🛡️ Clinton County Hazing Lawyer – Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorney
Serving Clinton County, Iowa and Surrounding Communities from Houston, Texas
If your child was hazed at a Clinton County college, university, or Greek organization, we can help.
🚨 Hazing in Clinton County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
Clinton County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They trust Greek organizations to uphold values of brotherhood and sisterhood.
That trust is being betrayed.
Hazing doesn’t just happen at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Clinton County, Iowa. It happens at universities near Clinton County. It happens in fraternities and sororities with chapters in our community.
The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters near Clinton County. The same universities that have faced lawsuits for failing to protect students have campuses in our region. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Clinton County institutions.
This isn’t just happening somewhere else. This is happening in our backyard.
🏢 Who We Are: Clinton County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
At Attorney 911, we are nationally recognized hazing litigation attorneys currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Clinton County, Iowa.
Why Clinton County Families Choose Attorney 911:
| Advantage | How It Helps Clinton County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven track record in complex litigation |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how defendants will fight back — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Clinton County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Clinton County |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Clinton County families |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless we win your case |
| Willingness to Travel | We come to Clinton County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
📰 Our Current Case: The Warning Every Clinton County Family Needs to Hear
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
This happened in Houston. It could happen in Clinton County.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a young man excited about college, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to continue exercising while in physical distress after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during forced workouts
The Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown causing kidney damage
- Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition
- 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized — intensive medical treatment required
- Ongoing health risks — potential for chronic kidney disease
The Institutional Failures:
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- Both had prior hazing incidents (2017) and did nothing to prevent recurrence
The Result:
- $10 million lawsuit filed — November 21, 2025
- Chapter permanently closed — but national organization is already planning to return
- Criminal investigation ongoing — UH spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges”
Why This Matters to Clinton County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Clinton County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Clinton County fraternities
- Universities near Clinton County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Clinton County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
💔 The Reality of Hazing in Clinton County
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Clinton County is home to colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. Students from Clinton County attend schools across Iowa and the Midwest where hazing is a documented problem. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements have chapters near Clinton County.
This is not just a “big school” problem. This is a Clinton County problem.
What Hazing Looks Like in Clinton County:
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” It’s abuse disguised as tradition. In Clinton County and nearby campuses, hazing can include:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats, isolation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members |
The Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — as seen in our UH case
- Acute kidney failure — as seen in our UH case
- Alcohol poisoning — common in forced drinking hazing
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
- Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
- Death
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Clinton County Hazing Victim
Iowa and Federal Laws Protect Hazing Victims
While we are based in Texas, hazing laws exist in every state, and federal civil rights claims apply nationwide. This means we can pursue your Clinton County hazing case regardless of where it occurred.
Iowa Hazing Laws:
Iowa has strong anti-hazing statutes designed to protect students:
Iowa Code § 708.10 – Hazing
“A person commits an act of hazing when the person intentionally or recklessly engages in any act or acts that endanger 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:
- Simple Misdemeanor – Up to 30 days in jail and $625 fine
- Serious Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail and $1,875 fine (if hazing results in bodily injury)
- Aggravated Misdemeanor – Up to 2 years in jail and $6,250 fine (if hazing results in serious injury)
- Class D Felony – Up to 5 years in prison and $7,500 fine (if hazing results in death)
Consent is Not a Defense:
Like Texas, Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
Civil Liability – Who Can Clinton County Families Sue?
Hazing cases involve multiple layers of liability. In Clinton County and nationwide, we pursue:
| Defendant | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their residence; premises liability |
In our UH case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- Beta Nu Chapter
- Chapter Officers
- Individual Members
- Former Members and their Spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
- University of Houston
- UH Board of Regents
The same legal strategies apply to Clinton County cases.
Types of Damages Clinton County Victims Can Recover:
| Damage Type | Examples for Hazing Victims |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, medications, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery; lost internship opportunities |
| Educational Damages | Tuition/fees for disrupted semester; lost scholarships |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma from abuse |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities; impact on college experience |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse) |
In our UH case, we are seeking $10 million — the same level of compensation is available for Clinton County victims.
💰 Precedent Cases: Clinton County Families Can Win Big
Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that Clinton County families can hold institutions accountable and recover significant compensation.
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 Million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Tucker Hipps | Clemson | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Settlement | $500,000+ |
What This Means for Clinton County:
- Juries award millions for hazing injuries and deaths
- Universities and fraternities pay when they fail to protect students
- The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Clinton County victims
Our $10 million demand for the UH case is directly in line with these precedents.
📋 What Clinton County Families Should Do Immediately
If Your Child Has Been Hazed:
-
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos/Videos: Document injuries at all stages of healing; photograph hazing locations
- Communications: Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
- Witness Information: Get names and contact info of other victims and witnesses
- Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules or threats
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will attempt to get you to sign documents that waive your rights
- They will pressure you to stay quiet
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not post about the incident, your injuries, or your recovery
- Do not engage with Greek life members online
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Statute of limitations: Iowa has a 2-year deadline for personal injury claims
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
📞 Clinton County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation
We are currently representing hazing victims in a $10 million lawsuit — and we can represent Clinton County families too.
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Why Time is Critical for Clinton County Hazing Victims:
| Time Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 2-Year Statute of Limitations | Iowa law gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit |
| Evidence Disappears | Texts deleted, photos lost, witnesses forget details |
| Organizations Cover Up | Fraternities and universities destroy records after incidents |
| Medical Documentation | Immediate treatment creates stronger evidence trail |
| Criminal Investigation | Parallel criminal charges may be filed; need coordinated legal strategy |
Don’t wait. The clock is ticking.
🏛️ Who Is Liable in Clinton County Hazing Cases?
1. Greek Organizations (Local Chapters)
- Direct Liability: The chapter directly organized and conducted hazing
- Officer Liability: Chapter president, pledgemaster, and other officers directed activities
- Member Liability: Every member who participated or failed to stop hazing
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations
- Supervision Failure: Failed to monitor local chapters
- Policy Failure: Anti-hazing policies were not enforced
- Pattern Evidence: Knew or should have known about hazing culture (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi had prior hazing death in 2017)
3. Universities and Colleges
- Premises Liability: If university owns or controls the property where hazing occurred
- Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor Greek life despite knowing hazing risks
- Institutional Knowledge: If university had prior hazing incidents and failed to act
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Assault and Battery: Direct physical abuse
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Psychological torture
- Personal Liability: Each individual who participated can be sued personally
5. Housing Corporations and Alumni
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurred at a private residence
- Negligent Supervision: Failed to prevent hazing on their property
In our UH case, we are pursuing all of these defendants — and we will do the same for Clinton County victims.
🎓 Universities and Colleges Near Clinton County with Greek Life
Clinton County is surrounded by institutions where Greek life is active. The same national fraternities and sororities that have faced hazing lawsuits operate chapters at these schools.
Universities Near Clinton County with Greek Life:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA (~100 miles from Clinton County) | Major Greek system | Large student population; active fraternities/sororities |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA (~150 miles from Clinton County) | Major Greek system | One of Iowa’s largest universities |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA (~120 miles from Clinton County) | Active Greek life | Smaller but significant Greek presence |
| St. Ambrose University | Davenport, IA (~50 miles from Clinton County) | Greek organizations | Private university with Greek life |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL (~60 miles from Clinton County) | Greek organizations | Private liberal arts college |
| Western Illinois University | Macomb, IL (~100 miles from Clinton County) | Greek system | Public university with fraternities/sororities |
| Northern Illinois University | DeKalb, IL (~120 miles from Clinton County) | Greek system | Large public university |
National Fraternities with Chapters Near Clinton County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Delta Tau Delta
- And many more
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. They operate near Clinton County. And they pose the same risks to Clinton County students.
📢 Message to Clinton County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Clinton County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid $110 million in settlements are overseeing your activities. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — if your chapter operates near Clinton County, know this:
- We track your house corporations
- We track your alumni chapters
- We track your national insurance structures
- We know your documented history of hazing
If you haze students in Clinton County, we will pursue every liable entity. We will hold every officer, every member, every alumni advisor accountable. We will sue your national organization. We will sue the university that enables you.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act. Now.
🏛️ Message to Clinton County Universities
To the universities near Clinton County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you own fraternity houses, you have a duty to ensure those properties are safe. When you recognize Greek organizations, you have a duty to monitor their activities.
You are failing.
In 2017, a student at University of Houston was hospitalized from hazing. In 2025, another student was hospitalized from hazing at the same university. Eight years passed. Nothing changed.
Clinton County universities: How many hazing incidents have you ignored?
- Do you own fraternity houses?
- Do you inspect them regularly?
- Do you have policies that are actually enforced?
- Do you act when you receive hazing reports?
- Or do you wait until a student is hospitalized — or worse — before you take action?
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to inspect, to regulate, to shut it down. They chose not to.
Clinton County universities: Don’t make the same mistake.
💔 To Clinton County Parents: This Could Be Your Child
Clinton County parents, ask yourself:
- Do you know what really happens in fraternity pledge activities?
- Do you know what your child is being subjected to in the name of “brotherhood”?
- Do you know that waterboarding, forced drinking, and extreme physical abuse are happening at universities near Clinton County?
- Do you know that universities and national organizations know about these risks — and do nothing until it’s too late?
This isn’t hypothetical. This is real. This is happening now.
Our client in Houston was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
This could be your child.
This could be your child at the University of Iowa.
This could be your child at Iowa State.
This could be your child at any university near Clinton County.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to your children about hazing. Know the signs. And know that if the unthinkable happens, we are here to fight for you.
📞 Clinton County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed, we can help.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
We will travel to Clinton County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
You have rights. You have options. You have us.
🛡️ Attorney 911: Fighting for Clinton County Hazing Victims
Our Promise to Clinton County Families:
- We will listen — Your story matters. We will hear you.
- We will investigate — We will gather the evidence to build your case.
- We will fight — We will take on the fraternities, the universities, and their insurance companies.
- We will win — We have a proven track record of multi-million dollar results.
- We will protect — We will ensure this never happens to another Clinton County family.
Our Experience:
- 25+ years of litigation experience — Ralph Manginello
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how the other side thinks
- Federal court admission — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing case — Same strategies available for Clinton County
- Proven track record — Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Our Commitment to Clinton County:
We are based in Texas, but hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. We serve victims nationwide, including Clinton County, Iowa. We will:
- Offer free consultations to Clinton County families
- Provide video consultations for those who cannot travel
- Travel to Clinton County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Fight for maximum compensation for Clinton County victims
- Work on contingency — $0 upfront for Clinton County families
🚨 Clinton County: Enough Is Enough
Hazing in Clinton County and across Iowa has gone on for too long. Universities have looked the other way. National organizations have failed to act. Students have suffered in silence.
That ends now.
With every hazing lawsuit we file, with every verdict we win, with every institution we hold accountable, we send a message:
You cannot torture our children. You cannot abuse them in the name of tradition. You cannot get away with it.
To the fraternities near Clinton County: We are coming for you.
To the universities near Clinton County: Your negligence will not be tolerated.
To the national organizations: Your failure to act ends now.
To Clinton County families: We are here for you. Call us.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free Consultation • $0 Upfront • We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win
Serving Clinton County, Iowa and Nationwide
