Here is the comprehensive, publication-ready content for Teton County, Idaho families affected by hazing. This piece is culturally adapted, legally precise, and optimized for local relevance while maintaining national authority.
Hazing in Teton County: Your Child’s Safety and Legal Rights
A Warning and a Lifeline for Eastern Idaho Families
Teton County parents send their children off to college with hope—hope for new friendships, academic success, and a bright future. But for families in Driggs, Victor, and Tetonia, that hope is being shattered by a hidden crisis: hazing.
Right now, in fraternities and student organizations across Idaho and the nation, young people are being subjected to dangerous, degrading, and sometimes life-threatening rituals—all in the name of “tradition.” And while Teton County may feel far from the big universities, the same fraternities that have hospitalized and killed students elsewhere operate right here in Eastern Idaho.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis head-on. We’re 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 until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening in Idaho too. And if your child has been hazed in Teton County, we will fight for you with the same relentless dedication.
Hazing in Teton County: What Parents Need to Know
The Fraternities Near Teton County with Hazing Histories
Teton County may be small, but it’s surrounded by universities where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—have active chapters at institutions near Teton County, including:
- Brigham Young University-Idaho (Rexburg) – Just 45 minutes from Driggs, BYU-Idaho has a robust Greek system. While the university officially bans fraternities and sororities, underground organizations still exist, and hazing has been reported in the past.
- Idaho State University (Pocatello) – Home to multiple Greek organizations, including chapters of Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma, both of which have faced hazing allegations in other states.
- University of Idaho (Moscow) – Approximately 6 hours from Teton County, the University of Idaho has active chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others with documented hazing histories.
- Montana State University (Bozeman) – A popular destination for Teton County students, MSU has faced multiple hazing incidents, including a 2019 case where a student was hospitalized after a fraternity event.
These aren’t just names on a list—they’re real organizations that have harmed students just like yours. And if your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Teton County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court right now.
What Hazing Really Looks Like in Teton County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. In Teton County and across Idaho, hazing often involves:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to the point of collapse (like the 500 squats in our current case).
- Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, or consuming dangerous substances.
- Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion, or being forced to carry degrading objects.
- Sexual humiliation: Forced nudity, sexualized rituals, or carrying objects of a sexual nature (as alleged in our UH case).
- Drowning and waterboarding: Simulated drowning with hoses or other methods—a tactic we’ve seen in multiple cases, including our current lawsuit.
This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing in Teton County
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can cause permanent physical damage or even death. In our current case, our client suffered:
- Rhabdomyolysis – A life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing proteins that can cause kidney failure. This was caused by extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, and other forced exercises).
- Acute kidney failure – Requiring four days of hospitalization and ongoing medical monitoring.
- Psychological trauma – Our client is now fearful of retribution for speaking out, a common consequence of hazing.
Other medical risks of hazing include:
- Alcohol poisoning (a leading cause of hazing deaths).
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls.
- Hypothermia or heatstroke from exposure.
- Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion.
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression from psychological abuse.
If your child has been hazed in Teton County, seek medical attention immediately—even if they seem “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms right away.
Teton County Parents: What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
If your child shows any signs of hazing-related injury—bruising, difficulty walking, dark urine, confusion, or signs of alcohol poisoning—take them to Teton Valley Hospital in Driggs or Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls immediately. Document everything.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. If your child has been hazed in Teton County:
- Take photos of any injuries, the location where hazing occurred, and any objects used.
- Save all communications—text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
- Get witness names and contact information—other pledges, bystanders, or anyone who saw what happened.
- Keep medical records—hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
- Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating. Deleting evidence can hurt your case.
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report with the Teton County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement.
- Report to the university—even if the hazing happened off-campus, the school may have jurisdiction.
- File a Title IX complaint if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault.
Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers whose job is to protect the institution—not your child. Anything your child says to them can be used against them in court.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines—in Idaho, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Teton County, and we never charge upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Teton County?
When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable—not just the students who participated. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| The local fraternity chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing. |
| National fraternity organization | Knew about hazing risks (our client’s fraternity had a prior hazing death in 2017) but failed to stop it. |
| University | Failed to supervise Greek life, ignored prior hazing incidents, and in some cases, owns the fraternity house where hazing occurs. |
| Individual members | Participated in or facilitated the hazing. |
| Alumni and advisors | Often host hazing events and fail to intervene. |
| Insurance companies | Provide coverage for hazing-related injuries. |
Teton County families: If your child was hazed, we will pursue every liable party to ensure they pay for what they’ve done.
Hazing Laws in Idaho: What Teton County Families Need to Know
Idaho’s Anti-Hazing Law (Idaho Code § 18-917)
Idaho law defines hazing as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”
Key points for Teton County families:
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
- Hazing is a misdemeanor—punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- If hazing causes serious injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.
- Universities can be held civilly liable for failing to prevent hazing.
Federal Laws That Protect Teton County Students
- Title IX – If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, the university may be in violation of federal law.
- Civil Rights Laws – Hazing that targets students based on race, religion, or gender may violate federal civil rights statutes.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases aren’t just about justice—they’re about sending a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated. Here’s what other families have won:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement – Student died from forced alcohol consumption. |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict – Student died from alcohol poisoning during hazing. |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement – Student died after being forced to drink and falling down stairs. |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement – Student died from forced alcohol consumption. |
| Our Current Case (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending – Student hospitalized with kidney failure after waterboarding and extreme exercise. |
Teton County families: These verdicts prove that hazing cases win. And we will fight for the same justice for your child.
Why Teton County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability—and we know how to beat them.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. We Serve Teton County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Teton County. We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations (in-person or video).
- No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win.
- Willingness to travel to Teton County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
- 24/7 availability—hazing emergencies don’t wait.
4. We Understand the Teton County Community
Teton County is a tight-knit community with deep values—family, integrity, and protecting our children. We share those values. When your child is hazed, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects your whole community. We will fight for Teton County families with the same passion we bring to every case.
5. We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- $10+ million in trucking accident cases.
- Multi-million dollar settlements for workplace injuries.
- Millions for victims of assault and battery.
- And now, we’re fighting for $10 million for a hazing victim.
Hazing in Teton County: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. Many hazing victims are afraid to speak out. But the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a case. We can help your child report the hazing anonymously and protect their identity.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Idaho law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future).
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional).
- Lost wages (if the hazing affected their ability to work).
- Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity/university for egregious conduct).
- Wrongful death damages (if the hazing resulted in death).
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million—and we believe Teton County families deserve the same level of compensation.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Idaho, you typically have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and fraternities destroy records.
Q: Can we sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
Q: What if the fraternity tries to intimidate my child?
A: Document everything. If the fraternity or its members try to intimidate your child, save all communications and report it to the police. Intimidation is a separate crime and can strengthen your case.
Teton County: It’s Time to End the Silence on Hazing
Hazing thrives in secrecy. Fraternities and universities count on victims staying quiet out of fear, shame, or loyalty. But silence protects the abusers—not the victims.
Teton County families: If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are here to fight for you, to hold the abusers accountable, and to ensure this never happens to another Eastern Idaho student.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We don’t just talk about justice—we fight for it. And we will fight for Teton County families like yours.
About Attorney 911
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We serve victims nationwide, including Teton County, Idaho. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers with 37+ years of combined experience fighting for victims.
We never charge upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contact us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Teton County Resources for Hazing Victims
- Teton County Sheriff’s Office: (208) 354-2323
- Teton Valley Hospital (Driggs): (208) 354-2383
- Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (Idaho Falls): (208) 529-6111
- Idaho State Police: (208) 236-6468
- University of Idaho Office of Student Conduct: (208) 885-6757
- Idaho State University Office of Student Affairs: (208) 282-2794
- BYU-Idaho Student Honor Office: (208) 496-9300
Teton County families: You have the power to stop hazing. Let us help you fight back. 🚨
