Hazing Victims in Venango County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Venango County, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston, forcing him into the hospital with kidney failure, operate right here in Pennsylvania. The same culture of abuse, the same institutional negligence, the same broken promises — it’s happening to Venango County families too.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what happened to our client — and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Venango County. Your family deserves the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Venango County

The Case That Proves Hazing is Systemic — And Venango County Families Are at Risk

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of torture disguised as “pledging.”

What they did to him wasn’t just hazing. It was abuse. It was assault. It was torture.

Here’s what happened to Leonel — and what could be happening to students near Venango County right now:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a technique considered torture when used on enemy combatants
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed, unable to stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
• Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — they kept going
• Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather and lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply — psychological coercion
• Hazing occurred in a fraternity house owned by the university — they collected rent while students were tortured

Leonel spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. His muscles literally broke down from the abuse. And here’s the outrageous part: He wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — someone the fraternity recruited before he even enrolled.

This Isn’t Just a Houston Problem. It’s a Venango County Problem Too.

The same fraternities that did this in Texas operate right here in Pennsylvania. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — all have chapters at universities near Venango County. And if it can happen at the University of Houston, it can happen at Clarion University, Edinboro University, or any institution where Greek life exists in our region.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. They had the power to inspect, to regulate, to shut it down. They did nothing. And when a student was hospitalized in 2017 from hazing at a different fraternity on their campus, they still didn’t act. Eight years later, another student was hospitalized.

Does that sound familiar, Venango County? How many times has your local university known about hazing and done nothing? How many students have been hurt while administrators looked the other way?

Hazing is Illegal in Pennsylvania — And Venango County Victims Have Rights

Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law: What Venango County Families Need to Know

Pennsylvania has strong laws against hazing, and they apply to all educational institutions in the state — including colleges and universities near Venango County.

Under Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2810):

• Hazing is a criminal offense — it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity
• Consent is not a defense — even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter
• Organizations can be held liable — fraternities, sororities, and even universities can face consequences
• Individuals can be held personally responsible — chapter officers, members, and even alumni who participate or enable hazing can be sued

What Counts as Hazing in Pennsylvania?

Hazing includes any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with an organization. This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats)
• Dangerous activities (waterboarding, extreme weather exposure, confinement)

Venango County Families: You Can Sue for Hazing Injuries

If your child has been hazed in Venango County or at a nearby university, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for:

• Medical bills (emergency room, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition loss, delayed graduation, scholarship impact)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

And here’s the most important part: You don’t have to wait for criminal charges to be filed. Civil lawsuits can proceed independently, and they often result in much higher compensation than criminal cases.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Venango County?

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

The chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly responsible. This includes:

• The chapter president
• The pledge master
• Active members who participated
• Alumni who hosted hazing events

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

National organizations often claim they have “anti-hazing policies,” but their failure to enforce those policies makes them liable. In our Houston case, Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing. The same is likely true for nationals operating near Venango County.

3. The University or College

Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement effective oversight of Greek life
• Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing

…then they can be held financially responsible.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in, enabled, or failed to stop hazing can be sued personally. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million out of his own pocket.

5. Insurance Companies

Most fraternities and universities have liability insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. These policies often have million-dollar limits, and we know how to pursue them aggressively.

What Should Venango County Families Do Right Now?

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If your child has been hazed, get them to a doctor right away — even if they say they’re “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — anything related to hazing
• Photos or videos of injuries, hazing activities, or the location where it happened
• Names and contact information of witnesses or other victims
• Medical records from hospital visits or doctor appointments
• Any documents given to your child by the organization (pledge manuals, schedules, etc.)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel

• Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders, university administrators, or their lawyers
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Do not post on social media about the incident — anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

Time is critical. Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue forever.

At Attorney 911, we offer free, confidential consultations for Venango County hazing victims. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Step 5: Report the Incident to Authorities

Consider filing:

• A police report (hazing is a crime in Pennsylvania)
• A Title IX complaint (if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault)
• A report to the university (but do this with your attorney present)

Why Venango County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Winning

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Insurance Companies and Fraternities Operate

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how these organizations think, how they try to minimize claims, and how to dismantle their defenses.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — We Can Handle Venango County Cases Anywhere

While we’re based in Texas, we have federal court admission and can represent hazing victims anywhere in the country, including Venango County. We’ll travel to Pennsylvania for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs

We understand that Venango County families may be hesitant to pursue legal action due to cost. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full legal services in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers stand in the way of justice.

6. We’ve Won Millions for Victims of Institutional Negligence

• $10 million in our current hazing case
• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death, trucking accidents, and refinery explosion cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience taking on massive corporate defendants

7. We Understand the Culture of Hazing — And How to Break It

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We know how to expose the systemic failures that allow this abuse to continue.

What Venango County Families Can Expect When They Work With Us

1. Immediate Case Evaluation

We’ll review your situation, explain your legal rights, and outline the best path forward.

2. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants, ensuring no evidence is destroyed. We’ll also gather medical records, witness statements, and other critical documentation.

3. Strategic Negotiation

We’ll negotiate with insurance companies, fraternities, and universities to secure a fair settlement without the need for a trial.

4. Relentless Litigation (If Necessary)

If the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We have a proven track record of winning in court.

5. Comprehensive Support

We’ll connect you with medical experts, therapists, and support networks to help your child recover physically and emotionally.

Venango County: The Time to Act is Now

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not building brotherhood.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.

And it’s happening to students near Venango County right now.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to stop it. You have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the power to protect the next student.

But you have to act fast.

Call Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Venango County Hazing Victims

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We’re available 24/7. We’ll come to Venango County. We’ll fight for you.

Frequently Asked Questions for Venango County Families

1. Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t happen at a Venango County school?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed at a college or university anywhere in Pennsylvania — or even out of state — we can help.

2. What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Does that mean they can’t sue?

No. Pennsylvania law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable for their injuries.

3. How much is our hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts, especially when:

• The victim was hospitalized
• The hazing involved extreme physical abuse (waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise)
• The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents
• There’s evidence of a cover-up

4. What if the fraternity says the hazing was “just a prank”?

Hazing is never just a prank. When it causes physical injury, psychological trauma, or hospitalization, it becomes a legal matter. We’ll gather evidence to prove the severity of what happened.

5. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate in the hazing?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement effective oversight
• Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing

…then they can be held financially responsible.

6. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand. Many hazing victims fear retribution for speaking out. We’ll protect your child’s identity and ensure their safety throughout the legal process.

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

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. That means you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

8. What if the fraternity says they’ve already “punished” the members involved?

Fraternities often claim they’ve “taken care of it” by suspending or expelling members. But that’s not justice. Justice means financial accountability for the harm they caused. It means preventing this from happening to another Venango County family.

9. Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured, but was emotionally traumatized?

Yes. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is a valid basis for a lawsuit. We’ll work with mental health professionals to document the impact of the hazing on your child’s life.

10. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

It doesn’t matter. Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing was part of a fraternity or sorority activity, the organization can still be held liable.

Venango County: You Are Not Powerless

We know what you’re feeling right now:

• Anger at the people who hurt your child
• Betrayal by the institution that was supposed to protect them
• Fear about what this means for their future
• Helplessness in the face of powerful organizations

But you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have a voice. And you have Attorney 911 fighting for you.

We’ve seen what happens when fraternities and universities think they can get away with this. We’re here to prove them wrong.

Call us today. Let’s fight back together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Justice for Venango County starts with a phone call.