🚨 San Juan County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting For You.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas — Serving Hazing Victims in San Juan County and Nationwide

🏳️ The Truth About Hazing in San Juan County

San Juan County families, listen carefully:

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston operate at universities near San Juan County. The same organizations that forced a pledge to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed have chapters in the Pacific Northwest. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at institutions your children attend.

This is not happening “somewhere else.” This is happening near San Juan County. Right now.

🔥 What Happened in Houston — And What’s Happening Near San Juan County

On November 3, 2025, a young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at University of Houston. What followed was eight weeks of systematic abuse:

• Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
• 500 squats — forced exercise until he couldn’t stand
• Wooden paddles — physical beating with weapons
• Forced eating — milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
• Psychological torture — carrying sexual objects, threats of expulsion

On November 6, 2025, Bermudez was rushed to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days fighting for his life.

The same fraternity that did this at UH has chapters across America — including near San Juan County.

The same university that failed to stop this at UH has counterparts in the Pacific Northwest that fail to stop hazing near San Juan County.

The same national organizations that ignored Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 and Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025 are ignoring hazing near San Juan County today.

🏛️ The Institutions That Failed — And Are Failing San Juan County Students

Pi Kappa Phi National Organization

• 2017: Andrew Coffey dies from forced drinking at Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State)
• 2025: Leonel Bermudez hospitalized with kidney failure at Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston)
• Same organization. Same negligence. 8 years apart.
• They knew about “a hazing crisis” and did nothing.
• They have 150+ chapters across America — including near San Juan County.

University of Houston

• 2017: Student hospitalized with lacerated spleen from hazing at another fraternity
• 2025: Bermudez hospitalized with kidney failure at Pi Kappa Phi
• Same university. Same failure. 8 years apart.
• They own the fraternity house where torture occurred.
• They have the power to stop hazing — and they choose not to.

The Pattern

Universities near San Juan County face the same institutional failures:

• They know hazing happens
• They have the power to stop it
• They choose reputation over safety
• They choose tradition over humanity
• They will continue until someone makes them stop.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a San Juan County Hazing Victim

San Juan County families, you have powerful legal rights:

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Washington State

Washington law explicitly prohibits hazing under RCW 28B.10.901. The law defines hazing as:

“Any method of initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person.”

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Sexual abuse or humiliation
• Any activity that endangers mental or physical health

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter.

2. Who Is Liable for San Juan County Hazing?

When hazing occurs near San Juan County, we can pursue:

The deep pockets:

• National fraternity/sorority organizations have millions in assets and insurance
• Universities have substantial endowments and insurance
• This is not about suing broke college students — it’s about holding institutions accountable

3. What Can San Juan County Victims Recover?

Hazing victims near San Juan County can recover:

Precedent settlements and verdicts:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Ohio)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania)
• $10 million — Our current case (Houston)

San Juan County families: These same results are possible for your case.

📋 What San Juan County Families Should Do Right Now

STEP 1: PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE

✅ Photos/Videos — Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
✅ Screenshots — Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts about hazing
✅ Medical Records — Get copies of all hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records
✅ Witness Information — Get names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses
✅ Documents — Save pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules or threats

DO NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media

STEP 2: SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor immediately. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away. Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

STEP 3: REPORT THE INCIDENT

• Report to university authorities (Title IX office, student affairs)
• File a police report — hazing is a crime in Washington
• Report to national organization (if applicable)

Important: Do not make statements to university administrators or organization leaders without consulting an attorney first.

STEP 4: CONTACT ATTORNEY 911 IMMEDIATELY

San Juan County families: Time is critical.

• Washington statute of limitations: Typically 3 years for personal injury, but evidence disappears quickly
• Evidence preservation: Texts, photos, and witness memories fade fast
• Institutional cover-up: Universities and fraternities will destroy evidence if they can

We offer FREE consultations for San Juan County hazing victims.

Call us 24/7 at: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🏆 Why San Juan County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston. San Juan County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Houston.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court and can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. This is critical for cases involving:

• National fraternity/sorority organizations
• Universities receiving federal funding
• Multi-state hazing cases

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We are licensed in Texas AND New York. This gives us strategic advantage for cases against national organizations headquartered in different states.

5. Nationwide Service for San Juan County Families

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We will:

• Travel to San Juan County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Offer video consultations for San Juan County families
• Handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies
• Pursue your case aggressively regardless of location

6. Bilingual Services for San Juan County

Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families in San Juan County without language barriers.

7. Proven Results in Complex Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
• Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
• Federal court experience — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Criminal defense experience — understanding parallel proceedings

8. We Understand the Culture

Both attorneys have deep experience with:

• Greek life dynamics
• University administrative processes
• Institutional cover-up tactics
• Title IX intersection with hazing cases

🎯 Our Strategy for San Juan County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Demand retention of all communications, photos, videos
• Identify and interview witnesses quickly

2. Comprehensive Defendant Targeting

We pursue every liable party:

• Local chapter
• National organization
• University
• Individual members
• Alumni/hosts
• Insurance carriers

3. Pattern Evidence Development

• Request hazing reports from all chapters of the national organization
• Identify prior incidents at the same university
• Establish systemic negligence

4. Aggressive Discovery

• Subpoena all internal communications about hazing
• Depose chapter officers, national leadership, university administrators
• Obtain all insurance policies providing coverage

5. Media and Public Pressure

• Publicize the case to deter future hazing
• Pressure universities to implement real oversight
• Work with legislators on hazing reform

6. Maximum Compensation Pursuit

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

🏛️ The Institutions That Will Fight You — And How We Beat Them

1. Fraternity/Sorority Defense: “He Consented”

Their Argument: “He agreed to participate. He knew the risks. He could have left.”

Our Response:

• Washington law says consent is NOT a defense (RCW 28B.10.901)
• Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent
• Fear of social retaliation creates duress
• They didn’t disclose the true risks
• Assault is assault — consent doesn’t matter

2. University Defense: “We Didn’t Know”

Their Argument: “We had no knowledge of hazing. We have anti-hazing policies.”

Our Response:

• They own the fraternity houses — premises liability
• They have prior hazing incidents — actual knowledge
• They have oversight responsibility — negligent supervision
• They collect rent from the torture chambers — financial complicity

3. National Organization Defense: “We’re Not Responsible”

Their Argument: “We’re a separate entity. We didn’t control the chapter.”

Our Response:

• They have direct oversight authority
• They knew about prior incidents (Andrew Coffey, others)
• They dissolved the chapter immediately — proves knowledge
• They have deep pockets and insurance

4. Individual Member Defense: “I Was Just Following Orders”

Their Argument: “I didn’t make the rules. I was just participating.”

Our Response:

• Individual liability for intentional torts
• Personal responsibility for assault and battery
• Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage
• Criminal exposure exists

📚 What San Juan County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

The “traditions” that hospitalized our Houston client include:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
• 500 squats until collapse
• Wooden paddles
• Forced eating until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological torture

This is not tradition. This is abuse. This is assault. This is torture.

2. Hazing Happens in Many Organizations Near San Juan County

Hazing occurs in:

• Fraternities and sororities
• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Academic clubs
• Honor societies
• Any group with power dynamics

3. The Warning Signs of Hazing

San Juan County parents should watch for:

• Physical signs: Bruises, limping, difficulty walking, signs of exhaustion
• Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, fear of social events
• Academic decline: Missing classes, dropping grades, withdrawal from activities
• Social isolation: Spending all time with one group, avoiding old friends
• Secrecy: Refusing to talk about activities, being evasive about schedule
• Physical evidence: Unusual items in backpack, strange clothing, fanny packs

4. The Medical Dangers of Hazing

Hazing can cause:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure
• Acute alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
• Death

5. The Psychological Impact on San Juan County Students

Hazing causes:

• PTSD — flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance
• Anxiety disorders — constant fear, panic attacks
• Depression — feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
• Trust issues — difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Academic decline — inability to focus, dropping out
• Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope
• Suicidal ideation — extreme cases lead to self-harm

🔍 How to Talk to Your San Juan County Student About Hazing

1. Start the Conversation

“I know you want to join [organization]. I support you. But I need to ask you something important.”

“Have you heard about what happened to the student at University of Houston? He was waterboarded and ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.”

“I need you to promise me you’ll tell me if anything like that ever happens to you or anyone you know.”

2. Ask Specific Questions

• “What happens during pledge activities?”
• “Are you ever asked to do things that make you uncomfortable?”
• “Have you seen anyone get hurt or humiliated?”
• “Do you feel pressured to participate in activities you don’t want to do?”
• “Do you know what to do if you witness hazing?”

3. Teach Them the Law

• “Hazing is illegal in Washington. It’s a crime.”
• “Consent doesn’t matter. Even if you agree, it’s still against the law.”
• “You can be arrested. You can be sued. Your future can be ruined.”
• “The organization can be shut down. The university can be held liable.”

4. Create a Safety Plan

• “If you ever feel unsafe, call me immediately.”
• “If you witness hazing, report it — even anonymously.”
• “Keep your phone with you at all times. Share your location with me.”
• “If you’re ever forced to drink or do drugs, call me — no questions asked.”

5. Know the Resources

• University reporting: Title IX office, student affairs
• Law enforcement: Local police, campus security
• Crisis hotlines: National hazing hotline, mental health resources
• Legal support: Attorney 911 — 1-888-ATTY-911

⚠️ The Reality: Why San Juan County Students Don’t Report Hazing

1. Fear of Retaliation

Our Houston client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). This fear is real and pervasive.

2. Loyalty to the Organization

Students often feel:

• “I don’t want to get my brothers/sisters in trouble.”
• “This is just how it’s always been done.”
• “I chose to be here. I have to take it.”

3. Shame and Embarrassment

Victims often blame themselves:

• “I should have been stronger.”
• “I should have left.”
• “I should have known what I was getting into.”

4. Not Recognizing It as Hazing

Many students don’t realize:

• “This isn’t hazing — it’s just tradition.”
• “Everyone goes through this.”
• “It’s not that bad.”

5. Fear of Losing Membership

Students worry:

• “If I report it, I’ll be blacklisted.”
• “I’ll lose my friends.”
• “I’ll lose my social status.”

6. Institutional Pressure

Universities and organizations often:

• Minimize the incident
• Protect the organization over the victim
• Threaten disciplinary action against the victim
• Fail to take meaningful action

🏆 How We Protect San Juan County Victims

1. Confidentiality

• We protect your identity
• We control all communications with defendants
• We prevent institutional intimidation

2. Evidence Protection

• We send immediate preservation letters
• We subpoena all relevant evidence
• We prevent destruction of critical documentation

3. Comprehensive Representation

• We pursue every liable party
• We maximize compensation
• We hold institutions accountable

4. Emotional Support

• We connect you with mental health resources
• We guide you through the process
• We stand by you every step of the way

5. Justice Beyond Compensation

• We work with legislators on hazing reform
• We publicize cases to deter future hazing
• We create lasting change

📞 San Juan County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Your rights expire.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now in Houston — and we will fight for San Juan County families with the same fury.

Call us 24/7 at: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

San Juan County hazing victims: You are not alone. We are here to help.

🎗️ In Memory of Those Lost — And In Honor of Those Still Fighting

Andrew Coffey — Pi Kappa Phi, Florida State (2017)
Maxwell Gruver — Phi Delta Theta, LSU (2017)
Timothy Piazza — Beta Theta Pi, Penn State (2017)
Stone Foltz — Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green (2021)
Adam Oakes — Delta Chi, VCU (2021)
And too many others

To the survivors — we stand with you. To the families — we fight for you. To the institutions — we are coming for you.

San Juan County: Enough is enough.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving San Juan County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
Nationwide hazing litigation authority

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

San Juan County hazing victims: We will travel to you. We will fight for you. We will win for you.