Hazing Lawyers in Cass County, Iowa – Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse

Cass County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse, torture, and sometimes murder—and it’s happening at colleges and universities near Cass County, Iowa.

We are Attorney 911, a Texas-based law firm currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, a young man like your child, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate near Cass County. The same universities fail to protect students. And the same culture of abuse exists right here in Iowa.

If your child has been hazed—physically, emotionally, or sexually—we can help. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Hazing in Iowa: The Hidden Crisis

Iowa Colleges & Universities Where Hazing Occurs

While Cass County itself may not have a major university, students from Cass County often attend institutions where hazing is rampant, including:

• University of Iowa (Iowa City) – Home to major Greek life with documented hazing incidents
• Iowa State University (Ames) – Large fraternity and sorority system with a history of hazing
• University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls) – Smaller but active Greek life with hazing risks
• Drake University (Des Moines) – Private university with Greek life hazing concerns
• Grinnell College (Grinnell) – Liberal arts college with Greek organizations
• Buena Vista University (Storm Lake) – Smaller school with hazing risks
• Simpson College (Indianola) – Greek life present with hazing concerns

These are the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across the country—including the case we’re fighting right now.

Types of Hazing Happening Near Cass County

Hazing isn’t just about drinking games. It includes:

✅ Physical Abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise until collapse
✅ Forced Consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food items until vomiting
✅ Waterboarding & Drowning Simulations – Torture disguised as “tradition”
✅ Sleep Deprivation – Forced late-night activities, driving members, exhaustion
✅ Psychological Torture – Humiliation, sexual degradation, isolation
✅ Sexual Assault & Harassment – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Extreme Exposure – Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces

This isn’t hazing. It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

Iowa Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Iowa Code § 708.10 – Hazing is a Crime

Iowa law defines hazing as:

“Any act which is intended to or which recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university.”

Penalties in Iowa:

• Serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $1,875 fine)
• Aggravated misdemeanor (up to 2 years in jail and $6,250 fine) if serious injury occurs
• Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison) if hazing results in death

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

If your child has been hazed, multiple parties can be sued for millions in damages, including:

In our current case, we’re suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The local UH chapter
• The University of Houston
• Individual fraternity members
• A former member and his spouse (who hosted hazing at their home)

Cass County families can pursue the same defendants if hazing occurs near you.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Cass County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

• If your child is injured, go to the ER or urgent care—even if they say they’re “fine.”
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening, as seen in our case.
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) requires professional treatment.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Photos/Videos – Injuries, hazing locations, objects used
✅ Text Messages & Social Media – Group chats, DMs, screenshots
✅ Medical Records – Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Witness Statements – Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
✅ Fraternity/Sorority Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules

Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• Call local law enforcement – Hazing is a crime in Iowa
• Report to the university’s Title IX office – If sexual assault was involved
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority – They may investigate (but don’t trust them to act fairly)

Step 4: Call a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Time is critical. Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.

We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation, no upfront cost
✔ Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
✔ Nationwide representation – We can help Cass County families no matter where the hazing occurred
✔ Aggressive litigation – We’ve won millions for victims of abuse

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Cass County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
• We know how to build these cases—and we know how to win.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know:

• How fraternities and universities try to cover up hazing
• How insurance companies try to lowball victims
• How to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation

3. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

• Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach—he knows team dynamics and locker room culture.
• We’ve seen how hazing escalates from “harmless pranks” to torture and death.
• We won’t let them gaslight your child into thinking “it’s just tradition.”

4. We Have a Proven Track Record

• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation – Experience with complex, high-stakes cases
• Federal court admission – Can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) – Strategic advantage against national organizations

5. We Serve Cass County Families – No Matter Where You Are

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Cass County, Iowa. We offer:

• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
• Travel to Cass County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
• Federal court authority – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Bilingual staff – Se habla español

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

What Compensation Can Cass County Families Recover?

Hazing victims may be entitled to millions in damages, including:

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries. Similar compensation is available for Cass County families.

Hazing Deaths & Lawsuits: The National Crisis

Hazing isn’t just happening in Cass County—it’s a national epidemic. Here are just a few recent cases:

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win—and they win big.

Fraternities Near Cass County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths operate chapters near Cass County, including:

If your child is pledging one of these fraternities near Cass County, they are at risk.

How Universities Near Cass County Enable Hazing

Universities often claim ignorance, but they have the power—and the legal duty—to stop hazing. They fail in multiple ways:

❌ Ignoring prior incidents – Many universities have had hazing hospitalizations or deaths and still don’t act.
❌ Owning fraternity houses – Some universities (like UH in our case) own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs.
❌ Failing to inspect or regulate – Greek life offices rarely conduct meaningful oversight.
❌ Covering up reports – Universities often downplay hazing to protect their reputation.
❌ Allowing “self-policing” – Letting fraternities investigate themselves is like letting the fox guard the henhouse.

This is negligence—and it makes universities legally liable.

What Cass County Parents Need to Know

1. Hazing Can Happen to Anyone

• It’s not just “problem fraternities”—it happens in top-tier, “prestigious” organizations.
• It happens in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and clubs.
• Victims are often high-achieving students who just want to fit in.

2. Hazing Often Goes Unreported

• 95% of hazing victims don’t report it due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the group.
• Many victims don’t even realize it’s hazing—they think it’s “just part of the process.”
• Some universities discourage reporting to avoid bad publicity.

3. The Psychological Damage Lasts a Lifetime

• Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries—it causes PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trust issues.
• Many victims drop out of school or struggle with mental health for years.
• Some turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.

4. You Have Legal Rights—Even If Your Child “Consented”

• Iowa law says consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
• Universities and fraternities cannot hide behind “tradition” to justify abuse.
• You can sue for millions—even if your child is afraid to come forward.

Cass County Hazing Warning Signs

If your child is in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other organization, watch for these red flags:

🚩 Sudden secrecy – Not allowed to talk about “pledge activities”
🚩 Sleep deprivation – Coming home exhausted, dark circles under eyes
🚩 Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, sprains, or limping
🚩 Mood changes – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family/friends
🚩 Financial secrecy – Asking for money for “pledge fees” or “events”
🚩 Strange objects – Carrying paddles, fanny packs, or other unusual items
🚩 Late-night activities – Coming home in the early morning hours
🚩 Avoiding questions – Defensive or evasive when asked about their activities
🚩 Group isolation – Only hanging out with other pledges, avoiding old friends
🚩 Physical decline – Weight loss, pale skin, signs of exhaustion

If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Cass County

Q: My child says hazing is “just tradition.” Is it really that bad?

A: Yes. Hazing isn’t tradition—it’s abuse. In our current case, a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s torture.

Q: My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?

A: Absolutely. Iowa law explicitly says consent is not a defense. Even if your child signed a waiver, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says they’ve “banned hazing.” Should we trust them?

A: No. Fraternities often say they’ve banned hazing after a lawsuit or death—but they don’t actually change their culture. In our case, Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their hazing problem after a student died in 2017. They did nothing, and another student ended up in the hospital.

Q: The university says they had “no knowledge” of hazing. Is that possible?

A: Unlikely. Universities have Greek life offices, resident advisors, and campus security. They know hazing happens—they just choose to ignore it until someone gets hurt or killed.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: We can help. We’ve represented hazing victims who were threatened with expulsion or social ostracism for speaking out. We know how to protect your child’s identity and safety while pursuing justice.

Q: How much is a hazing lawsuit worth?

A: Millions. Recent hazing lawsuits have resulted in:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz case)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver case)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza case)

The value depends on the severity of injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct, and whether the university or fraternity knew about prior incidents.

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

A: Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If your child was hazed, you must act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Q: We’re in Cass County. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Cass County, Iowa. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Travel to Cass County for depositions and meetings
• Federal court authority to pursue your case
• Bilingual staff (se habla español)

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Cass County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is isolating. Victims often feel shame, fear, and loyalty to the group that abused them. Parents often feel helpless and overwhelmed.

But you are not alone.

• We are fighting this battle right now—and we’re winning.
• We know how to hold fraternities and universities accountable.
• We have the resources to take on even the largest institutions.
• We will travel to Cass County to fight for your family.

If your child has been hazed—physically, emotionally, or sexually—call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Cass County Hazing Lawyers – 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline

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

We serve Cass County, Iowa, and nationwide. Call now—before it’s too late.

Enough is Enough. It’s Time to End Hazing in Iowa.

If not us, who? If not now, when?