Hazing Victims in McDonough County: Your Rights and How to Fight Back

🚨 Hazing Happens Here Too — And It’s Time to Stop It

McDonough County families send their children to college with hope and trust. They expect universities and student organizations to provide safe, enriching experiences. But the harsh reality is that hazing continues to plague campuses across Illinois, including those near McDonough County. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston — waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and systematic abuse — could happen at institutions in or near McDonough County. The same national fraternities operate here. The same culture of silence exists. And the same devastating consequences follow when institutions fail to protect students.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just about one case — it’s about sending a message to every fraternity, sorority, and university near McDonough County: Hazing will not be tolerated. The consequences are severe.

If your child has been hazed at a college near McDonough County, you have legal rights. You can hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable. And we can help.

🏢 Who We Are: McDonough County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including McDonough County families. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have 25+ years of combined litigation experience and are currently leading the fight against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit.

Why McDonough County Families Choose Attorney 911:

We understand the unique challenges McDonough County families face. Whether your child attends Western Illinois University, a community college, or a private institution in the region, we can help. Distance is not a barrier — we offer video consultations, travel to McDonough County for meetings and depositions, and remote case management to serve families across Illinois.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in McDonough County and Beyond

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act — on or off campus — that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation, threats)
• Sleep deprivation
• Sexual abuse or harassment
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse — and it’s often illegal.

Hazing Statistics: The Reality Near McDonough County

While Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws, the problem persists:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report hazing
• Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S.
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization
• Illinois has seen multiple hazing deaths in recent years, including at major universities

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma — have chapters at universities near McDonough County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in the region, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

Hazing at Illinois Institutions Near McDonough County

While we cannot comment on specific incidents without verified information, we know that hazing occurs at colleges and universities across Illinois, including in the McDonough County region. Institutions with Greek life presence near McDonough County include:

• Western Illinois University (Macomb) — Home to multiple fraternities and sororities
• Community colleges and private institutions in the region
• Universities in neighboring counties with active Greek systems

The culture that allows hazing to persist at the University of Houston exists at institutions near McDonough County. Universities often prioritize reputation over student safety. National organizations fail to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. And students suffer in silence — until it’s too late.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez — And Why It Could Happen Here

The Incident That Exposed a National Problem

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. He wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush”, a prospective member expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of hospitalization.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Bermudez

Our lawsuit details the following hazing activities:

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The day after that, his condition worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure — a life-threatening condition caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue.

The Institutional Failures That Allowed This to Happen

1. Pi Kappa Phi National:

   • Knew about Andrew Coffey’s death at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017
   • Admitted to knowing about “a hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
   • Dissolved the UH chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed — showing consciousness of guilt

2. University of Houston:

   • Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • Had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity)
   • Failed to implement effective oversight despite knowing the risks

3. Individual Members:

   • Participated in and facilitated the hazing
   • Some hosted hazing events at their private residences

The Legal Response: Our $10 Million Lawsuit

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (national organization)
• Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (local chapter)
• Beta Nu Housing Corporation
• University of Houston
• UH Board of Regents
• Fraternity president, pledgemaster, and multiple current and former members
• A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their residence)

This case is about more than compensation — it’s about accountability. We’re sending a message to every fraternity, sorority, and university near McDonough County: Hazing has consequences. The price for torturing students is $10 million. And we will fight for every McDonough County family facing the same nightmare.

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

McDonough County Families: These Results Are Possible for You Too

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims come forward. These precedents show what’s possible for McDonough County victims:

Key Takeaways for McDonough County Families:

1. Universities and fraternities pay millions when they fail to protect students
2. Juries award massive verdicts when evidence is strong
3. Criminal charges often follow civil lawsuits
4. Legislation is created in response to high-profile cases (e.g., Max Gruver Act, Timothy Piazza Law)
5. These outcomes are possible for McDonough County victims — no matter where the hazing occurred

⚖️ Legal Framework: Your Rights as a McDonough County Hazing Victim

Illinois Hazing Laws

Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students near McDonough County:

720 ILCS 5/12C-50 — Hazing

“A person commits hazing who knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated with that institution, if:

(a) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and

(b) the act results in bodily harm to any person.”

Penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine
• Class 4 Felony — If the act creates a substantial risk of great bodily harm or death (1-3 years in prison)

Important Note: Consent is not a defense to hazing in Illinois. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in McDonough County

McDonough County hazing victims can pursue compensation from multiple parties:

Federal Claims: Title IX and Civil Rights

In addition to state law claims, hazing cases may involve federal civil rights violations:

1. Title IX — If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, universities can be held liable for failing to protect students
2. 42 U.S.C. § 1983 — If public university officials violated constitutional rights by failing to prevent hazing
3. Negligent Supervision — Universities have a duty to monitor student organizations

Our federal court authority allows us to pursue these claims for McDonough County victims, no matter where the hazing occurred.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in McDonough County

Immediate Steps: Protect Your Child and Preserve Evidence

If your child has been hazed at a college near McDonough County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and legal deadlines apply. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure Safety

   • Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
   • Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
   • Document all symptoms and medical treatment

2. Preserve Evidence

   • Take photos/videos of injuries, locations, and any physical evidence
   • Save all communications — texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, social media posts
   • Document witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
   • Keep all medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results
   • Save clothing/items used in hazing (e.g., paddles, fanny packs, alcohol containers)

3. Do NOT

   • Talk to the organization without legal counsel — they will try to control the narrative
   • Post on social media — anything you say can be used against you
   • Sign anything from the organization, university, or insurance company
   • Delete any messages or posts — this is destruction of evidence

4. Report the Incident

   • File a police report — hazing may be a crime
   • Report to the university — request a Title IX investigation if applicable
   • Report to the national organization (if Greek life is involved)

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for McDonough County families
   • We can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights

Long-Term Steps: Building Your Case

Once you’ve contacted an attorney, we will help you:

1. Document the Full Impact

   • Medical records showing physical injuries
   • Therapy records for psychological trauma
   • Academic records showing impact on education
   • Employment records showing lost wages

2. Identify All Responsible Parties

   • Local chapter members and officers
   • National organization leadership
   • University administrators
   • Alumni or advisors involved

3. Gather Pattern Evidence

   • Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
   • Prior incidents at other chapters of the same organization
   • University’s knowledge of hazing risks

4. Calculate Damages

   • Medical expenses (past and future)
   • Lost wages and earning capacity
   • Pain and suffering
   • Emotional distress
   • Punitive damages (for egregious conduct)

💔 The Devastating Consequences of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary pain — it leaves lifelong scars. The consequences for McDonough County victims can include:

Physical Consequences

Psychological Consequences

Academic and Career Consequences

🎯 Who Is Liable for Hazing in McDonough County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue compensation from everyone who played a role:

1. The Local Chapter

Why They’re Liable:

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Officers and members participated in or facilitated abuse
• Failed to intervene to stop hazing

What We Sue For:

• Negligence
• Assault and battery
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

2. The National Organization

Why They’re Liable:

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Often have deep pockets and insurance coverage

What We Sue For:

• Negligent supervision
• Vicarious liability (responsibility for chapter’s actions)
• Pattern of negligence (prior hazing incidents at other chapters)

3. The University/College

Why They’re Liable:

• Premises liability — if hazing occurred on campus property
• Negligent supervision — failed to monitor Greek life or student organizations
• Institutional knowledge — knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Title IX violations — if hazing involved sexual harassment or assault

What We Sue For:

• Negligence
• Premises liability
• Title IX violations
• Negligent supervision
• Failure to protect students

4. Individual Members

Why They’re Liable:

• Directly participated in hazing
• Failed to stop hazing when they had the power to do so
• May have personal assets or insurance coverage

What We Sue For:

• Assault and battery
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Negligence

5. Alumni and Advisors

Why They’re Liable:

• Hosted hazing events at their homes
• Failed to intervene to stop hazing
• May have homeowner’s insurance that provides coverage

What We Sue For:

• Premises liability
• Negligent supervision
• Aiding and abetting

6. Housing Corporations

Why They’re Liable:

• Owned property where hazing occurred
• Failed to ensure safe conditions on their property

What We Sue For:

• Premises liability
• Negligent maintenance

7. Insurance Companies

Why They’re Liable:

• Provide coverage for institutional liability
• Often have multi-million dollar policies

What We Sue For:

• Insurance bad faith (if they refuse to pay valid claims)
• Direct claims under policies

💰 Damages: What McDonough County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims are entitled to full compensation for all harm suffered. This includes:

Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs

Non-Economic Damages: The Intangible Harm

Punitive Damages: Punishing Egregious Conduct

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme misconduct to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. They are appropriate when the defendant’s actions were:

• Grossly negligent
• Reckless
• Intentional
• Malicious

In hazing cases, punitive damages are often awarded because:

• The conduct is intentional and designed to harm
• Organizations know the risks but choose to ignore them
• The harm is severe and often life-threatening

Example: In the Maxwell Gruver case, the jury awarded $6.1 million, including punitive damages, because the fraternity’s conduct was so outrageous.

🚫 Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them

Defendants in hazing cases often use the same tired defenses. Here’s how we counter them:

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing
• Peer pressure and coercion negate true consent — students fear social exclusion, retaliation, or losing their membership
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition — Everyone Goes Through It”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity — assault is assault, regardless of tradition
• Universities and national organizations have policies against hazing — “tradition” is not an excuse for violating those policies
• Many “traditions” are actually new — they’re not historic, just perpetuated abuse

Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities have a duty to monitor student organizations — they can’t claim ignorance
• National organizations have oversight responsibility — they can’t claim they didn’t know what was happening in their own chapters
• Prior incidents show they knew or should have known — pattern evidence defeats this defense

Defense 4: “The Victim Was Partially at Fault”

Our Response:

• Illinois follows comparative negligence rules — but the organization’s fault almost always exceeds the victim’s
• Even if the victim was partially at fault, they can still recover damages (unless they were more than 50% at fault)
• The focus should be on the organization’s failure to protect, not the victim’s choices

Defense 5: “We’ve Already Punished the Chapter”

Our Response:

• Closing a chapter doesn’t compensate the victim — it’s damage control, not justice
• Punishing the chapter doesn’t address institutional failures — universities and nationals must also be held accountable
• The chapter can reopen under a different name — without real change, the culture persists

📅 Timeline: What to Expect in Your McDonough County Hazing Case

Important Note: We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you win. This means we’re motivated to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for McDonough County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand that victims often fear retaliation, social exclusion, or being labeled a “snitch.” However, hazing is illegal and dangerous, and reporting it can prevent future victims. We can help you:

• Report the incident anonymously (if possible)
• Protect your child’s identity during the investigation
• Pursue legal action confidentially
• Ensure your child’s safety and well-being

The most important thing is to preserve evidence — even if your child isn’t ready to come forward, saving texts, photos, and witness information can help build a case for the future.

Q: The university says they’re investigating. Should we wait for their findings?

A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not the victim. They may:

• Minimize the incident
• Blame the victim
• Protect the organization’s reputation
• Take months or years to complete

You should:

• Contact an attorney immediately
• Preserve your own evidence
• File a police report (if applicable)
• Pursue your own legal action

Our investigation will run parallel to the university’s — and we’ll ensure your rights are protected.

Q: My child signed a waiver or agreement with the organization. Does that mean we can’t sue?

A: No. Waivers and agreements do not waive your right to sue for illegal conduct. Hazing is against the law, and organizations cannot contract away their liability for illegal activity. Additionally:

• Many waivers are unconscionable — they’re one-sided and unfair
• Minors cannot legally waive their rights
• Consent is not a defense to hazing in Illinois

We will review any agreements your child signed and fight to invalidate them if they attempt to limit your rights.

Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. How can we afford this?

A: You can’t afford NOT to hire an attorney. Insurance companies and institutions have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. Without an attorney, you’re at a severe disadvantage.

At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• $0 upfront costs
• We don’t get paid unless you get paid
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%)
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This levels the playing field. Now you can fight back against institutions with deep pockets.

Q: My child attends a college near McDonough County, but you’re based in Texas. Can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including McDonough County families. Here’s how we can help:

• Federal court authority — We can pursue your case in federal court, no matter where in Illinois the hazing occurred
• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely to discuss your case
• Travel commitment — We will travel to McDonough County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote case management — We handle most aspects of your case remotely, with in-person support as needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We’re committed to serving McDonough County families with the same aggressive representation we provide locally.

Q: The hazing happened months ago. Is it too late to take action?

A: It’s not too late — but time is critical. Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you have two years from the date of the hazing to file a lawsuit.

However:

• Evidence disappears over time — witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be
• Insurance companies and institutions will try to delay to run out the clock

Contact us immediately so we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Q: My child is an international student. Will pursuing legal action affect their visa status?

A: No. Pursuing legal action for hazing does not negatively impact your child’s visa status. In fact:

• Hazing is a crime — reporting it is the right thing to do
• Victims of crime are protected under U.S. law, regardless of immigration status
• Pursuing compensation is a legal right — it does not violate visa terms

We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting your child’s status.

Q: What if the organization retaliates against my child for speaking out?

A: Retaliation is illegal. If the organization retaliates against your child for reporting hazing, they can be held liable for additional damages.

Retaliation can include:

• Social exclusion
• Harassment
• Threats
• Academic sabotage
• Physical intimidation

We will:

• Document all instances of retaliation
• Pursue additional legal action if necessary
• Ensure your child’s safety and well-being

Your child should not have to suffer further for doing the right thing.

📞 McDonough County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed at a college near McDonough County, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. We’re here to help.

Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us:
✉️ ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website:
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve McDonough County families on a contingency fee basis — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🎯 Our Promise to McDonough County Families

1. We will listen — without judgment, without pressure
2. We will investigate — thoroughly and aggressively
3. We will fight — for the maximum compensation you deserve
4. We will protect — your child’s rights, safety, and future
5. We will hold them accountable — no matter how powerful the institution

Hazing ends when victims stand up. Let us stand with you.

🏆 Why McDonough County Families Trust Attorney 911

Client Testimonials

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato

“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton

“This law firm here is 1 of a kind. I felt like I had my back against the world and Ralph Manginello gave me hope and believed in me… they made me feel like family.” — MOSTHATED MILYYY’

“Ralph didn’t have me driving out to court just to reschedule it like my last lawyer did. He saved me a lot of time, money, and very prompt on answering any and all questions I had. Case dismissed.” — Kristyn Hinchliffe

🔥 Our Track Record: Millions Recovered for Victims

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, including:

• $10 million — Current hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Multi-million dollar settlements for wrongful death, trucking accidents, and premises liability
• Numerous six-figure settlements for car accident and personal injury victims

We don’t just talk about fighting for victims — we win.

🏛️ We Come to McDonough County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide — including McDonough County. We offer:

• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
• Travel to McDonough County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote case management — Most aspects of your case handled remotely
• Local partnerships — We work with Illinois attorneys and experts as needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We’re committed to serving McDonough County families with the same dedication we provide locally.

📢 A Message to McDonough County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near McDonough County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

If you haze students in McDonough County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near McDonough County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America. We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Every national fraternity with chapters near McDonough County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won. If your chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity. We already shut down Beta Nu. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near McDonough County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the buildings. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.

Act now or face the same accountability.

🔚 Enough Is Enough

Hazing has taken too many lives. It has destroyed too many futures. It has betrayed the trust of too many families.

McDonough County families deserve better. Your children deserve better.

If your child has been hazed at a college near McDonough County, you have legal rights. You have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. And you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us fight for you.

Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving McDonough County and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We don’t just handle cases. We fight for justice. We protect victims. We hold the powerful accountable.