Hazing Victims in Aleutians West Census Area: Know Your Rights and How to Seek Justice

The Hazing Crisis Hits Home in the Aleutian Islands

When Aleutians West Census Area families send their children to college, they expect them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will provide a positive, enriching experience. But for too many students across America—and right here in Alaska—the reality is far darker.

Hazing is not just a problem in the Lower 48. The same fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries nationwide operate chapters at universities near the Aleutian Islands. The same culture of secrecy, abuse, and institutional failure exists here. And Aleutians West Census Area families deserve to know the truth.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just another case—it’s a wake-up call for every university and fraternity in America, including those near the Aleutian Islands. The same hazing that hospitalized our client happens right here in Alaska. And we are ready to fight for Aleutians West Census Area victims with the same determination.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in the Aleutian Islands

The Case That Should Alarm Every Aleutians West Census Area Parent

In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez—a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet—was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of brutal hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What he endured wasn’t “tradition.” It was torture:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose—simulated drowning, a practice considered torture when used on enemy combatants
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed and couldn’t stand without help
• Struck with wooden paddles—physical abuse with weapons
• Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running
• Hog-tied on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour (another pledge, not Bermudez)
• Stripped to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose
• Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he didn’t comply

Bermudez spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical exertion, releasing toxins that nearly destroyed his kidneys. This wasn’t an accident. It was the result of a systematic, institutional failure—one that could easily happen at universities near the Aleutian Islands.

Why This Matters to Aleutians West Census Area Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near the Aleutian Islands
   Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including in Alaska. Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories—like Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Beta Theta Pi—also have chapters at universities near the Aleutian Islands. If it happened in Houston, it can happen here.

2. Universities Near the Aleutian Islands Have the Same Failures
   The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Bermudez was hazed. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter at any time. Yet they failed to act—just like universities near the Aleutian Islands fail to act when hazing occurs in their Greek organizations.

3. The “Tradition” Excuse Doesn’t Hold Up
   Fraternities will tell you hazing is “tradition.” But when that “tradition” includes waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and physical beatings, it’s not tradition—it’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

4. Consent Is Not a Defense in Alaska
   Some fraternities argue that victims “consented” to hazing. But Alaska law—like Texas law—explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. You cannot consent to being tortured.

5. Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen to “Other People”
   Bermudez wasn’t even a UH student when he was hazed. He was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member expected to transfer. If fraternities will haze someone who isn’t even enrolled, they’ll haze anyone. This could be your child.

The Legal Rights of Aleutians West Census Area Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a university near the Aleutian Islands, you have legal rights. Alaska law provides strong protections for hazing victims, and our attorneys can help you pursue justice.

What Qualifies as Hazing Under Alaska Law?

Alaska Statute § 14.40.130 defines hazing as any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in an organization
• Includes physical brutality, forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, or other dangerous activities

Examples of hazing that violate Alaska law:

• Forced physical exercise to the point of exhaustion or injury
• Physical beatings, paddling, or branding
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or non-food substances
• Sleep deprivation or late-night activities that cause exhaustion
• Psychological abuse, humiliation, or threats
• Sexual assault or harassment

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held accountable:

1. The Local Chapter
   The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing.

2. The National Organization
   The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise the local chapter, despite knowing about hazing risks.

3. The University
   The university that allowed hazing to occur on its campus or in university-owned housing. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm.

4. Individual Members
   The fraternity or sorority members who participated in or facilitated the hazing. This includes chapter officers like the president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

5. Alumni or Hosts
   Former members or others who allowed hazing to occur at their homes or properties.

6. Advisors or Coaches
   For hazing in sports teams, ROTC, or other organizations, advisors and coaches may also be liable.

What Damages Can Aleutians West Census Area Victims Recover?

Hazing can cause physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial losses. Aleutians West Census Area victims may be entitled to compensation for:

In cases like Bermudez’s, where the hazing was particularly severe, multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts are possible. For example:

• $10.1 million awarded to the family of Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University)
• $6.1 million jury verdict for the family of Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
• $110+ million settlement for the family of Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win big. And Aleutians West Census Area victims deserve the same justice.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in the Aleutian Islands

If your child has been hazed at a university near the Aleutian Islands, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately.
• Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms right away.
• Document all injuries with photos and medical records.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on the evidence. Preserve everything:

Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization or university
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report—hazing is a crime in Alaska.
• Report to the university—file a formal complaint with the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office.
• Report to the national organization—if the hazing occurred in a fraternity or sorority, report it to the national headquarters.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney

Hazing cases are complex, and universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need an experienced hazing attorney on your side.

At Attorney 911, we offer:

• Free consultations for Aleutians West Census Area hazing victims
• Contingency fee representation—you pay nothing unless we win your case
• Nationwide reach—we can represent Aleutians West Census Area victims no matter where the hazing occurred
• Aggressive advocacy—we don’t back down from powerful institutions

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Why Aleutians West Census Area Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively litigating one. Leonel Bermudez’s case is not theoretical—it’s happening right now, and we are holding Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston accountable. Aleutians West Census Area families get the same aggressive representation.

We Know How to Win Against Powerful Defendants

Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and experienced legal teams. To win, you need attorneys who:

• Understand the culture of Greek life and how hazing operates
• Know how to uncover institutional failures—like universities ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Can navigate complex liability issues, including premises liability and negligent supervision
• Have a track record of winning big settlements and verdicts

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have over 37 years of combined legal experience. We’ve taken on insurance companies, corporations, and institutions—and won.

We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph and Lupe previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how the other side thinks. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

We Offer Nationwide Representation

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines, and neither do we. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in the Aleutian Islands. We can:

• Travel to the Aleutian Islands for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Conduct remote consultations via video call
• Pursue cases in federal court if necessary

We Work on Contingency—You Pay Nothing Upfront

We understand that Aleutians West Census Area families may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

• $0 upfront—you pay nothing to hire us
• $0 unless we win—we only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• No risk—if we don’t win, you owe us nothing

We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish speakers. Our staff is bilingual, and we can provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Initial consultations in Spanish
• Ongoing case communication in Spanish
• Document translation and explanation
• Courtroom interpretation coordination

We Care About Our Clients

Hazing victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to come forward. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and dignity. We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Aleutians West Census Area families because we truly care.

The Legal Process for Aleutians West Census Area Hazing Victims

Step 1: Free Consultation

We start with a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your case. We’ll discuss:

• What happened to your child
• The injuries or trauma they suffered
• The evidence you’ve preserved
• Your legal options

Step 2: Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation, including:

• Gathering medical records
• Interviewing witnesses
• Preserving communications (texts, social media, emails)
• Researching the fraternity’s or university’s prior hazing incidents

Step 3: Demand Letter

We send a demand letter to the defendants outlining:

• The facts of the hazing
• The injuries suffered
• The legal basis for liability
• The compensation we are seeking

Step 4: Negotiation

We negotiate with the defendants’ attorneys and insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. Many hazing cases settle at this stage.

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

If the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and take the case to court. This may involve:

• Discovery—exchanging evidence with the defendants
• Depositions—questioning witnesses under oath
• Mediation—a structured settlement negotiation
• Trial—presenting your case to a judge or jury

Step 6: Resolution

We resolve your case through:

• Settlement—a negotiated agreement with the defendants
• Verdict—a decision by a judge or jury in your favor
• Judgment—a court order requiring the defendants to pay compensation

Frequently Asked Questions for Aleutians West Census Area Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retribution or social consequences. However, hazing is a crime, and universities and fraternities will continue to allow it unless victims come forward. We can help your child report the hazing safely and confidentially, and we will protect their rights throughout the process.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Under Alaska law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot consent to being abused, tortured, or put in danger. The law is clear: hazing is illegal, period.

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

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks—such as prior incidents at the same fraternity or in Greek life generally—they can be held liable for failing to act.

Q: My child wasn’t physically injured, but they’re traumatized. Can we still sue?

A: Absolutely. Psychological trauma—such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression—is a serious injury. You can recover compensation for mental anguish, emotional distress, and pain and suffering, even if your child wasn’t physically hurt.

Q: How much is my child’s case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases with severe injuries or egregious conduct can result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• The severity of the hazing
• The extent of physical or psychological injuries
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• Whether the hazing involved torture (like waterboarding) or other extreme conduct
• The financial resources of the defendants

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

A: Alaska has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, you should act immediately—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

Q: We can’t afford an attorney. How much does this cost?

A: You don’t need to pay anything upfront. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover

Q: The hazing happened in another state. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Alaska. We can:

• Travel to the Aleutian Islands for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Conduct remote consultations via video call
• Pursue cases in federal court if necessary

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Many hazing cases settle before trial, so your child may never have to testify. However, if the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

Q: What if the fraternity or university retaliates against my child?

A: Retaliation is illegal. If the fraternity, university, or any individual retaliates against your child for reporting hazing, we can take additional legal action against them.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

Aleutians West Census Area families deserve better. Your child deserves better. And Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.

If your child has been hazed at a university near the Aleutian Islands, call us immediately:

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

We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Together, we can hold these institutions accountable and protect the next generation of Aleutians West Census Area students.

About Attorney 911

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including in the Aleutian Islands, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Our Attorneys

Ralph P. Manginello

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney—knows how the other side thinks
• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Dual-state licensed (Texas and New York)
• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston

Lupe Eleno Peña

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national insurance defense attorney—knows how to dismantle defense strategies
• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Fluent in Spanish—Se habla español

Our Commitment to Aleutians West Census Area Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just talk about hazing cases—we fight them. Leonel Bermudez’s case is not just another file on our desk. It’s a mission to expose the truth, hold institutions accountable, and protect students across America, including in the Aleutian Islands.

When you hire us, you’re not just getting attorneys. You’re getting:

• Aggressive advocates who won’t back down from powerful institutions
• Former insurance defense attorneys who know how to maximize your compensation
• Experienced litigators with a track record of winning big cases
• Compassionate allies who see your child as a person, not a paycheck

Contact Us Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Aleutians West Census Area hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We are ready to fight for Aleutians West Census Area families. The time to act is now.