🛡️ Newport County Hazing Lawyers – Protecting Students & Families

When Trust Becomes Torture: Newport County Families Deserve Justice

Newport County is home to some of Rhode Island’s most prestigious educational institutions, where families send their children expecting safety, growth, and opportunity. But behind the ivy-covered walls and Greek letters, a hidden crisis persists: hazing. What many assume are harmless “traditions” are often systematic abuse—forced drinking, physical punishment, psychological torment, and sometimes life-threatening rituals.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting this battle in court with a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This same hazing happens at Newport County institutions. The same fraternities operate near Newport County. And we will fight for Newport County families with the same aggression.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Newport County

Hazing Isn’t Tradition – It’s Abuse

Hazing is often dismissed as “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” But the reality is far darker:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise until collapse, beatings with paddles, waterboarding
• Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion
• Medical emergencies: Alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure
• Death: At least one hazing-related death occurs every year in the U.S.

This isn’t just happening elsewhere. It’s happening near Newport County.

Newport County Institutions at Risk

While Newport County itself is a smaller community, it’s surrounded by major universities and colleges where Greek life thrives:

• Salve Regina University (Newport, RI) – Active Greek life with fraternities and sororities
• Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI) – Multiple Greek organizations
• University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) – Large Greek system with documented hazing incidents
• Brown University (Providence, RI) – Ivy League institution with Greek presence
• Bryant University (Smithfield, RI) – Fraternities and sororities with reported hazing concerns

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—have active chapters at universities near Newport County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in the Newport County area, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Newport County

The $10 Million Fight – Why It Matters to Newport County Families

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. Over seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout (October 15, 2025)
• Hog-tied another pledge with an object in his mouth (October 13, 2025)
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply

The Result:
Bermudez couldn’t stand without help. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

The Defendants:

• Pi Kappa Phi National – Knew about “a hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Beta Nu Chapter (UH) – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• University of Houston – Owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred
• Individual members – Participated in and facilitated the hazing

Why This Matters to Newport County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America – including near Newport County
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Newport County-area fraternities
• Universities near Newport County face the same liability failures as UH
• If your child is being hazed in the Newport County area, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston

From Ralph Manginello to ABC13:

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

From Lupe Pena to ABC13:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

These Results Are Possible for Newport County Families Too

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. The same legal strategies apply to Newport County cases.

Key Takeaways for Newport County Families:

1. $10 million is a realistic demand – Our case is directly in line with Stone Foltz ($10.1M)
2. Universities pay – Bowling Green State paid $2.9M; UH faces similar liability
3. National fraternities pay – Pi Kappa Alpha paid $7.2M in Stone Foltz case
4. Individuals can be held personally liable – Stone Foltz chapter president ordered to pay $6.5M personally
5. Juries award punitive damages – Gruver case resulted in $6.1M verdict
6. These cases drive legislative change – Gruver led to “Max Gruver Act” (hazing now a felony in Louisiana)

⚖️ Legal Framework: Your Rights as a Newport County Hazing Victim

Rhode Island Hazing Laws

Rhode Island has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students:

Rhode Island General Laws § 11-21-1 – Hazing Prohibited

“No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of any public or private school or college in this state shall engage in hazing or commit an act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or other person.”

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
• Felony – If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death

Key Legal Principles:

1. Consent is not a defense – Even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal
2. Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued
3. Individuals can be held personally liable – Chapter officers and members can be sued individually
4. Universities have a duty to protect students – If they knew or should have known about hazing, they can be held liable

Civil Claims for Newport County Hazing Victims

Newport County families can pursue multiple legal claims:

🏢 Who We Are: Newport County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Why Newport County Families Choose Attorney 911

At Attorney 911, we don’t just talk about hazing—we’re fighting it in court right now. While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Newport County, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Our Approach to Serving Newport County Hazing Victims

When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s on a Newport County campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

For Newport County hazing victims, our team:

• Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
• Preserves evidence immediately – texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
• Negotiates from strength – we’re currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case
• Travels to Newport County – for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Provides remote consultations – Newport County families can video chat with our attorneys
• Fights for maximum compensation – medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Newport County hazing victims, we take it to court.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Newport County

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Newport County Families

If your child has been hazed in the Newport County area, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Follow these steps to protect your child’s rights:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• If they’re in immediate medical danger, call 911

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the emergency room – even if injuries seem minor
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately
• Document everything – medical records are crucial evidence

3. Preserve Evidence

DO:

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
• Document witness names and contact information
• Preserve physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Take screenshots of social media posts about hazing

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

4. Report the Incident

• File a police report – hazing may be a criminal offense
• Report to the university – Title IX office, student affairs, Greek life office
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority – if applicable

5. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free, confidential consultations for Newport County families
• $0 upfront – we work on contingency
• We’ll guide you through the next steps and protect your rights

🎯 Who Is Liable? The Newport County Institutions That Failed Your Child

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue every liable entity to maximize your compensation.

1. Local Greek Chapters

• Directly organize and conduct hazing activities
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be held personally liable
• Current members who participated in hazing

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

• Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks

3. Universities & Colleges

• Premises liability – If they own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Negligent supervision – Failure to monitor Greek life
• Institutional knowledge – If they knew or should have known about hazing

Example: In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured.

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Chapter officers who directed hazing
• Members who participated in hazing
• Former members who hosted hazing at their homes
• Spouses of members (premises liability)

5. Insurance Companies

• National organizations have liability insurance
• Universities have institutional insurance
• Homeowners insurance may cover off-campus hazing

💔 The Impact of Hazing: What Newport County Families Need to Know

Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure (as seen in our UH case)
• Alcohol poisoning – Can be fatal; requires emergency treatment
• Traumatic brain injury – From beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen
• Broken bones, burns, internal injuries – From physical abuse
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures

Psychological Trauma

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
• Depression – Feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from social life
• Anxiety disorders – Panic attacks, constant fear
• Suicidal ideation – Hazing can push victims to the brink
• Trust issues – Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal

Academic & Career Impact

• Lowered grades – Inability to focus, missed classes
• Dropped classes or semesters – Need time to recover
• Lost scholarships – If academic performance declines
• Damaged reputation – Future employers may discover hazing incidents
• Career limitations – Some fields require background checks

Financial Consequences

• Medical bills – Emergency room, hospitalization, ongoing treatment
• Therapy costs – Mental health treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Lost wages – Time missed from work during recovery
• Future earning capacity – If injuries cause permanent limitations

📢 Messaging to Newport County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Newport County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma – if your chapter operates near Newport County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures. If your Newport County-area chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing. That’s what happens when you haze in America.

📞 Newport County Families: Contact Us Today

Newport County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice. We Will Fight for You.

If your child has been hazed in the Newport County area, contact Attorney 911 immediately.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Newport County hazing emergencies)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Newport County families
• $0 upfront – We work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
• Remote consultations – Video chat available for Newport County families
• Willingness to travel – We come to Newport County for depositions and trials

Newport County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now—and we will fight for you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Newport County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a Newport County-area university. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Newport County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America. We offer remote consultations and will travel to Newport County for your case.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Yes. Rhode Island law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable. This is a common defense tactic—don’t let them intimidate you.

Q: How much is my Newport County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of physical injuries
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Medical expenses (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Academic impact (lost scholarships, delayed graduation)
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million—and we believe that demand is justified by the facts.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Have a history of hazing incidents
• Failed to implement adequate oversight
• Ignored complaints or warning signs

…then they can be held liable for negligent supervision, even if they claim they “didn’t know.”

In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They also had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity. They knew the risks—and they failed to act.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit for hazing in Newport County?

Rhode Island has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. However, you should act immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case.

Our advice: Contact an attorney as soon as possible after the hazing incident. In our UH case, we filed the lawsuit within weeks of our client’s hospitalization.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from the fraternity, university, or other members. We take these concerns seriously.

How we protect our clients:

• Confidentiality – Your case details remain private
• Legal protection – Retaliation is illegal and can result in additional legal claims
• Evidence preservation – We document everything to build a strong case
• Media strategy – We control the narrative to protect your child’s privacy

In our UH case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). We are committed to protecting Newport County victims from further harm.

Q: The fraternity has already been suspended. Why should I still pursue legal action?

Because suspension isn’t enough. Fraternities often:

• Plan to return to campus (Pi Kappa Phi’s statement: “We look forward to returning to campus”)
• Avoid taking real responsibility
• Fail to compensate victims for their injuries

Legal action holds them accountable financially and sends a message that hazing will not be tolerated. In our UH case, the chapter was suspended before the lawsuit was filed—but that doesn’t undo the harm they caused.

Your Newport County case can:

• Provide compensation for medical bills, therapy, and other damages
• Force systemic change in Greek life culture
• Prevent future hazing at Newport County institutions
• Hold individuals and institutions accountable

🎓 Newport County Parents: Protect Your Child from Hazing

Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags to watch for:

What Newport County Parents Can Do

1. Educate Your Child

   • Talk to them about the dangers of hazing
   • Encourage them to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is
   • Remind them that consent is not a defense—hazing is illegal even if they “agree” to it

2. Research the Organization

   • Look into the fraternity/sorority’s history at their school
   • Check for past hazing incidents or disciplinary actions
   • Ask about their anti-hazing policies and enforcement

3. Stay Involved

   • Maintain open communication with your child
   • Ask about their experiences in Greek life
   • Watch for warning signs of hazing

4. Know Your Rights

   • If hazing occurs, contact an attorney immediately
   • Rhode Island law protects hazing victims—don’t let institutions intimidate you

5. Report Suspected Hazing

   • Rhode Island Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
   • University reporting: Contact the Title IX office or student affairs
   • Police: Hazing may be a criminal offense

📚 Newport County Hazing Resources

Organizations Fighting Hazing

Rhode Island-Specific Resources

🔥 Newport County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes criminal. And it has to stop.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring that same fight to Newport County.

Newport County families: Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And future students deserve protection.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about hazing. We fight it. And we will fight for you.