🚨 Hazing Victims in Ringgold County: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting For You.

Ringgold County families: If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Ringgold County, you need to know this: What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston is happening right now at institutions across Iowa — and we are fighting back.

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of torture disguised as “tradition.” He was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was made to eat until he vomited, then forced to keep running through his own vomit. On November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days fighting for his life.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same national fraternities operate at universities across Iowa. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist at Greek organizations near Ringgold County. The same negligence that allowed this to happen at UH exists at Iowa institutions.

We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we are ready to fight for Ringgold County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

🏛️ What Is Hazing? It’s Not Tradition. It’s Abuse.

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

In Ringgold County and across Iowa, hazing includes:

• 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, isolation, threats
• 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 can be severe:

• 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

This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “building brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is sometimes manslaughter. And it is illegal in Iowa.

📜 Iowa Hazing Law: Know Your Rights

Iowa Code § 708.10 defines hazing as:

“Any act which is committed in connection with an initiation into, admission into, or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person.”

Key provisions for Ringgold County families:

• Consent is not a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
• Criminal penalties — Hazing is a serious misdemeanor in Iowa, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,875 in fines
• Organizational liability — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held responsible
• Reporting requirements — Iowa universities must report hazing incidents

Most importantly: Iowa law allows victims to file civil lawsuits for compensation, even if criminal charges are not filed.

💔 The Devastating Impact of Hazing on Ringgold County Families

We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’re seeing it right now with Leonel Bermudez.

For victims:

• Physical injuries requiring hospitalization and long-term treatment
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Academic disruption: failing grades, dropping out, lost scholarships
• Social isolation: fear of retribution, loss of friends, stigma
• Financial burdens: medical bills, therapy costs, lost earning potential

For parents:

• The terror of getting a call that your child is in the hospital — or worse
• The heartbreak of seeing your child traumatized
• The frustration of watching institutions protect themselves instead of your child
• The financial strain of medical bills and legal fees
• The guilt of not being able to protect them

Ringgold County parents: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek organization. That trust was betrayed.

🏢 Who Is Responsible for Hazing in Ringgold County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility. In our UH case, we are suing:

The deep pockets: National fraternity/sorority organizations have millions in assets and insurance. Universities have substantial endowments and insurance. This is not about suing broke college kids — it’s about holding institutions accountable.

💰 What Ringgold County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families can pursue compensation for:

Precedent settlements/verdicts for hazing cases:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi)
• $4+ million — Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University, Delta Chi)

Ringgold County families: These same results are possible for Iowa victims. The same legal strategies apply.

⏳ Time Is Running Out: Iowa’s Statute of Limitations

Iowa law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing:

• Personal injury: 2 years from date of injury
• Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death

DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

If your child was hazed in Ringgold County or anywhere in Iowa, contact us immediately. Even if you’re not sure whether to pursue legal action, a free consultation can help you understand your options.

🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Ringgold County Hazing Victims

1. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

We know how Greek life operates. We know the power dynamics. We know the intimidation tactics. We know how to navigate the culture that protects hazing.

2. We Have Proven Results in Hazing Litigation

• Currently litigating a $10 MILLION lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Experience with Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
• Experience with Texas A&M University hazing cases
• Expertise in rhabdomyolysis injury recovery (like our UH case)
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases

3. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses.

4. We Have Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue Ringgold County cases in federal court when appropriate
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) for strategic advantage

5. We Will Travel to Ringgold County

We come to you for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations

No obligation. No pressure. Just answers.

7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

You pay nothing unless we win your case. No recovery, no fee.

📋 What Ringgold County Families Should Do Right Now

If your child has been hazed, follow these steps:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/Videos: Document injuries at all stages of healing
• Communications: Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails about hazing
• Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other victims and witnesses
• Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules
• Financial Records: Medical bills, tuition statements, lost wage documentation

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not give statements to university administrators alone
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Do not post about the incident on social media

4. Report to Authorities

• Consider filing a police report
• Report to university’s Title IX office (for sexual components)
• Report to university’s Greek life office

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation.

🎯 Our Message to Iowa Fraternities and Universities

To fraternities operating near Ringgold County: We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Iowa, we will pursue every liable entity.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and all national organizations: If your chapter operates near Ringgold County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We are currently litigating a $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi. Your chapter could be next.

To universities in Iowa: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You have the power to stop hazing. Act now or face the same accountability.

📢 Frequently Asked Questions for Ringgold County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to pursue legal action. Should we still contact an attorney?

A: Yes. Even if your child is hesitant, a free consultation can help you understand your options. Many victims are afraid of retribution or social consequences. We can advise you on how to protect your child’s rights without forcing them into a decision they’re not ready for.

Q: We’re in Ringgold County. Can you really help us from Texas?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations, travel to Iowa for depositions and trials, and have federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines. Distance is not a barrier.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so if we don’t get paid, you don’t get paid. This allows Ringgold County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Q: What if my child participated in hazing activities? Will that hurt their case?

A: Not necessarily. Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child participated, the organization can still be held liable for their injuries. Many victims participate under duress, peer pressure, or threats. We know how to counter the “consent” defense.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years, especially if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery. The most important factor is the severity of your child’s injuries — we want to ensure we understand the full extent of their damages before settling.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Most cases settle without going to trial. If your case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. We prepare all our clients thoroughly and support them through every step of the process. Many victims find testifying empowering — it gives them a voice against their abusers.

Q: Can we sue both the fraternity and the university?

A: Yes. In our UH case, we are suing both Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Universities often share liability for hazing that occurs on their campus or in university-owned housing. We thoroughly investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Iowa hazing law applies to activities “in connection with” a student organization, regardless of location. If the hazing was part of fraternity/sorority activities, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: My child was hazed years ago. Is it too late to take legal action?

A: Iowa’s statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of injury. However, there may be exceptions for delayed discovery of injuries or if your child was a minor. Contact us immediately for a case evaluation — we can advise you on your legal options.

Q: Will pursuing legal action affect my child’s academic standing?

A: No. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. We are sensitive to the academic concerns of our clients and work to protect their educational opportunities throughout the legal process.

🏆 Why Ringgold County Families Choose Attorney 911

📞 Ringgold County Families: Contact Us Now

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Ringgold County, we can help.

Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims throughout Iowa, including:

• Ringgold County and surrounding areas
• Des Moines and central Iowa
• Ames (Iowa State University)
• Iowa City (University of Iowa)
• Cedar Falls (University of Northern Iowa)
• Dubuque (University of Dubuque, Loras College)
• Sioux City (Morningside University, Briar Cliff University)

Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.

🔥 Final Message to Ringgold County: Enough Is Enough

To the fraternities near Ringgold County: We see you. We know what you’re doing. The same culture that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez exists in your chapters. The same “traditions” that hospitalized him happen in Iowa. We have the evidence. We have the legal firepower. And we will hold you accountable.

To the universities near Ringgold County: You own the buildings. You collect the rent. You have the power to stop this. When you fail to act, you become part of the problem. We will name you in lawsuits. We will expose your negligence. And we will make you pay.

To the national organizations: You have 150+ chapters across America. You know what’s happening. You’ve known for years. Andrew Coffey died in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. Nothing changed. We will change that.

To Ringgold County families: You are not alone. What happened to your child was not their fault. It was not “tradition.” It was abuse. And it was preventable. We are fighting this battle right now in Texas. We will fight it for you in Iowa.

The $10 million lawsuit we filed isn’t just about compensation. It’s about sending a message that echoes across America — including Ringgold County:

You cannot torture our children. You cannot abuse them in the name of brotherhood. And when you do, we will come for you with everything we have.

Enough is enough.