🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Wheeler County, Oregon — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Attorney 911 — Fighting for Wheeler County Families Affected by Hazing

📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Wheeler County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911

The Hazing Crisis Has Reached Wheeler County

Wheeler County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will uphold basic standards of human dignity.

That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing is not harmless tradition. It is not “building character.” It is abuse, torture, and sometimes murder. And it is happening at universities near Wheeler County.

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in Oregon. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta — these organizations have chapters across the state, including at universities near Wheeler County. They bring the same culture of abuse that has hospitalized and killed students in Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

If your child has been hazed in Wheeler County or at any Oregon university, we can help.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of whether they consent.

Hazing in Wheeler County and Oregon Includes:

This is not tradition. This is not brotherhood. This is abuse.

The Landmark Case That Shows What’s Happening in Wheeler County

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

What Happened:
In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student hoping to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic torture as part of the fraternity’s pledge process. The hazing included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he could barely move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

The Aftermath:

• Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — an admission of wrongdoing
• The University of Houston launched an investigation, calling the events “deeply disturbing”
• Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and multiple individuals
• The case made national headlines, with coverage from ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media

Why This Case Matters to Wheeler County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate in Oregon

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and others have chapters at universities near Wheeler County.
   • The same national organizations that failed to stop hazing in Texas are overseeing chapters in Oregon.
   • If it happened in Houston, it can — and likely does — happen in Wheeler County.

2. Universities Near Wheeler County Face the Same Liability

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
   • Oregon universities also own or lease properties to Greek organizations.
   • When universities have control over these properties and fail to prevent hazing, they share liability.

3. The Same “Traditions” Exist in Wheeler County

   • Waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse — these are not isolated incidents.
   • They are part of a national culture of hazing that exists in every state, including Oregon.
   • If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Wheeler County, they face the same risks.

4. The Same Legal Strategies Apply

   • In Texas, we are pursuing $10 million in damages for Bermudez.
   • The same legal theories — negligence, premises liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress — apply in Oregon.
   • We can represent Wheeler County families in state or federal court.

Hazing at Oregon Universities — The Reality Wheeler County Families Face

Oregon is not immune to the hazing crisis. Universities across the state have faced hazing incidents, investigations, and lawsuits. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements elsewhere operate chapters near Wheeler County.

Universities Near Wheeler County with Greek Life:

While Wheeler County itself is rural and does not have a major university, several institutions with active Greek life are located within driving distance:

1. Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)

   • Located approximately 3.5 hours from Wheeler County
   • Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including:
     • Pi Kappa Phi
     • Sigma Alpha Epsilon
     • Pi Kappa Alpha
     • Phi Delta Theta
     • Beta Theta Pi
     • Kappa Sigma
     • Sigma Chi
     • And many others

2. University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)

   • Located approximately 4 hours from Wheeler County
   • Large Greek system with dozens of fraternities and sororities, including:
     • Pi Kappa Phi
     • Sigma Chi
     • Kappa Sigma
     • Beta Theta Pi
     • Delta Tau Delta

3. Portland State University (Portland, OR)

   • Located approximately 5 hours from Wheeler County
   • Smaller but active Greek community

4. Willamette University (Salem, OR)

   • Located approximately 4 hours from Wheeler County
   • Private university with Greek organizations

If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they are at risk of hazing.

Oregon Hazing Laws — What Wheeler County Families Need to Know

Oregon has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child has been hazed, they have legal rights under Oregon law.

Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.197 — Hazing

Definition of Hazing in Oregon:

“Hazing” means any act that:
(a) Is committed for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a minor or student into or with an organization or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a minor’s or student’s membership or status in an organization; and
(b) Causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm or serious psychological or emotional harm to any minor or student.

Key Points:

• Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $6,250 fine.
• Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
• Hazing can include physical abuse, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, psychological torture, and more.
• Organizations that condone or encourage hazing can be held civilly liable for damages.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Oregon

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Oregon can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. You can sue:

1. The Local Chapter — The fraternity or sorority that organized and conducted the hazing.
2. The National Organization — The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise the local chapter.
3. The University — If the university owned or controlled the property where the hazing occurred, or if they failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it was happening.
4. Individual Members — Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be sued individually.
5. Alumni or Former Members — If hazing occurred at their residence, they can be held liable for premises liability.
6. Insurance Companies — Many fraternities, sororities, and universities have liability insurance that may cover hazing claims.

What Wheeler County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

If your child has been hazed, they may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses — Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications, and future medical costs.
• Lost Wages — If the hazing caused your child to miss work or lose job opportunities.
• Educational Damages — Tuition reimbursement if your child had to drop out or transfer due to hazing.
• Future Earning Capacity — If the hazing caused long-term injuries that affect your child’s career.

2. Non-Economic Damages

• Physical Pain and Suffering — Compensation for the physical pain caused by hazing.
• Mental Anguish — Compensation for the emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD caused by hazing.
• Emotional Distress — Compensation for the humiliation, shame, and loss of trust caused by hazing.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life — Compensation for the impact on your child’s ability to enjoy daily activities and relationships.

3. Punitive Damages

• Punitive damages are awarded in cases of egregious misconduct to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
• In Oregon, punitive damages are available when the defendant’s conduct was malicious, willful, or recklessly indifferent to the victim’s rights.
• Examples of conduct that may justify punitive damages:
  • Waterboarding or simulated drowning
  • Forcing students to exercise until they collapse
  • Striking students with objects (e.g., wooden paddles)
  • Covering up hazing incidents
  • Failing to act despite knowing hazing was occurring

Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that juries and courts take hazing seriously and will hold institutions accountable.

1. Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million (Ohio, 2021)

• Victim: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. Died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement, including $2.9 million from the university and $7.2 million from the fraternity and individuals.
• Why It Matters: Shows that both universities and fraternities pay millions when hazing leads to death.

2. Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Louisiana, 2017)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old student at Louisiana State University
• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• What Happened: Forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — more than 6 times the legal limit).
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict. The state of Louisiana also passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
• Why It Matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths. Criminal charges often follow.

3. Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million (Pennsylvania, 2017)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old student at Penn State University
• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a bid acceptance night. Fell down basement stairs multiple times. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Died from traumatic brain injury.
• Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at $110+ million. Multiple fraternity members convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
• Why It Matters: Shows that strong evidence leads to massive settlements. Security cameras captured everything in this case.

4. Andrew Coffey — Pi Kappa Phi (Florida, 2017)

• Victim: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old student at Florida State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi — the same fraternity involved in the Bermudez case
• What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. Died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: 9 fraternity members charged with hazing. The chapter was permanently closed.
• Why It Matters: Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died. They did nothing. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 because they failed to act.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Wheeler County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases are complex. They involve multiple defendants, institutional cover-ups, and powerful organizations with deep pockets. You need attorneys with:

• Proven experience in hazing litigation
• A track record of multi-million dollar results
• The resources to take on national fraternities and universities
• The willingness to fight for Wheeler County families

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know how to build these cases, gather evidence, and hold institutions accountable.
• Wheeler County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
• We know how insurance companies value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. Federal Court Authority

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue hazing cases in federal court.
• This is critical for cases involving national fraternities and out-of-state defendants.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

• We are licensed in Texas and New York.
• This gives us a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities headquartered in other states.

5. Willingness to Travel to Wheeler County

• We will travel to Wheeler County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
• Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

• $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
• This means Wheeler County families pay nothing out of pocket to pursue justice.
• We take the financial risk so you can focus on healing.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Wheeler County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injury can have delayed symptoms.
• Medical records create documented evidence of the harm caused.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries, bruises, or physical evidence.
• Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
• Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened.
• Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant.

3. Do Not Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and pressure your child to stay silent.
• Anything your child says to them can be used against them in court.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university.

4. Do Not Post on Social Media

• Anything your child posts can be used against them by the fraternity, sorority, or university.
• Do not post about the incident, their injuries, or their recovery.
• Do not engage with Greek life members online.

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call our 24/7 legal emergency hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• We offer free, confidential consultations for hazing victims and their families.
• The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Wheeler County

1. My child consented to participate. Can they still sue?

Yes. Oregon law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal, and the organization can be held liable.

2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activities meet the legal definition of hazing — causing physical or psychological harm — they are illegal, regardless of whether they are called “tradition.”

3. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own or control the property where hazing occurs, or if they have the power to regulate Greek life but fail to do so, they can be held liable for negligent supervision and premises liability.

4. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the property owner (including alumni or former members) can be held liable for premises liability.

5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your case becomes harder to prove over time.

6. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity and take steps to ensure their safety. Many hazing cases involve multiple victims, and we can help connect you with others who have experienced the same abuse.

7. How much is my child’s case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (e.g., hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• Pattern of hazing (e.g., prior incidents at the same chapter)
• Institutional knowledge (e.g., university or national organization knew about prior hazing)
• Cover-up attempts (e.g., destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses)

8. Can we sue if my child wasn’t seriously injured?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered psychological trauma, emotional distress, or humiliation. These damages are compensable in a hazing lawsuit.

9. What if my child is an international student or undocumented?

Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to sue. We represent students from all backgrounds and will protect their privacy.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.

Wheeler County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is a national crisis, but it doesn’t have to be a silent one. If your child has been hazed, you have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent this from happening to another Wheeler County family.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for your family.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims in Wheeler County, Oregon, and nationwide.

🔥 Together, We Can End Hazing in Wheeler County

Enough is enough. It’s time to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. It’s time to protect Wheeler County students. It’s time for justice.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.