Hazing Lawyers in Boone County, Illinois | Attorney 911

Justice for Hazing Victims and Families in Boone County

If your child has been hazed at a Boone County college, university, or Greek organization, you are not alone. Attorney 911 represents hazing victims and their families in Boone County and across Illinois with the same aggressive, expert legal representation we’re currently providing in our landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

Boone County Families: This Happens Here Too

While our current case is in Texas, the same fraternities, sororities, and hazing cultures exist at universities near Boone County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and other national Greek organizations operate chapters throughout Illinois. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston happen right here in Boone County.

If your child attends college near Boone County—at Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University, or other institutions—they face the same risks.

The Hazing Crisis in Boone County and Beyond

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of their willingness to participate. Under Illinois law (and most state laws), consent is not a defense to hazing.

Hazing in Boone County can include:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical exercise causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
• Beatings with paddles or other objects
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
• Psychological abuse and humiliation
• Sexual assault or harassment
• Forced consumption of food, liquids, or non-food substances
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions

The consequences can be life-altering or fatal.

Our Landmark Hazing Case: A Warning for Boone County

$10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not yet enrolled at UH)
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, Beta Nu Chapter, University of Houston, UH Board of Regents, chapter officers, and individual members

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue running
• Sleep deprivation from driving fraternity members at all hours
• Humiliation, including carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

On November 3, 2025, after being punished with extreme exercise, Bermudez became so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. Over the next three days, his condition worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

Why This Matters for Boone County Families

1. Pi Kappa Phi Has 150+ Chapters Nationwide—Including Near Boone County

   • The same national organization that allowed this to happen operates chapters throughout Illinois.
   • If it happened at UH, it can happen at Boone County-area universities.

2. The University of Houston Owned the Fraternity House Where the Hazing Occurred

   • Universities near Boone County have the same power—and the same responsibility—to prevent hazing on their campuses.
   • When they fail, they must be held accountable.

3. This Wasn’t the First Time

   • Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption.
   • Eight years later, nothing had changed. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under the same national organization’s watch.
   • The University of Houston had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha), yet failed to implement effective safeguards.

4. Pi Kappa Phi Knew About the “Hazing Crisis” and Did Nothing

   • According to media reports, Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.”
   • They closed the UH chapter seven days before the lawsuit was filed—proving they knew litigation was coming.

5. They’re Already Planning to Return

   • In their official statement, Pi Kappa Phi wrote: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
   • No remorse. No accountability. Just business as usual.
   • Boone County families: This is why we fight.

Hazing Laws in Illinois: Your Rights as a Boone County Victim

Illinois has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights to compensation for their injuries. Under the Illinois Hazing Statute (720 ILCS 5/12C-50), hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. If hazing results in death or great bodily harm, it becomes a Class 4 felony.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Boone County

Even if criminal charges are not filed, hazing victims and their families can pursue civil lawsuits for damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
• Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)

Who Can Be Held Liable in Boone County?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:

1. The Local Chapter

   • Directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

   • Failed to supervise the local chapter.
   • Knew or should have known about hazing risks.
   • Had policies that were violated.

3. The University or College

   • Failed to monitor Greek organizations.
   • Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred.
   • Had prior knowledge of hazing risks.

4. Individual Members and Officers

   • Participated in or directed hazing activities.
   • Failed to stop the abuse.

5. Alumni and Property Owners

   • Allowed hazing to occur at their residences.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims are represented by experienced attorneys. Here’s what other families have recovered:

Boone County families: These results are possible for you too.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Boone County

If your child has been hazed at a Boone County-area university or Greek organization, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Hazing injuries can be life-threatening, even if they don’t seem severe at first.
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries can have delayed symptoms.
• Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Do not delete any communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
• Take photos and videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
• Document witness names and contact information.
• Save all pledge manuals, schedules, or documents given to your child.

Step 3: Do Not Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university.
• Do not post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can be used against you.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We represent hazing victims in Boone County and nationwide.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Boone County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We are not just talking about hazing—we are fighting it in court right now.
• Boone County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
• We know how they think, how they value cases, and how they try to minimize claims.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Reach with Local Boone County Service

• While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Boone County.
• Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us strategic advantages.
• We travel to Boone County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City Explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)—mass tort litigation experience.
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims.
• Aggressive trial attorneys—we don’t back down from powerful institutions.

5. Compassionate, Bilingual Representation

• Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
• We treat Boone County families like family—not just another case.

6. Contingency Fee Representation—No Upfront Costs

• You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• No hourly fees, no retainers—just results.

Boone County Universities and Greek Organizations: We Are Watching

To fraternities and sororities operating near Boone County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.

• Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), Delta Chi, and all other national organizations:

  • If your chapter hazes students in Boone County, we will hold you accountable.
  • The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
  • We track your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your hazing histories.

• Universities near Boone County:

  • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded.
  • If your institution owns or controls property where hazing occurs, you are liable.
  • If you knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, we will sue you.

• Individual members and officers:

  • Stone Foltz’s chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
  • If you participate in or facilitate hazing in Boone County, you will be personally liable.

The message is clear: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. Boone County will not be your safe harbor.

Frequently Asked Questions for Boone County Families

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed in Boone County?

Yes. Hazing is illegal in Illinois, and victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Even if your child “consented” to participate, Illinois law says consent is not a defense to hazing.

2. How much is my Boone County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts, especially when:

• The injuries are severe (hospitalization, permanent damage, wrongful death).
• The organization had prior knowledge of hazing risks.
• The university owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
• The conduct was egregious (waterboarding, forced consumption, beatings).

Our current hazing case seeks $10 million for injuries including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

3. Who can be sued in a Boone County hazing case?

Multiple parties can be held liable, including:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter.
• The national organization.
• The university or college.
• Individual members and officers.
• Alumni or property owners who allowed hazing to occur.

4. What if my child was hazed at a Boone County community college or smaller school?

Hazing happens at all types of institutions, not just large universities. Whether your child attends Rock Valley College, a private college, or a smaller school near Boone County, they have the same legal rights. We represent hazing victims regardless of the school’s size or prestige.

5. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Illinois?

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

6. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from their peers or the organization. We protect our clients’ identities and safety throughout the legal process. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution”—we take these concerns seriously.

7. Can I afford a hazing lawyer in Boone County?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no retainers. We only get paid if you recover compensation.

8. What if the hazing didn’t result in physical injury?

Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injuries. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all compensable damages. If your child suffered psychological harm from hazing in Boone County, you have a case.

9. Can I sue if my child was hazed at an off-campus location?

Yes. Hazing that occurs off-campus is still illegal and actionable. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the property owner (and their homeowner’s insurance) may also be liable.

10. What should I do if my child was hazed in Boone County?

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, witness information).
3. Do not speak to the organization or their lawyers without counsel.
4. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Boone County Hazing Resources

Emergency Contacts

• Medical Emergency: Call 911
• Boone County Sheriff’s Office: (815) 544-9111
• Rockford Police Department (for Rockford-area incidents): (815) 987-5800

Hazing Hotlines

• National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• Clery Center Hazing Reporting Line: 1-888-251-7959

Mental Health Support

• Rosecrance (Rockford): (815) 391-1000
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Contact Attorney 911 for Boone County Hazing Cases

If your child has been hazed in Boone County or at a nearby university, call us immediately. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Boone County, and we are ready to fight for your family.

📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you do.

Serving Boone County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
We travel to Boone County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Boone County Families: Enough Is Enough

Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is not “boys being boys.”

It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And it must end.

The fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow hazing to continue are putting reputation and money above student safety. They knew the risks. They had the power to stop it. They chose not to.

But you can choose to fight back.

With Attorney 911, Boone County families have a powerful ally. We are not afraid of national organizations or universities. We know how to hold them accountable. We know how to win.

Call us today. Let’s send a message that Boone County won’t tolerate hazing.

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