🚨 Hazing Victims in Des Moines County, Iowa: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back

This Happens in Des Moines County Too — And We Can Help

Des Moines County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They believe Greek organizations will provide brotherhood and sisterhood — not torture.

That trust is being betrayed.

Right now, our law firm is fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed, and hospitalized for four days. This isn’t just happening in Texas — the same fraternities operate at universities near Des Moines County. The same hazing culture exists. The same negligence is happening.

If your child was hazed in Des Moines County, we can help.

🏢 Who We Are: Des Moines County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Headquarters: Houston, Texas
📞 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We are nationally recognized hazing litigation attorneys currently representing a student who was hospitalized after extreme hazing at the University of Houston. Our case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same expertise to Des Moines County families.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Des Moines County Hazing Case?

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Des Moines County

This Isn’t Just a Texas Problem — It’s Happening Near Des Moines County

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”

It is:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Sometimes manslaughter
• Sometimes murder

The statistics are alarming:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report hazing
• Since 2000, there has been at least ONE hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations

And it’s happening at universities near Des Moines County.

Fraternities Operating Near Des Moines County with Documented Hazing Histories

While we cannot comment on specific incidents at Des Moines County institutions without verified information, we can tell you that the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters at universities near Des Moines County, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M lawsuit defendant)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths nationwide)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz death, $10M+ settlement)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver death, $6.1M verdict)
• Beta Theta Pi (Tim Piazza death, $110M+ settlement)

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements — and they have chapters near Des Moines County.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened at University of Houston — And Why It Matters to Des Moines County

This Is What Hazing Looks Like — And It’s Happening Near Des Moines County

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. He wasn’t even a UH student yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester.

What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client

Our lawsuit and media reports document the following hazing activities:

The November 3, 2025 Incident: When It Went Too Far

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to:

• Run a two-mile warmup
• Perform 100+ pushups
• Perform 500+ squats
• Do high-volume “suicides”
• Bear crawls
• Wheelbarrows
• “Save-you-brother” drills
• Repeated 100-yard crawls
• Recite the fraternity creed while exercising

He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped.

He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. When he got home, he crawled up the stairs. The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The day after that, his condition worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital.

Diagnosis: Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

The Defendants We’re Suing — And Why They’re Liable

The Defendants’ Responses — And What They Reveal

Pi Kappa Phi National (their own website, November 21, 2025):

“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards… We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership… we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”

Translation:

• They admit “violations” occurred
• They coordinated with UH to close the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed — they knew litigation was coming
• They’re already planning to come back to campus — no remorse, no accountability

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, November 24, 2025):

“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Translation:

• They admit the conduct was “deeply disturbing”
• They expect “potential criminal charges” — they believe crimes were committed
• They coordinated with Pi Kappa Phi National — shared damage control

Why This Case Matters to Des Moines County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Des Moines County — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters at universities in Iowa and surrounding states.
2. Universities near Des Moines County face the same liability failures — if they own fraternity houses or have oversight responsibility, they can be sued.
3. The same hazing culture exists — waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical punishment, and psychological abuse happen at Des Moines County-area institutions.
4. National organizations know about the problem — Pi Kappa Phi admitted to knowing about “a hazing crisis” but failed to act.
5. Des Moines County families can sue for the same damages — our $10 million demand is supported by precedent, and Des Moines County victims deserve the same justice.

💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Des Moines County Victims Can Win

Hazing cases win. Juries and courts award millions when students are abused. These same results are possible for Des Moines County victims.

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

💰 Total: $10.1 MILLION+

• Bowling Green State University: $2.9 million
• Pi Kappa Alpha + Individuals: $7.2 million
• What Happened: Stone Foltz forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” initiation; died from alcohol poisoning
• Why It Matters: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent

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

💰 Total: $6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT

• What Happened: Max Gruver forced to drink excessive alcohol during “Bible Study” pledge event; wrong answer = drink more; died with BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
• Why It Matters: Juries award MILLIONS in hazing cases; this case led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana

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

💰 Total: $110+ MILLION (estimated settlement)

• What Happened: Timothy Piazza forced to run “the gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes; BAC reached 0.36; fell down basement stairs repeatedly; fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911; died from traumatic brain injury
• Why It Matters: When evidence is strong, settlements reach $100+ million; this case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania

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

⚠️ SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE

• What Happened: Andrew Coffey forced to drink entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during “Big Brother Night”; died from alcohol poisoning
• Why It Matters: Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix their culture — they did nothing

What These Cases Prove for Des Moines County Victims

1. Hazing cases WIN — universities and fraternities pay millions
2. Juries hate hazing — they award punitive damages for egregious conduct
3. Precedent supports $10M+ demands — our case is in line with these outcomes
4. Criminal charges often follow — hazing can be a crime
5. Legislation changes — these cases lead to new laws
6. Des Moines County victims deserve the same justice

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Des Moines County Hazing Victim

Iowa Hazing Laws: What Des Moines County Victims Need to Know

Iowa Code § 708.10 defines hazing as:

“Any act which endangers the mental or 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.”

Key Provisions for Des Moines County Victims:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a serious misdemeanor in Iowa, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if a victim “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t excuse the conduct
• Institutional Liability: Universities and national organizations can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing
• Civil Liability: Victims can sue for negligence, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more

Who Can Be Sued in Des Moines County Hazing Cases?

Types of Compensation Des Moines County Victims Can Recover

Iowa does NOT cap damages in personal injury cases — meaning Des Moines County victims can recover the full amount of their losses.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Des Moines County

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Des Moines County Families

If your child was hazed at a university near Des Moines County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from any dangerous situation
• If medical attention is needed, go to the ER immediately
• Do NOT let the fraternity or university pressure you into silence

2. Seek Medical Attention — Even If Injuries Seem Minor

• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms
• Medical records create crucial documentation
• If your child is passing dark urine, has severe muscle pain, or difficulty walking, go to the ER immediately — these are signs of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition

3. Preserve ALL Evidence

• Text messages: Screenshot and save all communications about hazing
• Social media: Save all posts, DMs, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, etc.
• Photos/videos: Document injuries at all stages of healing; photograph hazing locations
• Physical evidence: Save any items used in hazing (paddles, clothing, etc.)
• Witness information: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Financial records: Save medical bills, lost wage documentation, tuition receipts

4. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative
• They may ask you to sign documents that waive your rights
• They may offer a quick, low settlement to make the problem go away
• Anything you say can be used against you

5. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Do not post about the incident
• Do not post about being “fine” or “doing okay”
• Do not engage with Greek life members online
• Do not delete old posts (this is destruction of evidence)
• Insurance companies and defense attorneys will use your posts against you

6. Report the Incident — But Be Strategic

• Consider filing a police report — hazing is a crime in Iowa
• Consider filing a Title IX report (if gender-based harassment or assault occurred)
• Be aware: Universities often conduct internal investigations that protect the institution, not the victim
• Consult an attorney before making any formal statements

7. Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately

• Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget
• The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be

📞 Des Moines County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation

24/7 Hazing Hotline for Des Moines County Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Call Attorney 911 for Your Des Moines County Hazing Case?

✅ We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — we know how to build these cases
✅ We have specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases — like what happened to our client
✅ We know how to defeat the “consent” defense — Iowa law says consent doesn’t matter
✅ We can pursue cases in federal court — giving us maximum leverage against national fraternities
✅ We travel to Des Moines County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ We offer video consultations — Des Moines County families can meet with us remotely
✅ We work on contingency — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you get paid

What Happens When You Call:

1. Free, confidential consultation — we listen to your story
2. Case evaluation — we assess the strength of your claim
3. Evidence preservation guidance — we tell you what to save and how
4. Legal options explained — we outline your rights and potential outcomes
5. No pressure — you decide if you want to move forward

Des Moines County families pay NOTHING upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🔥 Message to Fraternities Operating Near Des Moines County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Des Moines County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same negligence that hospitalized our client in Houston exists in your Des Moines County-area chapters.

We track your house corporations. We track your alumni chapters. We track your national insurance structures. We track your documented history of hazing deaths and lawsuits.

If you haze students near Des Moines County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue everyone responsible. And we will make sure you pay.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ Message to Universities Near Des Moines County

To the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and every other institution with Greek organizations near Des Moines County:

You have a duty to protect your students.

When you own fraternity houses, you have premises liability. When you have oversight responsibility, you have duty of care. When you know hazing is happening and do nothing, you are negligent.

The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They did nothing. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

Des Moines County-area universities: The same liability applies to you.

If you know hazing is happening and fail to act, you will be held accountable. If you own the property where hazing occurs, you will be held accountable. If you have the power to regulate Greek life and fail to use it, you will be held accountable.

We are coming for institutions that enable hazing culture. Your university could be next.

🎓 Message to Des Moines County Students and Families

To the students of Des Moines County and their families:

You deserve to go to college without fear of torture. You deserve to join organizations without being abused. You deserve to trust that your university will protect you.

If you or someone you know has been hazed:

• You are not alone
• You did nothing wrong
• What happened to you was not your fault
• You have the right to seek justice
• You have the right to compensation
• You have the right to hold your abusers accountable

We believe you. We will fight for you. And we will make sure this never happens to another Des Moines County student.

📚 Educational Resources for Des Moines County Families

Recognizing Hazing: Warning Signs for Des Moines County Parents

Hazing can be hard to recognize because it’s often hidden. Here are warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

Types of Hazing: What Des Moines County Families Need to Know

Hazing takes many forms. Here are the most common types:

Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Des Moines County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening medical conditions:

If your child shows any of these symptoms after a hazing incident, seek medical attention immediately.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Des Moines County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: This is common — victims often fear retaliation, social ostracism, or being labeled a “snitch.” Here’s how to support your child:

• Listen without judgment — let them know you believe them and support them
• Educate them about their rights — they have the right to be safe
• Preserve evidence — even if they don’t want to report now, evidence may be needed later
• Contact an attorney — we can advise you on legal options without requiring your child to go public immediately
• Consider mental health support — therapy can help them process the trauma

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Iowa law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t excuse the conduct. The law recognizes that:

• Peer pressure and social coercion negate true consent
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to
• Hazing is illegal regardless of the victim’s choices

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?

A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing even if they didn’t know about specific incidents. Here’s why:

• Premises liability — if they own the fraternity house, they’re responsible for what happens there
• Negligent supervision — if they have oversight responsibility for Greek life and fail to monitor effectively
• Failure to protect — if they have prior knowledge of hazing risks (like other incidents on campus) and fail to implement safeguards
• Institutional culture — if hazing is widespread and the university ignores it, they can be held responsible

Q: My child was hazed at an off-campus location. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be actionable. You can sue:

• The fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The property owner (if hazing occurred at a private home)
• Individual members who participated
• The university (if they had knowledge or control over the activity)

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?

A: Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However:

• Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your case gets weaker over time
• Some exceptions may apply — if the victim was a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• Criminal charges may have different deadlines — consult an attorney about all your options

Q: How much is a hazing lawsuit worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can be worth millions depending on:

• Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages (if conduct was egregious)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
• Pattern of abuse (was this a one-time incident or systematic?)

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million, and precedent cases have resulted in awards ranging from $4 million to $110+ million.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Most cases settle before trial, and your child may not have to testify. However:

• They may need to give a deposition (a recorded interview under oath)
• Their medical records and other evidence will be used to support the case
• We work to minimize trauma for victims throughout the legal process
• If the case does go to trial, we prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We advance all case expenses (filing fees, expert witnesses, etc.)
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This means Des Moines County families pay nothing unless we get them compensation.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they can still have a valid claim for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Humiliation and psychological abuse
• Lost academic opportunities
• Future medical monitoring

Contact us for a free evaluation — we can assess the strength of your case.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a school outside of Iowa?

A: We can still help. While we’re based in Texas, we have:

• Federal court authority — can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar admission — licensed in Texas and New York
• Experience with out-of-state cases — we’ve represented clients across America
• Video consultation capability — you can meet with us remotely
• Willingness to travel — for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Hazing is a nationwide problem, and we provide nationwide representation.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. Here’s how we protect our clients:

• Confidentiality — we keep your case private until you’re ready to go public
• Legal protections — retaliation for reporting hazing is illegal
• Title IX protections — if gender-based harassment is involved
• University accountability — we can demand protective measures from the school
• Criminal referrals — if threats or intimidation occur, we coordinate with law enforcement

Your child’s safety is our top priority.

🏆 Why Des Moines County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Fight — Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the defendants’ playbook. We know how to build these cases. And we’re bringing that same expertise to Des Moines County families.

2. We Know How to Defeat the “Consent” Defense

The #1 argument fraternities use is: “He agreed to participate.” Iowa law says consent doesn’t matter. We know how to dismantle this defense and hold perpetrators accountable.

3. We Have Specific Expertise in Rhabdomyolysis Cases

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical exertion. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We know how to litigate these cases.

4. We Can Pursue Cases in Federal Court

Federal court gives us maximum leverage against national fraternities. We can pursue:

• Civil rights claims
• Federal negligence claims
• Multi-district litigation if multiple victims exist

5. We Travel to Des Moines County

Distance is not a barrier. We come to Des Moines County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials
• University negotiations

6. We Offer Video Consultations

Des Moines County families can meet with us remotely for confidential consultations. You don’t have to come to Texas to get expert legal advice.

7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

Des Moines County families pay nothing to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

• No financial risk to you
• No upfront costs
• No hourly billing
• We’re motivated to maximize your recovery

8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:

• $10+ million in our current hazing case
• Millions in wrongful death cases
• Millions in catastrophic injury cases
• Millions in trucking accident cases

We know how to win against powerful institutions.

9. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How they try to deny or minimize payouts
• How to dismantle their defenses
• How to maximize your recovery

We’ve seen their playbook — and now we use it against them.

10. We Care About Our Clients — Not Just the Money

We see hazing victims as people, not paychecks. We understand:

• The trauma you’ve experienced
• The fear of retaliation
• The desire for justice
• The need for accountability

We will fight for you because we truly care.

📞 Des Moines County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

If your child was hazed at a university near Des Moines County, you have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people who hurt your child accountable.

But you don’t have to do this alone.

We are Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we’re ready to fight for Des Moines County families. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, and we will bring that same expertise to your case.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

Des Moines County families: Don’t wait. Call us today.