🛡️ Attorney 911 — Fighting for Crawford County Hazing Victims

Crawford County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. We Can Help.

We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near Crawford County. The same negligence exists in Crawford County. We will fight for Crawford County families with the same aggression.

The Hazing Crisis in Crawford County: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities far away. It happens right here in Iowa — at colleges and universities near Crawford County. Fraternities and sororities with chapters in our area have the same dangerous cultures that led to hospitalizations and deaths nationwide.

If your child attends or plans to attend college near Crawford County, they could be at risk.

What Hazing Looks Like in Crawford County

Hazing in Crawford County and across Iowa often involves:

• Extreme physical punishment: Forced exercise to exhaustion, paddling, beatings
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning: Torture disguised as “tradition”
• Psychological abuse: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats
• Sexual humiliation: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault

These aren’t harmless pranks. They’re dangerous, illegal, and can cause permanent physical and psychological damage — or even death.

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Crawford County Families Too

Our Landmark Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston ($10M Lawsuit)

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during the Fall 2025 pledge process. The hazing included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Another pledge lost consciousness during workouts
• Threatened with expulsion if he stopped

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he couldn’t stand. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. His condition worsened over the next few days. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from muscle breakdown. He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life.

The Aftermath:

• Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter — but only after the hospitalization
• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred
• $10 million lawsuit filed on November 21, 2025
• Multiple media outlets covered the story, calling the conduct “deeply disturbing”

Why This Matters to Crawford County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Crawford County
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Crawford County universities
• Universities near Crawford County face the same liability failures as UH
• If your child is being hazed in Crawford County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston

The Legal Rights of Crawford County Hazing Victims

Hazing Is Illegal in Iowa

Iowa Code § 708.10 defines hazing as:

“Any act which 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.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beating, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse or humiliation
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Penalties in Iowa:

• Hazing is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,875 in fines
• If hazing results in serious injury or death, it becomes an aggravated misdemeanor or felony
• Organizations that condone hazing can be fined up to $10,000

Most Importantly: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says they cannot consent to hazing.

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Crawford County

If your child is hazed in Crawford County, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:

Crawford County Families: You don’t have to sue just the local chapter. The national organizations and universities often have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide substantial compensation.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Crawford County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
• If they are in medical distress, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) may not show symptoms immediately
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) often requires professional treatment
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

Do NOT delete anything. Save everything.

Critical: If your child is still in the hazing environment, have them screenshot all communications before they are deleted. Many fraternities/sororities will try to destroy evidence once they know a complaint is coming.

Step 4: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
• Do NOT talk to university administrators alone
• Do NOT sign any documents from the organization
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media

Why? Organizations will try to:

• Control the narrative
• Destroy evidence
• Intimidate witnesses
• Get your child to sign away their rights

Let us handle all communication. Once you hire us, we become your voice.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is critical. Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade.

Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer:

• Free case evaluation — no obligation
• Video consultations — no need to travel
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
• Nationwide service — we can represent Crawford County families no matter where the hazing occurred

We will travel to Crawford County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

What Compensation Can Crawford County Families Recover?

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

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Educational damages (disruption to education, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain from hazing injuries
• Mental anguish (fear, humiliation, trauma from abuse)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, trust issues)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars from burns, branding, or injuries)

Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct)

• Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Our Pi Kappa Phi case qualifies — waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Can and Do Win Big

Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some recent examples that show what’s possible for Crawford County families:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 Total: $10.1 Million+

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking
• Outcome: $2.9 million from university; $7.2 million from fraternity and individuals
• Why It Matters: Our $10 million demand for Bermudez is directly in line with this precedent

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; criminal convictions
• Why It Matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, died from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs while intoxicated
• Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at $110+ million; multiple criminal convictions
• Why It Matters: Shows the ceiling for hazing damages when evidence is strong

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

🚨 Same Fraternity as Our Case

• Victim: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking
• Outcome: Chapter closed; multiple criminal charges; confidential settlement
• Why It Matters: Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Coffey’s death. They didn’t. Now Bermudez has been hospitalized.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Crawford County Hazing Case

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

• We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively litigating a hazing case right now
• We know the defendants’ playbook
• We know how to build these cases for maximum compensation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Tricks

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know exactly how defendants and their insurers try to minimize claims
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Crawford County Families

• Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Video consultations — No need to travel from Crawford County
• Travel commitment — We come to Crawford County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations
• Hundreds of personal injury cases won
• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to dismantle their defenses

5. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

• Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics and the pressures that lead to hazing
• We know how Greek life operates
• We know the power dynamics between pledges and members
• We know how to expose the truth behind the “tradition” excuses

6. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

• We treat Crawford County families like family
• Bilingual staff — Se habla español
• 24/7 availability — We’re here when you need us
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win

7. We Fight for More Than Money — We Fight for Change

• Our mission: To stop hazing culture for good
• Our Pi Kappa Phi case is already making headlines and putting fraternities on notice
• We want to protect Crawford County students — not just get compensation for one victim

Common Questions from Crawford County Families

1. “My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?”

Yes. Iowa law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says they cannot consent to illegal and dangerous activities.

2. “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal conduct. Hazing is assault, battery, and reckless endangerment — crimes that carry serious penalties. Juries do not accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse.

3. “We’re worried about retaliation. Will you protect us?”

Absolutely. We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We will:

• Handle all communication with the fraternity, university, and their attorneys
• Protect your identity when possible
• Take legal action if retaliation occurs
• Advise you on how to document any intimidation attempts

4. “Do we have to go to court?”

Most cases settle out of court. We negotiate aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve without the stress of a trial. However, if the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

5. “How much will this cost us?”

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay $0 unless and until we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we are fully invested in maximizing your compensation.

6. “We don’t live in Texas. Can you still represent us?”

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Crawford County families. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Remote case management
• Travel to Crawford County for critical meetings and court appearances
• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

7. “What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?”

You may still have a case. Hazing often causes:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, fear, trust issues)
• Academic disruption (missed classes, failed courses, lost scholarships)

Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still be entitled to compensation for the harm they suffered.

8. “How long will this take?”

Every case is different. Some cases settle in 6-12 months, while others may take 1-3 years if litigation is required. We work as efficiently as possible to resolve your case while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

The Fraternities Near Crawford County with Hazing Histories

Crawford County parents should be aware that these national fraternities — all with chapters at universities near Crawford County — have documented hazing incidents nationwide:

These are not isolated incidents. These fraternities have patterns of dangerous hazing culture. If your child is pledging one of these organizations near Crawford County, they are at risk.

Universities Near Crawford County with Greek Life Hazing Risks

Crawford County families should be aware of the hazing risks at these nearby institutions with active Greek life:

These universities have the same oversight challenges as UH. If your child attends or plans to attend one of these schools, they could be at risk of hazing.

Crawford County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is a national crisis, and Crawford County families are not immune. But you don’t have to face this alone.

We are here to help.

• We understand the trauma your child and family are going through
• We know how to fight powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities
• We have the experience to build a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve
• We care about more than money — we want to protect other Crawford County students from the same abuse

Crawford County Hazing Victims: Take Action Now

Step 1: Call Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Do NOT delete any texts, social media posts, or photos
• Save all medical records and bills
• Write down everything your child remembers about the hazing

Step 3: Let Us Handle the Rest

• We’ll investigate the incident
• We’ll identify all responsible parties
• We’ll build a strong case for maximum compensation
• We’ll fight for you every step of the way

Crawford County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to:

• Shame and embarrassment
• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure from members to stay quiet

But the law gives you only 2 years to file a claim. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Don’t wait. Call us today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Together, we can hold the abusers accountable and protect Crawford County students from hazing.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Serving Crawford County and nationwide from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

Crawford County hazing victims: We are your first responders in this legal emergency.