π¨ Hazing Lawyers in Cascade County: Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
If your child was hazed in Cascade County, you need an attorney who will fight aggressively for justice. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and serves Cascade County families with the same relentless representation.
π Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
The Hazing Crisis in Cascade County: What Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “tradition” or “boys being boys” β it’s abuse, and it’s happening at colleges and universities near Cascade County. From forced drinking to physical torture, hazing rituals have sent students to the hospital β and worse.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This same fraternity has chapters near Cascade County, and the same dangerous culture exists at institutions in your community.
Cascade County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next
The fraternities operating near Cascade County are part of the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements across the country. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Cascade County-area school, they face the same risks our client faced:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning with a garden hose)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting
- Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls)
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Being struck with wooden paddles
This isn’t just hazing β it’s assault, battery, and in some cases, torture.
Why Cascade County Families Choose Attorney 911
β We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical β we’re in the courtroom, fighting for victims like your child.
β Nationwide Experience, Local Service for Cascade County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cascade County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and sororities no matter where the hazing occurred.
β Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny or minimize your claim β and we know how to fight back.
β Aggressive Litigation β We Don’t Back Down
We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations in court (including the BP Texas City explosion litigation) and won. We’ll use that same aggressive approach to hold Cascade County-area fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable.
β No Upfront Costs β You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on contingency β that means $0 upfront for Cascade County families. We only get paid if we win your case.
β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β Bilingual Support for Cascade County Families
Hazing doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we. Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking Cascade County families receive the same top-tier legal representation.
What Cascade County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child was hazed in Cascade County or at a nearby institution, you may be entitled to compensation for:
π₯ Medical Expenses
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays (our current client was hospitalized for 4 days)
- Doctor visits and specialists
- Medications
- Future medical care (including potential dialysis or kidney transplants)
- Mental health treatment (therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression)
π° Financial Losses
- Lost wages (if your child missed work due to injuries)
- Lost future earning capacity (if injuries affect their career)
- Tuition reimbursement (if hazing forced them to drop classes or transfer)
- Cost of transferring to a different school
π’ Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain from injuries
- Emotional trauma from abuse
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Fear of retribution (our current client is afraid to speak out)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
βοΈ Punitive Damages β Sending a Message
In cases of extreme misconduct, juries can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future hazing. Given the egregious nature of waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and other torture our client endured, punitive damages are absolutely warranted.
Real Cases, Real Results: Hazing Lawsuits That Won Millions
Hazing cases do win big. Here are just a few examples of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements β the same results are possible for Cascade County families:
| 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 current case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi β $10 million lawsuit filed November 2025.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Cascade County Hazing?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can β and should β be held accountable. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about “hazing crisis” |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| University | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
Cascade County families: The same defendants exist at institutions near you. We’ll identify and pursue every liable party.
Cascade County Hazing: What to Do If Your Child Was Abused
If your child was hazed in Cascade County or at a nearby school, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply. Here’s what to do right now:
β οΈ Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Medical records are critical evidence in your case
β οΈ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or social media posts
- Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Save photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or related items
- Write down names and contact info of witnesses
- Keep all medical records and bills
β οΈ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may destroy evidence
- They may pressure your child to stay quiet
- Anything you say can be used against you
β οΈ Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Free consultation β we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- We’ll handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
- We’ll preserve evidence and build your case
Cascade County Universities and Colleges: Greek Life Hazing Risks
While we can’t name specific hazing incidents at Cascade County schools without verified evidence, we know that the same national fraternities and sororities with hazing histories operate at institutions near Cascade County.
Cascade County families should be aware that hazing occurs at:
- State universities (with large Greek systems)
- Private colleges (where Greek life is prominent)
- Community colleges (where Greek organizations may exist)
- Military academies and ROTC programs
- Sports teams and marching bands
Common Cascade County Hazing Scenarios:
- “Hell Week” β Extreme physical and psychological abuse
- Forced alcohol consumption β Leading to alcohol poisoning
- Physical punishment β Paddling, beatings, extreme exercise
- Sleep deprivation β All-night activities causing exhaustion
- Humiliation rituals β Degrading or sexualized activities
- Isolation β Cutting pledges off from support systems
If your child is joining any organization in Cascade County, ask:
- Does this group have a history of hazing?
- What specific activities are involved in initiation?
- How does the university monitor Greek life?
- What are the consequences for hazing?
Cascade County Parents: Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed
Hazing often goes unreported because victims feel ashamed, afraid, or loyal to the group. Watch for these red flags:
π© Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Weight loss or changes in appetite
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
π© Behavioral Signs
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Sudden drop in grades or academic performance
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Fear of retribution (like our client, who is afraid to speak out)
π© Psychological Signs
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or mood swings
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
- Loss of confidence or self-esteem
- PTSD symptoms (flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance)
If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi
What Happened to Our Client
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring a 4-day hospital stay.
The Hazing Activities Exposed
Our lawsuit alleges Bermudez was subjected to:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning with a garden hose)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout (October 15, 2025)
The Aftermath
- November 3, 2025: Bermudez punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand
- November 4-5, 2025: Condition worsened; couldn’t move
- November 6, 2025: Mother rushed him to the hospital with brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
- November 6-10, 2025: Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
- November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter (7 days before our lawsuit)
- November 21, 2025: We filed a $10 million lawsuit
Why This Matters to Cascade County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide β including near Cascade County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Cascade County-area fraternities
- Universities near Cascade County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Cascade County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
Texas Hazing Laws: What Cascade County Families Need to Know
Hazing Is Illegal in Texas
Texas Education Code Β§ 37.151 defines hazing as any activity that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
- Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or affiliation
- Includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, forced consumption, or other dangerous acts
Penalties for Hazing in Texas:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class B Misdemeanor | Engaging in hazing | Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine |
| State Jail Felony | Hazing causing death | 180 days – 2 years jail, $10,000 fine |
Organizations can also be fined up to $10,000 and lose permission to operate.
Consent Is NOT a Defense
Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cascade County Hazing Cases
Q: My child was hazed in Cascade County. Can you help us?
A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cascade County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities no matter where the hazing occurred.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency β that means $0 upfront for Cascade County families. We only get paid if we win your case.
Q: What if my child consented to the hazing?
A: Consent is not a defense under Texas law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so you should contact us immediately.
Q: Can we sue the university in Cascade County?
A: Yes, if the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to stop it. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred and had a prior hazing incident in 2017 that they failed to address.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Our current client is also fearful of retribution for speaking out. We will protect your child’s identity and safety throughout the legal process.
Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?
A: You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
Q: Will this affect my child’s reputation or future?
A: We handle these cases with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. Our goal is to protect your child’s future while holding the responsible parties accountable.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence or other location, we can still pursue the case.
Q: Can we file a criminal complaint too?
A: Yes. Hazing is a crime in Texas. We can help you report the incident to law enforcement and coordinate with the district attorney’s office.
Cascade County Hazing Lawyers: We’re Ready to Fight for You
If your child was hazed in Cascade County or at a nearby institution, you need attorneys who will fight aggressively for justice. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and serves Cascade County families with the same relentless representation.
π Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
π Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency β $0 upfront for Cascade County families. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Serving Cascade County and nationwide. We will travel to Cascade County for your case.
Cascade County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is abuse. It’s not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.
If your child was hazed in Cascade County, we’re here to help. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’ll fight for your family too.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. The consultation is free. The fight for justice starts now.