π‘οΈ Hazing Victims in Clearwater County, Idaho: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help
Attorney 911 β Fighting for Clearwater County Families Harmed by Hazing
If your child has been a victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Clearwater County, Idaho, you are not alone. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in Idaho. The same institutional failures that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Texas exist at Idaho institutions. And the same legal rights that protect victims in Houston protect victims in Orofino, Kamiah, Pierce, Weippe, and across Clearwater County.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to fight for Clearwater County families β no matter where the hazing occurred.
π¨ The Hazing Crisis in Clearwater County β What You Need to Know
Hazing Doesnβt Stop at State Lines
The same national fraternities that have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across America have chapters at universities near Clearwater County, including:
- University of Idaho (Moscow) β Approximately 100 miles from Orofino
- Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston) β Approximately 60 miles from Kamiah
- Idaho State University (Pocatello) β Approximately 200 miles from Pierce
- Boise State University (Boise) β Approximately 300 miles from Weippe
These institutions serve students from Clearwater County. If your child attends college near Clearwater County, they are at risk.
The Same Fraternities. The Same Hazing.
The fraternities involved in recent multi-million dollar hazing lawsuits operate near Clearwater County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 β death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 β kidney failure) | $10M+ (pending) |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 β death) | $10.1M |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 β death) | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 β death) | $110M+ |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Chemical burns (Texas A&M, 2021) | $1M+ |
These same organizations have chapters near Clearwater County. If your child was hazed by one of these fraternities, we can help.
β οΈ What Is Hazing? β Idaho and Federal Definitions
Idaho Hazing Law (Idaho Code Β§ 18-917)
Hazing is defined as:
Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.
Examples of hazing in Idaho:
- Forced physical activity (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides”)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Sleep deprivation
- Physical assault (e.g., paddling, beating)
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Servitude (e.g., forced errands, driving members)
Idaho law states:
Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Federal Title IX Protections
Hazing often creates a hostile environment under Title IX, especially when it involves:
- Sexual harassment
- Gender-based discrimination
- Retaliation against victims who report
Universities receiving federal funding (which includes all public Idaho universities) must address hazing under Title IX.
π₯ The Medical Consequences of Hazing β What Clearwater County Families Face
Hazing isnβt “just a prank.” It causes real, lasting harm. Our client in Texas was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and waterboarded.
Common Hazing Injuries in Idaho:
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats) | Kidney failure; permanent damage; potential dialysis |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Brain damage; death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings; falls | Cognitive impairment; memory loss; personality changes |
| Broken Bones | Physical assault | Chronic pain; limited mobility |
| Heat Stroke / Hypothermia | Exposure to elements | Organ damage; death |
| Sexual Assault | Coerced sexual acts | PTSD; depression; anxiety; trust issues |
| PTSD / Anxiety / Depression | Psychological abuse | Therapy; medication; lifelong impact on relationships and career |
If your child has been hazed near Clearwater County, seek medical attention immediately. Even if they “feel fine,” symptoms like muscle pain, dark urine, or confusion can indicate life-threatening conditions like rhabdomyolysis.
βοΈ Who Is Liable? β Holding Clearwater County Institutions Accountable
In our Texas case, we are suing 10 defendants, including:
- The local fraternity chapter
- The national fraternity organization
- The university (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members who participated
The same liability applies to Idaho institutions near Clearwater County.
Who Can Be Sued in Idaho Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Basis for Liability | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at University of Idaho |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew of hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability | University of Idaho; Lewis-Clark State College |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Fraternity president; pledgemaster |
| Alumni / Former Members | Hosted hazing at their home | Premises liability |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity house landlord |
Clearwater County families: If your child was hazed near Clearwater County, we can pursue every liable party β no matter where they are located.
π° What Is Your Case Worth? β Clearwater County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Hereβs what similar cases have won:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1M |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110M+ |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Rhabdomyolysis; kidney failure | $10M lawsuit pending |
What Clearwater County Families Can Recover:
| Damage Type | Description | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills; therapy; future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work; reduced earning capacity | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain; emotional trauma | $200,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | $500,000 – $2,000,000+ per defendant |
| Educational Damages | Tuition loss; academic disruption | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
Idaho has no cap on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases. This means Clearwater County victims can recover full and fair compensation for their injuries.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Clearwater County
Immediate Steps for Clearwater County Families:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if your child “feels fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
- Conditions like rhabdomyolysis can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
-
Preserve All Evidence
- DO NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or photos.
- Take screenshots of all communications about hazing.
- Save any physical evidence (e.g., clothing, paddles, alcohol containers).
- Get names and contact information of witnesses.
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
- DO NOT give statements without an attorney present.
- DO NOT sign anything from the organization.
-
Report the Incident
- Consider filing a police report in Clearwater County or the jurisdiction where the hazing occurred.
- File a Title IX complaint with the university.
- Report to the national fraternity organization.
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
- We offer remote consultations for Clearwater County families.
- We will travel to Clearwater County for meetings, depositions, and trials.
What NOT to Do:
β Do NOT post on social media about the incident.
β Do NOT confront the organization without legal counsel.
β Do NOT accept a settlement without speaking to an attorney.
β Do NOT delay β Idaho has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
π― Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Clearwater County Hazing Case?
We Are the Hazing Litigation Experts β Fighting for Clearwater County Families
-
Weβre Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.
- Clearwater County families get the same aggressive representation.
-
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability.
- Weβve seen their playbook β now we use it against them.
-
Federal Court Authority
- We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases nationwide.
- This means we can represent Clearwater County victims no matter where the hazing occurred.
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Dual-State Bar Admission
- Licensed in Texas and New York β strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities.
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We Come to Clearwater County
- We will travel to Orofino, Kamiah, Pierce, Weippe, and across Clearwater County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
-
Contingency Fee Representation
- $0 upfront costs. We donβt get paid unless you win.
- No risk for Clearwater County families.
-
Bilingual Staff
- Se habla espaΓ±ol. We serve Clearwater Countyβs Hispanic families without language barriers.
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Proven Track Record
- $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending.
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
- Hundreds of successful cases for victims of negligence.
π Clearwater County Families β Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed near Clearwater County, Idaho, call us immediately.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Clearwater County hazing emergencies)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Free Consultation β No Upfront Costs β We Fight for Clearwater County Families
β Frequently Asked Questions for Clearwater County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university outside of Idaho. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Clearwater County families whose children were hazed at out-of-state universities. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
Q: The hazing happened months ago. Is it too late to take action?
A: No β but act now. Idaho has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears over time, and witnesses forget. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take retaliation seriously. Hazing victims often fear social ostracism or further abuse. We can:
- File protective orders to prevent contact from the organization.
- Pursue Title IX retaliation claims if the university takes adverse action.
- Keep your childβs identity confidential during early stages of litigation.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?
A: Yes. Idaho law states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable for the harm caused.
Q: How much will this cost our family?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees or retainers. Clearwater County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Q: What if the university says they had “no knowledge” of the hazing?
A: Universities near Clearwater County are required to monitor Greek life. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. We will investigate:
- Whether the university had prior hazing incidents.
- Whether they conducted regular inspections of fraternity houses.
- Whether they provided adequate training on hazing prevention.
Q: Can individual fraternity members be held personally liable?
A: Yes. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. We will pursue every individual who participated in or facilitated the hazing.
Q: What if my child was hazed by a sports team or club, not a fraternity?
A: We represent all hazing victims, including those hazed by:
- Sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Academic clubs
- Honor societies
- Any other student organization
π₯ Clearwater County Families β You Are Not Powerless
Hazing thrives in secrecy. It relies on victims feeling ashamed, afraid, and alone. But you are not alone.
We are fighting this battle right now. Our client in Texas was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We sued for $10 million. We know how to win.
Clearwater County families deserve the same justice. Whether your child was hazed at University of Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, or any other institution, we will fight for you.
Call us today. Letβs hold them accountable.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Attorney 911 β Fighting for Clearwater County Families Harmed by Hazing