🚨 Hazing Legal Emergency: What Clark County Families Need to Know
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Clark County, Washington, you have legal rights — and Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now.
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This same hazing happens at institutions near Clark County. The same fraternities operate near Clark County. And we will fight for Clark County families with the same aggression.
Call us immediately if your child has been:
- Waterboarded or subjected to simulated drowning
- Forced to consume alcohol or food until vomiting
- Beaten with paddles or other objects
- Exercised to the point of physical collapse
- Humiliated, degraded, or psychologically abused
- Hospitalized from hazing activities
⚠️ Hazing Is Not Tradition — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s not “team bonding.”
It is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
And it is illegal in Washington State.
🏥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Clark County
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The same fraternities that hazed our client operate at universities near Clark County:
- Washington State University Vancouver (just 10 miles from Clark County)
- Portland State University (across the river in Oregon)
- University of Portland (private institution with active Greek life)
- Other Pacific Northwest universities where Greek organizations thrive
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Clark County-area fraternities and sororities.
💰 $10 Million Demand Sends a Message
We are suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million. This is not an arbitrary number.
Precedent cases show hazing verdicts and settlements reach millions:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
$10 million is what it takes to make institutions stop torturing our children.
⚖️ Washington State Hazing Laws Protect Your Child
Washington State has strong anti-hazing laws. Under RCW 28B.10.900-903:
- Hazing is a crime — punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 fine
- Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate
- Organizations can be held liable — fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs
- Universities have a duty to protect students — they can be sued for failing to prevent hazing
If your child has been hazed in Clark County, we can help you pursue justice under Washington law.
📞 Clark County Families: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing victims near Clark County have legal rights — but you must act quickly.
Washington State has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations for Clark County hazing victims
- Remote consultations — no need to travel to Houston
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
- Aggressive litigation — we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing case
- Nationwide reach — we can represent Clark County victims anywhere in Washington or Oregon
Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Or email:
ralph@atty911.com
🚨 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Clark County
- Get medical attention immediately — document all injuries
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, videos, social media, witness names
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel
- Do NOT post on social media about the incident
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ Who We Can Sue for Clark County Hazing Victims
We pursue every liable party:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| Housing corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite power to regulate |
| Individual members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes |
| Insurance companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
💔 The Psychological Trauma Is Real
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It causes lasting psychological harm:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Trust issues and social withdrawal
- Academic decline
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal ideation
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — this fear is real and is itself evidence of the psychological harm hazing causes.
📋 Washington State Hazing Law: What You Need to Know
RCW 28B.10.901 — Definition of Hazing
Hazing means any method of initiation into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group, that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending any public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary educational institution in this state.
This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
RCW 28B.10.902 — Criminal Penalties
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Misdemeanor — up to 364 days in jail, $5,000 fine |
| Hazing causing substantial bodily harm | Gross misdemeanor — up to 364 days in jail, $5,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death or great bodily harm | Class C felony — up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
RCW 28B.10.903 — Consent Is Not a Defense
Consent of a victim or participant is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.
This is critical. When fraternities argue:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew the risks”
- “He could have left”
Washington law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
🏫 Universities Near Clark County With Greek Life
These institutions have active Greek organizations — and the same hazing risks:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State University Vancouver | Vancouver, WA (10 miles from Clark County) | Active fraternities and sororities |
| Portland State University | Portland, OR (across the river) | Multiple Greek organizations |
| University of Portland | Portland, OR | Private university with Greek life |
| Lewis & Clark College | Portland, OR | Smaller Greek system |
| Reed College | Portland, OR | Minimal Greek presence (but other student groups) |
| George Fox University | Newberg, OR | Christian university with Greek organizations |
| Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | Smaller Greek system |
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — these are the same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. They operate at universities near Clark County.
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Clark County
Parents: Watch for these red flags:
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Unexplained bruises, injuries, or exhaustion
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Withdrawal from friends/family
- Sudden academic decline
- Unusual clothing or accessories
- References to “big brother,” “little brother,” or “pledging”
- Fearful or anxious behavior
- Avoiding questions about new friends or activities
If you suspect hazing, act immediately.
📚 What Clark County Families Can Recover
Hazing victims in Clark County can recover compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning capacity
- Tuition and academic expenses
- Travel costs for treatment
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
Punitive Damages:
- Additional damages to punish egregious conduct
- Applicable when hazing involves torture, forced consumption, or reckless disregard for safety
🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Clark County Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Same legal strategies available for Clark County victims
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know how they try to deny claims
- We use their playbook against them
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue Clark County cases in federal jurisdiction
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
- Licensed in Texas and New York
- Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities
5. Bilingual Representation
- Se habla español
- Can serve Clark County Hispanic families without language barriers
6. Willingness to Travel
- We come to Clark County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
7. Contingency Fee Representation
- $0 upfront for Clark County families
- We don’t get paid unless you win
- No financial barrier to pursuing justice
8. Proven Track Record
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Experience with catastrophic injury cases
- Aggressive litigation against powerful institutions
9. We Understand the Culture
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach
- Understands team dynamics and locker room culture
- Knows the pressures young people face in Greek life
10. We Care About Prevention
- Lupe Pena: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”
- Your Clark County case could save lives
📅 Clark County Hazing Statute of Limitations
Washington State has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing.
This means:
- You have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
- If your child was hazed in 2023, the deadline is 2026
- If your child was hazed in 2024, the deadline is 2027
- If your child was hazed in 2025, the deadline is 2028
But don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights are strongest when you act immediately.
🚫 What NOT to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clark County
❌ Do NOT confront the fraternity or sorority — they will destroy evidence and coordinate their story
❌ Do NOT post on social media — anything you post can be used against you
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university
❌ Do NOT talk to insurance companies without an attorney
❌ Do NOT assume it’s “just tradition” — hazing is illegal and dangerous
❌ Do NOT wait to act — the statute of limitations is running
✅ What TO Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clark County
- Get medical attention immediately — document all injuries
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, videos, social media, witness names
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
- Do NOT talk to anyone without legal counsel
- Follow your attorney’s guidance on next steps
🏆 Our Current Hazing Case: What Clark County Families Can Learn
The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case
What Happened:
- Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity
- He was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout
- On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was forced to exercise until he collapsed
- He couldn’t stand without help
- He crawled up the stairs when he got home
- His condition worsened over three days
- His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6
- Diagnosis: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
- Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days
What We’re Doing:
- Filed a $10 million lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter
- University of Houston
- UH Board of Regents
- Individual fraternity members
- Former members and their spouses
- Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — but they’re already planning to return
- University of Houston admitted the conduct was “deeply disturbing”
What This Means for Clark County Families:
- The same fraternities operate near Clark County
- The same hazing happens at Clark County-area universities
- Universities near Clark County have the same duty to protect students
- $10 million is possible for Clark County victims
🔥 Message to Clark County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Clark County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Clark County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities near Clark County:
Washington State University Vancouver, Portland State University, University of Portland — the same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses. Act now or face the same accountability.
📞 Clark County Families: Call Us Immediately
This is a legal emergency. Your child’s rights are at stake.
Call Attorney 911 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Or email:
ralph@atty911.com
We serve Clark County hazing victims with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current $10 million case.
Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.