Hazing Victims in Boise County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

A Crisis Hitting Close to Home

Boise County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations will provide a supportive environment for learning and personal growth. But for too many students in Idaho and across America, the reality is far darker.

Hazing—a brutal tradition disguised as “initiation”—continues to destroy lives right here in Boise County. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston could just as easily happen at colleges and universities near Boise County. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligent oversight exists. The same culture of abuse persists.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. We’re bringing that same fight to Boise County families who’ve suffered similar abuse.

What Is Hazing? The Reality in Boise County

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “boys being boys” or “building character.” In Idaho and across America, hazing has become a systematic form of abuse that includes:

• Physical torture: Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, beatings with wooden paddles
• Forced consumption: Drinking until vomiting, eating until choking, consuming dangerous substances
• Psychological abuse: Humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation, isolation
• Sexual degradation: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault

In our current case, Leonel Bermudez—a student who wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet—was subjected to weeks of this abuse. He was waterboarded with a garden hose. Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. Struck with wooden paddles. Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass. The result? Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure that hospitalized him for four days.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. The same fraternities with chapters near Boise County have the same hazing cultures. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Boise County-area university, they face the same risks.

The Legal Framework: Your Rights as a Boise County Hazing Victim

Idaho Hazing Laws

While Idaho doesn’t have a specific anti-hazing statute like Texas, hazing activities typically violate multiple Idaho laws:

• Assault (Idaho Code § 18-901): Any intentional physical contact that causes harm
• Battery (Idaho Code § 18-903): Unlawful touching or striking
• Reckless Endangerment (Idaho Code § 18-4014): Creating substantial risk of serious bodily injury
• Unlawful Imprisonment (Idaho Code § 18-4501): Restraining someone against their will
• Conspiracy (Idaho Code § 18-1701): Multiple people planning illegal activities

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Boise County

When hazing occurs at a Boise County-area university, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. Local Chapter: The specific fraternity or sorority chapter that organized the hazing
2. National Organization: The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise its chapters
3. University: The educational institution that failed to protect students
4. Individual Members: Each person who participated in or facilitated the hazing
5. Housing Corporations: Entities that own or control fraternity/sorority property
6. Alumni: Former members who host or enable hazing activities

Why Boise County Families Need Specialized Legal Representation

Hazing cases are complex. They involve:

• Multiple defendants with different legal strategies
• Institutional cover-ups and evidence destruction
• Insurance companies fighting to minimize payouts
• Emotional trauma that requires sensitive handling
• Criminal investigations that may run parallel to civil cases

Most personal injury attorneys don’t have experience with these specialized cases. At Attorney 911, we do. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, and we know exactly how to build these cases from the ground up.

The $10 Million Fight: What Boise County Families Can Learn

Our Current Case: A Warning for Boise County

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. The details are shocking:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose—simulated drowning, considered torture when used on enemy combatants
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15, but they kept going
• Result: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization

What makes this case particularly relevant to Boise County families:

1. Same fraternities operate near Boise County: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters across America, including in the Pacific Northwest region. The same national organization that failed Leonel Bermudez is present at universities near Boise County.

2. Universities near Boise County have the same oversight failures: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter—but they didn’t. Universities near Boise County have the same responsibilities and the same potential liabilities.

3. They knew the risks: Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU). The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 (Jared Munoz at UH). They had 8 years to fix their cultures. They didn’t.

4. They’re already planning to return: Pi Kappa Phi’s official statement said, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” They’re not sorry. They’re waiting for the publicity to die down so they can do it again.

What This Means for Boise County Families

If this can happen at a major Texas university, it can happen at universities near Boise County. The same national fraternities operate here. The same negligent oversight exists. The same culture of abuse persists.

The good news? The same legal strategies that are working in our $10 million case can work for Boise County families. We know how to:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Identify all responsible parties
• Build cases that force settlements
• Take cases to trial when necessary
• Win multi-million dollar verdicts

Precedent Cases: Proof That Boise County Families Can Win

Hazing cases don’t just result in moral victories—they result in real money that can help victims recover. Here are some recent examples that show what’s possible for Boise County families:

1. Stone Foltz – $10.1 Million (2024)

• Victim: 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during initiation
• Result: Death from alcohol poisoning; $10.1 million total settlement
• Relevance to Boise County: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent

2. Maxwell Gruver – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (2023)

• Victim: 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University
• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• What happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event; wrong answers = drink more
• Result: Died with BAC of 0.495 (6x legal limit); $6.1 million jury verdict
• Relevance to Boise County: Juries will award millions for hazing deaths and injuries

3. Timothy Piazza – $110+ Million (Estimated, 2017)

• Victim: 19-year-old at Penn State University
• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• What happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
• Result: Death from traumatic brain injury; $110+ million settlement
• Relevance to Boise County: Shows potential ceiling for hazing damages

4. Adam Oakes – $4+ Million Settlement (2024)

• Victim: 19-year-old at Virginia Commonwealth University
• Fraternity: Delta Chi
• What happened: Forced alcohol consumption during hazing
• Result: Death from alcohol poisoning; $4+ million settlement
• Relevance to Boise County: Shows substantial recoveries are possible even without trial

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win. The same results are possible for Boise County families.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Boise County

Immediate Steps

1. Ensure safety: Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
2. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a complete medical evaluation
3. Preserve evidence:
   • Take photos of injuries at all stages
   • Save all text messages, social media posts, and group chats
   • Document witness names and contact information
   • Keep all medical records and bills
4. Do NOT:
   • Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
   • Post about the incident on social media
   • Delete any messages or posts
   • Sign anything from the organization
5. Contact an attorney immediately: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Why Time Is Critical

• Evidence disappears quickly: Texts get deleted, security footage gets recorded over, witnesses forget details
• Statutes of limitations apply: In Idaho, personal injury claims typically have a 2-year deadline
• Institutions start damage control: Universities and fraternities begin coordinating their legal response
• Your child’s health comes first: Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately

How Attorney 911 Can Help Boise County Families

Why Choose Us for Your Boise County Hazing Case

1. We’re fighting this battle right now: Our $10 million hazing lawsuit is active and ongoing
2. Former insurance defense attorneys: We know how insurance companies think and how to beat them
3. Federal court authority: We can pursue cases nationwide, including in Idaho
4. Dual-state bar admission: Texas and New York licenses give us strategic advantages
5. Se habla español: We can serve Spanish-speaking Boise County families
6. Contingency fee basis: $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
7. We travel to Boise County: For depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed

Our Approach to Boise County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate response: We act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights
2. Comprehensive investigation: We identify all responsible parties and build strong cases
3. Aggressive negotiation: We fight for maximum compensation from all defendants
4. Trial readiness: We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when necessary
5. Compassionate representation: We understand the emotional trauma of hazing victims

What We Pursue for Boise County Families

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future treatment costs
• Lost wages: Time missed from work or internships
• Educational damages: Disruption to academic progress
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages: To punish egregious conduct and prevent future abuse
• Institutional change: To force universities and fraternities to reform their cultures

The Defendants We Target in Boise County Cases

Fraternities and Sororities Near Boise County

Many national Greek organizations have chapters at universities near Boise County, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi: Same organization we’re suing in our current case
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple hazing deaths nationally
• Sigma Chi: Recent $10+ million hazing settlement
• Kappa Sigma: Multiple hazing incidents and lawsuits
• Phi Delta Theta: $6.1 million jury verdict in 2023
• Beta Theta Pi: $110+ million settlement
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): $10+ million in settlements

These organizations have documented histories of hazing. If your child was abused by any of them at a Boise County-area university, we can help.

Universities Near Boise County

Colleges and universities in the Boise County region have the same responsibilities as the University of Houston. They must:

• Supervise Greek life organizations
• Inspect fraternity/sorority properties
• Respond to hazing reports
• Protect students from foreseeable harm

When they fail in these duties, they can be held legally responsible.

Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:

• Chapter presidents
• Pledgemasters
• Active members
• Alumni who host hazing events
• Anyone who knew and failed to stop the abuse

Common Hazing Defenses—and How We Defeat Them

“He consented to participate”

Our response:

• Idaho law doesn’t recognize consent as a defense to assault or battery
• Social pressure and fear of retaliation negate true consent
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to
• The law protects people from their own poor judgment in these situations

“It’s just tradition”

Our response:

• Tradition doesn’t make illegal activity legal
• Universities and fraternities have policies against hazing
• “Tradition” is often used to justify abuse
• Courts and juries reject this argument

“We didn’t know it was happening”

Our response:

• Universities have a duty to supervise Greek organizations
• National fraternities have a duty to monitor their chapters
• Prior incidents create knowledge and foreseeability
• Failure to investigate is negligence

“He wasn’t seriously injured”

Our response:

• Psychological trauma is real and compensable
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent
• The law recognizes emotional distress damages
• Even “minor” hazing can have lifelong consequences

The Boise County Hazing Victim’s Guide to Evidence Preservation

What to Save

1. Medical records: Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
2. Photos and videos:
   • Injuries at all stages of healing
   • Hazing activities (if any exist)
   • Fraternity/sorority house where hazing occurred
3. Communications:
   • Text messages
   • GroupMe/Snapchat/Instagram messages
   • Emails
   • Social media posts
4. Witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges and witnesses
5. Documents:
   • Pledge manuals or schedules
   • Any written rules or expectations
   • Academic records showing impact on grades
6. Financial records:
   • Medical bills
   • Lost wage documentation
   • Tuition/fee payments

What NOT to Do

• Don’t delete anything: Even messages you think might hurt your case
• Don’t talk to the organization: Let your attorney handle all communication
• Don’t post on social media: Anything you post can be used against you
• Don’t sign anything: Without consulting your attorney first
• Don’t confront the perpetrators: This could escalate the situation

The Emotional Impact: What Boise County Families Need to Know

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries—it leaves deep psychological scars that can last a lifetime. Many victims experience:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
• Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities
• Anxiety: Excessive worry, panic attacks
• Trust issues: Difficulty forming new relationships
• Academic decline: Poor grades, dropping out
• Substance abuse: Self-medicating to cope with trauma
• Suicidal ideation: Some victims see no way out

In our current case, Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real and common among hazing victims.

How We Help with Emotional Trauma

1. Connect you with specialists: We work with therapists who understand hazing trauma
2. Document the impact: We gather evidence of psychological harm for your case
3. Fight for compensation: We pursue damages for pain and suffering
4. Protect your privacy: We handle media and public attention carefully
5. Provide support: Our team understands what you’re going through

Boise County Universities: The Institutional Failure

Universities near Boise County have the same failures we’re seeing at the University of Houston:

1. They own the properties: Many universities own the fraternity/sorority houses where hazing occurs
2. They have oversight responsibility: They’re supposed to monitor Greek life organizations
3. They know hazing happens: Most have prior hazing incidents in their records
4. They fail to act: Despite knowing the risks, they don’t implement effective safeguards
5. They prioritize reputation over safety: They cover up incidents to protect their image

When universities fail in these duties, they can be held legally responsible for the harm that results.

The National Fraternity Problem: A Systemic Crisis

National fraternities and sororities have systemic problems that enable hazing:

1. They have 100+ chapters: What happens at one chapter likely happens at others
2. They know about hazing: Most have prior incidents in their records
3. They fail to supervise: They don’t provide adequate oversight of local chapters
4. They protect the brand: They cover up incidents to protect their reputation
5. They have deep pockets: They have substantial assets and insurance coverage

In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU). They had 8 years to fix their culture. They didn’t. Now Leonel Bermudez is in the hospital with kidney failure.

What a Boise County Hazing Lawsuit Looks Like

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We evaluate your case at no cost
• We explain your legal rights and options
• We answer all your questions

Step 2: Investigation

• We gather all available evidence
• We identify all responsible parties
• We build a comprehensive case

Step 3: Demand and Negotiation

• We send demand letters to all defendants
• We negotiate with insurance companies
• We push for maximum compensation

Step 4: Litigation (if necessary)

• We file a lawsuit in the appropriate court
• We conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• We prepare for trial

Step 5: Resolution

• We reach a settlement agreement, or
• We take your case to trial and fight for a verdict

Step 6: Recovery

• We ensure you receive your compensation
• We help you access medical and emotional support
• We work to prevent future hazing incidents

Boise County Families: You’re Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a university near Boise County, you may feel:

• Angry at the people who hurt your child
• Betrayed by the institutions you trusted
• Overwhelmed by the legal process
• Hopeless about the future

You’re not alone. We’re here to help.

What Other Boise County Families Are Saying

While we can’t share specific testimonials from hazing cases due to confidentiality, here’s what Boise County clients have said about working with Attorney 911:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

“They treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato

The Urgency: Why Boise County Families Must Act Now

Evidence Disappears Quickly

• Text messages get deleted
• Security footage gets recorded over
• Witnesses forget details
• Fraternities destroy records

Legal Deadlines Apply

• Idaho has statutes of limitations (typically 2 years for personal injury)
• If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever

Institutions Begin Damage Control

• Universities and fraternities start coordinating their legal response
• They may try to intimidate witnesses
• They may offer lowball settlements

Your Child’s Health Comes First

• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Psychological trauma may take time to manifest
• Early legal intervention protects your child’s rights

Boise County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps

1. Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Schedule a free consultation: Available 24/7
3. Preserve all evidence: Don’t delete anything
4. Don’t talk to anyone: Let us handle all communication
5. Focus on recovery: We’ll handle the legal fight

Contact Attorney 911 Today

For Boise County hazing victims and families:

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

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• $0 upfront fees (contingency basis)
• Video consultations for Boise County families
• Willingness to travel to Boise County for your case

A Final Message to Boise County Families

To the parents of Boise County: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted that the university and student organizations would provide a positive environment for growth. That trust was betrayed.

To the students of Boise County: You joined a fraternity or sorority looking for brotherhood, sisterhood, friendship. You wanted to belong. What you got was torture, humiliation, and abuse.

To the Boise County community: This isn’t happening somewhere else. It’s happening right here in our backyard. The same fraternities that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez operate at universities near Boise County. The same negligent oversight that failed him exists at Boise County-area institutions.

Enough is enough.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting this battle right now—so that no Boise County family has to go through what Leonel Bermudez and his family are experiencing.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Boise County, call us. We’ll fight for you. We’ll hold them accountable. And we’ll make sure this never happens to another Boise County family.

1-888-ATTY-911. The fight starts now.