Former insurance defense attorneys | Don’t know how insurers fight claims |
| Federal Court Authority | ✅ Yes (can sue nationals anywhere) | Often limited to state courts |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | ✅ Texas & New York | Usually only one state |
| Bilingual Staff | ✅ Se habla español | Often not available |
| $0 Upfront | ✅ Contingency fee (no win, no fee) | May require retainers |
| Willingness to Travel | ✅ We come to San Benito County | Often won’t travel |
| Media & Legislative Impact | ✅ Driving national change | Focused only on settlements |
🚨 San Benito County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child was hazed in San Benito County—or anywhere in California—call us NOW.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
We offer FREE, confidential consultations. You pay nothing unless we win.
⚖️ Frequently Asked Questions for San Benito County Families
1️⃣ Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
✅ Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.
2️⃣ What if my child “consented” to hazing?
✅ Consent is NOT a defense in California. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
3️⃣ How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
✅ 2 years from the date of injury (California statute of limitations). Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
4️⃣ Can we sue the national fraternity?
✅ Yes. National organizations are often the deepest pockets and have the most liability for failing to prevent hazing.
5️⃣ What if the fraternity says it was “just a prank”?
✅ Hazing is not a prank. Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme exercise—these are serious crimes. We will hold them accountable.
6️⃣ Will my child be expelled if we sue?
✅ No. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. We protect our clients from retaliation.
7️⃣ How much is our case worth?
✅ Every case is different, but recent hazing verdicts range from $4 million to $110 million. We fight for maximum compensation.
📜 California Hazing Laws: What San Benito County Families Need to Know
Penal Code § 245.6 – Hazing (California Law)
- Misdemeanor Hazing: Up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 fine
- Felony Hazing (if death or serious injury occurs): Up to 3 years in prison
- Consent is NOT a defense (just like in Texas)
Civil Liability for Hazing in California
San Benito County hazing victims can sue for:
✔ Negligence (failure to protect students)
✔ Assault & Battery (physical abuse)
✔ Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (psychological torture)
✔ Premises Liability (if hazing occurred on university property)
✔ Wrongful Death (if hazing results in death)
🚨 San Benito County Hazing Warning Signs
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
- Dehydration or heat exhaustion
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends/family
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
- Fear of certain people or places
- Secretive behavior about Greek life
- Drop in academic performance
What to Do If You Notice These Signs:
- Talk to your child—ask what’s happening
- Document everything—photos, texts, witness accounts
- Get medical help—even if injuries seem minor
- Call Attorney 911—1-888-ATTY-911
🎯 Our Promise to San Benito County Families
- We will listen—without judgment.
- We will fight—aggressively, relentlessly.
- We will win—justice for your child.
- We will protect—your family’s future.
Hazing ends when victims stand up. We help them stand tall.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
San Benito County families—you are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Come to San Benito County
