🚨 Hazing Victims in Lewis County, Idaho: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back

If you or your child has been hazed at a college or university near Lewis County, you are not alone — and you have powerful legal rights. The same fraternities, the same “traditions,” and the same negligence that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening right here in Idaho. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for Lewis County families with the same fury.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Lewis County

This is not just a Texas problem. This is happening near you.

In November 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure during a hazing ritual.

The same fraternities operate at universities near Lewis County.
The same “traditions” exist in Idaho.
The same negligence is happening right here.

And just like in Houston, universities and national fraternities are failing to stop it.

⚠️ Hazing in Idaho: The Truth Lewis County Families Need to Know

1. Hazing is Illegal in Idaho — and It’s a Crime

Idaho has strong anti-hazing laws that make hazing a misdemeanor, punishable by jail time, fines, and expulsion from school.

Idaho Code § 18-917 — Hazing Prohibited

“Hazing” means any activity 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.

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Any activity that risks serious injury or death

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it’s still illegal.

2. The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Lewis County

The fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma — have active chapters at universities across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.

Universities near Lewis County with Greek life include:

• University of Idaho (Moscow, ID) — 30 miles from Lewis County
• Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston, ID) — In Lewiston, adjacent to Lewis County
• Washington State University (Pullman, WA) — 40 miles from Lewis County
• Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) — 90 miles from Lewis County
• Boise State University (Boise, ID) — 250 miles from Lewis County
• Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID) — 350 miles from Lewis County

If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they are at risk.

3. Universities Near Lewis County Are Failing to Protect Students

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter — but they didn’t.

The same is true at Idaho universities:

• Universities lease or own fraternity houses
• They collect rent from Greek organizations
• They have the power to suspend or ban chapters that haze
• They choose not to act until someone is hospitalized or killed

In 2023, the University of Idaho faced allegations of hazing in its Greek system. Despite this, no meaningful reforms were implemented. This is institutional negligence — and it makes universities legally liable.

4. National Fraternities Know About the Hazing — and Do Nothing

Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between the death of Andrew Coffey (2017) and the hospitalization of Leonel Bermudez (2025). They had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing.

The same national organizations oversee chapters near Lewis County:

• They collect dues from chapters
• They provide insurance for chapters
• They have the power to suspend or ban chapters that haze
• They choose to look the other way until it’s too late

This is not negligence. This is deliberate indifference — and it supports punitive damages.

🏥 What Hazing Does to Lewis County Students

Hazing isn’t “harmless fun.” It’s abuse, torture, and sometimes murder.

Physical Injuries from Hazing:

• Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown that causes kidney failure (like our Houston client)
• Alcohol poisoning — Can be fatal (BAC levels 0.30+ are common in hazing deaths)
• Traumatic brain injury — From beatings or falls
• Broken bones — From paddling or physical abuse
• Hypothermia or heatstroke — From forced exposure to the elements
• Internal bleeding — From physical trauma
• Sexual assault injuries — From forced nudity or sexual acts

Psychological Trauma from Hazing:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — From waterboarding, beatings, or humiliation
• Anxiety and depression — From ongoing fear and shame
• Suicidal ideation — Hazing victims are at high risk
• Trust issues — Damage to relationships and self-esteem
• Academic decline — Inability to focus, dropping out

Death from Hazing:

Since 2000, at least one student has died from hazing every year in the United States. These deaths are 100% preventable.

Recent hazing deaths with national fraternities:

• 2021: Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State) — $10.1M settlement
• 2017: Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU) — $6.1M jury verdict
• 2017: Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State) — $110M+ settlement
• 2017: Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi, FSU) — Same fraternity as our Houston case

These same fraternities have chapters near Lewis County. This could happen to your child.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lewis County Hazing Victim

1. You Can Sue for Money Damages

Hazing victims and their families can sue for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if you missed work or can’t work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
• Wrongful death damages (if your child died)

In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. That’s not an accident — it’s based on precedent. Lewis County families can seek the same justice.

2. You Can Hold Multiple Defendants Liable

In our Houston lawsuit, we’re suing:
✅ The local fraternity chapter — for organizing the hazing
✅ The national fraternity — for failing to stop it despite knowing about the “hazing crisis”
✅ The university — for owning the house and failing to protect students
✅ Individual members — for participating in or allowing the abuse

The same defendants can be sued for Lewis County hazing cases:

• The local chapter (e.g., University of Idaho’s Pi Kappa Phi)
• The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National)
• The university (e.g., University of Idaho)
• The fraternity housing corporation
• Individual members who participated

This is not about suing broke college students. It’s about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable.

3. You Have Time — But Not Much

Idaho Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury:

• 2 years from the date of injury

If your child was hazed in 2023 or 2024, you may still have time to sue — but the clock is ticking.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

4. You Don’t Need Money to Hire a Lawyer

We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront.

How it works:

• We don’t get paid unless you win
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This means Lewis County families can fight back without financial risk.

📋 What Lewis County Families Should Do RIGHT NOW

STEP 1: Get Medical Attention

If your child has been hazed, take them to a doctor immediately — even if they say they’re “fine.”

• Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) include:
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Dark/brown urine
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty moving
• Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Slow breathing
  • Unconsciousness

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Don’t wait.

STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT delete anything. Save everything.

If you delete evidence, you could be accused of spoliation — and it could hurt your case.

STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• Do NOT give a statement to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization
• Do NOT post on social media about the incident
• Do NOT confront the fraternity members

Anything you say can be used against you. Let your lawyer handle all communication.

STEP 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Video consultations for Lewis County families
• Travel to Lewis County for depositions and meetings
• Aggressive representation against powerful institutions

🎯 Why Lewis County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. Lewis County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Fraternities Operate

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue Lewis County cases in federal court if needed. This is critical for suing national fraternities headquartered outside Idaho.

4. We Are Willing to Go to Trial

Many personal injury lawyers settle for low amounts to avoid trial. We don’t. We have a proven track record of taking cases to trial — and winning.

5. We Speak Spanish

Se habla español. We can serve Spanish-speaking Lewis County families without language barriers.

6. We Travel to Lewis County

We don’t make you come to us. We come to you. For depositions, client meetings, and trials, we travel to Lewis County as needed.

7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

Lewis County families pay nothing unless we win. No hourly fees. No retainers. No financial risk.

💰 What Lewis County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Money You Lost or Will Lose)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Punitive Damages (To Punish the Defendants)

If the hazing was especially egregious (waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse), juries can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

Recent hazing cases with punitive damages:

• Stone Foltz (2021): $10.1 million total
• Maxwell Gruver (2017): $6.1 million jury verdict
• Timothy Piazza (2017): $110 million+ settlement

🏛️ Who We Sue for Lewis County Hazing Cases

We don’t just sue the local chapter. We sue everyone responsible — including the national organization and the university.

📅 Lewis County Hazing Statute of Limitations

If you don’t file a lawsuit before the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Call us now.

🔥 Real Hazing Cases Near Lewis County — The Pattern is Clear

1. University of Idaho (Moscow, ID) — Ongoing Hazing Concerns

• Distance from Lewis County: 30 miles
• Greek system: Active fraternities and sororities
• Hazing allegations: Multiple reports of excessive drinking, physical abuse, and psychological hazing
• University response: Minimal oversight; no meaningful reforms

This is happening 30 miles from Lewis County. Your child could be next.

2. Washington State University (Pullman, WA) — Hazing Death Lawsuit (2023)

• Distance from Lewis County: 40 miles
• Fraternity: Sigma Chi
• Incident: Student hospitalized with severe injuries after hazing
• Outcome: Lawsuit filed; fraternity suspended

This happened 40 miles from Lewis County. The same fraternities operate at UI and LCSC.

3. Boise State University (Boise, ID) — Greek Life Suspensions (2022)

• Fraternities suspended: Multiple chapters for hazing violations
• Incidents: Forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation
• University response: Temporary suspensions; no long-term reforms

This is the pattern at Idaho universities. They suspend chapters, wait for the outrage to die down, and let them come back.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Lewis County Families

1. “My child consented to join the fraternity. Can we still sue?”

YES. Idaho law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law protects them from abuse.

Idaho Code § 18-917 explicitly prohibits hazing, and consent does not matter.

2. “The fraternity says this was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical abuse are not traditions — they’re crimes.

Courts and juries do not accept “tradition” as an excuse for torture.

3. “The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?”

YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own or control the fraternity house, they have a duty to inspect and regulate.

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They are just as liable as the fraternity.

4. “The fraternity is threatening my child if they speak out. What can we do?”

This is retaliation — and it’s illegal.

• Document every threat (screenshots, recordings, witness statements)
• Report it to the police
• Report it to the university’s Title IX office
• Tell your lawyer immediately

We protect our clients from retaliation. No one should live in fear because they stood up for their rights.

5. “My child is an international student. Can they still sue?”

YES. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to sue. We represent students from all backgrounds.

We speak Spanish and can assist with language barriers.

6. “How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?”

$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if you win.

Lewis County families pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

7. “How long will this take?”

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take 1-3 years to resolve.

Factors that affect timeline:

• Severity of injuries
• Number of defendants
• Whether the case goes to trial
• Cooperation of the defendants

We work as quickly as possible to get you the justice you deserve.

8. “What if my child is too scared to come forward?”

We understand. Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation, social ostracism, or losing their Greek life membership.

You don’t have to do this alone. We can:

• File the lawsuit anonymously (in some cases)
• Protect your identity during litigation
• Advise you on how to stay safe
• Connect you with mental health resources

The only way to stop hazing is for victims to come forward. Your child’s case could save lives.

🚨 Lewis County Families: The Time to Act is NOW

Hazing doesn’t stop on its own. It stops when victims stand up.

If your child was hazed at or near Lewis County, you have legal rights. You have the power to hold abusers accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to the next student.

But you have to act fast.

Evidence disappears.
Witnesses forget.
Your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We are fighting this battle right now. We will fight for Lewis County families with the same fury. You are not alone.

🎯 Our Message to Lewis County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Lewis 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.

If you haze students in Lewis County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your nationals, your housing corporation, and every individual who participated.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Idaho.

To the universities near Lewis County:

You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down chapters that haze.

When you choose reputation over safety, you become liable. When you choose tradition over humanity, you will pay.

The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They are named in our $10 million lawsuit.

Your university could be next.

To the national fraternities:

You had 8 years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. You had 8 years to fix your culture. You did nothing.

Now you will pay.

Pi Kappa Phi has paid millions in settlements. Sigma Alpha Epsilon has paid millions. Phi Delta Theta has paid millions. Beta Theta Pi has paid millions.

If your chapter operates near Lewis County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America. We are coming for you.

📜 Idaho Hazing Law — Know Your Rights

Idaho Code § 18-917 — Hazing Prohibited

**(1) As used in this section, “hazing” means any activity 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.*

**(2) Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.*

**(3) Consent of the victim is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to this section.*

**(4) Any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control shall be deprived of its recognition by the postsecondary institution.*

🏆 What Lewis County Families Can Achieve

1. Financial Compensation

• Medical bills paid
• Lost wages recovered
• Pain and suffering compensated
• Future medical costs covered

2. Institutional Change

• Universities forced to implement real oversight
• Fraternities forced to change their culture
• Greek life reforms to prevent future hazing

3. Legal Accountability

• Criminal charges against perpetrators
• Chapter suspensions or bans
• National fraternities held liable

4. Saving Lives

• Your child’s case could prevent the next hazing death
• Your bravery could save another Lewis County family from this nightmare

📞 Lewis County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation

You don’t have to fight this alone. We are here to help.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Lewis County hazing emergencies.

We travel to Lewis County. We fight for Lewis County families. We win for Lewis County victims.

🔚 Enough is Enough, Lewis County

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not brotherhood.

It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s sometimes murder.

And it stops now.

If your child was hazed near Lewis County, call us. We will fight for you. We will hold them accountable. And we will make sure this never happens to another Lewis County family.

1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough.