π¨ Hazing Lawyers in Mahaska County, IA: Aggressive Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
Hazing Happens in Mahaska County β And We Fight Back
Mahaska County families trust their children to local colleges and universities, believing they’ll be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a culture of abuse thrives. Hazing isn’t just “college fun” β it’s assault, battery, and sometimes torture. And when it happens to your child, you need more than an apology. You need justice.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β a case that exposed waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, and a fraternity culture that prioritizes “tradition” over student safety. The same fraternities operate at colleges near Mahaska County. The same negligence exists at Iowa institutions. And we’re ready to bring the same fight to Mahaska County families.
β οΈ The Hazing Crisis in Iowa: What Mahaska County Families Need to Know
Hazing Isn’t Just a “Big School” Problem
While high-profile hazing deaths make national news, the truth is hazing happens everywhere β including at colleges and universities near Mahaska County. Greek organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have active chapters across Iowa, and their national organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing injuries and deaths.
This isn’t just happening at Iowa State or the University of Iowa. Hazing occurs at:
- Private colleges near Mahaska County
- Smaller state universities in Iowa
- Community colleges with Greek organizations
- Sports teams, marching bands, and student clubs β not just fraternities
The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Kill
Our client in Houston was hospitalized for three nights and four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises. He was waterboarded. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was forced to eat until he vomited.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Hazing causes:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia (from exposure)
- Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (from psychological abuse)
And yes β hazing kills. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
ποΈ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Mahaska County?
When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible. In our current case, we’re suing 10 defendants β and we’ll do the same for Mahaska County families.
1. The Local Chapter
The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing.
- Example: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston
- Mahaska County Application: The [Fraternity Name] chapter at [Nearby University]
2. The National Organization
The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise its chapters.
- Example: Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but did nothing
- Mahaska County Application: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other nationals with Iowa chapters
3. The University or College
The institution that failed to protect students β especially if they own the fraternity house.
- Example: University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred
- Mahaska County Application: [Nearby University] may own or control Greek housing
4. Individual Members
Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing.
- Example: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and members who waterboarded our client
- Mahaska County Application: Chapter officers and active members who hazed your child
5. Alumni & Housing Corporations
Former members who allowed hazing on their property.
- Example: A former member and his spouse hosted hazing at their home
- Mahaska County Application: Alumni who turn a blind eye to hazing in Iowa
π° What Is Your Mahaska County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what families have recovered:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending | Our case |
Your Mahaska County hazing case could include compensation for:
β
Medical bills β Hospital stays, ER visits, ongoing treatment
β
Future medical care β Kidney monitoring, therapy, potential dialysis
β
Lost wages β Time missed from work or internships
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Pain and suffering β Physical pain from hazing activities
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Mental anguish β PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
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Educational disruption β Impact on grades, scholarships, enrollment
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Punitive damages β To punish the organization and prevent future hazing
We don’t just settle for what insurance companies offer. We fight for the full value of your case.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Mahaska County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” hazing injuries can be life-threatening.
- Rhabdomyolysis symptoms (muscle pain, dark urine) may not appear for days
- Alcohol poisoning can be fatal
- Psychological trauma may not be immediately apparent
Go to the ER or urgent care. Document everything.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Save:
- Text messages (GroupMe, Snapchat, iMessage, WhatsApp)
- Social media posts (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook β even if deleted, we can subpoena)
- Photos and videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
- Medical records (ER reports, doctor notes, therapy records)
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will minimize the abuse
- They may destroy evidence
- They may pressure your child to stay silent
Let us handle all communication.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In Iowa, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears quickly β witnesses forget, messages get deleted, and your rights expire.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π₯ Why Mahaska County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston. We know how to win these cases. Mahaska County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How Fraternities Operate
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to avoid liability. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas β and we can pursue Mahaska County cases in federal court if needed. This is critical for suing national organizations headquartered out of state.
4. We’re Dual-Licensed (Texas & New York)
This gives us a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities with headquarters across the country.
5. We Travel to Mahaska County
We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront
You pay nothing unless we win your case. No hourly fees. No retainers. No risk.
7. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla EspaΓ±ol)
Hazing affects all communities. We provide bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families in Mahaska County.
π― The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Build Your Case
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Subpoena social media companies before evidence is deleted
- Secure witness statements while memories are fresh
2. Expert Witness Network
We work with:
- Medical experts to document injuries
- Greek life culture experts to explain the dynamics
- Economic experts to calculate damages
- Psychologists to assess PTSD and trauma
3. Aggressive Discovery
We demand:
- All fraternity/sorority communications about hazing
- All university records regarding Greek life oversight
- All prior hazing complaints at the same chapter
- All national organization policies and training materials
4. Pattern Evidence
We prove this isn’t an isolated incident. In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi had a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) β they did nothing
- University of Houston had a hazing hospitalization in 2017 β they did nothing
- Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 β same fraternity, same university
We’ll find the pattern in your Mahaska County case too.
5. Media & Public Pressure
We use media coverage to:
- Expose the truth about hazing culture
- Pressure defendants to settle
- Protect other students from the same abuse
β Frequently Asked Questions for Mahaska County Families
Q: My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Iowa law (like Texas law) does not allow consent as a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” doesn’t justify assault, battery, or torture. Waterboarding is torture β whether it’s done to enemy combatants or college students.
Q: We’re not in Houston. Can you still help us in Mahaska County?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations for Mahaska County families
- Travel to Mahaska County for meetings and depositions
- Federal court authority to pursue national organizations
Q: What if my child was hazed at a small college near Mahaska County?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing happens at all types of schools β large universities, small colleges, community colleges. We’ve seen it all.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injury?
A: You may still have a case. Even “minor” hazing can cause:
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Academic decline
- Loss of scholarships
- Social isolation
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
Most cases settle within 12-24 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
$0 upfront. We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so you never pay out of pocket.
π Our Track Record: Million-Dollar Results for Victims
We don’t just talk about fighting for victims β we win. Here’s what we’ve achieved:
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Pi Kappa Phi) | $10 million lawsuit filed (pending) |
| 18-Wheeler Accident | $1 million+ settlement |
| Wrongful Death | Multi-million dollar settlement |
| Brain Injury | $2 million settlement |
| DWI Accident | $500,000 settlement |
| Dog Bite | $250,000 settlement |
| Slip and Fall | $300,000 settlement |
We’ve won millions for victims β and we’ll fight for Mahaska County families too.
π Mahaska County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “college fun.” It’s abuse β and it’s illegal.
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Mahaska County, you have legal rights. We can help you:
- Hold the fraternity or sorority accountable
- Sue the national organization
- Pursue the university for negligence
- Recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
We’re available 24/7. Your child’s safety and your family’s future are too important to wait.
π Additional Resources for Mahaska County Families
Iowa Hazing Laws
- Iowa Code Β§ 708.10 β Hazing is a serious misdemeanor
- Iowa Code Β§ 261E.2 β Universities must adopt anti-hazing policies
National Hazing Hotlines
- Hazing Prevention Network: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
- Gordie Center: Resources for alcohol-related hazing
Mental Health Support
- Your Life Iowa: 1-855-581-8111 (24/7 crisis line)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
β οΈ To Fraternities and Sororities Near Mahaska County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Mahaska County, we will:
- Sue your chapter
- Sue your national organization
- Sue your university
- Sue your individual members
- Pursue every liable entity until justice is served
Pi Kappa Phi’s UH chapter? Shut down.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon? Paid $1 million for chemical burns.
Phi Delta Theta? Paid $6.1 million after a student died.
Your chapter could be next.
π Attorney 911: Mahaska County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β Serving Mahaska County and Nationwide
π Houston Headquarters: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
π 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
π Website: attorney911.com
Mahaska County families: We will fight for you. Call now.