🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support for Lawrence County, Illinois
Lawrence County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a college, university, fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Lawrence County, we can help.
We are Attorney 911, a personal injury and hazing litigation firm based in Texas with nationwide reach. While we are headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims across America — including Lawrence County, Illinois.
Right now, we are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This same hazing happens at institutions near Lawrence County. The same national fraternities operate near Lawrence County. And we will fight for Lawrence County families with the same intensity.
What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Lawrence County, hazing can include:
- Physical abuse: Forced exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups), beatings with paddles, waterboarding, exposure to extreme weather
- Forced consumption: Drinking alcohol until vomiting, eating large amounts of food, consuming non-food substances
- Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion, isolation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous activities: Blindfolded exercises, reckless games, physical challenges with high risk of injury
This is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. And it is illegal in Illinois.
Illinois Hazing Laws: You Have Rights in Lawrence County
Illinois has strict anti-hazing laws under 720 ILCS 5/12C-50. Under Illinois law:
- Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine)
- If hazing causes death or great bodily harm, it is a Class 4 felony (1-3 years in prison)
- Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable
- Organizations can be held criminally and civilly responsible
Lawrence County families: If your child has been hazed, you can sue for damages — including medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages to hold the organization accountable.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lawrence County?
In our current lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we are suing everyone who allowed the abuse to happen. The same applies to Lawrence County:
| Defendant | Why They Are Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leaders who directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing risks |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite having the power to stop hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Hosted or facilitated hazing at their homes |
Lawrence County institutions cannot hide behind “tradition” or “we didn’t know.” If they had the power to stop hazing and failed to act, they are liable.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Lawrence County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, brain injury, internal bleeding)
- Even if your child feels “fine,” get them checked — some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms
- Document everything — hospital records, doctor’s notes, photos of injuries
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs — screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity/sorority houses
- Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders, witnesses
- Social media posts — from the organization or members about hazing
- Do NOT delete anything — destruction of evidence can hurt your case
Step 3: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
- They may ask your child to sign documents or give statements — do not do this without a lawyer
- Anything your child says can be used against them in court
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation — we will evaluate your case at no cost
- No upfront fees — we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
The statute of limitations in Illinois is 2 years. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Why Lawrence County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are 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.
Lawrence County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how insurance companies and universities try to deny claims
- Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal court if needed
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York (strategic for national fraternity cases)
- Proven track record — we’ve won millions for personal injury victims
3. We Understand the Unique Challenges of Hazing Cases
- Fear of retaliation — our client in the UH case is afraid to speak out; we protect our clients
- Shame and embarrassment — many victims don’t want to come forward; we provide compassionate support
- Institutional cover-ups — universities and fraternities will try to hide evidence; we know how to uncover it
4. We Serve Lawrence County Families Nationwide
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely from Lawrence County
- We travel to Lawrence County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- No distance barriers — we represent hazing victims across America
5. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs
- You pay nothing upfront — we only get paid if we win your case
- No hourly fees — our fee is a percentage of your recovery
- No risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Types of Hazing We Handle for Lawrence County Families
We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:
| Organization Type | Examples of Hazing |
|---|---|
| Fraternities | Forced drinking, physical abuse, waterboarding, sexual humiliation |
| Sororities | Sleep deprivation, forced eating, psychological abuse, physical challenges |
| Sports Teams | Extreme conditioning, dangerous drills, humiliation, alcohol consumption |
| Marching Bands | Physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, forced consumption |
| ROTC | Extreme physical challenges, sleep deprivation, psychological abuse |
| Student Clubs | Initiation rituals, humiliation, forced activities |
| Military Academies | Extreme physical abuse, psychological torture, dangerous challenges |
If your child was hazed in Lawrence County, we can help.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some examples:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million (settlement) |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million (jury verdict) |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (settlement) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement (same fraternity as our UH case) |
Lawrence County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win. The same results are possible for Lawrence County victims.
What You Can Recover for Hazing in Lawrence County
If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future medical care |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma from abuse |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships due to injuries |
| Educational Impact | Tuition refunds, lost scholarships, academic disruption |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish the organization for egregious conduct |
In Illinois, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages — meaning juries can award what they believe is fair.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lawrence County Families
1. My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?
Yes. Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/12C-50), consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
2. The organization says hazing is “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activity endangers a student’s health or safety, it is hazing — and it is illegal.
3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they had the power to stop hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.
4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
5. My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
We understand the fear of retaliation. Our client in the UH case is also afraid to speak out. We will:
- Protect your child’s identity during the legal process
- File motions to prevent retaliation
- Work with law enforcement if threats occur
- Pursue punitive damages against anyone who retaliates
6. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there is no financial risk to you.
7. My child was hazed at a school outside Lawrence County. Can you still help?
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide. If the hazing occurred at a college or university near Lawrence County (or anywhere in America), we can evaluate your case.
8. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a fraternity house, a private residence, or anywhere else, we can hold the organization accountable.
9. Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
Yes. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that can cover damages. In our UH case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to supervise their chapters.
10. What if my child was not seriously injured?
Even if your child was not hospitalized, they may still have a case. Hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological injuries. We can pursue compensation for these damages.
Lawrence County Universities and Colleges: Hazing Happens Here Too
Lawrence County is home to students who attend colleges and universities across Illinois and the Midwest. Hazing is a nationwide problem, and the same fraternities that hazed our client in Texas have chapters near Lawrence County.
Universities Near Lawrence County with Greek Life Presence:
| University | Location | Distance from Lawrence County | Greek Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL | ~30 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, others |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL | ~100 miles | Large Greek system with multiple fraternities/sororities |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | ~120 miles | Active Greek life presence |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | ~60 miles | Multiple fraternities/sororities |
| University of Evansville | Evansville, IN | ~100 miles | Greek organizations present |
Lawrence County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools (or any school near Lawrence County), they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.
Fraternities Near Lawrence County with Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate near Lawrence County. Here are some with documented hazing histories:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Chapters Near Lawrence County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025, kidney failure) | Eastern Illinois University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Max Gruver (LSU, 2017, death), multiple other incidents | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries nationwide | Eastern Illinois University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021, death) | Multiple schools near Lawrence County |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017, death) | Indiana State University |
Lawrence County families: These are the same organizations your children are joining. They have paid millions in settlements — and they will pay again if they haze your child.
The Reality of Hazing in Lawrence County
Hazing is not just a problem at big universities. It happens everywhere — including near Lawrence County. Here’s what Lawrence County families need to know:
- Hazing is illegal in Illinois — it is a crime under state law.
- Universities know it happens — they have the power to stop it but often fail to act.
- National organizations know it happens — they dissolve chapters after incidents but allow the culture to continue.
- Victims are afraid to speak out — fear of retaliation is real, but we protect our clients.
- Hazing causes real harm — from physical injuries to psychological trauma to death.
Lawrence County parents: If your child is joining a fraternity, sorority, or student organization, ask them these questions:
- What is the pledging process like?
- Are there any activities that make you uncomfortable?
- Have you been forced to drink alcohol or do physical challenges?
- Have you seen any dangerous or humiliating activities?
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” your child may be experiencing hazing.
What Happened in Our Current Case: A Warning for Lawrence County
In our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, our client was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running
- Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather
- Another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
The result? Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Lawrence County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens at fraternities near Lawrence County. And this is what we are fighting to stop.
How We Fight for Lawrence County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep all evidence (texts, photos, videos, communications)
- Subpoena social media companies (Snapchat, Instagram, GroupMe) to preserve deleted messages
- Obtain security camera footage from fraternity houses, campus buildings, and private residences
2. Aggressive Discovery
- Depose chapter officers, members, and national leaders
- Subpoena internal communications (emails, texts, meeting minutes)
- Request all hazing incident reports from the university and national organization
- Obtain insurance policies to identify coverage limits
3. Expert Testimony
- Medical experts to testify about injuries (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, PTSD)
- Hazing culture experts to explain how these organizations operate
- Economic experts to calculate future medical expenses and lost wages
4. Media and Public Pressure
- Expose the organization’s history of hazing in local and national media
- Work with legislators to strengthen anti-hazing laws
- Mobilize alumni and donors to demand accountability
5. Settlement Negotiation or Trial
- Demand policy limits from insurance companies
- Negotiate settlements that hold the organization accountable
- Take the case to trial if necessary — juries hate hazing, and they award millions
Lawrence County Families: Take Action Now
If your child has been hazed, follow these steps:
- Get medical attention immediately — even if they feel “fine.”
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, videos, witness contacts.
- Do NOT speak to the organization or their lawyers — they will try to control the narrative.
- Contact Attorney 911 — we will evaluate your case for free.
Call our 24/7 hazing hotline:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email us:
Free consultation — no obligation.
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
To Fraternities and Sororities Near Lawrence County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Beta Theta Pi — and every other Greek organization near Lawrence County:
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after they waterboarded a student and caused kidney failure. We know your chapters near Lawrence County have the same hazing culture.
If you haze students in Lawrence County, we will find out. And we will sue you.
- We know your corporate structures (house corporations, alumni chapters, national organizations).
- We know your insurance policies (and how to access them).
- We know your prior hazing incidents (and we will use them against you).
- We know how to pierce the corporate veil and hold individuals personally liable.
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Closed. The same will happen to your Lawrence County chapter if you haze.
Lawrence County students deserve better. We will fight for them.
To Universities Near Lawrence County: You Are Liable
Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Southern Illinois University, Indiana State University — and every other school near Lawrence County:
You have a duty to protect students. If you own fraternity houses, you are responsible for what happens in them. If you recognize Greek organizations, you are responsible for their actions.
In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They cannot claim ignorance. Neither can you.
- If you own the property, you are liable.
- If you have the power to regulate, you are liable.
- If you knew or should have known about hazing, you are liable.
We will hold Lawrence County universities accountable.
To Lawrence County Parents: Protect Your Children
Lawrence County families: Your children are going to college to learn, grow, and build their futures. They should not have to endure torture to make friends.
Here’s what you can do:
- Talk to your child about hazing — make sure they know it is not acceptable.
- Ask them about their pledging experience — if they describe dangerous or humiliating activities, it may be hazing.
- Encourage them to report hazing — to the university, to law enforcement, or to us.
- If hazing occurs, contact us immediately — we will protect your child’s rights.
Lawrence County students should not have to choose between their health and their social life. We will fight to make sure they don’t have to.
Lawrence County Hazing Victims: Your Voice Matters
To every hazing victim in Lawrence County:
You are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault. You did not deserve to be abused, humiliated, or tortured.
We believe you. We will fight for you. And we will hold the people who hurt you accountable.
Call us today:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email us:
ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. No risk.
Together, We Can End Hazing in Lawrence County
Hazing is a cultural problem, but it is also a legal problem. When organizations are forced to pay millions, they change. When individuals are held personally liable, they stop.
Lawrence County families: By coming forward, you are not just fighting for your child — you are fighting for the next student who might be hazed.
We are Attorney 911. We are your first responders in this legal emergency. And we are ready to fight for Lawrence County.
© 2025 Attorney 911 | Hazing Victim Legal Support for Lawrence County, Illinois
Serving Lawrence County and nationwide | Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
