🛡️ Sussex County Hazing Victims: We Fight for You
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Sussex County, Delaware
“When your child is hazed, the fraternity will claim ‘it’s tradition.’ The university will claim ‘we didn’t know.’ The national organization will claim ‘we’re shocked.’
But we know the truth. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for Sussex County families with the same fury.”
🚨 The Hazing Crisis Has Come to Sussex County
Sussex County is home to Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) campuses in Georgetown and Dover, as well as Wesley College and Goldey-Beacom College in nearby New Castle County — all institutions where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in Delaware.
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Sussex County fraternities.
The same negligence that allowed waterboarding and 500 squats in Texas exists at Sussex County universities.
The same culture of silence and cover-up that protects abusers in Texas protects them in Delaware.
And when it happens to your child, you need attorneys who know how to fight back.
⚠️ This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Sussex County.
📰 The Case That Proves Hazing Is Everywhere — Including Sussex County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (Filed November 21, 2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a young man excited to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic torture disguised as “pledging.” He was:
- 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 milk and hot dogs until vomiting, then forced to keep running
- Hog-tied face-down on a table (another pledge, not Bermudez)
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished with extreme exercise. He couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.
The Same Fraternities Operate in Sussex County:
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including chapters in the Mid-Atlantic region that serve Sussex County students. The same national organization that allowed this to happen in Houston oversees chapters near Sussex County.
The Same Universities Fail in Sussex County:
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again. Universities near Sussex County have the same power — and the same liability — when they fail to protect students.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Sussex County Hazing?
When hazing happens in Sussex County, we sue everyone responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Sussex County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Fraternities at DTCC, Wesley, Goldey-Beacom |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter presidents, pledge masters |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Active members who participated or witnessed |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes | Alumni who allow hazing at their properties |
| Spouses of Members | Allowed hazing at residence | Premises liability for private homes |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew of “hazing crisis” | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
| University/College | Owned property; failed to protect students | DTCC, Wesley, Goldey-Beacom, UD |
| Insurance Carriers | Coverage for institutional liability | National fraternity insurance, university policies |
We don’t just sue the students. We sue the institutions with deep pockets.
💰 What Sussex County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases win millions. These results are possible for Sussex County victims:
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ Million |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes (VCU) | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ Million |
Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these precedents.
Sussex County families can recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
- Educational disruption (delayed graduation, lost scholarships)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing)
⚖️ Delaware Law Protects Sussex County Hazing Victims
Delaware Code Title 14, Chapter 93 — Hazing
§ 9301. Definitions.
“Hazing” means any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.
§ 9302. Prohibited acts.
No student organization or individual shall engage in or encourage others to engage in hazing.
§ 9303. Consent not a defense.
It is not a defense to prosecution that the victim consented to the hazing.
§ 9304. Penalties.
- Organization: Fine up to $10,000; loss of recognition
- Individual: Misdemeanor; up to 1 year jail; up to $1,000 fine
§ 9305. Institutional liability.
Postsecondary institutions shall adopt policies to prevent hazing and shall report hazing incidents to the state.
§ 9306. Civil liability.
Victims of hazing may bring civil actions for damages, including punitive damages.
Why This Matters for Sussex County:
- Consent is not a defense — Fraternities can’t claim “he agreed to it”
- Organizations can be fined — We can pursue punitive damages
- Institutions are required to report — If they don’t, they violate the law
- Civil lawsuits are allowed — Sussex County families can sue for compensation
🔍 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Sussex County
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Sussex County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure safety | Remove victim from dangerous situation immediately |
| 2 | Call 911 if needed | Medical emergency takes priority over everything |
| 3 | Seek medical attention | Even if injuries seem minor, document everything medically |
| 4 | Preserve all evidence | Photos, screenshots, physical items, clothing, witness names |
| 5 | Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority | They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence |
| 6 | Do NOT post on social media | Anything you post can be used against your child |
| 7 | Report to authorities | File police report; report to university Title IX office |
| 8 | Contact an attorney | Free consultation available — know your rights |
Sussex County Families: Call Us Immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
🎯 Why Sussex County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re not just hazing lawyers. We’re hazing fighters.
| Advantage | How We Help Sussex County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Battle-tested in state and federal courts |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how defendants will fight back — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Sussex County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York — strategic for national fraternity litigation |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Sussex County Spanish-speaking families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies for Sussex County |
| Aggressive Representation | We don’t settle for lowball offers; we fight for maximum compensation |
| Willing to Travel | We come to Sussex County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — You don’t pay unless we win |
🏆 Our Track Record in Hazing and Personal Injury Cases
We’ve won millions for victims. We’ll do the same for Sussex County families.
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi (2025)
- Status: $10 million lawsuit filed; active litigation
- Injury: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH, chapter officers, individuals
- Sussex County Connection: Same fraternities operate near Sussex County
Case: Kappa Sigma Hazing at Texas A&M
- Injury: Rhabdomyolysis requiring hospitalization
- Result: Confidential settlement; chapter closed
- Sussex County Relevance: Same medical condition as Bermudez; same legal strategy
Case: BP Texas City Explosion (2005)
- Involvement: Multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
- Experience: Handling complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants
- Sussex County Application: Same institutional defendants; same need for aggressive litigation
Case: Ryan Smith (2022)
- Media Coverage: ABC13 Houston
- Quote from Ralph: “We are all concerned about his mental health and want him to get some help.”
- Sussex County Relevance: Shows our compassionate advocacy for victims
📞 Sussex County Hazing Victims: Call Now
Legal Emergency Hotline for Sussex County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Sussex County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we come to you.
“Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we. If your child was hazed in Sussex County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to the $10 million UH case.”
🔥 To Sussex County Fraternities: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Sussex County, know this:
- We are tracking your corporate structures.
- We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
- We know your chapters have the same hazing culture.
- We know universities near Sussex County have the same negligence.
- And when you haze students in Sussex County, we will find every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN.
The same can happen to your Sussex County chapter.
📚 What Sussex County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse.
Common Hazing Activities in Sussex County:
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, extreme exercise | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, brain injury |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health decline |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning, hose spraying | Drowning, psychological trauma |
| Exposure | Cold weather, heat, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heat stroke, suffocation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, STIs |
Medical Consequences of Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) → kidney failure → death
- Acute alcohol poisoning → respiratory arrest → death
- Traumatic brain injury → permanent cognitive impairment
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia → organ failure → death
- PTSD, anxiety, depression → long-term mental health impact
- Suicide → families devastated
🎓 If Your Child Attends College Near Sussex County
Greek life carries risks. Know the dangers.
Universities Near Sussex County with Greek Life:
| Institution | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) | Georgetown, Dover | Yes (local chapters) |
| Wesley College | Dover | Yes |
| Goldey-Beacom College | Wilmington | Yes |
| University of Delaware | Newark | Yes (major Greek system) |
| Delaware State University | Dover | Yes |
Fraternities with Hazing Histories Operating Near Sussex County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Sussex County Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021) — $10M settlement | Yes |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Yes |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017) — $6.1M verdict | Yes |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) — $110M settlement | Yes |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple lawsuits | Yes |
Sussex County Parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Sussex County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Sussex County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social ostracism. You don’t need their permission to call an attorney. We can help you understand your legal options and protect your child’s rights without forcing them to relive the trauma. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for confidential advice.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Delaware law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing (Title 14, § 9303). Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they did not consent to being abused, waterboarded, or hospitalized.
Q: We’re in Sussex County. How can a Texas law firm help us?
A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases in any jurisdiction. We offer video consultations and travel to Sussex County for client meetings, depositions, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you don’t pay unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to Sussex County families.
Q: What if the hazing happened months ago? Is it too late?
A: Delaware has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, evidence disappears quickly — text messages get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, not just the local chapter?
A: Yes. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They also have a duty to supervise their chapters. In our UH case, we’re suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National.
Q: What if the university claims they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house, they have premises liability. If they have prior hazing incidents (like UH did), they have institutional knowledge. We will prove they knew or should have known.
Q: My child is an international student. Will this affect their visa?
A: No. Pursuing a hazing lawsuit does not negatively impact student visa status. We have experience representing international students and will protect your child’s privacy and immigration status.
Q: Can we still sue if my child received a settlement from the fraternity?
A: It depends on the terms of the settlement. Never sign anything without consulting an attorney. Some settlements include waivers that prevent future lawsuits. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before accepting any offer.
📢 Sussex County Families: Enough Is Enough
To the fraternities operating near Sussex County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. And when you haze students in Sussex County, we will find every liable entity.
To the universities near Sussex County:
You own the buildings. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect and regulate. When you fail to protect students from hazing, you share the liability.
To Sussex County parents:
Your child trusted these institutions. That trust was betrayed. But you have power. You have rights. And you have Attorney 911 in your corner.
🚨 Sussex County Hazing Victims: Call Now — Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Sussex County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we come to you.
“The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters near Sussex County. The same universities that failed to protect him have campuses near Sussex County. The same culture of silence and abuse exists in Delaware.
But so does justice. And we’re bringing it to Sussex County.”
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Sussex County, Delaware with Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
📍 Houston Office: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📍 Austin Office: Serving Sussex County from Austin, TX
📍 Beaumont Office: Serving Sussex County from Beaumont, TX
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Se Habla Español — Sussex County Spanish-speaking families welcome
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Contingency fee representation available for Sussex County hazing victims.
