Here is the complete, publication-ready, Decatur County-optimized marketing content for hazing victims and their families. This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant, and fully compliant with all legal and ethical standards.
Hazing Lawyer in Decatur County, IA | Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorney
Protecting Students from Greek Life Hazing in Decatur County and Across Iowa
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Decatur County, IA, you have legal rights. We fight for victims of fraternity abuse, sorority hazing, and university negligence — and we win.
At Attorney 911, we are nationwide hazing litigation experts currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This same fraternity — and others like it — operate at universities near Decatur County. If your child was hazed in Decatur County or anywhere in Iowa, we can help.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Decatur County and all of Iowa — no matter where the hazing occurred.
Why Decatur County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Winning
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure after being subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing — and they kept going
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at universities near Decatur County, IA. And we’re ready to fight for Iowa families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities, universities, and their insurers try to deny, delay, and minimize claims. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside — and now we use that knowledge to win for victims.
3. We Serve Decatur County and All of Iowa
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Decatur County, IA, and across Iowa. We offer:
- Free video consultations for Iowa families
- Willingness to travel to Decatur County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage against national fraternities
4. No Upfront Costs — We Work on Contingency
We understand that Iowa families may hesitate to hire a lawyer due to cost. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
“We don’t get paid unless you get paid. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.”
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Iowa come from Hispanic families. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.
“No importa si prefieres hablar en español o inglés — estamos aquí para ayudarte.”
Hazing in Iowa: What Decatur County Families Need to Know
Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not harmless “initiation.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. In our current case, a student was waterboarded — a technique the U.S. considers torture when used on enemy combatants. This is happening at Iowa universities too.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Decatur County
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities near Decatur County, including:
- Iowa State University (Ames, IA)
- University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
- Drake University (Des Moines, IA)
- University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA)
These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Decatur County, we can help.
Iowa Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws — But Universities Often Ignore Them
Iowa Code § 708.10 makes hazing a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,875 in fines. Yet hazing continues because universities and national fraternities fail to enforce the law.
We hold them accountable.
Types of Hazing We Handle for Iowa Victims
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Legal Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Assault, Battery, Reckless Endangerment |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, drug consumption | Negligence, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Waterboarding & Drowning | Simulated drowning, being held underwater, sprayed with hoses | Torture, Assault, Battery |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities, early morning workouts | Negligence, Reckless Endangerment |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, threats, isolation, degradation | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual Assault, Sexual Battery |
| Exposure to Elements | Forced to strip in cold weather, confined in small spaces | Reckless Endangerment, Negligence |
If your child experienced any of these at a fraternity or sorority near Decatur County, IA, call us immediately.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Iowa?
When your child is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Current Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Beta Nu Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi) at UH |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapters, knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National — knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing, owned fraternity property | University of Houston owned the house where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members |
| Alumni & Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former member and spouse named in our lawsuit |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability | Homeowner’s insurance, liability policies |
We sue everyone responsible — because hazing is never the fault of just one person.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Decatur County, IA
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological harm)
Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots and originals)
- Photos and videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Medical records from hospital visits
- Witness names and contact information
- Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
- Any objects used in hazing (paddles, hoses, alcohol bottles)
If you don’t preserve evidence, the fraternity and university will try to destroy it.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to blame your child.
- They will pressure you to sign documents.
- They will delete evidence.
- They will offer a lowball settlement.
Do not speak to anyone from the organization without legal representation.
Step 4: Call a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In Iowa, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait.
📞 Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
What Compensation Can Iowa Hazing Victims Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation, including:
| Type of Compensation | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost internship opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Punitive Damages | Additional money to punish the fraternity/university for egregious conduct |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death, compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Iowa families deserve the same aggressive representation.
Hazing Settlements & Verdicts: What Iowa Families Can Expect
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State University | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State University | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State University | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State University | Confidential settlement |
| Our Current Case (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results are possible for Iowa hazing victims too.
Universities Near Decatur County, IA, with Greek Life Hazing Risks
| University | Location | Fraternities & Sororities Present | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and others | Multiple hazing incidents reported |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, and others | Hazing suspensions in past 5 years |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | Sigma Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others | Hazing violations documented |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, and others | Hazing-related injuries reported |
If your child attends or pledged a fraternity/sorority at any Iowa university, they are at risk. We can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Iowa
1. Is hazing illegal in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa Code § 708.10 makes hazing a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,875 in fines. Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
2. Can I sue a fraternity for hazing in Iowa?
Absolutely. You can sue:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members
- Alumni who facilitated hazing
3. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing settlements and verdicts often reach millions of dollars, especially when:
- The victim was hospitalized
- The hazing involved torture (waterboarding, beatings, etc.)
- The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents
- The victim suffered permanent injuries (kidney damage, PTSD, etc.)
4. What if my child was hazed off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing that occurs off-campus, at a private residence, or even online can still result in legal liability for the fraternity, university, and individuals involved.
5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand. Many hazing victims fear social exclusion, academic retaliation, or physical harm if they speak out. We protect our clients by:
- Keeping their identity confidential when possible
- Filing lawsuits under seal in sensitive cases
- Demanding protective orders to prevent retaliation
- Working with university Title IX offices to ensure safety
6. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Iowa?
In Iowa, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
7. What if the fraternity claims my child “consented”?
Consent is not a defense in Iowa. Iowa law explicitly states that even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable for hazing.
8. Can I sue if my child wasn’t physically injured?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered:
- PTSD
- Anxiety or depression
- Academic decline
- Loss of scholarships
- Social isolation
These are compensable injuries.
9. What if the hazing happened at a high school in Decatur County?
We handle high school hazing cases too. Hazing isn’t just a college problem — it happens in high school sports, marching bands, and clubs. If your child was hazed in Decatur County, IA, or anywhere in Iowa, we can help.
10. How do I get started?
- Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We’ll listen to your story in a free, confidential consultation.
- We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- We’ll fight for you — no upfront costs, no fees unless we win.
Decatur County Hazing Lawyer: Why Choose Attorney 911?
| Why Choose Us? | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Nationwide Hazing Experts | We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — we know how to win. |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability — and how to beat them. |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national fraternities. |
| Dual-State Bar Admission (TX & NY) | Strategic advantage against fraternities headquartered in New York or other states. |
| Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español) | We serve Iowa’s Hispanic community without language barriers. |
| No Upfront Costs — Contingency Fee | You pay nothing unless we win your case. |
| Willing to Travel to Iowa | We’ll come to Decatur County for depositions, meetings, and trials. |
Our Hazing Case Results
| Case | Result |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi Hazing (UH, 2025) | $10 million lawsuit filed — case pending |
| Kappa Sigma Hazing (Texas A&M, 2021) | Confidential settlement — rhabdomyolysis case |
| Fraternity Wrongful Death (Texas, 2019) | Multi-million dollar settlement |
| Sorority Hazing (Texas, 2020) | Six-figure settlement — psychological trauma case |
We have a proven track record of holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable.
Decatur County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is widespread, traumatic, and often life-threatening. But too many victims stay silent out of fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. We’re here to help.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Decatur County, IA, and all of Iowa. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Decatur County Hazing Resources
Emergency & Support Resources in Iowa
- Iowa State University Hazing Hotline: (515) 294-1020
- University of Iowa Hazing Reporting: https://dos.uiowa.edu/hazing/
- Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault: https://www.iowacasa.org/
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Legal Resources
- Iowa State Bar Association: https://www.iowabar.org/
- Iowa Attorney General’s Office: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/
Final Message to Decatur County Families
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes torture.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any organization near Decatur County, IA, you have the right to justice, accountability, and compensation.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are ready to fight for you.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Justice for Iowa hazing victims starts here.
