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Hazing Victims in Marion County, Iowa Deserve Justice
Fraternity and Sorority Abuse Lawyers Serving Marion County Families
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Marion County, Iowa, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Marion County families with the same fury.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Marion County. The same negligence exists at Iowa institutions. Marion County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.
🚨 This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Marion County.
The Hazing Crisis in America — And Why Marion County Families Are at Risk
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was systematically abused during fraternity hazing.
What happened to him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles as punishment
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to continue running
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This wasn’t just hazing. It was torture.
And here’s the most disturbing part: This wasn’t the first time.
- In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption.
- In 2017, a student at the University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at another fraternity.
- 8 years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure at the same university.
Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Marion County. The same negligence exists at Iowa institutions. And the same thing could happen to your child.
🏛️ Which Universities Near Marion County Have Greek Life?
Marion County, Iowa, is home to a strong community with deep family values. Many local families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But hazing happens at universities across Iowa, including:
Nearby Universities with Greek Life:
- University of Iowa (Iowa City) – Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others
- Iowa State University (Ames) – Large Greek system with documented hazing incidents
- Drake University (Des Moines) – Active Greek life presence
- University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls) – Fraternities and sororities with hazing risks
- Coe College (Cedar Rapids) – Smaller but active Greek organizations
- Cornell College (Mount Vernon) – Greek life with potential hazing risks
These are the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Marion County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
💔 Why Marion County Families Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter. And it happens more often than you think.
The Shocking Truth About Hazing in Iowa:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
- 40% of student athletes report hazing (Alfred University Study)
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
- 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it (they fear retaliation or don’t recognize it as hazing)
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and even academic clubs
Types of Hazing That Happen Near Marion County:
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health decline |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, long-term psychological damage |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, being held underwater | Asphyxiation, death |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heatstroke, suffocation |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Exhaustion, academic decline |
If your child is experiencing any of these, they are being hazed. And they need help.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Marion County Hazing Victim
Iowa Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know
Iowa has strict anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Iowa Code § 708.10, hazing is defined as:
“An act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a student organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (paddling, beatings, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Hazing is a criminal offense 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 serious injury occurs)
- Aggravated Misdemeanor – Up to 2 years in jail and $6,250 fine (if death occurs)
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Marion County?
If your child was hazed, multiple parties can be sued for damages, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority; may own fraternity/sorority house |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies covering fraternities, universities, and individuals |
In our $10 million lawsuit, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National (failed to prevent despite knowing about “hazing crisis”)
- Beta Nu Chapter (directly organized hazing)
- University of Houston (owned the fraternity house where torture occurred)
- Individual members (participated in and facilitated hazing)
Marion County families can pursue the same legal action.
💰 What Is Your Marion County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent cases:
| 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) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure. He survived, but the medical and psychological damage is severe. His case is worth millions — and so is yours if your child was hazed near Marion County.
Damages You Can Recover in a Marion County Hazing Lawsuit:
| Category | Examples | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse) | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death | $5,000,000 – $50,000,000+ |
If your child was hazed near Marion County, you could be entitled to significant compensation. But you must act fast — Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations.
🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Marion County
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Marion County Families
If your child has been hazed, every moment counts. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Follow these steps immediately:
📌 STEP 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety
- Remove them from the situation — Get them out of the fraternity/sorority house or hazing environment.
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, hazing can cause internal damage (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, etc.).
- Document everything — Take photos of injuries, save text messages, and record witness statements.
📌 STEP 2: Preserve Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Fraternities and universities will try to destroy evidence. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots and backups)
- Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or the location where it happened
- Medical records (ER visits, hospital stays, therapy records)
- Witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders)
- Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
📌 STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leaders — They will coordinate their story and intimidate witnesses.
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators — They protect the institution, not your child.
- Do NOT post on social media — Anything you say can be used against you.
📌 STEP 4: Report the Hazing (Carefully)
- File a police report — Hazing is a crime in Iowa.
- Report to the university — But do not do this alone. Have an attorney present.
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority — They may try to cover it up.
📌 STEP 5: Contact a Marion County Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We will:
✅ Preserve evidence before it disappears
✅ Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
✅ Protect your child from retaliation
✅ Fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🏆 Why Marion County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We Will Fight for You
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Marion County families.
🔥 Our Advantages for Marion County Hazing Victims:
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Marion County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction (critical for national fraternities) |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for national fraternity cases |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families in Marion County |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Marion County |
| Proven Results | Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases |
| We Travel to Marion County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings — distance is not a barrier |
| Contingency Fee | You pay nothing unless we win — no upfront costs for Marion County families |
💬 What Our Clients Say About Us:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. They worked on my case for about three years.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
📞 Marion County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Marion County hazing emergencies.
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🚨 Fraternities and Sororities Near Marion County: We Are Watching
A Message to Greek Organizations Operating Near Marion County:
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Marion County, know this:
- We are tracking your housing corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures.
- We know your documented history of hazing deaths and settlements.
- If you haze students near Marion County, we will pursue every liable entity.
- We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Clean up your act now — or face the consequences in court.
🏛️ Universities Near Marion County: The Same Liability Applies to You
A Message to University Administrators:
University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, University of Northern Iowa, Coe College, Cornell College — if you have Greek life on your campus, know this:
- The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
- You own the houses. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
- If you fail to act, you will be held accountable.
Act now — or face the same accountability we’re bringing to UH.
📢 Marion County Parents: This Could Happen to Your Child
What Every Marion County Family Needs to Know About Hazing
- Hazing doesn’t just happen at “big party schools.” It happens at Iowa State, University of Iowa, Drake, and even smaller colleges near Marion County.
- It’s not just fraternities. Sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and even academic clubs haze.
- Victims are afraid to speak up. 95% of hazing victims don’t report it because they fear retaliation or don’t recognize it as hazing.
- It can happen to anyone. Our client wasn’t even a student at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer.
- It can be deadly. Since 2000, at least one student has died from hazing every year in the U.S.
- Universities and fraternities will try to cover it up. They care more about their reputation than your child’s safety.
- You have legal rights. If your child was hazed, you can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Child from Hazing Near Marion County
A Parent’s Guide to Greek Life Safety
-
Research the Organization
- Look up the fraternity/sorority’s national website.
- Search for hazing incidents or lawsuits involving the chapter.
- Ask the university for their hazing violation records.
-
Talk to Your Child About Hazing
- Explain that hazing is illegal, dangerous, and not required to join.
- Tell them they can always say no — even if pressured.
- Encourage them to trust their instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
-
Set Up a Safety Plan
- Have a code word your child can use if they feel unsafe.
- Agree on check-in times during pledge activities.
- Make sure they have emergency contacts saved in their phone.
-
Monitor Their Well-Being
- Watch for signs of hazing:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
- If you notice these signs, ask questions — and be prepared to act.
- Watch for signs of hazing:
-
Know Your Rights
- If your child is hazed, you can sue the fraternity, the university, and the individuals involved.
- Consent is not a defense under Iowa law.
- You have 2 years to file a lawsuit in Iowa.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Marion County
Q: What is considered hazing in Iowa?
A: Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into an organization. This includes:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beatings, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Sexual abuse
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing — and it’s still illegal.
Q: My child was hazed, but they say they “consented.” Can we still sue?
A: YES. Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter. Fraternities and universities will try to use this argument — but it will not hold up in court.
Q: How much is my Marion County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
- Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, sexual abuse)
- Pattern of abuse (multiple victims, prior incidents at the same chapter)
- Institutional knowledge (university or national organization knew about hazing and did nothing)
- Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in death)
Our current hazing case is valued at $10 million. Your case could be worth just as much.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?
A: Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Q: My child attends college near Marion County. How can I tell if they’re being hazed?
A: Look for these warning signs of hazing:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
- Sudden drop in grades
- Secretive behavior about activities
- Fear of retribution if they speak up
If you notice these signs, talk to your child — and contact an attorney immediately.
Q: Can we sue the university if our child was hazed near Marion County?
A: YES. Universities can be held liable for hazing if:
- They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
- They knew or should have known about hazing risks.
- They failed to implement adequate oversight of Greek life.
- They had prior hazing incidents and did nothing to prevent future ones.
In our $10 million lawsuit, we are suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
Q: What if the fraternity says it was “just a prank” or “tradition”?
A: This is a common defense — and it’s not valid.
- Hazing is not a prank. It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter.
- “Tradition” is not an excuse for breaking the law.
- If it causes harm, it’s hazing — and it’s illegal.
Juries and courts do not accept this argument. In the Stone Foltz case, the fraternity tried to downplay the hazing — and the jury awarded $10.1 million.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer for Marion County families?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict (typically 33-40%).
This means Marion County families can fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Marion County, but we don’t live in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Marion County, Iowa. We can:
- Evaluate your case remotely via video consultation.
- Travel to Marion County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- Pursue your case in federal court (we are admitted to U.S. District Court).
- Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Marion County families just like we’re fighting in Houston.
📞 Marion County Families: Call Now Before It’s Too Late
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Marion County hazing emergencies.
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🚨 Don’t Let Them Silence Your Child. Fight Back Now.
Hazing is abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter. It happens at universities near Marion County. And it can happen to your child.
If your child was hazed, you have legal rights. You can sue the fraternity, the university, and the individuals involved. You can hold them accountable. And you can get justice.
But you must act fast.
- Evidence disappears.
- Witnesses forget.
- Your legal rights expire.
Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Marion County families with the same fury.
📢 Share This Page to Protect Marion County Students
Know a Marion County family with a child in college? Share this page to help protect them from hazing.
Together, we can stop the abuse and hold these institutions accountable.
© 2025 Attorney 911 | Serving Marion County, Iowa and Nationwide | Hazing Victim Representation
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
