🛡️ Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Rights in Adams County, Iowa
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Adams County, Iowa, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have options. And you have Attorney 911 — a law firm that is fighting this battle right now and will fight for Adams County families with the same fury.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Adams County, Iowa — What Local Families Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — It Happens Near Adams County Too
Adams County, Iowa is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at institutions near Adams County, and it happens at the same national fraternities and sororities that operate chapters across Iowa and the Midwest.
The same fraternities involved in the University of Houston hazing lawsuit — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others — have active chapters at universities near Adams County, Iowa.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Iowa, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
The University of Houston Case: A Warning for Adams County Families
On November 21, 2025, Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles as part of fraternity initiation. He was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened in the heart of America — at a major university.
And it could happen to your child at a university near Adams County, Iowa.
What Hazing Looks Like in Iowa
Hazing isn’t just a Texas problem. It happens in Iowa too. Common hazing activities reported at colleges and universities near Adams County include:
| Hazing Activity | Risk to Students |
|---|---|
| Forced alcohol consumption | Alcohol poisoning, death |
| Extreme physical exercise | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure (like our client) |
| Physical beatings | Broken bones, internal injuries |
| Sleep deprivation | Accidents, mental health crises |
| Waterboarding/simulated drowning | Trauma, asphyxiation |
| Forced eating until vomiting | Choking, aspiration |
| Exposure to extreme weather | Hypothermia, heat stroke |
| Sexual humiliation/assault | PTSD, long-term trauma |
These aren’t “pranks” or “traditions.” They’re crimes. And they happen at universities near Adams County, Iowa.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as an Adams County Family
Iowa Hazing Laws Protect Your Child
Iowa has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Iowa Code § 708.10, hazing is defined as:
Any intentional or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with an initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution.
This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury
Iowa law makes hazing a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,560 fine.
But criminal charges aren’t your only option. You can also file a civil lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable and recover compensation for your child’s injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Iowa?
When hazing occurs near Adams County, Iowa, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise local chapter; failed to enforce anti-hazing policies |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; failed to monitor Greek life |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing activities |
| Alumni/Advisors | Allowed hazing at their homes; failed to intervene |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
In our University of Houston case, we are suing all of these parties — and we will do the same for Adams County families.
What Compensation Can Adams County Families Recover?
If your child has been hazed in Iowa, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Damage Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing injuries |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Educational Impact | Tuition lost, scholarships lost, delayed graduation |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
In our University of Houston case, we are seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries. Adams County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
🏢 Who We Are — Adams County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims Nationwide — Including Adams County, Iowa
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Adams County families.
Why Adams County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | How It Helps Adams County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys ready to fight for Adams County victims |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Adams County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies for Adams County |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Adams County families |
| Will Travel to Adams County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings — distance is not a barrier |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you get paid |
Our Attorneys: The Legal Team Adams County Families Deserve
Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience — available for Adams County cases
- Former insurance defense attorney — knows how defendants will fight back
- Federal court admission — can pursue Adams County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Journalism background — knows how to tell your story to a jury
- Father of three — understands what’s at stake for Adams County families
- Will travel to Adams County to fight for your family
Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney
- Former national defense firm attorney — worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending insurance companies
- 12+ years of litigation experience — battle-tested in court
- Federal court admission — can pursue Adams County cases in federal court
- Fluent in Spanish — can serve Adams County Hispanic families without language barriers
- Third-generation Texan with Iowa values — understands Midwestern families
- Will travel to Adams County to advocate for your child
📋 What Adams County Families Should Do If Their Child Has Been Hazed
Immediate Action Steps — Preserve Your Rights
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Adams County, Iowa, take these steps immediately:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor
- Document all medical treatment
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills
-
Preserve All Evidence
- DO NOT DELETE any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or social media posts
- Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Save photos and videos from hazing events
- Write down names and contact information of witnesses
- Preserve any physical evidence (clothing, items used in hazing)
-
Report the Hazing
- File a police report with local law enforcement
- Report to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
-
Do NOT Speak to the Organization
- DO NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- DO NOT sign any documents from the organization
- DO NOT post about the incident on social media
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Schedule a free, confidential consultation
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Adams County Hazing Case
| Reason | Why It Matters for Adams County Families |
|---|---|
| Protect Your Rights | Organizations will try to silence you — we protect your voice |
| Preserve Evidence | Critical evidence disappears quickly — we act fast |
| Navigate Complex Laws | Hazing cases involve multiple defendants and legal theories |
| Maximize Compensation | Insurance companies will lowball you — we fight for full value |
| Hold All Parties Accountable | We sue everyone responsible — not just the individuals |
| Prevent Future Hazing | Your case can save other Adams County families from the same trauma |
🏛️ Universities and Colleges Near Adams County, Iowa — Are They Protecting Your Child?
Adams County, Iowa is surrounded by colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston hazing case have active chapters at institutions near Adams County.
These universities have a legal duty to protect your child. When they fail, they must be held accountable.
Colleges and Universities Near Adams County, Iowa
While Adams County itself is a rural area, it is surrounded by several colleges and universities in Iowa and neighboring states where Greek life is active:
| Institution | Location | Distance from Adams County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | ~200 miles | Strong Greek system |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | ~150 miles | Strong Greek system |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | ~200 miles | Active Greek life |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | ~100 miles | Greek organizations present |
| Creighton University | Omaha, NE | ~120 miles | Greek life active |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | ~200 miles | Major Greek system |
| Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | ~60 miles | Greek organizations present |
The same fraternities that hazed our client in Houston — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha — have chapters at these universities near Adams County.
What Universities Near Adams County Must Do to Protect Students
Universities have a legal duty of care to protect students from foreseeable harm. This includes:
-
Monitoring Greek Organizations
- Conducting regular inspections of fraternity/sorority houses
- Reviewing chapter activities and events
- Enforcing anti-hazing policies
-
Responding to Hazing Reports
- Taking all hazing complaints seriously
- Investigating reports thoroughly
- Implementing appropriate disciplinary actions
-
Educating Students
- Providing hazing prevention training
- Teaching students how to recognize and report hazing
- Making resources available for hazing victims
-
Controlling University Property
- If the university owns fraternity/sorority houses, ensuring they are safe
- Inspecting properties regularly
- Addressing dangerous conditions
When universities near Adams County fail to do these things, they can be held legally responsible for hazing injuries.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions — Adams County Families Can Too
These Cases Prove That Hazing Lawsuits Succeed
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 million |
These results are possible for Adams County families too.
What These Cases Mean for Adams County Victims
- Universities Pay Millions — Bowling Green State paid $2.9 million; Penn State paid over $100 million
- Fraternities Pay Millions — Pi Kappa Alpha paid $7.2 million in the Stone Foltz case
- Individuals Can Be Held Personally Liable — In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
- Juries Are Outraged by Hazing — The $6.1 million Gruver verdict shows juries will punish egregious conduct
- Cases Drive Legislative Change — Multiple states have passed new hazing laws because of these cases
Adams County families can achieve the same results. You just need the right legal team.
📢 Message to Fraternities Operating Near Adams County
To the Fraternities Near Adams County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Adams County, Iowa, know this:
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
- We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your history
- We know how to hold you accountable
- If you haze students near Adams County, we will pursue every liable entity
- We have already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston
- Your chapter could be next
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter near Adams County.
To University Administrators Near Adams County:
University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Creighton University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln — if you own fraternity houses or oversee Greek life near Adams County:
- We are suing the University of Houston for failing to protect students
- We know you have the power to stop hazing
- We know you have a legal duty to intervene
- When you fail, you will be held accountable
- The same institutional negligence that made UH a defendant exists at your campus
- Act now — or face the same accountability
🎯 Why Adams County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing — We’re Fighting It Right Now
Most law firms say they handle hazing cases. We’re actually doing it — in court, against national fraternities and major universities.
Here’s why Adams County families choose us:
-
We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
- Adams County families get the same aggressive representation
-
We Know How to Sue National Fraternities
- We’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National in our current case
- We know their corporate structure, insurance, and history
- We can do the same for any fraternity near Adams County
-
We Know How to Sue Universities
- We’re suing the University of Houston for institutional failure
- We know how to prove universities knew or should have known about hazing
- We can do the same for universities near Adams County
-
We Hold Individuals Accountable
- In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
- We name individual defendants — not just organizations
- Every person who participated in hazing will be held responsible
-
We Travel to Adams County
- We come to you for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
-
We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations
- No obligation
- No upfront cost
- We listen to your story and explain your options
-
We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win
- We take the financial risk — not you
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
📞 Adams County Families: Contact Us Immediately
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Adams County, Iowa, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Adams County hazing emergencies
What Happens When You Call?
- Immediate Response — We answer your call or return it within hours
- Confidential Consultation — We listen to your story in a safe, private setting
- Case Evaluation — We explain your legal rights and options
- No Pressure — You decide if you want to move forward
- Immediate Action — If you hire us, we begin preserving evidence immediately
🔥 Final Message to Adams County Families
To the parents of Adams County, Iowa:
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted that the university and the fraternity would protect them.
That trust was betrayed.
Your child was hazed. Abused. Humiliated. Or worse — hospitalized or killed.
But you are not powerless.
You have legal rights. You have options. And you have Attorney 911.
We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring that same fury to Adams County families.
If your child has been hazed near Adams County, Iowa, call us now before it’s too late.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough. It’s time to fight back.