🚨 Grundy County Hazing Lawyer – Fraternity Abuse & University Negligence Attorney
Grundy County families: If your child was hazed at a college or university near Grundy County, Illinois, you have legal rights. We are fighting this battle right now – and we will fight for you.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near Grundy County. The same negligence exists at institutions in and around Grundy County. And we will bring the same aggressive legal representation to Grundy County families.
Grundy County parents: Your child deserves justice. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Grundy County
The Case That Shows Grundy County Families Why We Fight
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the fraternity as a “ghost rush” – meaning he wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet.
Over seven weeks, Bermudez was subjected to systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. The hazing included:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
✅ Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout – they kept going
✅ Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
Grundy County families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture – and it happens at universities near Grundy County.
Why This Case Matters to Grundy County
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The Same Fraternities Operate Near Grundy County
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including at universities near Grundy County.
- Other national fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and Phi Delta Theta have chapters at Illinois schools and have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits.
- If it happened at UH, it can happen at a school near Grundy County.
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Universities Near Grundy County Have the Same Liability
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
- Universities near Grundy County have the same power to regulate Greek life – and the same duty to protect students.
- When they fail, they must be held accountable.
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Pi Kappa Phi Knew About the Hazing Crisis – And Did Nothing
- In 2017, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge named Andrew Coffey died at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption.
- Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized after being waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats.
- They had eight years to fix their culture. They chose not to.
- The same national organizations operate near Grundy County – and they’re making the same choices.
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Grundy County Students Are at Risk Right Now
- Our client was a “ghost rush” – not even a student yet. They hazed him anyway.
- How many other Grundy County students are being hazed right now?
- How many will end up in the hospital – or worse?
💰 $10 Million Demand – The Price for Torturing Our Kids
We are demanding $10 million in damages for our client. This is not an arbitrary number.
Precedent Cases Prove Hazing Victims Win Big
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ Million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ Million |
Grundy County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win. The same legal strategies apply to Grundy County cases.
What $10 Million Covers for Grundy County Victims
| Category | Grundy County Application |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future medical care for kidney damage or other injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing, emotional trauma from abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries or psychological trauma |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to academic plans, delayed graduation, lost scholarships |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for the fraternity and university’s gross negligence – to prevent future hazing |
Grundy County families: $10 million is the price for torturing our children. It’s what it takes to make them stop.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Grundy County Hazing Victim
Grundy County Parents: You Have More Power Than You Think
If your child was hazed at a university near Grundy County, you can sue for:
- Negligence – The university and fraternity failed to protect your child.
- Assault and Battery – Physical abuse like paddling, forced exercise, or waterboarding.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Psychological torture that causes PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Premises Liability – If hazing occurred in a fraternity house owned by the university.
- Negligent Supervision – The national fraternity failed to oversee its chapter.
- Wrongful Death – If hazing resulted in death.
Illinois Hazing Laws Protect Your Child
Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws that make hazing a criminal offense. Under 720 ILCS 5/12C-50:
- Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail).
- If hazing causes great bodily harm or death, it’s a Class 4 felony (1-3 years in prison).
- Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter.
Grundy County families: The law is on your side. We will use every legal tool to hold them accountable.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Grundy County Hazing?
Grundy County Parents: We Sue Everyone Responsible
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Grundy County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The chapter near Grundy County that hazed your child |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc. |
| University | Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing | The university near Grundy County where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | The fraternity members who abused your child |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; allowed hazing | The president, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes | Alumni who allowed hazing to happen |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability | The policies that will pay your settlement |
Grundy County families: We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the deep pockets – the universities, the national organizations, and the insurance companies that enable this culture.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Grundy County
Grundy County Parents: Follow These Steps Immediately
If your child was hazed at a university near Grundy County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.
✅ STEP 1: Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening – our client spent four days in the hospital.
- Document all injuries and symptoms.
✅ STEP 2: Preserve Evidence
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about the hazing.
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
- Get names and contact information of witnesses.
- Do NOT delete anything – even if it’s embarrassing.
✅ STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They will try to get your child to sign away their rights.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
✅ STEP 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
- We offer free, confidential consultations.
- We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
- We will travel to Grundy County for depositions and meetings.
✅ STEP 5: Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- File a police report.
- Report to the university’s Title IX office.
- Report to the national fraternity.
Grundy County families: The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
🎯 Why Grundy County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We Will Fight for Grundy County
✅ We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- We know how to build these cases.
- We know how to win against universities and national fraternities.
- Grundy County families get the same aggressive representation.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know exactly how insurance companies think.
- We know their delay tactics and lowball offers.
- We use that knowledge against them to maximize your recovery.
✅ Federal Court Authority
- We can pursue cases in federal court if needed.
- This gives us more power to take on national organizations.
✅ Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York)
- Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered out of state.
✅ We Travel to Grundy County
- Distance is not a barrier.
- We will come to Grundy County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
✅ Se Habla Español
- We serve Spanish-speaking Grundy County families without language barriers.
✅ Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win.
- No hourly fees, no retainers.
- We only get paid if you get paid.
✅ 4.9-Star Google Rating (250+ Reviews)
- “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett
- “They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz
📞 Grundy County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a university near Grundy County, you have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Grundy County families: We will hold them accountable. Call us now.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Grundy County Families
Q: Is hazing really that common at universities near Grundy County?
A: Yes. Hazing happens at nearly every university with Greek life – including schools near Grundy County. Studies show:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
- 40% of student athletes report hazing.
- 95% of hazing victims do not report it – often due to fear of retaliation.
Grundy County parents: If your child is in Greek life or a sports team, they are at risk.
Q: What counts as hazing under Illinois law?
A: Illinois law defines hazing as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them – regardless of whether they consented.
Examples of hazing near Grundy County:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise (like 500 squats)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Being struck with objects (paddles, belts)
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced eating until vomiting
- Sexual humiliation
- Being left in dangerous situations
Grundy County families: If your child was subjected to any of these, it’s hazing – and it’s illegal.
Q: Can we sue even if my child “consented” to the hazing?
A: YES. Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
Grundy County parents: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter. They cannot consent to being abused.
Q: How much is our Grundy County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase value include:
✅ Severity of injuries – hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage
✅ Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression
✅ University involvement – if the university owned the property or knew about hazing
✅ National fraternity involvement – deep pockets and insurance
✅ Pattern of abuse – if the chapter had prior hazing incidents
✅ Egregious conduct – waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse
Grundy County families: We will fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the hazing incident.
Grundy County parents: Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most hazing cases settle before trial. However, if the case does go to trial, your child may need to testify.
Grundy County families: We will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – meaning:
- You pay $0 to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict – typically 33-40%.
Grundy County families: You have nothing to lose by calling us.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university near Grundy County?
A: Private universities have the same liability as public schools. If they failed to protect your child, they can be sued.
Grundy County families: We handle cases against both public and private universities.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity even if the hazing happened at a local chapter?
A: YES. National fraternities have a duty to supervise their chapters. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they are liable.
Grundy County families: We sue the national organization to ensure systemic change.
🏆 Grundy County Parents: We Will Fight for Your Child
This is not just a legal case. This is a fight for justice. This is a fight to protect the next Grundy County student. This is a fight to end hazing culture for good.
Grundy County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Grundy County hazing victims: Call us now. We will hold them accountable.
