🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Washington County, Illinois — Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Victims in Washington County and Across Illinois
Free Consultation • 1-888-ATTY-911 • ralph@atty911.com
⚠️ Hazing in Washington County: It’s Happening Here
Washington County is home to hardworking families, strong community values, and students who deserve safe educational environments. But behind the closed doors of fraternity and sorority houses at nearby universities, a dangerous culture of hazing persists — one that has already sent students to the hospital and claimed lives across America.
This isn’t just happening in Texas or California. It’s happening near Washington County.
The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at universities near Washington County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston — waterboarding, forced exercise, physical abuse — exist right here in Illinois.
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Washington County, you have legal rights. And we can help.
🏢 Who We Are: Washington County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Austin and Beaumont. While we’re proud Texans, we represent hazing victims nationwide — including right here in Washington County, Illinois.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after our client was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t theoretical for us. We’re in the fight right now.
Why Washington County Families Choose Attorney 911:
✅ Nationwide Hazing Experience — Currently litigating a $10M hazing case; experience with Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, rhabdomyolysis cases
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how insurance companies think and how to maximize your claim
✅ Federal Court Authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction anywhere in America
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses — Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national fraternities
✅ 25+ Years of Litigation Experience — Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience — BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
✅ Se Habla Español — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families in Washington County
✅ Contingency Fee Representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
✅ Travel to Washington County — We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ 24/7 Availability — Hazing emergencies don’t wait; neither do we
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for Washington County families with the same aggression.
📚 Hazing in Washington County: What You Need to Know
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 120/5), hazing includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Forced exercise to exhaustion
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Any activity that creates a risk of physical or mental harm
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
Hazing Happens at Universities Near Washington County
While Washington County itself doesn’t have a major university, students from Washington County attend colleges across Illinois where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories operate near Washington County.
Universities near Washington County with Greek organizations:
| University | Location | Distance from Washington County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | ~120 miles | Strong Greek system; multiple fraternities/sororities |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville, IL | ~100 miles | Active Greek community |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | ~180 miles | One of the largest Greek systems in America |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL | ~180 miles | Significant Greek presence |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL | ~150 miles | Active Greek organizations |
| Lindenwood University | St. Charles, MO | ~120 miles | Greek life with national organizations |
These universities host chapters of the same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (multiple hazing deaths)
- Sigma Chi (recent lawsuit at UT Austin)
- Phi Delta Theta ($6.1M verdict in Louisiana)
- Beta Theta Pi ($110M+ settlement at Penn State)
- And many others
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks our client faced in Texas.
The Medical Dangers of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “girls being girls.” It’s dangerous — and sometimes deadly.
Common hazing injuries near Washington County:
| Injury | Cause | Medical Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) | Muscle breakdown → kidney failure → hospitalization → potential dialysis or transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Vomiting → choking → coma → death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, head trauma | Permanent cognitive impairment; memory loss; personality changes |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to cold/heat | Organ failure; death |
| Internal Injuries | Physical beatings | Ruptured spleen; internal bleeding; surgery required |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological abuse | Long-term therapy; medication; inability to function |
| Sexual Assault | Forced sexual acts or exposure | Trauma; STIs; pregnancy; lifelong psychological damage |
| Death | Any of the above | Wrongful death claims; criminal charges |
Our client in Texas was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do 500 squats. The same could happen to a student from Washington County.
💔 Real Cases: Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Case 1: The $10 Million Fight We’re Fighting Right Now
Victim: Leonel Bermudez
University: University of Houston
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
Date: Fall 2025
Injury: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Hospitalization: 4 days
Hazing Activities: Waterboarding with garden hose, 500 squats, 100 pushups, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting, sleep deprivation, carrying sexual objects
Lawsuit: $10 million filed November 21, 2025
Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Washington County Connection:
This case happened in Texas, but Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Washington County. The same national organization that waterboarded our client in Houston operates in Illinois. The same negligence exists at Illinois institutions.
This is what hazing looks like. This is what we’re fighting. And this is what we’ll fight for Washington County families.
Case 2: The $6.1 Million Verdict That Changed Louisiana Law
Victim: Maxwell Gruver
Age: 18
University: Louisiana State University
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
Date: September 2017
Cause of Death: Acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
Hazing Activity: “Bible Study” — wrong answer = drink more
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act made hazing a FELONY in Louisiana
Washington County Connection:
Phi Delta Theta has chapters at Illinois universities. If it can happen in Louisiana, it can happen near Washington County.
Case 3: The $110 Million Settlement That Shook Penn State
Victim: Timothy Piazza
Age: 19
University: Penn State
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
Date: February 2017
Cause of Death: Traumatic brain injury, abdominal hemorrhage
Hazing Activity: “The Gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times
Fraternity Response: Waited 12 HOURS to call 911
Evidence: Security cameras captured everything
Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law
Washington County Connection:
Beta Theta Pi has chapters at Illinois universities. Security cameras don’t lie — and neither do fraternity members when they think no one is watching.
Case 4: The Illinois Hazing Case That Should Scare Every Parent
Victim: 18-year-old freshman
University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fraternity: Sigma Chi
Date: November 2025
Injury: “Horrific abuse” leading to death by suicide
Status: Lawsuit recently filed
Washington County Connection:
Sigma Chi has multiple chapters across Illinois, including near Washington County. This case was filed the same week as our $10M lawsuit in Texas. The pattern is clear: hazing is escalating, and universities aren’t stopping it.
⚖️ Illinois Hazing Law: Your Legal Rights
Illinois Anti-Hazing Statute (720 ILCS 120/5)
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, if the act:
- Endangers the physical health or safety of the student
- Causes bodily harm
- Includes brutality of a physical nature (whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements)
- Includes forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance
- Includes any activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily harm
Criminal Penalties in Illinois:
- Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine
- Class 4 Felony — If hazing results in death or great bodily harm (1-3 years prison)
Organizational Penalties:
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
- Organizations can be dissolved
Consent is NOT a Defense:
Illinois law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to hazing is not a defense to criminal prosecution.
Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Washington County Hazing Cases
| Defendant | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing |
| University | Failed to protect students; premises liability; negligent supervision |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing events; premises liability |
| Alumni | Provided funding or support for hazing activities |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies covering hazing incidents |
Washington County families can sue all responsible parties — even if the hazing occurred outside Washington County.
💰 What Washington County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages (Financial Losses):
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialist care, medications, future treatment |
| Mental Health Treatment | Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care for PTSD/anxiety/depression |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Lost Academic Investment | Tuition, fees, scholarships lost due to academic disruption |
| Future Earning Capacity | If injuries affect long-term career prospects |
| Travel Expenses | Transport to medical treatment, legal proceedings |
| Property Damage | Clothing, personal items damaged during hazing |
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain | Pain from injuries, medical procedures, recovery |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from abuse, fear of retribution, anxiety |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust, depression |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities, social life, hobbies |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries from hazing |
| Loss of Consortium | Impact on family relationships |
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct):
Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is:
- Intentional
- Reckless
- Grossly negligent
- Designed to harm
In hazing cases, punitive damages are often awarded because:
- Organizations know the risks but allow hazing to continue
- Universities fail to implement effective oversight
- Individuals participate in or encourage dangerous activities
There is no cap on punitive damages in Illinois personal injury cases.
📅 Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait — Act Now
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Hazing Lawsuits:
| Claim Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death |
| Minors (under 18) | 2 years from 18th birthday (or 2 years from injury, whichever is longer) |
Washington County families: You have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you wait, you lose your legal rights forever.
Why you can’t wait:
- Evidence disappears (texts deleted, photos lost, witnesses forget)
- Organizations destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
- Other victims may come forward — strength in numbers
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10M lawsuit filed within weeks of the incident. This is how you protect your rights.
🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Washington County or Nearby
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
-
Document Everything
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all text messages, social media posts, and communications about hazing
- Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, names
-
Preserve Evidence
- Do NOT delete anything
- Take screenshots of social media posts before they’re deleted
- Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
-
Report the Incident
- File a police report
- Report to university administration (Title IX office)
- Report to national fraternity/sorority organization
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations
- We can guide you through the next steps
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Washington County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Washington County. Can you still help?
A: Yes, absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide through federal court authority and our willingness to travel. Your child’s location doesn’t limit our ability to help.
Q: My child is afraid of retribution. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retribution. Our client in the $10M Pi Kappa Phi case is also fearful of speaking out. We protect our clients’ identities and safety throughout the legal process. We can also pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. 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. The organization is still liable.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
A: We work on contingency. That means:
- $0 upfront cost
- $0 hourly fees
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest
Washington County families pay nothing unless we win.
Q: What if the hazing happened a while ago? Is it too late to sue?
A: Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If the hazing occurred within the last 2 years, you may still have time to file. Contact us immediately for a free consultation to discuss your timeline.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable even if they claim ignorance. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they can’t claim they didn’t know.
Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that affect the case?
A: No. Even if alcohol was involved, the organization is still responsible for forcing or pressuring your child to drink. Forced consumption is a common hazing tactic, and organizations cannot escape liability by blaming the victim.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months; others take years. Factors that affect timeline:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Whether the case goes to trial
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: Can we sue individual fraternity members?
A: Yes. Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Q: What if my child signed a waiver or release?
A: Waivers are often unenforceable in hazing cases. Courts recognize that students are pressured into signing documents they don’t understand. Additionally, Illinois law prohibits waiving liability for hazing.
Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing?
A: We work to protect your child’s academic future. Many universities have policies that prevent retaliation against students who report hazing. We can advocate for your child’s rights within the university system.
🎯 Why Washington County Families Need Attorney 911
1. We’re Already in the Fight
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
2. We Know How the Other Side Thinks
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies value claims, how they try to minimize payouts, and how to dismantle their defenses.
We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them.
3. We Can Pursue Cases Nationwide
While we’re based in Texas, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can represent hazing victims anywhere in America — including Washington County and across Illinois.
4. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
- $6.5 million personal judgment against individual fraternity officer
- Multiple million-dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
We know how to take on powerful institutions — and win.
5. We Protect Our Clients
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution. We protect our clients’ safety, privacy, and rights throughout the legal process. You’re not just a case to us — you’re a person who deserves justice.
6. We Speak Your Language
We have bilingual staff and are fluent in Spanish. Washington County’s Hispanic families deserve legal representation without language barriers.
7. We Come to You
We will travel to Washington County for client meetings, depositions, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🏛️ Universities Near Washington County: We’re Watching You
To the universities near Washington County with Greek organizations:
We know you have hazing policies. We know you have anti-hazing training. We know you have oversight mechanisms.
But we also know that hazing continues — because students keep getting hurt.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter. They chose not to act until it was too late.
If your university has Greek life, you have a responsibility to protect your students. If you fail, we will hold you accountable.
To the Fraternities and Sororities Near Washington County:
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, and all others:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in other states apply to your chapters in Illinois.
If your chapter hazes students near Washington County, we will find out. And we will sue you.
📞 Washington County Families: Contact Us Today
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes manslaughter. And it’s illegal.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Washington County, you have legal rights. We can help.
Free Consultation — 24/7 Availability
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Washington County families. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Serving Washington County, Illinois and nationwide.
🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to Fight Back.
Washington County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They trust fraternities and sororities to provide positive experiences.
That trust is being betrayed — every day, at universities near Washington County.
We’re fighting to change that.
We’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez, who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded.
We’re fighting for Maxwell Gruver, who died with a BAC six times the legal limit.
We’re fighting for Timothy Piazza, who fell down the stairs and was left to die.
And we’re fighting for Washington County families — because your child could be next.
Call us today. Let’s hold them accountable.
1-888-ATTY-911 • ralph@atty911.com • attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Washington County, Illinois and Nationwide
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
We don’t just talk about hazing. We fight it in court. And we win.
