# 🛡️ Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Child’s Rights in Butler County, Iowa
**If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Butler County, Iowa — you have legal rights. And you have powerful allies.**
**Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Butler County. The same negligence exists in Iowa. And we will fight for Butler County families with the same determination.**
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## 🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Butler County, Iowa
Butler County is home to strong communities, hardworking families, and students with bright futures. But like communities across America, Butler County is not immune to the **hazing epidemic** plaguing our colleges and universities.
### The Reality for Butler County Families
– **National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha have active chapters at universities near Butler County** — including the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, just 30 minutes away.
– **Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.** The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Iowa institutions.
– **Butler County students face the same risks** — forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, psychological torture — all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “team bonding.”
– **Universities near Butler County have the same duty to protect students** — and the same liability when they fail.
### What Hazing Looks Like in Iowa
Hazing in Iowa takes many forms, but all share one thing: **they are not harmless pranks. They are dangerous, often illegal, and can cause lifelong harm.**
| Type of Hazing | What It Looks Like | Real Consequences |
|—————-|———————|——————-|
| **Forced Drinking** | “Drink this entire bottle.” “Chug this beer.” “If you don’t drink, you’re out.” | Alcohol poisoning, blackouts, death |
| **Physical Abuse** | Paddling, beatings, branding, forced exercise until collapse | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure (like our client) |
| **Sleep Deprivation** | All-night activities, forced driving, no sleep for days | Car accidents, mental breakdowns, impaired judgment |
| **Psychological Torture** | Waterboarding, humiliation, threats of expulsion | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| **Sexual Humiliation** | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault | Trauma, shame, long-term psychological damage |
| **Forced Eating** | Eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances | Choking, poisoning, internal injuries |
### The Medical Consequences Are Real
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing — it can be **medically catastrophic.**
| Injury | What Happens | Real Cases in Iowa |
|——–|————-|——————-|
| **Rhabdomyolysis** | Muscle breakdown releases toxins into bloodstream, damaging kidneys | **Our Houston client suffered this after 500 squats** — hospitalized for 4 days |
| **Acute Kidney Failure** | Kidneys stop filtering waste; can be fatal | **Our client’s diagnosis** — life-threatening |
| **Alcohol Poisoning** | Body can’t process alcohol; leads to coma or death | Multiple Iowa cases reported |
| **Traumatic Brain Injury** | From falls, beatings, or lack of oxygen | Documented in Iowa hazing incidents |
| **Hypothermia/Hyperthermia** | Exposure to extreme cold or heat | Iowa winters make cold exposure especially dangerous |
| **Suicide** | Psychological trauma leads to hopelessness | Iowa has seen hazing-related suicides |
### Iowa Has Laws Against Hazing — But They’re Not Enough
Iowa Code § 708.10 makes hazing a **serious misdemeanor**, punishable by up to **1 year in jail and a $2,560 fine.** But too often, these laws go unenforced until it’s too late.
**The civil justice system is where Butler County families can hold institutions accountable.**
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## ⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Butler County
### The Story That Should Scare Every Butler County Parent
**Victim:** Leonel Bermudez — a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet.
**What Happened:**
– September 2025: Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at UH.
– For **7 weeks**, he was subjected to systematic abuse:
– **Waterboarded with a garden hose** (simulated drowning)
– **Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls** until he collapsed
– **Struck with wooden paddles**
– **Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting** — then forced to keep running
– **Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose**
– **Carried 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**
– November 3, 2025: After a brutal workout where he was threatened with expulsion if he stopped, Bermudez **collapsed and couldn’t stand.**
– November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with **severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.**
– November 6-10, 2025: **Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days** fighting for his life.
**The Aftermath:**
– Pi Kappa Phi **closed the chapter immediately** — but only after Bermudez was hospitalized.
– The University of Houston **admitted the events were “deeply disturbing”** and a “clear violation of community standards.”
– **$10 million lawsuit filed** by Attorney 911 on November 21, 2025.
### Why This Should Alarm Butler County Families
1. **Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Butler County** — including the University of Northern Iowa.
2. **The same national organization that failed to prevent this in Houston operates in Iowa.**
3. **The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist at Iowa fraternities.**
4. **Universities near Butler County have the same power — and the same liability — as UH.**
5. **Bermudez wasn’t even a student yet. If they’ll do this to a “ghost rush,” what are they doing to enrolled students?**
### “They Knew This Could Happen” — The Pattern of Negligence
**Pi Kappa Phi National Knew:**
– In 2017, **Andrew Coffey died** at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at Florida State University after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
– Pi Kappa Phi had **8 years** to fix their culture.
– **They did nothing.** In 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized.
**University of Houston Knew:**
– In 2017, a student at UH was **hospitalized with a lacerated spleen** after hazing at Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
– UH had **8 years** to implement real oversight.
– **They did nothing.** In 2025, Bermudez was hospitalized at a different fraternity.
**The Pattern is Clear:**
– **Institutions know hazing is happening.**
– **They have the power to stop it.**
– **They choose not to — until someone gets hurt.**
– **Then they close the chapter and claim they’re “shocked.”**
**Butler County families:** Your child’s university knows this can happen. **What have they done to prevent it?**
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## ⚖️ Your Legal Rights: What Iowa Law Says About Hazing
### Iowa’s Anti-Hazing Law (Iowa Code § 708.10)
**Definition of Hazing:**
> “Any act which is intended to or which recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university.”
**Criminal Penalties:**
– **Serious misdemeanor** — up to **1 year in jail** and **$2,560 fine**
– **Aggravated misdemeanor** if hazing results in **bodily injury** — up to **2 years in jail** and **$8,540 fine**
– **Class D felony** if hazing results in **serious injury or death** — up to **5 years in prison**
**Butler County families:** Criminal charges are important, but they don’t compensate your child for their injuries. **Civil lawsuits are how you hold institutions accountable and recover damages.**
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### Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Butler County Hazing Cases
In Iowa, **multiple parties can be held legally responsible** for hazing injuries:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Butler County Application |
|———–|———————|—————————|
| **Local Chapter** | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or other fraternities at UNI or nearby schools |
| **National Organization** | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National, SAE National, etc. — deep pockets and insurance |
| **University** | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State, or other nearby institutions |
| **Individual Members** | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, active members |
| **Alumni/Hosts** | Allowed hazing at their residence | Premises liability for off-campus hazing locations |
| **Coaches/Advisors** | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing | Sports teams, ROTC, marching band |
**Butler County families:** You don’t have to choose just one defendant. **We sue everyone responsible.**
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### Types of Damages You Can Recover
If your child has been hazed in Butler County, you may be entitled to **compensation for:**
#### Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
– **Medical bills** — ER visits, hospital stays, therapy, medications
– **Future medical expenses** — ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential dialysis or transplant
– **Lost wages** — time missed from work during recovery
– **Educational expenses** — tutoring, transferring schools, lost scholarships
– **Therapy and counseling** — for PTSD, anxiety, depression
#### Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
– **Physical pain and suffering** — from injuries, medical treatments, recovery
– **Mental anguish** — trauma from hazing, fear of retribution
– **Emotional distress** — humiliation, shame, loss of trust
– **Loss of enjoyment of life** — inability to participate in normal activities
– **Permanent impairment** — if injuries cause lasting limitations
#### Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
– Awarded when conduct is **intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent**
– Meant to **punish the wrongdoer** and **deter future misconduct**
– **No cap in Iowa** — juries can award what they believe is fair
**Our $10 million demand in the Houston case is based on precedent.** Juries routinely award **millions** in hazing cases when the conduct is outrageous.
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## 💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
### These Cases Prove That Butler County Families Can — and Do — Win
#### 1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
**Total Recovery:** **$10.1 MILLION+**
– **$2.9 million** from Bowling Green State University
– **$7.2 million** from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals
– **Criminal convictions** for multiple members
– **Chapter permanently expelled**
**What Happened:** Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
**Why It Matters for Butler County:** This case shows that **universities and national fraternities will pay millions** when hazing causes harm. Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent.
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#### 2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
**Total:** **$6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT**
– **Criminal conviction** for negligent homicide
– **Max Gruver Act** passed in Louisiana — made hazing a **felony**
**What Happened:** Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink during a “Bible Study” event. Wrong answers = drink more. He died with a BAC of **0.495** — more than 6 times the legal limit.
**Why It Matters for Butler County:** Juries award **millions** for hazing deaths. The same potential exists for severe injuries like our client’s kidney failure.
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#### 3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
**Total:** **$110 MILLION+ (estimated)**
– **18 members criminally charged**
– **Multiple convictions** including involuntary manslaughter
– **Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law** passed in Pennsylvania
**What Happened:** Timothy Piazza was forced to run “the gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down basement stairs multiple times. Fraternity members **waited 12 hours before calling 911.** He died from traumatic brain injury.
**Why It Matters for Butler County:** When evidence is strong (like security camera footage in this case), **settlements reach $100+ million.** Our case has detailed documentation of the hazing timeline.
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#### 4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
**Same Fraternity as Our Case**
– **9 members criminally charged**
– **Chapter permanently closed**
**What Happened:** Andrew Coffey was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during “Big Brother Night.” He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
**Why It Matters for Butler County:**
⚠️ **Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. They did nothing to fix their culture.**
This proves:
– Pi Kappa Phi National **knew** their chapters engage in deadly hazing.
– They had **8 years to implement safeguards.**
– **They failed.** Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025.
– **This establishes a pattern of negligence** — critical for punitive damages.
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### The Message to Fraternities Near Butler County
**Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts.**
– **Pi Kappa Phi:** Andrew Coffey (2017) + Leonel Bermudez (2025) = **$10+ million**
– **Pi Kappa Alpha:** Stone Foltz (2021) = **$10.1 million**
– **Phi Delta Theta:** Maxwell Gruver (2017) = **$6.1 million jury verdict**
– **Beta Theta Pi:** Timothy Piazza (2017) = **$110+ million**
**If your chapter harms a student near Butler County, you will pay.**
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## 📋 What Butler County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs
### Step-by-Step Action Plan
If you suspect or know your child has been hazed in Butler County, **time is critical.** Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|——|——–|—————-|
| **1. Ensure Safety** | Remove your child from the situation immediately. If they’re in physical danger, call 911. | Their safety is the top priority. |
| **2. Seek Medical Attention** | Take your child to the ER or urgent care, even if injuries seem minor. | – Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) aren’t immediately obvious.
– Medical records create documentation.
– Delaying treatment hurts your legal case. |
| **3. Preserve Evidence** | – **Take photos/videos** of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence.
– **Save all communications** (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
– **Write down everything** your child remembers — dates, times, what was said, who was present.
– **Get witness information** — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses. | Evidence is the foundation of your case. The more you preserve, the stronger your claim. |
| **4. Do NOT Confront the Organization** | Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, coaches, or university administrators without legal counsel. | They will try to control the narrative, intimidate witnesses, and destroy evidence. |
| **5. Do NOT Post on Social Media** | Avoid posting about the incident, your child’s condition, or your feelings. | Anything you post can be used against you. |
| **6. Contact an Attorney Immediately** | Call Attorney 911 at **1-888-ATTY-911** for a free consultation. | – We offer **free consultations** for Butler County families.
– We work on **contingency** — you pay nothing unless we win.
– We can send **preservation letters** to stop evidence destruction.
– We know how to **protect your child from retaliation.** |
| **7. Report to Authorities (Optional)** | Consider filing a police report or Title IX complaint. | Criminal charges can run parallel to civil lawsuits. |
| **8. Document Everything** | Keep a journal of your child’s symptoms, medical appointments, and how the hazing has affected their life. | This helps calculate damages for pain and suffering. |
### What NOT to Do
❌ **Do not delete any messages or posts** — even if they’re embarrassing. This is destruction of evidence.
❌ **Do not sign anything from the organization** — they may try to get you to waive your rights.
❌ **Do not accept a settlement without consulting an attorney** — first offers are always lowball.
❌ **Do not talk to insurance companies or the organization’s lawyers** — they are not on your side.
❌ **Do not wait** — Iowa has a **2-year statute of limitations** for personal injury claims.
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## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Butler County Hazing Cases
### 1. “My child consented to join the fraternity/sorority. Does that mean we can’t sue?”
**No.** Iowa law does not recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they **cannot consent to being hazed.**
**Key Points:**
– Hazing is **illegal** in Iowa (Iowa Code § 708.10).
– Organizations use **peer pressure, threats, and social coercion** to force participation.
– **True consent requires full information** — most pledges don’t know what they’re agreeing to.
– **The law is clear:** Consent is not a defense.
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### 2. “The fraternity says this was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”
**No.** “Tradition” is not a legal defense. It is an **excuse for abuse.**
**What Courts Say:**
– **Hazing is not tradition — it’s assault.**
– **Tradition does not justify illegal conduct.**
– **If the activity is dangerous, it’s hazing — regardless of what they call it.**
**In our Houston case:**
– Waterboarding is **torture** — not tradition.
– Forcing 500 squats until kidney failure is **reckless endangerment** — not tradition.
– Striking pledges with wooden paddles is **battery** — not tradition.
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### 3. “The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?”
**Yes.** Universities have a **duty to protect students.** If they fail to implement adequate safeguards, they can be held liable for **negligent supervision** — even if they didn’t know about a specific incident.
**Why Universities Are Liable:**
– They **control Greek life** — they can suspend or expel chapters.
– They **own or lease fraternity houses** — premises liability applies.
– They **know hazing is a risk** — it’s well-documented in Greek life.
– They **have the power to inspect and regulate** — but often choose not to.
**In our Houston case:**
– The University of Houston **owned the fraternity house** where hazing occurred.
– They had a **prior hazing incident in 2017** at a different fraternity.
– **They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.**
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### 4. “The fraternity says they’ve already suspended the chapter. Is that enough?”
**No.** Suspending or closing a chapter **after** someone is injured is **damage control — not accountability.**
**What They’re Really Saying:**
– “We’re sorry we got caught.”
– “We’ll be back when this blows over.”
– “We don’t actually care about the victim.”
**In our Houston case:**
– Pi Kappa Phi **closed the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed.**
– In their public statement, they said: *”We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”*
– **No apology. No remorse. Just planning their comeback.**
**Punitive damages are needed to send a message:** This cannot happen again.
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### 5. “My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?”
**We protect our clients.** Hazing victims often fear:
– Social ostracism
– Academic retaliation
– Physical threats
– Damage to their reputation
**How We Protect Butler County Clients:**
1. **Confidentiality** — We keep your child’s identity private when possible.
2. **Legal protection** — Retaliation is illegal; we can take action if it occurs.
3. **Evidence preservation** — We document everything to build a strong case.
4. **Media strategy** — We control the narrative to protect your child.
5. **Support network** — We connect families with counseling and support groups.
**Your child is not alone.** We’ve represented hazing victims across America, and we know how to navigate these challenges.
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### 6. “We’re not from Texas. Can Attorney 911 still help us?”
**Yes.** While we are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), **hazing is a nationwide problem — and we represent victims nationwide.**
**How We Serve Butler County Families:**
– **Federal court authority** — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
– **Dual-state bar licenses** — Texas and New York.
– **Video consultations** — Meet with us remotely from Butler County.
– **Travel commitment** — We come to Iowa for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
– **Nationwide network** — We work with local counsel when needed.
**Distance is not a barrier.** If your child was hazed in Butler County or at any Iowa institution, we can help.
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### 7. “How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?”
**$0 upfront.** We work on a **contingency fee basis** — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
**How It Works:**
– **Free consultation** — We evaluate your case at no cost.
– **No hourly fees** — We don’t bill by the hour.
– **No retainer** — You don’t pay anything upfront.
– **We take the risk** — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
– **We get paid from the settlement** — Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
**Why This Matters for Butler County Families:**
– You can **fight powerful institutions** without financial risk.
– You get **experienced legal representation** regardless of your financial situation.
– We are **motivated to win** — we don’t get paid unless you do.
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### 8. “What’s the process like? How long does it take?”
**Every case is unique**, but here’s what Butler County families can expect:
| Phase | What Happens | Timeline |
|——-|————–|———-|
| **1. Free Consultation** | We evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss strategy. | 1-2 hours |
| **2. Investigation** | We gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain medical records. | 1-3 months |
| **3. Medical Treatment** | Your child completes treatment; we document all injuries. | 2-12+ months |
| **4. Demand Package** | We compile damages and send a demand to defendants. | After treatment |
| **5. Negotiation** | We negotiate with defendants’ insurance companies. | 1-6 months |
| **6. Litigation (if needed)** | If negotiations fail, we file a lawsuit. | 6-18 months |
| **7. Discovery** | Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions. | 6-12 months |
| **8. Mediation** | A neutral mediator helps facilitate settlement. | 1 day |
| **9. Trial (if needed)** | We present your case to a judge and jury. | Days to weeks |
| **10. Resolution** | Settlement or verdict; you receive compensation. | Varies |
**Total Timeline:** 6 months to 3+ years, depending on complexity.
**Our Goal:** Resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation. **We don’t rush — we fight for what you deserve.**
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### 9. “What if my child was hazed at a high school in Butler County?”
**We can help.** Hazing isn’t just a college problem — it happens in high schools too.
**Common High School Hazing Scenarios in Butler County:**
– Sports teams (football, wrestling, basketball)
– Marching band
– Cheerleading
– Student clubs
– ROTC programs
**Iowa law applies to all schools.** If your child was hazed in a Butler County high school, you have the same legal rights.
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### 10. “Can we sue if no one was physically injured?”
**Yes.** Hazing causes **psychological trauma** even without physical injuries.
**Types of Non-Physical Harm We Pursue:**
– PTSD
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Suicidal ideation
– Loss of trust
– Academic decline
– Social withdrawal
**In our experience:** Psychological trauma can be just as damaging — and just as compensable — as physical injuries.
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## 🏛️ Who We Sue: Holding Every Responsible Party Accountable
When we represent Butler County hazing victims, **we don’t just sue the fraternity.** We sue **everyone who played a role** in allowing the abuse to happen.
### The Butler County Hazing Liability Web
| Defendant | Role | Why They’re Liable |
|———–|——|———————|
| **Local Chapter** | Direct perpetrators | Organized and conducted hazing; chapter officers directed activities. |
| **National Organization** | Failed oversight | Knew about hazing culture; failed to enforce anti-hazing policies; deep pockets. |
| **University** | Institutional failure | Owned/controlled property; failed to protect students; had power to stop hazing. |
| **Individual Members** | Active participants | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it; can be sued personally. |
| **Alumni/Hosts** | Facilitated hazing | Allowed hazing at their residence; premises liability. |
| **Coaches/Advisors** | Negligent supervision | Failed to monitor; knew or should have known about hazing. |
| **Insurance Companies** | Financial responsibility | Provide coverage for defendants’ liability. |
**Our Strategy:** **Sue everyone.** This increases the number of insurance policies available and maximizes your potential recovery.
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## 🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Butler County Hazing Case
### We Are the Hazing Litigation Experts
| Advantage | How It Helps Butler County Families |
|———–|————————————-|
| **25+ Years of Litigation Experience** | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts — available for Iowa cases. |
| **Former Insurance Defense Attorneys** | We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them. |
| **Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience** | BP Texas City explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries) — we know how to take on massive institutional defendants. |
| **Federal Court Authority** | Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas — can pursue Butler County cases in federal jurisdiction. |
| **Dual-State Bar Licenses** | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered anywhere. |
| **Hazing-Specific Expertise** | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case; experience with rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M hazing cases. |
| **Wrongful Death Experience** | If hazing results in death, we have experience pursuing wrongful death claims. |
| **Bilingual Staff** | Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking Butler County families without language barriers. |
| **Nationwide Reach** | We represent hazing victims across America, including Butler County, Iowa. |
| **Contingency Fee Basis** | $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win. |
| **Aggressive Representation** | We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We fight for justice. |
### Our Attorneys: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena
#### Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner
**Experience:**
– 25+ years as a trial attorney
– Former insurance defense attorney — knows how the other side thinks
– Currently litigating $10M hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
– Handled BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
– Admitted to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
**Why Butler County Families Trust Ralph:**
> *”When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”* — Ralph Manginello describing Leonel Bermudez’s condition to ABC13
Ralph doesn’t just represent victims — **he fights for them with compassion and fury.**
#### Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney
**Experience:**
– 12+ years as a litigator
– Former attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP (national insurance defense firm)
– Knows how insurance companies value and fight claims
– Fluent in Spanish — serves Spanish-speaking families
**Why Butler County Families Trust Lupe:**
> *”If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”* — Lupe Pena to ABC13
Lupe fights for justice with **strategic precision and moral clarity.**
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### What Butler County Families Say About Us
> *”Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”* — Dame Haskett
> *”One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to pick up this handsome check.”* — Donald Wilcox
> *”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
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## 📞 Butler County Families: Contact Us Now
**If your child has been hazed in Butler County, Iowa — time is critical.**
**Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation.**
# 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
**Email:** ralph@atty911.com
**Website:** attorney911.com
**Available 24/7 for Butler County hazing emergencies**
**We work on contingency — $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win.**
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## 🏆 Our Promise to Butler County Families
1. **We will listen** — your child’s story matters.
2. **We will investigate** — we gather the evidence to build a strong case.
3. **We will fight** — we don’t back down from powerful institutions.
4. **We will protect** — we shield your child from retaliation.
5. **We will win** — we pursue maximum compensation for your child’s injuries.
6. **We will prevent** — we work to ensure this never happens to another Butler County family.
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## 🚀 Take Action Today
Butler County families: **hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless.**
**It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal. And it must stop.**
**If your child has been hazed — or if you suspect they have — contact Attorney 911 now.**
# 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
**Your child deserves justice. Butler County deserves accountability. The future deserves change.**
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**Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™**
**Protecting Butler County Families from Hazing Abuse**
**Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Serving Iowa and Nationwide**
