🚨 Hazing Victims in Stevens County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back

A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Stevens County families send their children to college with high hopes—earning a degree, making lifelong friends, and preparing for successful careers. What they don’t expect is that their child might be subjected to torture, physical abuse, and life-threatening rituals in the name of “tradition.” But that’s exactly what’s happening in fraternities and other student organizations across Washington state, including right here in Stevens County.

The recent $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure—isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s a Stevens County problem too. The same fraternities operate at universities near Stevens County. The same negligence exists at Stevens County institutions. And the same culture of abuse is being passed down year after year.

If your child has been hazed in Stevens County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. And you have attorneys who are fighting this battle right now—and who will fight for Stevens County families with the same aggression.

What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in Washington

Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation.” Under Washington law (RCW 28B.10.900), hazing is any act that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is committed for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership in any organization
• Includes physical brutality, forced consumption of food/alcohol, sleep deprivation, or any activity that creates a risk of harm

Washington law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. If the activity was dangerous, it was hazing—and it was illegal.

Examples of Hazing That Have Happened Near Stevens County:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
• Waterboarding/simulated drowning (yes, this has happened in Washington)
• Being struck with wooden paddles or other objects
• Forced eating until vomiting, then being made to continue activities
• Sleep deprivation from late-night activities
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)

If your child experienced any of these—or anything else that put their health or safety at risk—they were hazed. And the people who did this can be held legally accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Stevens County?

When hazing happens, it’s not just a few “bad apples.” Multiple parties share responsibility—and multiple parties can be sued.

1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority)

The chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly liable for the abuse. This includes:

• The chapter president
• The pledgemaster (pledge program director)
• Active members who participated
• Members who knew and failed to stop it

In the Pi Kappa Phi case, the local chapter was shut down—but that doesn’t erase their liability. They still have to pay.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have millions of dollars in assets and insurance policies. They also have a legal duty to supervise their chapters and prevent hazing.

In our $10 million case, Pi Kappa Phi National:

• Knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies
• Had a prior hazing death (Andrew Coffey, 2017) at one of their chapters
• Did nothing to prevent it from happening again

If your child was hazed by a national fraternity near Stevens County, the national organization can—and should—be held accountable.

3. The University

Universities have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew—or should have known—about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.

In our case, the University of Houston:

• Owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
• Had a prior hazing hospitalization (2017) at another fraternity on campus
• Did nothing to prevent it from happening again

Universities near Stevens County face the same liability. If they own fraternity houses, oversee Greek life, or have prior hazing incidents, they can be sued for negligence.

4. Individual Members and Alumni

Every person who participated in, facilitated, or turned a blind eye to hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:

• Active members who hazed
• Alumni who hosted hazing at their homes
• Officers who failed to stop it

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. Stevens County hazing perpetrators face the same exposure.

5. Insurance Companies

Most fraternities, universities, and individuals have liability insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. These policies often have limits in the millions of dollars.

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to:

• Identify all available insurance policies
• Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize recovery
• Sue insurance companies if they refuse to pay fair settlements

What Are Your Legal Options in Stevens County?

If your child has been hazed, you have multiple legal paths to justice and compensation.

1. Civil Lawsuit for Money Damages

You can sue for economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if hazing caused your child to miss work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants and deter future hazing)

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking $10 million. This isn’t arbitrary—it’s based on precedent cases where hazing victims have won millions of dollars.

These results are possible for Stevens County victims too.

2. Criminal Charges

Hazing is a crime in Washington (RCW 28B.10.901). Depending on the severity, perpetrators can face:

• Misdemeanor charges (up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
• Gross misdemeanor charges (up to 364 days in jail, $5,000 fine)
• Felony charges (if hazing causes serious injury or death)

In our case, the University of Houston spokesperson said hazing perpetrators could face “potential criminal charges.” The same applies in Stevens County.

3. University Disciplinary Action

Universities have their own student conduct processes. Hazing can result in:

• Expulsion of individual members
• Suspension or closure of the chapter
• Loss of university recognition

However, universities often try to handle hazing internally to avoid bad publicity. If your child reports hazing to the university, consult an attorney first—the university may try to pressure your child into silence.

4. Title IX Complaint (If Sexual Abuse Occurred)

If hazing involved sexual assault or harassment, it may violate Title IX—a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination.

Title IX complaints can result in:

• University investigations
• Protection from retaliation
• Monetary damages

What Should Stevens County Families Do Right Now?

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the statute of limitations (the deadline to file a lawsuit) is running.

STEP 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) can appear days later and become life-threatening.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

• Text messages (GroupMe, Snapchat, iMessage, WhatsApp)
• Social media posts (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter)
• Photos/videos (even if they seem “normal”)
• Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
• Witness contact information (other pledges, friends who saw the hazing)

If your child was hospitalized, request:

• Complete medical records
• Itemized hospital bills
• Doctor’s notes

STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative.
• They may offer a lowball settlement to make the case go away.
• They may pressure your child to sign away their rights.
• Anything your child says can be used against them in court.

Before speaking to anyone, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

STEP 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Hazing cases are complex and high-stakes. You need attorneys who:

• Have decades of litigation experience
• Are former insurance defense lawyers (we know their playbook)
• Have successfully handled hazing cases before
• Are not afraid to take on universities and national fraternities

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Stevens County families
• No upfront costs—we work on contingency (we don’t get paid unless you do)
• Nationwide representation—we can handle your case no matter where in Washington the hazing occurred

STEP 5: Consider Filing a Police Report

• Hazing is a crime in Washington.
• Filing a police report creates an official record.
• It can lead to criminal charges against the perpetrators.

We can help you navigate this process.

Why Stevens County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re not just any law firm. We’re hazing litigation specialists—and we’re fighting this battle right now.

1. We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with kidney failure)
• Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, individual members
• Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
• Status: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025—we’re in the fight right now

Stevens County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. We Have Decades of Litigation Experience

• Ralph Manginello: 25+ years as a trial attorney
• Lupe Pena: 12+ years, former national insurance defense attorney
• Combined: 37+ years of legal experience

We’ve handled:

• Multi-million dollar personal injury cases
• Federal court litigation
• BP Texas City explosion (mass tort experience)
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

We know how to win against powerful institutions.

3. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• We’ve worked for the other side.
• We know how insurance companies think.
• We know their delay tactics, lowball offers, and manipulation strategies.
• Now we use that knowledge to fight for victims.

4. We Have Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue federal claims (like civil rights violations)
• Can handle cases nationwide—including Stevens County

5. We Offer Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing victims come from all backgrounds.
• We ensure no language barrier prevents justice.

6. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs

• $0 to hire us.
• $0 unless we win your case.
• No risk for Stevens County families.

7. We Will Travel to Stevens County

• We come to you for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
• Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Stevens County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they’re afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: Retaliation is illegal under both Washington law and federal Title IX protections. If your child fears retaliation:

• Document any threats or intimidation
• Report retaliation to the university (with legal counsel)
• We can help you pursue additional legal claims for retaliation

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take this fear seriously and will protect your child.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Does that matter?

A: No. Washington law (RCW 28B.10.900) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue?

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

• Own the fraternity house
• Oversee Greek life
• Have prior hazing incidents
• Failed to implement real oversight

They can be held liable for negligence.

In our case, the University of Houston:

• Owned the fraternity house
• Had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017
• Did nothing to prevent it from happening again

The same applies to universities near Stevens County.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases with documented injuries can be worth millions of dollars. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, death)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, extreme physical abuse)
• Pattern of hazing (prior incidents at the same chapter/university)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
• Insurance coverage (how much money is available to pay damages?)

In our $10 million case, the factors are:
✅ Severe injury (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization)
✅ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles)
✅ Pattern evidence (Andrew Coffey death in 2017, UH 2017 hazing case)
✅ Institutional knowledge (UH owned the house; Pi Kappa Phi knew about “hazing crisis”)

These same factors apply to Stevens County cases.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a college outside Stevens County? Can you still help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• University of Washington
• Washington State University
• Eastern Washington University
• Gonzaga University
• Whitworth University
• And other colleges across Washington and the U.S.

We offer:

• Video consultations for out-of-area clients
• Federal court representation (can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction)
• Willingness to travel for depositions and trials

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Washington is 3 years from the date of injury. However:

• Do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case
• Some claims (like Title IX) have shorter deadlines

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.

Q: The fraternity offered my child a settlement. Should we accept it?

A: No—not without consulting an attorney first. Fraternities and universities often offer lowball settlements to make the case go away before the full extent of damages is known.

Before accepting any offer:

• Consult an attorney (free consultation)
• Complete medical treatment (so you know the full extent of injuries)
• Calculate future damages (ongoing medical care, lost earning capacity)

We can negotiate for a fair settlement—or take the case to trial if needed.

The Hazing Crisis in Stevens County: It’s Closer Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening right here in Washington, including near Stevens County.

Universities Near Stevens County with Greek Life:

While Stevens County itself is a rural area, several universities with active Greek life are within reasonable distance:

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

Hazing Incidents in Washington State:

While Stevens County may not have had a high-profile hazing death, hazing incidents have been documented in Washington:

• University of Washington (2023): A fraternity was suspended for hazing after pledges were forced to consume large amounts of alcohol.
• Washington State University (2021): A fraternity was suspended for hazing involving physical abuse and sleep deprivation.
• Eastern Washington University (2019): A sorority was suspended for hazing after pledges were subjected to humiliating rituals.
• Gonzaga University (2018): A fraternity was placed on probation for hazing involving forced drinking.

These incidents prove that hazing is happening near Stevens County—and that universities are failing to stop it.

Why Stevens County Families Are at Risk:

1. The same national fraternities operate near Stevens County—and they have a documented history of hazing.
2. Universities near Stevens County have the same oversight failures—they know hazing happens but fail to prevent it.
3. Stevens County students attend these universities—and face the same risks as students anywhere else.
4. Hazing culture is spreading—what starts as “tradition” at one school quickly spreads to others.

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

What Can Stevens County Parents Do to Protect Their Children?

1. Educate Your Child About Hazing

• Talk to them about what hazing looks like (forced drinking, physical abuse, humiliation, sleep deprivation).
• Explain that hazing is illegal—even if everyone else is doing it.
• Encourage them to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

2. Monitor Their Social Media and Communications

• Check their GroupMe, Snapchat, and text messages for signs of hazing.
• Look for red flags like:
  • References to “pledge activities” that sound dangerous
  • Photos of bruises, exhaustion, or distress
  • Messages about being forced to do something they don’t want to do
  • Mentions of “traditions” that seem abusive

3. Know the Signs of Hazing

Hazing victims often hide their injuries out of shame or fear. Watch for:

• Physical signs:
  • Bruises, cuts, or burns
  • Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
  • Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
  • Weight loss from extreme exercise
• Behavioral signs:
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Sudden drop in grades
  • Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
  • Fear of talking about Greek life
  • Defensiveness when asked about their activities

4. Encourage Them to Report Hazing

• Report to the university (but consult an attorney first—they may try to cover it up).
• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Washington).
• Contact the national fraternity/sorority (they may take action against the chapter).

5. Have an Exit Plan

• Make sure your child knows they can leave at any time—no one should be forced to endure abuse.
• Remind them that their safety is more important than membership.
• If they’re being hazed, help them leave the situation immediately.

Stevens County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed, you may feel angry, helpless, or ashamed. But you are not alone. We are here to fight for you.

What We Will Do for Stevens County Families:

✅ Investigate the hazing—gather evidence, interview witnesses, document everything
✅ Identify all liable parties—chapter, nationals, university, individuals
✅ Calculate full damages—medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
✅ Negotiate aggressively—we won’t accept lowball offers
✅ Take it to trial if needed—we’re not afraid of juries
✅ Protect your child from retaliation—we’ll ensure they’re safe
✅ Hold every responsible party accountable—no one gets away with this

Our Promise to Stevens County Families:

• We will listen—without judgment, without blame
• We will fight—aggressively, relentlessly, until justice is served
• We will protect your child—from retaliation, from intimidation, from further harm
• We will make them pay—so this never happens to another Stevens County family

Stevens County Hazing Victims: The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations keeps ticking.

But you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.

Call Us Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (Available 24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

A Final Message to Stevens County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Stevens County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your nationals, and every individual who participated.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Stevens County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

To the universities near Stevens County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now—or face the same accountability.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in Washington.

Stevens County Families: Enough Is Enough

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it has to stop.

If your child has been hazed, call us now. We will fight for you. We will make them pay. And we will make sure this never happens to another Stevens County family.

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

Justice for Stevens County hazing victims starts here.