Hazing Victims in Cook County: You Are Not Alone — We’re Fighting for Justice Right Now

If your child was hazed at a Cook County university, fraternity, or sorority — we can help.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Cook County. The same negligence exists at Cook County institutions. And we will fight for Cook County families with the same aggression.

⚠️ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Cook County

The Hazing Nightmare We’re Fighting Right Now

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
• Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to exhaustion

The Result:

• November 3, 2025: Bermudez punished for missing an event — forced to perform extreme exercises until he couldn’t stand
• November 4: “Really sore and couldn’t really move”
• November 5: “The next day was worse”
• November 6: Mother rushes him to hospital — brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown), very high creatine kinase levels
• November 6-10: 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

The Defendants in Our Lawsuit:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (national organization)
• Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (local chapter)
• University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
• UH Board of Regents
• Fraternity president, pledgemaster, current and former members, and the spouse of a former member (hazing occurred at their home)

The Same Hazing Happens at Cook County Universities

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Cook County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate in Houston have chapters at universities near Cook County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Cook County Greek life. The same negligence that allowed this to happen at UH exists at Cook County institutions.

If your child was hazed in Cook County, we can help. We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for Cook County victims too.

🏛️ Cook County Universities with Greek Life — The Same Risks Exist Here

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cook County. Many universities near Cook County have active Greek life programs where the same hazing risks exist:

Major Universities Near Cook County with Greek Life:

• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) — Active Greek community
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) — Large Greek system
• DePaul University — Multiple fraternities and sororities
• Loyola University Chicago — Active Greek organizations
• Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) — Greek presence
• Columbia College Chicago — Greek organizations
• Roosevelt University — Greek life chapters
• Northeastern Illinois University — Greek organizations
• Chicago State University — Greek presence

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have chapters at these schools:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Beta Theta Pi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• And many others

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Cook County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

⚖️ Cook County Families: You Have Legal Rights

What the Law Says About Hazing in Illinois

Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws. Under 720 ILCS 5/12C-50, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. If hazing results in death or great bodily harm, it becomes a Class 4 felony, punishable by 1-3 years in prison.

Importantly, Illinois law states:

“Consent by a student to hazing is not a defense.”

This means even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter — the law still protects them.

Civil Liability — Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, Cook County families can pursue civil lawsuits against:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university or college
• Individual members who participated
• Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority properties

You can sue for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Our $10 million lawsuit in Texas proves that hazing cases win big settlements and verdicts.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Hazing Victims Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win substantial compensation. The same results are possible for Cook County victims.

🚨 What Cook County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights

If your child has been hazed in Cook County, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
   • Medical records are critical evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails — save everything
   • Photos and videos — document injuries, hazing locations, items used
   • Witness information — get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
   • Physical evidence — clothing, objects used in hazing

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

   • The fraternity/sorority, university, or national organization may try to get you to sign documents or make statements
   • Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Do not post about the incident, your injuries, or your recovery

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • The statute of limitations in Illinois is 2 years for personal injury claims
   • Evidence disappears quickly
   • Witnesses forget details
   • The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be

6. Consider Reporting to Authorities

   • You can file a police report
   • You can report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Criminal charges may be pursued

📞 Cook County Families: Call Us for a Free Consultation

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cook County.

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims across America, including Cook County. We have:

• Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Video consultation technology — meet with us remotely
• Willingness to travel — we’ll come to Cook County for depositions and trials

If your child was hazed at a Cook County university, fraternity, or sorority — call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Cook County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting a Hazing Case Right Now

• We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing
• We know how to build these cases and win

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue Cook County cases in federal court
• Experience with complex multi-defendant litigation

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

• Texas AND New York licensed
• Strategic advantage for Cook County cases against national fraternities/sororities headquartered anywhere

5. We Speak Spanish

• Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking Cook County families without language barriers

6. We Travel to Cook County

• We’ll come to Cook County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

7. Contingency Fee Representation

• $0 upfront cost — you pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest

8. Proven Track Record

• Recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims
• Handled complex multi-defendant cases (like BP Texas City explosion litigation)
• Former insurance defense experience gives us an edge in negotiations and trial

🔍 What We’ll Do for Your Cook County Hazing Case

When you hire Attorney 911 for your Cook County hazing case, we will:

1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation

   • Gather all evidence (texts, photos, videos, medical records)
   • Interview witnesses
   • Document the hazing activities in detail

2. Preserve Critical Evidence

   • Send preservation letters to all defendants
   • Demand that fraternities/sororities and universities retain all records
   • Prevent evidence destruction

3. Identify All Liable Parties

   • Local chapter
   • National organization
   • University
   • Individual members
   • Housing corporations

4. Calculate Full Damages

   • Medical expenses (past and future)
   • Pain and suffering
   • Emotional distress
   • Lost wages
   • Punitive damages

5. Negotiate Aggressively

   • We know how insurance companies and institutions value claims
   • We won’t accept lowball offers
   • We’ll fight for the full value of your case

6. Take It to Trial if Necessary

   • We’re not afraid to go to court
   • We have trial experience in complex cases
   • We’ll present your case to a jury if that’s what it takes to get justice

7. Protect Your Privacy

   • We understand the sensitive nature of hazing cases
   • We’ll protect your identity and your family’s privacy

🎯 Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Cook County Victims

Hazing can cause serious physical and psychological injuries. We represent Cook County victims who have suffered:

Physical Injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) from forced exercise
• Acute kidney failure (from rhabdomyolysis)
• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Broken bones from physical abuse
• Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
• Burns from branding or hot objects
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia from exposure
• Internal injuries from forced consumption
• Sexual assault injuries

Psychological Injuries:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Trust issues
• Academic decline
• Social withdrawal

If your child suffered any of these injuries from hazing in Cook County, we can help.

🏆 We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing — We’re Fighting It Right Now

Our Current $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH Beta Nu Chapter, University of Houston, UH Board of Regents, individual members

What We’re Fighting Against:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting
• Another pledge hog-tied and left for over an hour
• Forced to carry sexual objects in a fanny pack
• Threatened with expulsion for non-compliance

The Result:

• Our client hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with kidney failure
• Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter when they learned of the lawsuit
• University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Criminal referrals initiated

Cook County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it. We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for Cook County victims too.

📢 Message to Cook County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Cook County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Cook County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

Every national fraternity with chapters near Cook County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.

Universities in Cook 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 Cook County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Cook County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they’re afraid of retribution. Can we still pursue legal action?

A: Yes. We understand the fear of retribution is real. We will:

• Protect your child’s identity
• Handle all communications with the organization
• Ensure your child is not subjected to further harassment
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates

Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward. We protect our clients and ensure their safety.

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing activities?

A: Consent is not a defense to hazing in Illinois. Illinois law explicitly states that consent does not matter. The law is designed to protect students from coercion and peer pressure.

Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.

Q: We’re in Cook County. Can you really help us from Texas?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Cook County. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Experience handling cases across state lines
• Video consultation technology for remote meetings
• Willingness to travel to Cook County for depositions and trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Cook County families to pursue justice without financial barriers.

Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?

You can recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)
• Educational disruption (if hazing affected academic performance)

In serious cases, compensation can reach millions of dollars, as seen in the precedent cases.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take:

• 6-12 months for minor injuries with clear liability
• 12-24 months for moderate injuries
• 2-4 years for severe injuries or wrongful death cases

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Q: Can we sue the university too?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If the university:

• Knew or should have known about hazing
• Failed to implement adequate oversight
• Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
• Had prior hazing incidents and didn’t act

Then they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

Q: What if criminal charges are filed?

Hazing can result in both civil lawsuits and criminal charges. These are separate processes:

• Criminal case: Prosecuted by the state; can result in jail time
• Civil case: Pursued by you; can result in financial compensation

We can help you navigate both processes and ensure your rights are protected.

Q: My child is an immigrant/international student. Can you help?

Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We:

• Serve Spanish-speaking families (Se habla español)
• Protect the privacy of all clients
• Ensure immigration status is not used against your child

Many hazing victims are international students. We understand the unique challenges they face.

Q: What should we do right now?

If your child has been hazed in Cook County:

1. Seek medical attention — document all injuries
2. Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, videos, witness info
3. Do NOT talk to the organization without legal counsel
4. Do NOT post on social media about the incident
5. Call us immediately for a free consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Cook County families: You are not alone. We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for you too.

📌 Cook County Parents: Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing often goes unreported. Cook County parents should watch for these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, blacking out)
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Sleep disturbances

Emotional Signs:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Mood swings or irritability
• Fear of social situations
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Talk of “earning” their place or “proving themselves”

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Missing classes or assignments
• Spending excessive time at fraternity/sorority events
• Wearing unusual clothing or carrying strange items
• Secretive behavior about activities
• Avoiding questions about their experiences

Academic Signs:

• Lower grades than usual
• Missing deadlines
• Skipping classes
• Disengagement from academic activities

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. Ask direct questions. And if you suspect hazing, contact us immediately.

🏆 Our Commitment to Cook County Families

At Attorney 911, we are committed to:

1. Fighting for justice for every hazing victim in Cook County
2. Holding institutions accountable — no matter how powerful they are
3. Protecting students from abuse disguised as “tradition”
4. Supporting families through this difficult process
5. Changing the culture so no other Cook County family has to go through this

We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We will fight hard for Cook County families because we truly care.

🚨 Cook County Families: Time Is Critical

The statute of limitations in Illinois is 2 years for personal injury claims.

This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever.

Evidence disappears quickly:

• Text messages get deleted
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records