🚨 Hazing Victims in Marion County, Oregon: You Are Not Alone
If you or your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization in Marion County, Oregon, Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just a case—it’s a movement to stop the abuse that happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations across America. And we will bring that fight to Marion County.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Marion County
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez—a transfer student not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet—was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during the same pledge period
- Result: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4 days hospitalized
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture.
And it doesn’t just happen in Texas. It happens in Oregon. It happens in Marion County.
🏛️ Greek Life in Marion County: The Same National Fraternities Are Here
The same fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at universities near Marion County. These include:
📍 Willamette University (Salem, OR – Marion County)
- Active Greek organizations with national affiliations
- Potential for the same hazing culture that hospitalized our client
📍 Chemeketa Community College (Salem, OR – Marion County)
- While smaller, Greek life and student organizations still exist
- Hazing can occur in any group with power dynamics
📍 Nearby Universities with Greek Life:
- University of Oregon (Eugene)
- Oregon State University (Corvallis)
- Portland State University
- Linfield University (McMinnville)
The same national fraternities that have paid MILLIONS in hazing settlements operate in Oregon. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Marion County or anywhere in Oregon, they face the same risks.
⚖️ Oregon Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Oregon has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.197, hazing is defined as:
“Any act which 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.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury
Oregon Hazing Penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor for hazing (up to 1 year in jail, $6,250 fine)
- Class C Felony if hazing results in serious physical injury or death (up to 5 years in prison)
Importantly, consent is NOT a defense in Oregon. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says this doesn’t matter. The fraternity, sorority, or organization is still liable.
💰 You Can Sue for Hazing in Oregon
If your child was hazed in Marion County or anywhere in Oregon, you can pursue a civil lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. This includes:
Who Can Be Sued:
- The local chapter (individual members, officers)
- The national fraternity/sorority organization
- The university or college (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
- Individual perpetrators (those who directly participated in hazing)
What You Can Recover:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Lost wages (if hazing impacted ability to work)
- Educational damages (tuition, scholarships lost due to withdrawal)
- Punitive damages (to punish especially egregious conduct)
Precedent shows hazing cases can win MILLIONS:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, Louisiana)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)
Our $10 million demand in the Houston case is in line with these precedents. Marion County victims deserve the same justice.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t “harmless fun.” It causes real, lasting damage—sometimes permanent. Common medical consequences include:
| Injury | Description | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise | Kidney failure, permanent damage, potential dialysis/transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking can be fatal | Death, brain damage, organ failure |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings or falls | Permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse | Chronic pain, disability |
| Psychological Trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Lifelong mental health struggles, therapy needs |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | Severe emotional harm, trust issues |
| Death | From any of the above | Irreversible loss for families |
Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This is not rare—it’s the predictable result of forcing students to exercise to exhaustion.
📅 Marion County Families: Time Is Running Out
Oregon has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have only 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your legal rights expire.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and explain your options.
📞 Marion County Hazing Victims: Call Now
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency — you pay NOTHING upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
🌐 We Serve Marion County from Our Texas Offices
While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Marion County, Oregon. Our federal court authority and commitment to traveling for justice means distance is not a barrier.
How We Serve Marion County Families:
✅ Free video consultations — No need to travel
✅ We come to you — For depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ Remote case management — We handle everything digitally
✅ Local court filings — We file in Marion County courts as needed
✅ Nationwide network — We coordinate with local counsel if necessary
Marion County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We are here to help.
🛡️ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Marion County Hazing Case
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Same strategies available for Marion County victims
- We know how to win these cases
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies
- We know how they think, how they negotiate, and how they try to minimize claims
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue cases in federal court if needed
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
4. Proven Track Record
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases
- Knowledge of Greek life culture and dynamics
- Understanding of university administrative processes
6. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español — Bilingual staff available
- Critical for Marion County Hispanic families affected by hazing
7. We Travel to Marion County
- We will come to Marion County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trials
- We meet you where you are
8. We Care About Your Child
“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.” — Ralph Manginello
We understand the trauma hazing causes. We see the real human impact—not just a legal case. We will fight for your child with the same passion we’re bringing to our current client.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Marion County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything medically
- Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not show symptoms immediately
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document the hazing location (fraternity house, field, etc.)
- Get names and contact info of witnesses
- Save any pledge manuals, schedules, or documents given to you
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators alone
- They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not post about the incident
- Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
- Do not engage with Greek life members online
- Stay quiet on social media until your case is resolved
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911
- We will guide you through the next steps
- We will preserve evidence and protect your rights
🚫 What NOT to Do After Hazing
| Action | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Delete text messages or social media | Destroys critical evidence |
| Talk to the fraternity/sorority without a lawyer | They will manipulate your words |
| Sign anything from the organization | May waive your legal rights |
| Post about the incident online | Can be used against you in court |
| Wait to take action | Evidence disappears; statute of limitations expires |
| Assume it’s “not a big deal” | Hazing causes lasting physical and psychological damage |
📚 Marion County Hazing: Common Questions Answered
Q: “Is hazing really that common in Oregon?”
A: Yes. Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations across Oregon. Studies show:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- 95% of hazing victims do NOT report it
- Oregon has had multiple hazing incidents at universities in recent years
The culture of silence enables abuse. We are breaking that silence.
Q: “My child consented to join. Can we still sue?”
A: YES. Oregon law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says this doesn’t matter. The fraternity, sorority, or organization is still liable.
Q: “The university says they didn’t know. Are they still responsible?”
A: Possibly. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Failed to implement meaningful oversight
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- Had prior hazing incidents at their institution
Then they may be liable for negligent supervision or premises liability.
Our case against University of Houston shows they can be held accountable.
Q: “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that an excuse?”
A: No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding is torture whether it’s done to an enemy combatant or a college student. Forced drinking is assault. Extreme exercise causing kidney failure is reckless endangerment.
The law does not recognize “tradition” as a defense to hazing.
Q: “We’re worried about retaliation. What can we do?”
A: We understand. Our Houston client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” Hazing thrives on fear and silence.
We protect our clients by:
- Handling all communications with the organization
- Ensuring confidentiality
- Taking legal action against any retaliation
- Working with law enforcement if threats occur
No one should live in fear for seeking justice.
Q: “How much is a hazing case worth in Marion County?”
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth MILLIONS depending on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Psychological trauma
- Whether the university or national organization was involved
- Pattern of prior hazing incidents
- Egregiousness of conduct
Precedent cases have resulted in:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, Louisiana)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)
Our $10 million demand in the Houston case is in line with these precedents.
Q: “We’re not in Texas. Can you still help us?”
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Marion County, Oregon. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel means distance is not a barrier.
We serve Marion County families through:
- Free video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to Marion County for key meetings
- Coordination with local counsel if needed
Marion County families: You deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.
Q: “What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?”
A: You can still pursue a claim. Hazing often causes psychological trauma including:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trust issues
- Academic decline
These injuries are just as real and compensable as physical injuries.
Q: “How long does a hazing lawsuit take?”
A: Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. Factors affecting timeline:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Need for litigation
We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: “We can’t afford a lawyer. What can we do?”
A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- $0 upfront costs
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement/verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This levels the playing field against universities and national organizations with deep pockets.
🎓 Marion County Parents: Protect Your Child
You send your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trust the university. You trust the Greek organizations.
That trust is being betrayed.
Hazing is happening at universities near Marion County. The same fraternities that have killed students in other states operate in Oregon. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at Marion County institutions.
You can fight back.
You can hold them accountable.
You can protect the next student.
📞 Marion County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Justice
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. We fight for Marion County families.
🔥 The Message to Marion County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Marion County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same pattern of negligence that led to our Houston lawsuit exists in Oregon.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Marion County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities in Marion County and Oregon: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. Act now, or face the same accountability.
To the Greek life leadership at Marion County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 We Are Attorney 911. We Are Fighting for Justice in Marion County.
Marion County families: If your child was hazed, you are not alone. We are here to help.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Marion County, Oregon and nationwide
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation regarding your specific situation.
