π¨ Malheur County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | Greek Life Hazing Lawsuit
Justice for Hazing Victims in Malheur County and Across Oregon
You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now β And We’ll Fight for Malheur County Families Too.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Malheur County, Oregon, you have legal rights. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston and caused kidney failure operate chapters at universities across Oregon. The same institutional failures that allowed hazing at University of Houston exist at Oregon colleges. And the same legal strategies that are winning millions for hazing victims nationwide can win justice for Malheur County families.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to our client β a young man who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles until he was hospitalized with kidney failure. This same abuse happens at Oregon universities. This same negligence exists at Oregon colleges. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Malheur County families.
π Malheur County Hazing Victims β Call Now for Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Malheur County families
Se habla espaΓ±ol
We work on contingency β $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
ποΈ The Hazing Crisis in Oregon β Malheur County Families Are at Risk
Hazing is not just a problem in Texas. It’s a national epidemic that affects students at Oregon colleges and universities near Malheur County. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters across Oregon.
Fraternities Near Malheur County with Documented Hazing Histories:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases Nationwide | Oregon Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | $10.1M settlement (Stone Foltz, 2021); $6.5M personal judgment | Chapters at Oregon State University, University of Oregon |
| Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit pending (Leonel Bermudez, 2025); Andrew Coffey death (2017) | Chapters at Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021); $1M+ settlement | Chapters at University of Oregon, Oregon State University |
| Phi Delta Theta | $6.1M jury verdict (Max Gruver, 2017) | Chapters at University of Oregon, Oregon State University |
| Beta Theta Pi | $110M+ settlement (Timothy Piazza, 2017) | Chapters at University of Oregon |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths; rhabdomyolysis cases | Chapters at Oregon State University, University of Oregon |
| Sigma Chi | $10M+ settlement (College of Charleston, 2024) | Chapters at University of Oregon, Oregon State University |
Malheur County Families: These are not just names on a list. These are real organizations that have paid millions because they allowed dangerous hazing. If your child was hazed at an Oregon university, you may have a case worth millions.
π₯ What Oregon Hazing Looks Like β The Same Abuse We’re Fighting in Texas
Our client in Houston was subjected to weeks of systematic torture that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The same activities happen at Oregon fraternities:
Types of Hazing Reported at Oregon Universities:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning | Spraying pledges with hoses; holding heads underwater |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging); food (eating until vomiting); non-food substances |
| Extreme Physical Punishment | 100+ pushups; 500+ squats; bear crawls; “suicides” (running drills); wooden paddles |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities; early morning workouts; disrupted sleep schedules |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation; degradation; verbal abuse; threats of expulsion |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity; carrying sexual objects; sexual assault |
| Cold Weather Exposure | Forced to strip in cold weather; sprayed with water |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning; driving members; running errands |
Malheur County parents: If your child experienced any of these activities, it was not “tradition” β it was abuse. And the fraternity, national organization, and university may all be liable.
βοΈ Oregon Hazing Laws β What Malheur County Families Need to Know
Oregon has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Consent is not a defense β even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
Oregon Revised Statutes Β§ 163.197 β Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a post-secondary institution.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes physical injury | Up to 1 year in jail; $6,250 fine |
| Class C Felony | Hazing that causes serious physical injury | Up to 5 years in prison; $125,000 fine |
Organizational Penalties:
- Fines up to $100,000
- Loss of recognition by university
- Forfeiture of property
Consent is NOT a Defense:
A person may not consent to hazing. Consent is not a defense to prosecution.
Malheur County Families: Oregon law is clear β hazing is illegal, and organizations that allow it can be held criminally and civilly liable.
π° What Your Malheur County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same compensation available to Texas victims is available to Oregon families.
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:
| 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 |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending | β |
Malheur County Families: These cases prove that hazing victims win big. The same legal strategies apply to Oregon cases.
Damages Available in Oregon Hazing Cases:
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost internship opportunities | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Educational Damages | Disrupted education; lost scholarships | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries; ongoing discomfort | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| TOTAL POTENTIAL | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Malheur County Families: Your case could be worth millions. Don’t let the fraternity or university pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement.
π’ Who Is Liable for Malheur County Hazing?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held liable. We sue everyone responsible to maximize your recovery.
Potential Defendants in Your Malheur County Hazing Case:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing; failed to supervise |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability if they own the house |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Former Members | Allowed hazing at their residence |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies covering the organization |
Malheur County Families: We don’t just sue the fraternity β we sue everyone who allowed the abuse to happen.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Malheur County
If your child was hazed at an Oregon university, take these steps immediately to protect their rights:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all injuries and symptoms
- Ask for copies of all medical records
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs β screenshot everything
- Photos and videos β of injuries, hazing locations, activities
- Physical evidence β clothing, objects used in hazing
- Witness information β names and contact info of other pledges and witnesses
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
- Do not sign anything from the university or national organization
- Do not post on social media about the incident
-
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- File a police report
- File a Title IX complaint with the university
- Report to Oregon Liquor Control Commission if alcohol was involved
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Malheur County families
- We work on contingency β $0 upfront
- We handle all communication with the fraternity and university
Malheur County Families: The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
β³ Oregon Statute of Limitations β Don’t Wait
Oregon law limits how long you have to file a hazing lawsuit:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death
Malheur County Families: If you wait, you may lose your right to sue forever. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
π Why Malheur County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are not just hazing lawyers β we are currently fighting this battle in court. While other firms talk about hazing cases, we have one right now. We know how to win.
Our Advantages for Malheur County Families:
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Your Case |
|---|---|
| Currently Litigating $10M Hazing Case | We’re in the fight right now β not just talking about it |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how fraternities and universities will defend the case |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue cases in federal court for broader jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York β strategic advantage for national fraternities |
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across the country |
| Proven Track Record | Millions recovered for personal injury victims |
| Se Habla EspaΓ±ol | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families |
| Nationwide Service | We represent hazing victims across America β including Malheur County |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless YOU get paid |
| Aggressive Representation | We don’t back down from powerful institutions |
What Malheur County Families Say About Us:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” β 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 pick up this handsome check.” β Donald Wilcox
“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” β Devin Hebert
Malheur County Families: We treat every client like family. Your child’s case is not just another file to us β it’s personal.
π― Our Strategy for Malheur County Hazing Cases
We don’t just file lawsuits β we build cases that win. Our strategy for Malheur County hazing cases includes:
-
Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand all text messages, photos, videos, and documents be saved
- Work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence
-
Comprehensive Medical Documentation
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Calculate future medical needs (dialysis, therapy, etc.)
- Obtain life care plans for catastrophic injuries
-
Pattern Evidence Discovery
- Request hazing reports from the national organization
- Identify prior incidents at the Oregon chapter
- Show systemic failure to address hazing
-
Institutional Liability Focus
- Prove the university knew or should have known about hazing
- Show the national organization failed to supervise
- Establish premises liability if the university owns the house
-
Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation
- Demand policy limits from all insurance carriers
- Pursue punitive damages for egregious conduct
- Take the case to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly
-
Media & Public Pressure
- Expose the fraternity’s hazing culture in the press
- Work with legislators to strengthen Oregon hazing laws
- Build public support for hazing victims
Malheur County Families: We don’t just want to win your case β we want to change the culture that allows hazing to happen.
π Malheur County Hazing Victims β Call Now for Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Malheur County families
Se habla espaΓ±ol
We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluation
- No obligation β we’ll explain your rights
- $0 upfront β we work on contingency
- Video consultations available
- We travel to Malheur County for meetings and depositions
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
ποΈ Universities Near Malheur County β We’re Watching
If your child was hazed at any of these Oregon universities, we can help:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Strong Greek system; multiple fraternities/sororities |
| University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | Large Greek community; multiple fraternities/sororities |
| Portland State University | Portland, OR | Greek organizations present |
| Eastern Oregon University | La Grande, OR | Smaller Greek system; closer to Malheur County |
| Boise State University | Boise, ID | Large Greek system; many Oregon students attend |
Malheur County Families: No matter where the hazing occurred, we can represent you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π Warning Signs of Hazing β What Malheur County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; exhaustion; weight loss |
| Behavioral | Withdrawal from friends/family; sudden secrecy; fear of certain people/places |
| Academic | Sudden drop in grades; skipping classes; missing assignments |
| Emotional | Anxiety; depression; mood swings; talk of “earning” membership |
| Social Media | Deleted posts; avoiding social media; cryptic messages about “traditions” |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses; requests for money; “dues” that seem excessive |
| Schedule | Late nights; early mornings; missing time with no explanation |
Malheur County Parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be afraid to speak up.
π« What Hazing Is NOT β Debunking the Myths
Fraternities and universities often downplay hazing. They say it’s “tradition” or “building brotherhood.” This is what hazing really is:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “It’s just tradition” | It’s abuse. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and beatings are not “tradition” β they’re crimes. |
| “It builds character” | It destroys lives. Hazing causes PTSD, depression, and even death. |
| “Everyone goes through it” | It’s illegal. Oregon law prohibits hazing, and consent is not a defense. |
| “It’s just harmless fun” | It’s dangerous. Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries are not “fun.” |
| “You can leave anytime” | It’s coercive. Victims face threats of expulsion, social ostracism, and retaliation. |
Malheur County Families: Hazing is not harmless. It’s not tradition. It’s abuse β and it’s illegal.
π’ Our Message to Oregon Fraternities:
We see you. We know what you’re doing. And we are coming for you.
To the fraternities operating near Malheur County:
- Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi β we know your chapters.
- We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
- We know you have “risk management” policies that you don’t enforce.
- We know you close chapters when they get caught β and then reopen them later.
- We are watching.
If you haze students at Oregon universities, we will find you. We will sue you. We will expose you. And we will make sure you pay.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your Oregon chapter could be next.
π Join the Fight Against Hazing in Oregon
Hazing doesn’t have to be inevitable. Together, we can change the culture.
What Malheur County Families Can Do:
-
Report Hazing
- File a police report
- File a Title IX complaint with the university
- Report to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission if alcohol was involved
-
Support Hazing Victims
- Believe your child if they report hazing
- Stand with them as they seek justice
- Don’t let the fraternity intimidate you
-
Advocate for Change
- Contact Oregon legislators about strengthening hazing laws
- Support the Stop Campus Hazing Act at the federal level
- Demand universities implement real oversight of Greek life
-
Choose Attorney 911
- If your child was hazed, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We fight for justice β and we win
π Malheur County Hazing Victims β It’s Time to Fight Back
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Malheur County families
Se habla espaΓ±ol
You don’t have to face this alone. We are here to help.
Call now for your free consultation. Justice starts today.