Hazing Victims in Umatilla County: Your Rights and How to Seek Justice
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We
Umatilla County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students from harm. Tragically, that trust is too often betrayed.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. We know the same dangerous hazing culture exists in organizations near Umatilla County – and we’re ready to fight for your family too.
This Could Be Happening to Students Near Umatilla County
The fraternities involved in our Houston case have chapters at universities across the country – including institutions near Umatilla County. The same national organizations, the same “traditions,” and the same negligent oversight that led to our client’s hospitalization could be putting Umatilla County students at risk right now.
What Constitutes Hazing in Oregon?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.
Common hazing activities include:
- Forced excessive alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise (like 500 squats or push-ups)
- Waterboarding or other forms of simulated drowning
- Being struck with objects (paddles, belts, etc.)
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced consumption of food, liquids, or non-food items
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Sexual acts or carrying sexual objects
- Being confined in small spaces
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Oregon Hazing Laws
Oregon has strong laws against hazing. Under ORS 163.197, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine. Importantly, consent is not a defense – even if a student agrees to participate, the activity can still be illegal.
The Devastating Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” or “tradition” – it’s dangerous and can have lifelong consequences.
Physical Injuries
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Hypothermia or heat stroke
- Death
Psychological Trauma
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Trust issues
- Suicidal ideation
- Academic decline
- Substance abuse
Long-Term Impact
- Chronic health conditions
- Permanent disability
- Career limitations
- Financial burden from medical bills
- Strained family relationships
Who Is Liable for Hazing Injuries?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties may share responsibility:
- Individual perpetrators – Those who directly participated in or organized the hazing
- Local chapter – The specific fraternity or sorority chapter
- National organization – The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies
- University or college – For failing to protect students, especially if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Chapter advisors or alumni – Those who knew or should have known about the hazing
- Property owners – If hazing occurred at a private residence
Our Current Hazing Case: What Happened at University of Houston
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse, including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ push-ups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during a workout on October 15, 2025
After this extreme physical punishment, our client couldn’t stand without help and crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was rushed to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, where he spent three nights and four days.
This Wasn’t the First Time
- In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption
- In 2017, a University of Houston student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at another fraternity
Neither the national organization nor the university took effective action to prevent this from happening again.
Why Umatilla County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the tactics defendants use, and we know how to counter them.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they evaluate claims, how they try to minimize payouts, and how to fight back against their strategies.
3. Nationwide Reach
We’re based in Texas but represent hazing victims across the country, including Umatilla County. We can:
- Handle your case remotely through video consultations
- Travel to Umatilla County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Pursue cases in federal court if needed
4. No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
5. Aggressive Representation
We don’t settle for lowball offers. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or at trial.
6. Bilingual Services
We offer comprehensive legal services in English and Spanish to serve all Umatilla County families.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Umatilla County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away. Get them checked by a medical professional.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries
- Save all communications (texts, emails, social media messages, GroupMe chats)
- Document everything your child tells you about what happened
- Get names and contact information of any witnesses
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
3. Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority members or leadership
- Do not post about the incident on social media
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers
- Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel
4. Contact an Attorney Immediately
Hazing cases have time limits (typically 2 years in Oregon). Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget details. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
5. Report the Incident
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national organization (though they may try to cover it up)
Damages You Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Educational expenses
- Travel costs for medical treatment
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Counter Them
Defendants in hazing cases often try to minimize their responsibility. Here’s how we counter their arguments:
| Defense | Our Response |
|---|---|
| “The victim consented to participate” | Oregon law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing |
| “It was just tradition” | Tradition doesn’t justify illegal or dangerous activities |
| “The victim knew what they were getting into” | Most pledges don’t truly understand the risks until it’s too late |
| “The university didn’t know it was happening” | Universities have a duty to monitor organizations on their campuses |
| “The national organization didn’t know” | They have oversight responsibility and often do know about patterns of abuse |
| “It was just a few bad apples” | Systemic issues require systemic accountability |
Hazing at Universities Near Umatilla County
While we don’t have specific reports of hazing incidents at every university near Umatilla County, we know that:
- National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at universities throughout Oregon
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations
- The same national organizations involved in our Houston case operate near Umatilla County
If your child attends college near Umatilla County, they could be at risk.
How We Handle Hazing Cases for Umatilla County Families
1. Free Initial Consultation
We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case at no cost.
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We’ll send preservation letters to all potential defendants, demanding they keep all relevant evidence.
3. Thorough Investigation
We’ll gather all available evidence, including:
- Medical records
- Communications (texts, emails, social media)
- Witness statements
- University policies and records
- Prior hazing incidents at the same organization
4. Expert Consultation
We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and financial experts to build the strongest possible case.
5. Aggressive Negotiation
We’ll negotiate with defendants and their insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
6. Trial Preparation
If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements
Hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here are some recent examples:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million estimated settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
These cases show that juries and courts take hazing seriously – and so do we.
The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing cases have strict time limits. In Oregon, you typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade.
If your child has been hazed, don’t wait. Contact Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.
How Umatilla County Families Can Reach Us
📞 Call our 24/7 legal emergency hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit our website: attorney911.com
📍 We serve Umatilla County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we travel to Umatilla County as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We can:
- Advise your child on how to document any retaliation
- Take legal action against anyone who retaliates
- Keep your child’s identity confidential when possible
- Work with university officials to ensure your child’s safety
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much will this cost?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.
Q: The fraternity says my child consented. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. Oregon law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months, while others may take years if they go to trial. We’ll work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Q: Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it’s related to joining or maintaining membership in an organization, it can be the basis for a lawsuit.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities have a duty to monitor organizations on their campuses. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable for negligence.
Umatilla County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is a betrayal of trust that can have lifelong consequences. But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting to hold organizations accountable and prevent future hazing. We’re ready to fight for Umatilla County families just as aggressively as we’re fighting our current case.
If your child has been hazed, call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Umatilla County and nationwide
