24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Columbia County

Columbia County (Earth/North America/United States/Pennsylvania/Columbia County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 17 min read
columbia-county-featured-image.png

Hazing Lawyers for Columbia County, PA – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

🚨 Hazing Happens in Columbia County, PA – And We’re Here to Stop It

Columbia County, PA, is home to dedicated students, proud families, and tight-knit communities. But behind the scenes at local colleges, universities, and Greek organizations, a dangerous culture of hazing persists—one that can cause serious physical and psychological harm, and even death.

At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—and we’re bringing that same aggressive legal strategy to Columbia County, PA. If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization, we will hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

(Available 24/7 for Columbia County families)

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Columbia County, PA – What Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” or “tradition.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture—and it happens right here in Columbia County, PA.

🏫 Where Hazing Happens in Columbia County, PA

While Columbia County is a smaller community, nearby universities and colleges—including Bucknell University, Bloomsburg University, and Penn State Hazleton—have active Greek life and student organizations where hazing occurs. Some of the most common places where hazing happens include:

  • Fraternities & Sororities (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others with chapters near Columbia County)
  • Sports Teams (football, lacrosse, wrestling, and more)
  • Marching Bands & ROTC Programs
  • Honor Societies & Student Clubs
  • Military-Style Organizations

🚨 The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client in Texas Have Chapters Near Columbia County, PA.
Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing for waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and physical abuse, has 150+ chapters nationwide—including some at universities near Columbia County. If they’re capable of this in Texas, they’re capable of it here in Pennsylvania.

💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like – The Truth Columbia County Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “drinking too much” or “doing push-ups.” It’s systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and sometimes permanently harm students. In our current case, we’ve uncovered:

Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning – a form of torture)
Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until collapse
Struck with wooden paddles (physical assault)
Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running
Another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour
Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times (humiliation)
Threats of physical punishment and expulsion if they refused

🚨 This isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. And it’s happening near Columbia County, PA.

🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing – What Happens to Victims

Hazing isn’t just embarrassing—it can be life-threatening. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized for four days with:

  • Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure)
  • Acute kidney failure (life-threatening condition)
  • Brown urine (a sign of muscle damage)
  • Inability to walk or move for days

Other Common Hazing Injuries in Columbia County, PA:

Injury What It Means Long-Term Effects
Alcohol Poisoning Forced drinking leading to coma or death Brain damage, liver failure, death
Traumatic Brain Injury From beatings, falls, or paddling Permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss
Broken Bones From physical abuse Chronic pain, disability
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia Forced exposure to extreme temperatures Organ damage, death
Sexual Assault Forced nudity, inappropriate touching PTSD, depression, trust issues
PTSD & Anxiety From psychological torture Long-term therapy, medication
Death From extreme physical abuse or neglect Irreversible loss for families

🚨 If your child was hazed in Columbia County, PA, they could be suffering in silence. Don’t wait—get help now.

⚖️ Pennsylvania Hazing Laws – What Columbia County Families Need to Know

Pennsylvania has strong anti-hazing laws, but many victims and families don’t know their rights. Here’s what you need to know:

📜 Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law (18 Pa. C.S. § 2802-2810)

  • Hazing is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania.
  • Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be held liable.
  • Penalties:
    • Misdemeanor of the 3rd degree (up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine)
    • Felony of the 3rd degree if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death (up to 7 years in prison)
  • Organizations can be fined up to $15,000 for hazing violations.

💰 Civil Lawsuits for Hazing in Columbia County, PA

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, victims can sue for damages, including:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
  • Lost wages (if hazing affected school/work)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
  • Wrongful death (if a loved one died from hazing)

🚨 Pennsylvania does NOT cap pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases—meaning juries can award millions for hazing victims.

💰 Precedent Cases – Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions for Victims

Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some recent examples that show what’s possible for Columbia County, PA families:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver LSU Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ million
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Adam Oakes VCU Delta Chi Settlement $4+ million

🚨 These cases prove that hazing victims and families CAN win big. If your child was hazed in Columbia County, PA, you have the right to seek justice.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Columbia County, PA?

Hazing isn’t just the fault of the individuals who participated. Institutions and organizations can also be held accountable. In our current case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Knew about hazing but failed to stop it
University Failed to supervise Greek life; owned the fraternity house
Individual Members Participated in or allowed hazing
Chapter Advisors Failed to intervene
Housing Corporations Owned property where hazing occurred

🚨 If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Columbia County, PA, we will identify ALL responsible parties.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Columbia County, PA

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations run out. Here’s what to do immediately:

🚨 Step 1: Get Medical Help

  • Go to the ER or a doctor—even if injuries seem minor.
  • Document everything—photos of injuries, medical records, bills.
  • Mental health matters—hazing causes PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Get counseling.

📱 Step 2: Preserve Evidence

  • Save ALL communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
  • Take screenshots of social media posts about hazing.
  • Write down everything your child remembers (dates, locations, who was involved).
  • Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).

❌ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

  • Fraternities, sororities, and universities have lawyers—they will try to minimize your claim.
  • Do NOT give a recorded statement to anyone without your attorney present.
  • Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university.
  • Do NOT post about the incident on social media—it can be used against you.

📞 Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Free, confidential consultation—we’ll evaluate your case.
  • No upfront costs—we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win).
  • We handle everything—communication with the organization, evidence gathering, negotiations.
  • We fight for maximum compensation—medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
(Available 24/7 for Columbia County, PA families)

🎯 Why Columbia County Families Choose Attorney 911

⚖️ We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case – And We’ll Fight for You

  • We are actively litigating a hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—the same fraternities that operate near Columbia County, PA.
  • We know exactly how to build these cases—from evidence preservation to trial strategy.
  • We’ve won millions for personal injury victims, including hazing cases.

🏆 Proven Results for Hazing Victims

  • Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
  • Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how the other side thinks.
  • Federal court experience—we can pursue cases nationwide.
  • Dual-state licensed (Texas & New York) for strategic advantage.

💙 We Treat Columbia County Families Like Our Own

  • Compassionate, confidential service—we understand the trauma of hazing.
  • Bilingual staff—we serve Spanish-speaking families in Columbia County.
  • 24/7 availability—hazing emergencies don’t wait.
  • No upfront costs—you pay nothing unless we win.

🔥 We Don’t Back Down from Powerful Institutions

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

  • Aggressive negotiation—we don’t accept lowball offers.
  • Trial-ready preparation—if they won’t settle fairly, we take them to court.
  • Public pressure—we expose hazing culture through media and advocacy.

📢 Warning to Fraternities & Universities in Columbia County, PA

To the fraternities, sororities, and universities operating near Columbia County, PA:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies we’re using in our $10 million hazing lawsuit apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Columbia County, PA, we will sue you, your national organization, and your university.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Columbia County, PA, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims nationwide. We’ve already shut down one chapter. Yours could be next.

Universities near Columbia County, PA—if you own fraternity houses, if you have oversight authority, if you knew or should have known about hazing—you are liable. We will pursue every responsible party.

The message is clear: Hazing will cost you millions. Clean up your chapters—or we’ll clean them out in court.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If your child was hazed in Columbia County, PA, you have legal rights. We will fight for you.

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

We serve Columbia County, PA and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🚨 Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Columbia County, PA

❓ What is considered hazing in Pennsylvania?

Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:

  • Forced drinking
  • Extreme physical exercise
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Beating or paddling
  • Forced nudity
  • Sexual humiliation
  • Waterboarding or simulated drowning
  • Any activity that causes serious injury or death

Pennsylvania law explicitly states that “consent is not a defense” to hazing.

❓ Can I sue if my child “agreed” to participate in hazing?

Yes. Pennsylvania law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

❓ How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

  • Personal injury: 2 years from the date of the hazing incident.
  • Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death.
  • Minors: The statute of limitations may be extended until the victim turns 18.

⚠️ Don’t wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

❓ What damages can I recover in a hazing lawsuit?

Hazing victims in Pennsylvania can recover:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
  • Lost wages (if hazing affected school/work)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
  • Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died)

Pennsylvania does NOT cap pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases.

❓ Do I need a lawyer for a hazing case?

Yes. Hazing cases are complex, and the organizations involved have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. An experienced hazing attorney will:

  • Preserve evidence before it disappears.
  • Identify all responsible parties (not just the individuals who hazed your child).
  • Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and institutions.
  • Take the case to trial if necessary.

At Attorney 911, we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

❓ Can I sue the university if my child was hazed?

Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing if they:

  • Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
  • Knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
  • Failed to supervise Greek life or student organizations.
  • Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing to prevent future harm.

In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.

❓ What if my child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Columbia County, PA, but not at the university itself?

You can still sue. Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus locations, including:

  • Fraternity/sorority houses
  • Private residences
  • Hotels
  • Retreat locations

We will identify all responsible parties, including the national organization, local chapter, and individuals involved.

❓ What if my child is afraid to speak out?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation, social ostracism, or losing their membership. At Attorney 911:

  • Your case is confidential.
  • We protect your identity if needed.
  • We handle all communication with the organization and university.
  • We fight for your rights without putting you in the spotlight.

You don’t have to face this alone.

🏆 Our Commitment to Columbia County, PA Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients—we fight for justice. If your child was hazed in Columbia County, PA, we promise:

Aggressive legal representation—we don’t back down from powerful institutions.
Compassionate, confidential service—we understand the trauma of hazing.
No upfront costs—you pay nothing unless we win.
24/7 availability—hazing emergencies don’t wait.
Nationwide reach—we serve Columbia County, PA and beyond.

🚨 If your child was hazed, we will fight for them like they’re our own.

📞 Call Now – Free Consultation for Columbia County, PA Families

Hazing is abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.

If your child was hazed in Columbia County, PA, call Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

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

We serve Columbia County, PA and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911