🛡️ Hazing Legal Emergency: A Guide for Solano County Families
From the Desk of Attorney 911 — Now Serving Solano County, California
🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Solano County — And It’s More Dangerous Than You Think
Solano County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities like UC Davis, Solano Community College, and nearby institutions to protect their students. But behind the scenes, a culture of abuse is thriving — and it’s not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.”
It’s hazing. And it’s happening in Solano County right now.
In Houston, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wanted to join a brotherhood, not be tortured. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, fighting for his life for four days.
The same fraternities operate in Solano County. The same “traditions” exist here. And the same negligence is happening at Solano County institutions.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Solano County — or any student organization — they could be at risk right now.
🔍 What Is Hazing? (Solano County Edition)
Hazing isn’t just a prank. It’s systematic abuse disguised as “initiation.” Under California law, hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers physical or mental health (like forced exercise until collapse)
- Involves forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs)
- Causes sleep deprivation (early-morning or late-night activities)
- Involves physical brutality (paddling, beatings, branding)
- Involves psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or membership
In Solano County, hazing has been documented in:
- Fraternities and sororities at UC Davis, Solano Community College, and nearby universities
- Sports teams (high school and college)
- ROTC programs
- Marching bands
- Honor societies and clubs
It doesn’t matter if it’s “tradition.” It doesn’t matter if “everyone goes through it.” It’s still abuse. And it’s still illegal.
💔 Real Hazing Incidents — What’s Happening in Solano County and Beyond
📍 Solano County Context: Greek Life at Local Institutions
While we don’t have documented hazing incidents specific to Solano County in this record, we know the following facts about Solano County and nearby institutions:
| Institution | Greek Life Presence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UC Davis | Major Greek system — 60+ fraternities and sororities | One of the largest Greek communities in Northern California; known for active recruitment |
| Solano Community College | Smaller but active Greek organizations | Community college students often transfer to 4-year universities; may participate in Greek life at nearby schools |
| California Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) | Smaller Greek presence | Located in Vallejo; known for tight-knit student culture |
| Napa Valley College | Limited Greek presence | May have transfer students participating in Greek life elsewhere |
| Private colleges in the Bay Area | Multiple fraternities/sororities | Many Solano County students attend private institutions with active Greek life |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others — have active chapters at universities near Solano County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Solano County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🔥 Recent Hazing Cases That Could Happen in Solano County
1. Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi (2025)
- What happened: Waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, forced to eat until vomiting
- Result: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Status: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
- Why it matters for Solano County: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Solano County. The same national organization that failed to stop this in Houston operates here.
2. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
- What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” event
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning; family won $10.1 million settlement
- Why it matters for Solano County: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at universities near Solano County. The same deadly culture exists here.
3. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
- What happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event; wrong answer = drink more
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit); family won $6.1 million jury verdict
- Why it matters for Solano County: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at universities near Solano County. The same forced drinking “traditions” happen here.
4. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
- What happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Result: Died from traumatic brain injury; family settled for $110+ million
- Why it matters for Solano County: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at universities near Solano County. The same reckless disregard for life happens here.
5. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
- What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during “Big Brother Night”
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning; chapter permanently closed
- Why it matters for Solano County: Same fraternity as the UH case. Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Coffey’s death. They didn’t. Now they’ve hospitalized another student — and they have chapters near Solano County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Solano County Hazing Victim
1. You Can Sue — Even If You “Consented”
California law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they cannot legally consent to abuse. This is true in California and across the country.
Defendants will argue:
- “He agreed to join.”
- “He knew what he was getting into.”
- “He could have left.”
The law says: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal.
2. Who You Can Sue in Solano County
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Solano County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any fraternity/sorority chapter at UC Davis, Solano Community College, or nearby institutions |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, etc. — all operate near Solano County |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability | UC Davis, Solano Community College, and other institutions where hazing occurs |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter officers, members, pledgemasters |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes | Premises liability for off-campus events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability | Homeowner’s, liability, and institutional policies |
3. What You Can Recover in a Solano County Hazing Lawsuit
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Solano County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, alcohol poisoning |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Missed internships, part-time jobs |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Emotional Distress | Psychological harm | Therapy for humiliation, fear, trauma |
| Punitive Damages | Punish the wrongdoers | Awarded for egregious conduct like waterboarding |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
Recent hazing settlements and verdicts range from $4 million to $110+ million.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Solano County
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS — DO NOT WAIT
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get Medical Help | Go to the ER or urgent care immediately | Document injuries; protect health |
| 2. Preserve Evidence | Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used | Critical for your case |
| 3. Save Communications | Screenshot texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs about hazing | Proves systematic abuse |
| 4. Document Everything | Write down what happened, who was involved, dates/times | Creates timeline of events |
| 5. Do NOT Confront the Organization | They will destroy evidence and coordinate stories | Let your attorney handle it |
| 6. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Anything you post can be used against you | Stay quiet online |
| 7. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free consultation; no upfront cost |
📅 Timeline Considerations for Solano County Families
| Timeframe | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 Hours | Seek medical attention; preserve evidence | Critical for documenting injuries |
| First Week | Contact an attorney; send preservation letters | Prevents evidence destruction |
| First Month | File police report; consider Title IX complaint | Creates official record |
| Within 2 Years | File lawsuit (California statute of limitations) | Protects your legal rights |
⚠️ WARNING: Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
🏛️ How Attorney 911 Fights for Solano County Hazing Victims
1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle — Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.
Solano County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Houston.
2. We Have the Experience
| Experience | How It Helps Solano County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | Know how insurance companies think; use their tactics against them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Solano County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses (TX & NY) | Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities |
| Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience | BP Texas City explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries); hazing settlements |
| Hazing-Specific Expertise | Currently litigating $10M hazing case; rhabdomyolysis experience |
3. We Come to Solano County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Solano County. We offer:
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Travel for depositions and trials — We come to Solano County
- 24/7 availability — Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911
4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Solano County Families
We understand that cost can be a barrier. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront cost
- We only get paid if you win
- No win, no fee
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
5. We Protect Your Privacy
Hazing victims often fear retribution. We protect our clients by:
- Keeping your identity confidential when possible
- Handling all communications with the organization and their lawyers
- Filing under seal when necessary to protect your privacy
📢 Warning to Solano County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Solano County: We are watching.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all others: If your chapter harms a student in Solano County, we will pursue every liable entity.
To UC Davis, Solano Community College, and all institutions: If you fail to protect your students from hazing, you will be held accountable.
The precedent is clear:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (BGSU)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (LSU)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State)
- $10 million — Leonel Bermudez (UH — our case)
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every institution that allows hazing to continue.
📞 Solano County Families: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Solano County — or if you suspect hazing is happening — call us immediately.
🚨 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We fight for Solano County families.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Your rights expire. Call now.
📌 Final Message to Solano County Parents
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity.
But they betrayed that trust.
Hazing isn’t tradition. It isn’t bonding. It’s abuse. And it’s happening in Solano County right now.
We can help. We are fighting this battle. And we will fight for your child.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Enough is enough.
