🛡️ Hazing Victims in Stanislaus County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
Stanislaus County families: if your child has been hazed, you are not powerless. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston operate at universities near Stanislaus County. The same negligence exists at California institutions. And Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — we will fight for Stanislaus County victims with the same fury we’re bringing to the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit.
🚨 What Happened in Houston — And Why It Matters to Stanislaus County
On November 21, 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. What happened to him wasn’t “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It was torture.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
- Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed — they kept going
- Result: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure — 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
Stanislaus County: This isn’t just a Houston problem. This is happening at universities near Stanislaus County too.
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in California. The same national organization that failed to prevent this in Houston has chapters near Stanislaus County. The same culture of abuse exists at California institutions. And the same legal rights that protect Texas students protect Stanislaus County students too.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Stanislaus County Hazing Victim
California Anti-Hazing Laws
California has strong anti-hazing laws. Under California Education Code § 32050-32054, hazing is defined as:
“Any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of injury
Criminal Penalties in California:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, $5,000 fine
- Felony (if death or great bodily injury occurs): Up to 3 years in state prison
Important: Consent is not a defense in California. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Civil Liability — You Can Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Stanislaus County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Stanislaus County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Hospitalization, kidney monitoring, PTSD therapy |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Part-time jobs, internships, career impact |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from rhabdomyolysis, beatings, forced exercise |
| Emotional Distress | Psychological trauma from abuse | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, wooden paddles |
Stanislaus County families: These same damages apply to California cases. You can sue the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and individual members.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Stanislaus County?
When hazing occurs at a university near Stanislaus County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Officers (president, pledge master) can be sued individually
- Members who participated can be held personally liable
2. The National Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets — insurance and assets to pay damages
3. The University
- Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing occurs
- Failed to investigate reports of hazing
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
- Stanislaus County institutions have the same duties as UH
4. Individual Members
- Each person who participated in or allowed hazing can be sued
- Personal assets and homeowner’s insurance may cover damages
- Criminal liability — hazing is a crime in California
Our Pi Kappa Phi case names 10 defendants. Stanislaus County cases can name the same types of parties.
💰 What Is My Stanislaus County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what recent cases have awarded:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Stanislaus County families: These outcomes show that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to California cases.
Factors That Increase Your Case Value:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Severe physical injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy records |
| Pattern of abuse | Not a one-time incident; systematic hazing |
| Institutional knowledge | University/fraternity knew about prior hazing |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse |
| Multiple victims | Other students hazed in the same way |
| Cover-up attempts | Destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses |
If your child was hazed at a university near Stanislaus County, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
📋 What Should Stanislaus County Families Do Right Now?
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all symptoms and treatment
- Request copies of all medical records
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any texts, social media messages, or photos
- Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Write down everything you remember (dates, times, what happened)
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Do NOT post on social media about the incident
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront cost
WHY ACT NOW?
- Evidence disappears — organizations destroy records, witnesses forget
- Deadlines apply — California has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- Protection from retaliation — we can help shield your child from intimidation
- Preserve legal rights — the sooner we act, the stronger your case
🏆 Why Stanislaus County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Stanislaus County. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Stanislaus County families get the same aggressive representation.
Our Experience with Hazing Cases
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how they think
- Federal court admission — can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage
- Specific hazing expertise — rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M cases
- Proven results — multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
We Understand the Culture
Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands:
- Team dynamics
- Peer pressure
- Locker room culture
- The environments where hazing thrives
We don’t just see a case. We see a child who was betrayed by people they trusted.
We Travel to Stanislaus County
- Video consultations available for Stanislaus County families
- We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier — we will fight for Stanislaus County victims
We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront Cost
We understand that cost can be a barrier. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront cost — you pay nothing to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless you get paid — our fee comes from your settlement/verdict
- No financial risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
🎯 The Message to Stanislaus County Fraternities and Universities
To fraternities and sororities operating near Stanislaus County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students at California universities, we will find every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Stanislaus County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To universities near Stanislaus County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Stanislaus County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
📞 Stanislaus County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a university near Stanislaus County, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. $0 upfront cost. We fight for justice.
📚 What Stanislaus County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
The Reality of Hazing in America
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
The Statistics:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- 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, clubs, and other organizations
Types of Hazing Activities
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, burning | Broken bones, burns, internal injuries |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Sleep Deprivation | Late nights, early mornings | Exhaustion, mental health decline, accidents |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, psychological trauma |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning | Drowning, psychological trauma |
| Exposure | Cold weather, heat, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heat stroke, suffocation |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands | Exhaustion, academic decline |
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Weight loss
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Withdrawal from social activities
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Changes in mood (anxiety, depression, anger)
- Drop in academic performance
- Unexplained absences from class
- Sudden loss of interest in organization
Communication Signs:
- Talking about “traditions” or “rites of passage”
- Mentioning being “punished” or “tested”
- Joking about dangerous activities
- Using coded language (“it’s just part of the process”)
If you notice these signs, ask your child directly — but be supportive. Many victims fear retaliation or social ostracism.
🚫 Common Myths About Hazing — Debunked
Myth 1: “It’s just harmless fun — everyone goes through it.”
Reality: Hazing kills students. It hospitalizes students. It traumatizes students. There is nothing “harmless” about torture.
Myth 2: “If they don’t like it, they can just leave.”
Reality: Students fear retaliation, social exclusion, and losing their Greek life membership. This is coercion, not choice.
Myth 3: “It builds character and brotherhood/sisterhood.”
Reality: Studies show hazing destroys trust and increases aggression. Real brotherhood doesn’t require abuse.
Myth 4: “Only fraternities haze.”
Reality: Hazing occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other organizations.
Myth 5: “The university doesn’t know about it.”
Reality: Universities absolutely know hazing happens. They choose not to act until someone gets hurt or dies.
Myth 6: “Consent makes it okay.”
Reality: California law says consent is not a defense. You can’t consent to being a victim of a crime.
📅 Stanislaus County Hazing Timeline: What to Expect
Phase 1: Initial Consultation (Week 1)
- Free case evaluation with Attorney 911
- Review of medical records and evidence
- Explanation of legal rights and options
- Signing of representation agreement
Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 2-8)
- Gather all medical records
- Collect witness statements
- Obtain communications (texts, social media)
- Research institutional history (prior hazing incidents)
- Identify all potential defendants
Phase 3: Medical Treatment (Ongoing)
- Complete all necessary medical treatment
- Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
- Document ongoing symptoms and limitations
Phase 4: Demand Package (After MMI)
- Compile all damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
- Send demand letter to defendants
- Begin settlement negotiations
Phase 5: Litigation (If Needed)
- File lawsuit in appropriate court
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- File motions and respond to defense motions
- Prepare for trial
Phase 6: Resolution
- Settlement negotiations
- Mediation (if needed)
- Trial (if needed)
- Collection of settlement/verdict
Timeline Note: Every case is different. Some settle in months. Others take years. We will keep Stanislaus County families informed at every step.
🔍 What Evidence Do We Need from Stanislaus County Victims?
Preserve Everything — No Matter How Small
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, ER visits, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing activities, locations |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships |
| Social Media | Screenshots of posts about hazing, deleted content |
DO NOT:
- Delete ANY messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
- Give statements to university administration alone
🏛️ Universities Near Stanislaus County with Greek Life
Stanislaus County is home to several universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have active chapters at these institutions.
Universities near Stanislaus County with Greek organizations include:
- California State University, Stanislaus (Turlock) – Multiple fraternities and sororities
- University of the Pacific (Stockton) – Active Greek life community
- Merced College (Merced) – Greek organizations present
- Modesto Junior College (Modesto) – Greek life chapters
- San Joaquin Delta College (Stockton) – Greek organizations
Fraternities with chapters near Stanislaus County that have documented hazing histories:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Chi
- Delta Chi
Stanislaus County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these institutions, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. You have legal rights if hazing occurs.
📢 Stanislaus County: This Is Your Moment to Make a Difference
Hazing thrives in secrecy. It relies on victims being too afraid to speak up. It relies on parents not knowing their rights. It relies on institutions covering up the truth.
But secrecy is ending.
With every lawsuit filed, every settlement reached, every law passed, the culture is changing. The $10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi and UH is part of that change. Your Stanislaus County case can be part of it too.
How Your Case Can Help Others:
- Expose the truth — Force institutions to acknowledge hazing
- Hold abusers accountable — Prevent future victims
- Change the culture — Replace abuse with real brotherhood/sisterhood
- Protect other families — Your case can save lives
Lupe Pena 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 child’s case isn’t just about compensation. It’s about justice. It’s about protecting the next student. It’s about saying “never again.”
📞 Stanislaus County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now
You don’t have to fight this alone.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. $0 upfront cost. We travel to Stanislaus County.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we fight for justice.
🛡️ Together, We Can End Hazing in Stanislaus County
To Stanislaus County fraternities and sororities: The world is watching. The law is clear. The consequences are real. Stop the hazing now.
To Stanislaus County universities: You have the power to stop this. You have the duty to protect your students. Do your job.
To Stanislaus County families: Your child deserves better. You deserve justice. We’re here to fight for you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. The time to act is now.
