🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Clinton County, Illinois — Protecting Students from Abuse
If your child has been hazed at a Clinton County college, university, or Greek organization, you are not alone. The same fraternities that hospitalized a student in Houston are operating right here in Illinois. The same negligence exists at Clinton County institutions. And we will fight for Clinton County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our high-profile $10 million hazing lawsuit.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the systematic abuse that hospitalized our client with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening in Clinton County, Illinois too. If your child has been subjected to hazing at a Clinton County college, we can help.
Call our hazing hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Clinton County, Illinois
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s happening right here in Clinton County.
Clinton County families need to know:
- The same national fraternities involved in our Houston lawsuit have chapters at universities near Clinton County
- Hazing incidents like waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical punishment happen in Illinois too
- Universities in Clinton County fail to protect students just like the University of Houston did
- Hazing victims in Clinton County have legal rights — and we can help enforce them
We are fighting this battle right now in Texas. We will bring the same fight to Clinton County.
💔 What Happened in Houston — And What Could Happen in Clinton County
The Case That Shows Clinton County Families What Hazing Really Looks Like
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.
This is what they did to him:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until he collapsed
- Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced him to eat until he vomited — then made him keep exercising
- Made him lie in vomit-soaked grass — humiliation
- Forced him to carry objects of sexual nature — sexual humiliation
- Hog-tied another pledge for over an hour — false imprisonment
- Another pledge lost consciousness — they kept going
The result: Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. His muscles literally broke down from the abuse.
And here’s the outrageous part: He wasn’t even a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush” — expected to transfer the following semester. They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled.
Clinton County families: This is not just a Texas problem. This is happening at universities near Clinton County. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists. And your child could be next.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Clinton County Hazing Victim
Clinton County families have legal options — even if the hazing didn’t happen in Illinois
Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws, and federal civil rights claims apply nationwide. If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or anywhere in Illinois, you can pursue:
- Negligence Claims — Against the fraternity, national organization, and university
- Assault and Battery — Against individual perpetrators
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — For psychological trauma
- Premises Liability — If hazing occurred on university-owned property
- Title IX Claims — If the university failed to protect your child from gender-based violence
- Wrongful Death Claims — If hazing resulted in death
You can sue even if:
- The hazing happened off-campus
- Your child “consented” to participate (consent is not a defense under Illinois law)
- The university claims they didn’t know (they had a duty to protect)
- The fraternity says it was “just tradition” (tradition doesn’t justify abuse)
We serve Clinton County hazing victims nationwide through federal court authority and our commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.
🏢 Who We Can Sue for Clinton County Hazing Victims
We pursue every liable party — no one gets away
In our Houston lawsuit, we are suing:
- The local fraternity chapter — for organizing and conducting the hazing
- The national fraternity organization — for failing to supervise despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”
- The university — for owning the fraternity house and failing to protect students
- Individual members — for participating in or facilitating the abuse
- Former members and their spouses — for allowing hazing at their residence
The same defendants exist in Clinton County:
- Local fraternity/sorority chapters
- National organizations
- Clinton County universities and colleges
- Individual perpetrators
- Property owners where hazing occurred
We don’t just sue broke college students — we go after the deep pockets: the national organizations and universities with millions in assets and insurance.
💰 What Clinton County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases win millions — and Clinton County victims deserve the same
Our current hazing lawsuit demands $10 million. Here’s what that covers:
| Category | What It Includes | Clinton County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, treatment, future care | Clinton County victims’ medical costs |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, internships | Clinton County students’ lost income |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from abuse, injuries | Clinton County victims’ physical trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy | Clinton County victims’ psychological harm |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced exercise, paddling |
| Educational Damages | Disruption to college plans | Clinton County students’ academic impact |
Precedent cases prove hazing victims win big:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
These same results are possible for Clinton County hazing victims.
🏫 Universities and Colleges Near Clinton County
Hazing is happening at institutions near Clinton County — we can help
While we don’t have specific reports of hazing incidents at every Clinton County institution, we know that the same national fraternities and sororities operate across Illinois. Hazing is a systemic problem in Greek life nationwide.
Colleges and universities near Clinton County where hazing may be occurring:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville, IL | Active Greek system |
| McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | Active Greek organizations |
| Lindenwood University-Belleville | Belleville, IL | Active Greek life |
| Greenville University | Greenville, IL | Greek organizations present |
| Principia College | Elsah, IL | Greek life active |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | Godfrey, IL | Greek organizations may be present |
Clinton County families: If your child attends or pledges at any of these institutions — or any college in Illinois — they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
National fraternities with chapters near Clinton County that have documented hazing histories:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — $10.1M settlement (Stone Foltz)
- Pi Kappa Phi — Current $10M lawsuit (Leonel Bermudez)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths
- Beta Theta Pi — $110M+ settlement (Timothy Piazza)
- Phi Delta Theta — $6.1M verdict (Maxwell Gruver)
- Sigma Chi — Recent hazing lawsuits
- Kappa Sigma — Multiple hazing incidents
These organizations have paid millions in settlements. They will pay for Clinton County victims too.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Clinton County
Clinton County parents: Know what to look for
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Be alert for these red flags:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; complaints of muscle pain; difficulty walking; signs of exhaustion |
| Behavioral | Sudden withdrawal from family; anxiety or depression; fear of going to school; reluctance to discuss activities |
| Academic | Declining grades; missing classes; sudden disinterest in school |
| Social | New group of friends that excludes old friends; secretive behavior; carrying unusual items (fanny packs, paddles) |
| Digital | Deleted messages or social media posts; joining new group chats; coded language (“big/little,” “family,” “tradition”) |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses; requests for money; lost or damaged property |
If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be afraid to speak up.
📋 What Clinton County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs
Step-by-step action plan for Clinton County hazing victims
1. Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- If medical attention is needed, call 911 or go to the ER
2. Document Everything
- Take photos of injuries, clothing, or evidence
- Screenshot all text messages, social media posts, and group chats
- Save all communications about hazing
- Get contact information for witnesses
3. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
4. Report the Incident
- File a police report with local law enforcement
- Report to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
5. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Fraternities and sororities will try to control the narrative
- They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
- Do not sign anything or give statements without legal counsel
6. Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call our hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Clinton County families
- We can preserve evidence and protect your rights
7. Preserve Evidence
- Do not delete any messages or posts
- Do not wash or discard clothing worn during hazing
- Keep a journal documenting symptoms and impact
🎯 Why Clinton County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are the hazing litigation experts — and we serve Clinton County families nationwide
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Clinton County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Proven courtroom success against powerful defendants |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Clinton County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed — strategic advantage for national fraternity lawsuits |
| $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit | We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW — same strategies available for Clinton County victims |
| Nationwide Service | We serve Clinton County families no matter where the hazing occurred |
| Travel Commitment | We come to Clinton County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Video Consultations | Clinton County families can meet with us remotely |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families in Clinton County |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you win |
We are not just personal injury lawyers. We are hazing litigation specialists. And we are fighting for Clinton County families.
📞 Clinton County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or anywhere in Illinois, call us immediately.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- Immediate case evaluation
- Evidence preservation strategies
- Aggressive legal representation
- No upfront cost — we work on contingency
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Clinton County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🏆 Our Track Record: Fighting for Victims Like Your Clinton County Family
We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re fighting it in court right now
Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
- Damages Sought: $10 million
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH Beta Nu Chapter, University of Houston, individual members
- Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Status: Active litigation — filed November 21, 2025
Why This Matters for Clinton County:
- The same fraternity has chapters near Clinton County
- The same negligence exists at Clinton County institutions
- The same legal strategies apply to Clinton County cases
- Clinton County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Texas
📚 Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families
Clinton County parents and students deserve answers
Q: My child was hazed in Clinton County, but the fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Can we still sue?
A: YES. Illinois law explicitly states that “consent is not a defense to hazing.” Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. What matters is that the activities were dangerous and illegal. We can still pursue compensation for Clinton County victims.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks — especially if they have prior incidents — they can be held liable. In our Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
Q: We’re in Clinton County, and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: ABSOLUTELY. We serve hazing victims nationwide through:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses
- Video consultations
- Willingness to travel to Clinton County
- Remote case management
Distance is not a barrier to justice for Clinton County families.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We take several steps to protect Clinton County clients:
- Confidentiality — we never disclose your identity without permission
- Legal protections — retaliation is illegal and can be sued
- Evidence preservation — we document everything to support your case
- Media strategy — we control the narrative to protect your child
Your child’s safety is our top priority.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you for a Clinton County hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we don’t get paid unless you win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to your Clinton County family.
Q: What if the fraternity says my child was partially at fault?
A: Illinois follows comparative fault rules, but even if your child was partially at fault, you can still recover as long as they were less than 50% responsible. We have extensive experience defeating “consent” defenses and minimizing fault attributions for hazing victims.
Q: How long do Clinton County hazing cases take?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take 12-24 months to resolve. Severe cases may take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?
A: YES. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. Many hazing victims suffer severe emotional distress even without physical injuries. We can pursue compensation for Clinton County victims based on the psychological harm alone.
Q: What if my child signed a waiver or release?
A: Waivers are not enforceable for illegal activities like hazing. Even if your child signed something, it likely doesn’t prevent you from suing for injuries caused by illegal conduct.
🔥 Message to Clinton County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Clinton County: We are watching.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma —
If your chapter is operating near Clinton County, know this:
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
- We have documented your national organizations’ history of hazing deaths and injuries
- We know your corporate structures, insurance policies, and assets
- We will pursue every liable party — national, local, and individual
- If you haze students in Clinton County, we will find you.
To Clinton County universities and colleges:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded
- They knew about prior hazing incidents and failed to protect students
- They are now facing a $10 million lawsuit
- If your institution fails to protect Clinton County students from hazing, you will face the same accountability.
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 Join the Fight Against Hazing in Clinton County
Hazing doesn’t stop unless we make it stop. Clinton County families: You can be part of the solution.
What You Can Do:
- Educate Yourself — Learn about hazing laws and warning signs
- Talk to Your Children — Discuss hazing risks before they join any organization
- Report Hazing — If you suspect hazing, report it to authorities
- Support Victims — If you know someone who’s been hazed, encourage them to seek help
- Demand Accountability — Ask Clinton County universities what they’re doing to prevent hazing
- Contact Legislators — Support stronger hazing laws in Illinois
- Share This Page — Help other Clinton County families find help
Together, we can end hazing in Clinton County.
📞 Clinton County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Justice
If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or anywhere in Illinois, call our hazing hotline immediately.
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Clinton County families
Free consultation • No upfront cost • We fight for justice
We serve Clinton County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Clinton County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice. We Will Fight for It.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ — Serving Clinton County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
