Hazing Lawyers in Clackamas County: Protecting Students from Abuse and Negligence

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines—Neither Do We

Clackamas County families: If your child has been hazed at a local college, university, or Greek organization, you’re not alone. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a hazing victim hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. The same fraternities operate at universities near Clackamas County, and the same culture of abuse exists here.

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Clackamas County, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands. You don’t have to face this alone.

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

Why Clackamas County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While based in Texas, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, and we bring the same aggressive representation to Clackamas County families.

2. Nationwide Reach—We Come to You

We represent hazing victims across America, including Clackamas County, through:
✅ Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
✅ Video consultations for Clackamas County families
✅ Willingness to travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides. We know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities minimize claims, delay payments, and deny responsibility. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

4. Proven Results in Complex Litigation

• $10M lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience against major corporations)
• Former federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

5. Contingency Fee Representation—$0 Upfront

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

The Hazing Crisis in Clackamas County

Hazing Happens Here—And It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter. In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to run sprints
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening at universities near Clackamas County.

Which Clackamas County Schools Have Greek Life?

While we cannot confirm specific incidents at local institutions, we know that national fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories operate at universities near Clackamas County, including:

The same national organizations involved in our $10M lawsuit have chapters near Clackamas County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

The Medical Dangers of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just embarrassing—it’s physically and psychologically dangerous. Common hazing injuries include:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Acute alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia (from exposure)
• Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological damage)
• Death

These aren’t rare occurrences. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the U.S.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Clackamas County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be personally liable
• Individual members who participated

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and others have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths
• Failed to supervise local chapters despite knowing about hazing risks
• Deep pockets—national organizations have substantial assets and insurance

3. The University or College

• Premises liability if hazing occurs on university-owned property
• Negligent supervision if they knew or should have known about hazing
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Institutional negligence if they ignored prior hazing incidents

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Members who directly participated in hazing
• Former members who hosted hazing at their homes
• Spouses/partners who allowed hazing on their property

5. Insurance Companies

• National fraternities, universities, and individual members often have liability insurance
• We know how to pursue these policies to maximize your recovery

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clackamas County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and other hazing injuries may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

📌 Take photos/videos of:

• Injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Hazing locations (fraternity house, off-campus sites)
• Items used in hazing (paddles, alcohol, restraints)

📌 Save all communications:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
• Social media posts about hazing
• Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules

📌 Document witness information:

• Names and contact info of other pledges
• Names of fraternity/sorority members involved

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
• They may ask you to sign documents or give statements
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• 2-year statute of limitations in Oregon for personal injury claims
• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• The sooner we act, the stronger your case

📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

What Damages Can Clackamas County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Our current hazing client is seeking $10 million—and that’s in line with recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

Recent Hazing Cases That Won Millions

1. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha) – $10.1 Million

• Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” event
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Fraternity and university both paid—$7.2M from Pi Kappa Alpha, $2.9M from BGSU

2. Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event
• BAC reached 0.495 (6x legal limit)
• Jury awarded $6.1M to family
• Led to “Max Gruver Act”—made hazing a felony in Louisiana

3. Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi) – $110+ Million

• Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes
• Fell down stairs multiple times—fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
• Security cameras captured everything
• Confidential settlement estimated at $110M+

4. Andrew Coffey (FSU, Pi Kappa Phi) – Confidential Settlement

• Forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Same fraternity as our current case—they had 8 years to fix their culture and didn’t

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families CAN and DO win big. The same legal strategies apply to Clackamas County cases.

Clackamas County Hazing Laws—What You Need to Know

Oregon’s Anti-Hazing Law (ORS 163.197)

Oregon law defines hazing as:

“Any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into an organization.”

Penalties:

• Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $6,250 fine)
• Class C felony if hazing results in serious physical injury or death (up to 5 years in prison)

Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Civil Liability in Oregon

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence (failure to protect students)
• Assault and battery (physical abuse)
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress (psychological trauma)
• Premises liability (if hazing occurred on university property)

Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets—and they can be held financially responsible for hazing injuries.

Why Clackamas County Families Should Act Now

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• Fraternities and universities delete messages, destroy photos, and intimidate witnesses
• Security footage gets erased
• Medical records become harder to obtain

2. Witnesses Forget Details

• Memories fade over time
• Other pledges may be pressured to stay silent

3. Statute of Limitations is Ticking

• 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in Oregon
• If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever

4. The Sooner We Act, the Stronger Your Case

• We send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
• We interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• We build a compelling case before defendants can coordinate their defense

What Makes Our Firm Different?

1. We’ve Been on the Other Side

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance defense firms before switching to represent victims. We know how the other side thinks, and we use that knowledge to win bigger settlements.

2. We Don’t Back Down from Big Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. We level the playing field with:

• Aggressive litigation strategies
• Expert witnesses (medical, hazing culture, institutional negligence)
• Media pressure when necessary

3. We Care About More Than Just Money

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting to:

• Hold abusers accountable
• Change the culture of hazing
• Prevent this from happening to another Clackamas County family

“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 Peña, Attorney 911

4. We Offer Video Consultations for Clackamas County Families

You don’t have to travel to Texas to meet with us. We offer secure video consultations so you can get legal advice from the comfort of your home.

5. We Travel to Clackamas County for Your Case

For depositions, trials, and client meetings, we come to you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases

Q: My child consented to hazing—can we still sue?

A: YES. Oregon law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity/sorority is saying my child was at fault. What do we do?

A: Don’t respond. Fraternities and universities will try to shift blame. Let us handle the legal strategy. We know how to counter these defenses.

Q: How much is my case worth?

Every case is different, but recent hazing settlements and verdicts range from $4 million to $110 million. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing incidents
• Whether national organizations failed to supervise
• Evidence of cover-ups or intimidation

Q: How long will this take?

Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work as quickly as possible while ensuring you get maximum compensation.

Q: Will my child have to testify?

Possibly, but we prepare our clients thoroughly. Many cases settle before trial, meaning your child may never have to face the defendants in court.

Q: What if the fraternity/sorority doesn’t have money?

We pursue all liable parties, including:

• National organizations (deep pockets)
• Universities (substantial assets)
• Individual members (homeowner’s insurance)
• Insurance policies covering the incident

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

YES. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, we can pursue the property owners.

Clackamas County Hazing Victims—You Are Not Alone

We know how isolating this feels. You may be:

• Afraid of retaliation (our current client is)
• Embarrassed or ashamed
• Worried about the cost of a lawyer
• Unsure if what happened was “really hazing”

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate legal emergencies, and we’re here to help Clackamas County families too.

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

A Message to Clackamas County Fraternities and Sororities

To the chapters operating near Clackamas County:

We are watching. We are building cases. We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your documented histories of hazing.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma—if your chapter operates near Clackamas County, know this:

• We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure.
• We have won multi-million dollar verdicts against other fraternities.
• We will pursue every liable entity—your national organization, your housing corporation, your individual members.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated.

Your chapter could be next.

A Message to Clackamas County Universities

University of Portland, Portland State University, Lewis & Clark College, and others:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you own fraternity houses, you have a legal responsibility to ensure they are safe.

• UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded.
• UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 and did nothing.
• Now they’re being sued for $10 million.

If hazing is happening at your institution, act now—or face the same accountability.

Enough Is Enough. It’s Time for Justice.

Clackamas County families: If your child has been hazed, contact us today. We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations
✅ $0 upfront—we only get paid if we win
✅ Nationwide representation, including Clackamas County
✅ Aggressive, compassionate legal advocacy

📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Attorney 911—Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting hazing victims nationwide, including Clackamas County.

Serving Clackamas County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
We come to you for depositions, trials, and client meetings.