Hazing Victims Legal Support for Howland Island
🚨 Immediate Help for Hazing Victims in Howland Island
If you or your child has been hazed at a university, fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Howland Island, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a landmark $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to fight for Howland Island families with the same aggressive representation.
📞 Call our 24/7 hazing emergency hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Howland Island. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
The Hazing Crisis in Howland Island
Hazing is not just a problem on the mainland—it happens right here in the Pacific region, including at institutions near Howland Island. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at universities throughout Oceania and the U.S. territories. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Howland Island, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
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 their willingness to participate. Common hazing practices include:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting
- Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities that prevent rest
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects
- Extreme exposure: Forced to endure cold, heat, or other dangerous conditions
Hazing is illegal in most jurisdictions, including U.S. territories, and can result in criminal charges for those involved.
The Landmark Case: Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
📰 Breaking: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Filed
Attorney 911 is currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups under threat of expulsion
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with kidney failure. This case is not just about compensation—it’s about sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated.
Why This Case Matters for Howland Island Families
- Same Fraternities, Same Risks: Pi Kappa Phi and other national fraternities operate chapters at universities near Howland Island. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Howland Island’s region.
- Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Universities near Howland Island have the same responsibility to protect students.
- Pattern of Negligence: Pi Kappa Phi had a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State) and did nothing to prevent Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025. The same negligence exists at Howland Island institutions.
- Legal Precedent: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts have been awarded in hazing cases nationwide. Howland Island families can achieve the same justice.
Legal Rights for Howland Island Hazing Victims
📜 Howland Island Hazing Laws
While Howland Island is a U.S. territory, hazing laws vary by jurisdiction. However, federal civil rights claims and negligence laws apply regardless of location, and our firm’s federal court authority allows us to pursue cases nationwide, including in Howland Island.
Key Legal Principles:
- Consent Is Not a Defense: Even if a victim “agreed” to participate, hazing is illegal, and consent does not absolve perpetrators of liability.
- Institutional Liability: Universities, fraternities, and sororities can be held responsible for failing to prevent hazing.
- Individual Liability: Chapter officers, members, and alumni who participate in or enable hazing can be sued personally.
- Punitive Damages: If the conduct is egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse), courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:
| Defendant | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing risks |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional and individual liability |
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Howland Island
📋 Immediate Steps for Howland Island Families
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Hazing can cause delayed-onset conditions like rhabdomyolysis, concussions, or psychological trauma.
- Preserve Evidence:
- Take photos/videos of injuries and hazing locations.
- Save all communications (texts, emails, social media messages).
- Document witness names and contact information.
- Do NOT Confront the Organization: Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative. Do not speak to them without legal counsel.
- Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact an Attorney Immediately: Hazing cases have strict deadlines (typically 2 years from the incident). Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget.
Damages You Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
💰 Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarship loss)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, mental health treatment)
😢 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on daily activities)
- Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)
💥 Punitive Damages
- Awarded when conduct is egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse).
- Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
Precedent Cases: Howland Island Families Can Win
Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts nationwide. Here are some landmark cases that prove justice is possible:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Pending | $10 million |
Howland Island families can achieve the same results. The same legal strategies that won millions for these victims apply to Howland Island cases.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Howland Island Hazing Case?
✅ Nationwide Experience, Local Commitment
While we are based in Houston, Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Howland Island. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S. and its territories.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook and use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
✅ Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City Explosion: Multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation.
- $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: Currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and UH.
- Hundreds of Personal Injury Cases: Recovered millions for victims of car accidents, trucking accidents, and workplace injuries.
✅ Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
We treat Howland Island families like family. We understand the trauma of hazing and are committed to fighting for your rights with humility, respect, and relentless advocacy.
✅ No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions for Howland Island Families
❓ Can I sue if my child was hazed in Howland Island?
Yes. Hazing is illegal, and victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Universities, fraternities, and sororities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing.
❓ How much is my Howland Island hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing settlements and verdicts range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries and the egregiousness of the conduct. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is supported by precedent.
❓ What if my child “consented” to hazing?
Consent is not a defense. Most jurisdictions, including U.S. territories, explicitly state that consent does not absolve perpetrators of liability for hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still responsible.
❓ How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Most jurisdictions have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, this deadline can vary, so it’s critical to contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.
❓ Will my child’s academic or social life be affected?
We understand the fear of retaliation or social ostracism. We will protect your child’s identity and pursue the case in a way that minimizes disruption to their life. Many hazing cases are resolved confidentially.
❓ Can I afford a lawyer?
Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Howland Island Hazing Resources
📞 Emergency Contacts
- Howland Island Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
📚 Educational Resources
- StopHazing.org: Research and resources on hazing prevention.
- HazingPrevention.org: Tools for students, parents, and educators.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Support for victims of sexual abuse.
Take Action Today
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s abuse. If your child has been hazed near Howland Island, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable.
📞 Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Howland Island families deserve justice. We’re here to fight for you.
