Protecting Your Child from Hazing: A Guide for McHenry County Families

🛡️ Hazing is Closer Than You Think – Even in McHenry County

McHenry County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. But for many students, the reality of Greek life and campus organizations includes a dangerous secret: hazing. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston – forced waterboarding, extreme physical punishment, and hospitalization with kidney failure – isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at universities near McHenry County, and it could happen to your child.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel. But we know this isn’t just a Houston problem. It’s a nationwide crisis, and McHenry County families need to be prepared.

🚨 What McHenry County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in “Big Name” Schools

While major universities like the University of Houston make headlines, hazing occurs at all types of institutions – large state universities, private colleges, and even smaller regional schools near McHenry County. Any campus with Greek life, sports teams, or student organizations can have hazing.

2. The Same Fraternities Are Here in North Dakota

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity involved in our Houston case, has 150+ chapters across America. The same national organizations that allowed waterboarding in Texas operate chapters at universities near McHenry County. If they’re doing it in Houston, they could be doing it near you.

3. Universities Near McHenry County Have the Same Liability Issues

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel was hazed. They collected rent while students were being tortured. Universities near McHenry County face the same liability risks – and the same responsibility to protect students.

4. Hazing Can Happen Before Your Child Even Enrolls

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush” – not even a student at UH yet when the hazing began. Your child could be at risk before they even start classes if they’re recruited by Greek organizations.

5. The Medical Consequences Are Severe

Leonel was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Hazing can cause:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Alcohol poisoning
• Heat stroke/hypothermia
• Death

🔍 Warning Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Hazing

McHenry County parents should watch for these red flags:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about their activities
• Fear of social exclusion or retaliation
• Unexplained anxiety or depression
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Signs of sleep deprivation (dark circles, exhaustion)
• Weight loss or signs of disordered eating
• Symptoms of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion)

Academic Impact:

• Sudden drop in grades
• Missing classes or assignments
• Withdrawing from academic activities
• Avoiding discussions about their organization

Organizational Warning Signs:

• Your child mentions “traditions” or “rites of passage”
• They talk about being “punished” for not completing tasks
• They mention forced activities (drinking, physical challenges)
• They express fear about leaving the organization
• They talk about being “tested” or “proven”

💡 What McHenry County Families Can Do to Protect Their Children

Before College:

1. Research Greek Organizations

   • Check the national organization’s website for hazing policies
   • Search for past hazing incidents at the specific chapter
   • Look for news articles about the organization

2. Talk Openly About Hazing

   • Discuss what hazing looks like and why it’s dangerous
   • Make sure your child understands their right to say no
   • Emphasize that “tradition” is never an excuse for abuse

3. Establish Trust and Communication

   • Create an environment where your child feels safe talking to you
   • Make it clear you’ll support them if they’re in danger
   • Let them know they can come to you without judgment

During College:

1. Stay Connected

   • Regular check-ins by phone, video, or in person
   • Pay attention to mood changes or physical condition
   • Trust your instincts if something seems wrong

2. Know Their Schedule

   • Be aware of pledge periods and initiation times
   • Ask about their activities and experiences
   • Watch for sudden changes in routine

3. Document Everything

   • If you suspect hazing, document all conversations
   • Take screenshots of suspicious messages
   • Keep records of any injuries or medical visits

⚖️ Legal Rights for McHenry County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed, they have legal rights – even in McHenry County:

1. Criminal Charges

Hazing is a crime in North Dakota. Depending on the severity, perpetrators can face:

• Misdemeanor charges
• Felony charges (for serious bodily injury or death)
• Potential jail time

2. Civil Lawsuits

Victims can sue for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Lost wages (if the hazing affected their ability to work)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

3. Institutional Accountability

Universities and national organizations can be held liable for:

• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor organizations)
• Premises liability (if hazing occurs on university property)
• Failure to protect students (despite knowing about hazing risks)

🏢 Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In our Houston case, we’re suing:

• The local fraternity chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members
• Former members who hosted hazing

This same liability framework applies to McHenry County cases.

📞 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in McHenry County

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be obvious right away
   • Medical records are crucial evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Take photos of injuries
   • Save all text messages and social media posts
   • Document witness names and contact information

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

   • They may destroy evidence
   • They may intimidate witnesses
   • They may pressure your child to stay silent

4. Contact an Attorney

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for McHenry County families
   • We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

5. Report to Authorities

   • File a police report
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Report to the national organization

🎯 Why McHenry 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 the University of Houston. McHenry County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. We Understand the Medical Consequences

Our attorneys have specific experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel’s)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Alcohol poisoning
• Psychological trauma

3. We Know How to Hold Institutions Accountable

We’re suing:

• The fraternity chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members
• Former members

We don’t just go after the students – we go after the institutions that enable hazing.

4. We Serve McHenry County Families Nationwide

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across America, including McHenry County. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Willingness to travel to North Dakota
• Federal court authority
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)

5. We Work on Contingency – No Upfront Costs

We understand McHenry County families may be concerned about legal fees. That’s why we work on contingency:

• $0 upfront
• $0 unless we win
• No risk to you

6. We Have the Experience to Win

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorneys (we know their playbook)
• Multi-million dollar case experience
• Federal court admission
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience

🚨 The Time to Act is Now

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to:

• Shame and embarrassment
• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure to stay quiet

But the law gives you a limited time to act. In North Dakota, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed at a university near McHenry County, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. No obligation. No upfront costs.

We will:

• Evaluate your case
• Explain your legal rights
• Develop a strategy for justice
• Fight for the compensation your child deserves

💬 What Our Clients Say

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz

“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning.” – Debra Cambric-Chisolm

“This place feels like having a family over your case.” – Kiwi Potato

🎓 Universities Near McHenry County – We’re Watching

To fraternities and universities near McHenry County:
We know what you’re doing. We know about the hazing. We know about the cover-ups. We know about the institutional failures.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near McHenry County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

📢 To McHenry County Parents: This Can Happen to Your Child

Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.

This wasn’t in some far-off place. This was at a major university. This could happen at a university near McHenry County.

Talk to your children. Educate them. Protect them. And if the worst happens, know that we’re here to fight for them.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free Consultation | No Upfront Costs