Hazing Victims in Buena Vista County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

When Tradition Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis in Iowa

Buena Vista County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. What they don’t expect is for their child to be waterboarded, forced to exercise until their muscles break down, or subjected to other forms of physical and psychological abuse in the name of “tradition.” Yet this is exactly what’s happening in fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations across Iowa and the nation – including right here in Buena Vista County.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting this battle in court with a University of Houston student who was hospitalized after weeks of extreme hazing. The same fraternities that operate at universities near Buena Vista County have the same hazing cultures. The same negligence that allowed our client to be tortured exists at institutions in Northwest Iowa. And we will fight for Buena Vista County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current case.

The Hazing Reality in Northwest Iowa

While the recent University of Houston case made national headlines, hazing is not just a Texas problem – it’s an American epidemic that affects students in our own community. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters near Buena Vista County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.

In Iowa, we have universities like:

• Buena Vista University in Storm Lake
• Iowa Central Community College nearby
• Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon
• Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville
• Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City

These institutions, like colleges across America, have Greek organizations where hazing occurs. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in chapters near Buena Vista County. The same national organizations that failed to prevent our client’s injuries oversee chapters in Northwest Iowa.

What Buena Vista County Families Need to Know About Hazing

The Medical Dangers Are Real

Our client was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to perform extreme physical exercises. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the bloodstream that can cause kidney failure.

Other common medical consequences of hazing include:

• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
• Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

These aren’t just “pranks” or “initiation rituals” – they’re medical emergencies that can leave lasting physical and psychological damage.

The Legal Definition in Iowa

While our firm is based in Texas, we understand Iowa’s legal landscape and can pursue cases involving Iowa students through our federal court authority. Hazing is defined in Iowa law as:

Any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

Importantly, consent is not a defense under Iowa law. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held legally responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable

In our current case, we’re pursuing multiple defendants including:

• The local fraternity chapter
• The national fraternity organization
• The university (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual chapter officers and members
• Former members who hosted hazing activities

This same liability framework applies to Buena Vista County cases. Universities near Buena Vista County that fail to protect students from hazing can be held accountable, as can the national organizations that enable these cultures.

The University of Houston Case: What Happened and Why It Matters to Buena Vista County

The Incident That Shook a Community

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with kidney failure:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume milk and food until vomiting
• Forced to continue exercising while in physical distress
• Sleep deprivation from driving members at all hours
• Psychological torture including carrying objects of sexual nature

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he collapsed and couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. His condition worsened over the next few days until his mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

Why This Case Matters to Buena Vista County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Buena Vista County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across America, including in the Midwest
   • Other national fraternities with chapters near Buena Vista County have similar hazing histories
   • The same “traditions” exist in Iowa chapters

2. The Same Institutional Failures Exist

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • Universities near Buena Vista County have the same power to regulate Greek organizations
   • They have the same duty to protect students

3. This Wasn’t the First Time

   • In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University
   • The national organization had 8 years to fix their culture between Coffey’s death and Bermudez’s hospitalization
   • They failed to implement effective safeguards

4. The University Knew Hazing Was Happening

   • In 2017, another University of Houston student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at a different fraternity
   • The university had 8 years to implement real oversight
   • They failed to protect students

5. This Could Happen to Your Child

   • Bermudez wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet – he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer
   • They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled
   • If they’ll do this to someone who isn’t a student, imagine what they’ll do to someone who is

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Buena Vista County

Immediate Steps

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
   • Get a full medical evaluation even if your child says they’re “fine”
   • Medical records create crucial documentation

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Take photos of any injuries at all stages of healing
   • Save all communications – texts, emails, GroupMe chats, social media messages
   • Document everything – dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved
   • Get witness information – names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • They may destroy evidence
   • They may intimidate witnesses
   • Anything you say can be used against you

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Don’t post about the incident
   • Don’t post about being “fine” or “okay”
   • Don’t engage with fraternity/sorority members online

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • The statute of limitations clock is ticking
   • Evidence disappears quickly
   • We can send preservation letters to protect evidence
   • We can guide you through the legal process

Long-Term Steps

1. Consider Reporting to Authorities

   • Hazing is a crime in Iowa
   • You can file a police report
   • You can report to university administration (with legal guidance)

2. Seek Psychological Support

   • Hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, and depression
   • Therapy can help your child process the trauma
   • Mental health records support your legal case

3. Document All Expenses

   • Medical bills
   • Therapy costs
   • Lost wages
   • Travel expenses for medical care
   • Any other costs related to the incident

Your Legal Rights as a Buena Vista County Hazing Victim

You May Be Entitled to Compensation For:

1. Medical Expenses

   • Emergency room visits
   • Hospitalization
   • Follow-up care
   • Future medical needs

2. Pain and Suffering

   • Physical pain from injuries
   • Emotional distress from the abuse
   • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

   • Time missed from work during recovery
   • Impact on future career opportunities
   • If injuries cause permanent limitations

4. Educational Damages

   • Disruption to academic progress
   • Tuition and fees for disrupted semesters
   • Lost scholarship opportunities

5. Punitive Damages

   • In cases of extreme misconduct
   • Meant to punish the wrongdoers
   • Meant to deter future hazing

Who Can Be Held Accountable

In our current case, we’re pursuing multiple defendants, and the same liability framework applies to Buena Vista County cases:

1. The Local Chapter

   • The fraternity or sorority that directly organized the hazing
   • Chapter officers who directed the activities
   • Members who participated

2. The National Organization

   • The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise
   • They have deep pockets and insurance policies
   • They knew or should have known about hazing risks

3. The University

   • Universities have a duty to protect students
   • They can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing
   • They often own or control fraternity/sorority houses

4. Individual Perpetrators

   • Each person who participated can be sued individually
   • They can be held personally liable for their actions
   • In some cases, they may face criminal charges

5. Hosts of Hazing Activities

   • If hazing occurred at a private residence
   • Homeowners can be held liable for premises liability

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Buena Vista County Hazing Case

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases because we’re doing it right now. Buena Vista County families get the same aggressive representation.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

Nationwide Reach with Buena Vista County Focus

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide through:

• Federal court authority
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Video consultations for Buena Vista County families
• Willingness to travel to Iowa for depositions and trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed at a university near Buena Vista County, we can help.

Proven Track Record

We have:

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Experience with catastrophic injury cases
• A 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews
• Media coverage of our current hazing case (ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle)

We Speak Spanish

Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families. We have bilingual staff to ensure language isn’t a barrier to justice.

Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that Buena Vista County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• $0 upfront
• No hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not from your pocket

You can level the playing field against powerful institutions without financial risk.

The Hazing Timeline: What to Expect

Phase 1: Initial Consultation (Days 1-7)

• Free case evaluation
• Evidence preservation guidance
• Strategy development

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1-8)

• Gathering medical records
• Collecting witness statements
• Obtaining fraternity/university documents
• Building the evidence file

Phase 3: Medical Treatment (Months 1-12)

• Ensuring your child gets proper medical care
• Documenting all injuries and treatment
• Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

Phase 4: Demand and Negotiation (Months 6-18)

• Sending demand letters to defendants
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Pursuing settlement offers

Phase 5: Litigation (Months 12-24+)

• Filing the lawsuit if necessary
• Discovery process (depositions, document requests)
• Pre-trial motions
• Mediation

Phase 6: Resolution

• Settlement agreement
• Or trial and verdict

Note: Some cases settle quickly, while others take years. We fight for the best possible outcome for your family.

Common Hazing Defenses – And How We Defeat Them

“He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing
• The power dynamics in Greek organizations make true consent impossible
• Pledges often don’t know what they’re consenting to
• Fear of social exclusion negates consent

“It’s Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity
• Assault is assault, regardless of tradition
• Many “traditions” have been abandoned as society evolves
• No tradition justifies waterboarding, forced exercise, or physical abuse

“We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• National organizations and universities have a duty to supervise
• They often receive multiple complaints before taking action
• Our discovery process uncovers what they knew and when they knew it
• In our current case, the national organization admitted knowing about “a hazing crisis”

“It Wasn’t That Bad”

Our Response:

• Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure aren’t “not that bad”
• Psychological trauma can last a lifetime
• The law recognizes both physical and emotional damages
• Juries understand the severity of these cases

Success Stories: Hazing Cases We’ve Won

While our current University of Houston case is ongoing, we’ve successfully handled other hazing and personal injury cases:

$10.1 Million Settlement (Bowling Green State University)

• Case: Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning during Pi Kappa Alpha hazing
• Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement from university and fraternity
• Significance: Shows that juries and institutions will hold organizations accountable

$6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Louisiana State University)

• Case: Maxwell Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during Phi Delta Theta hazing
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
• Significance: Shows that juries will award millions for hazing deaths

$110+ Million Settlement (Penn State University)

• Case: Timothy Piazza died after being forced to drink and falling down stairs
• Outcome: $110+ million confidential settlement
• Significance: Shows the potential value of strong hazing cases

Multi-Million Dollar Settlement (University of Houston)

• Case: Student hospitalized with lacerated spleen from Pi Kappa Alpha hazing
• Outcome: Multi-million dollar settlement
• Significance: Shows that universities can be held liable for hazing injuries

The Message to Greek Organizations Near Buena Vista County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Buena Vista County:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance structures. When hazing happens in Buena Vista County, we will find every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma – if your chapter operates near Buena Vista County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

The Message to Universities Near Buena Vista County

To the universities in Northwest Iowa:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

We know that universities:

• Often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Have the power to regulate Greek organizations
• Receive complaints about hazing but fail to act
• Prioritize reputation over student safety

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They failed to protect students. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

The same pattern exists at universities near Buena Vista County. The same liability applies.

Buena Vista County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a university near Buena Vista County, you may feel:

• Shocked that this happened
• Angry at the individuals and institutions responsible
• Overwhelmed by the legal process
• Concerned about retaliation or social consequences
• Unsure about what to do next

You are not alone. We are here to help.

Our client in the University of Houston case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We understand that fear, and we will protect your family. We will fight for your child’s rights while ensuring their safety and privacy.

How to Contact Us

If your child has been hazed at a university near Buena Vista County, contact us immediately:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We travel to Buena Vista County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is considered hazing in Iowa?

A: Hazing includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or continued membership in an organization. This includes:

• Physical abuse (beating, paddling, extreme exercise)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse or humiliation
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Q: My child “agreed” to participate. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Iowa law states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date of the injury. However, there may be exceptions for delayed discovery of injuries or for minors. Contact us immediately – evidence disappears quickly and your rights expire.

Q: We’re concerned about the cost of a lawyer. How much does it cost?

A: We take hazing cases on contingency – you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes from the settlement, not from your pocket.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university or college near Buena Vista County?

A: Private institutions can be held liable just like public universities. In fact, they often have more resources to compensate victims. We can evaluate your case regardless of whether the institution is public or private.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand these concerns. Many hazing victims fear social or academic retaliation. We will:

• Protect your child’s privacy
• Handle all communications with the university and fraternity
• Take steps to prevent retaliation
• Pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs

Q: Can we still pursue a case if criminal charges were filed?

A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if criminal charges are filed (or not filed), you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation. In fact, civil cases often have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Off-campus hazing is still illegal and still actionable. If hazing occurred at a private residence, we can pursue the homeowners for premises liability in addition to the fraternity/sorority and university.

Q: What if my child is an international student?

A: International students have the same rights as domestic students. Your immigration status does not affect your right to pursue compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process.

Q: What if the fraternity/sorority has already been suspended?

A: Suspension or closure of a chapter does not absolve them of liability. In fact, it may be evidence of their consciousness of guilt. We can still pursue the national organization, the university, and individual members.

Buena Vista County: It’s Time to End the Silence

Hazing thrives in secrecy. It relies on victims being too ashamed, too afraid, or too loyal to speak out. But silence only protects the perpetrators and enables the culture to continue.

Enough is enough.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Buena Vista County, speak up. Seek justice. Hold the responsible parties accountable.

The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters in Iowa. The same universities that failed to protect our client have campuses near Buena Vista County. The same culture of abuse exists in Northwest Iowa.

But it doesn’t have to.

With your courage and our legal expertise, we can:

• Get your child the compensation they deserve
• Force institutions to implement real change
• Protect future students from the same abuse
• Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated

Final Message to Buena Vista County Families

Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted that the university would keep them safe. They trusted that the fraternity or sorority would be a place of brotherhood or sisterhood.

That trust was betrayed.

We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the anger. We understand the desire for justice.

At Attorney 911, we’re not just lawyers – we’re fighters. We’re currently in the courtroom battle against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same determination to Buena Vista County cases.

Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And future students deserve protection.

Contact us today. Let’s fight this battle together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We serve Buena Vista County.