🚨 Hazing Victims in Edgar County: You Are Not Alone — We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
Edgar County families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Edgar County, Illinois, you need to know something critical — you are not alone, and you have powerful legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us. We are in the courtroom right now, fighting for a hazing victim who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
The same fraternities that operate at universities near Edgar County — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others — have chapters in your community. The same hazing culture exists. The same negligence by universities exists. And the same justice is available to Edgar County families.
⚠️ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Edgar County
In our current case, a young man named Leonel Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during his pledge process:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning is torture, not tradition
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
- Hog-tied on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
This didn’t happen in some far-off state. This happened at a major university. This could happen at a university near Edgar County.
The fraternity’s own statement said they’re “looking forward to returning to campus” — as if hospitalizing a student is just a minor setback. Enough is enough.
📞 Edgar County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Edgar County or anywhere in Illinois, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
We offer:
✅ Free case evaluation — no obligation, completely confidential
✅ Video consultations — meet with us remotely from Edgar County
✅ Travel to Edgar County — we come to you for depositions and meetings
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
✅ Bilingual services — Se habla español
Time is critical. Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Edgar County?
Hazing cases aren’t just about suing individual students. We pursue everyone who enabled the abuse:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Organized and conducted hazing |
| National organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University/college | Failed to protect students despite having authority to regulate Greek life |
| Housing corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Chapter officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Former members/alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Spouses of members | Allowed hazing at their residence |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- The chapter president
- The pledgemaster
- Multiple current and former members
Edgar County families get the same aggressive representation.
💰 What Edgar County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing victims in Edgar County are entitled to full compensation for all damages caused by the abuse:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Edgar County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Hospital bills, treatment, therapy | Hospitalization from forced exercise, alcohol poisoning, physical abuse |
| Future medical costs | Ongoing treatment, specialists | Kidney monitoring, dialysis, transplant costs |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from 500 squats, paddling, waterboarding |
| Mental anguish | Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Emotional distress | Humiliation, shame | Carrying sexual objects, forced nudity, verbal abuse |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work | Recovery time, therapy appointments |
| Educational disruption | Tuition, scholarship loss | Dropping out, transferring schools |
| Punitive damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced eating, wooden paddles |
Precedent proves Edgar County victims can win millions:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million jury verdict — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
- $10 million — Our current case (Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston)
These same results are possible for Edgar County victims.
🏫 Universities Near Edgar County With Greek Life — The Same Risks Exist
While we’re based in Texas, hazing is a nationwide crisis that affects Edgar County families. Universities and colleges near Edgar County have active Greek organizations where the same hazing risks exist:
Major universities near Edgar County with Greek life:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — One of the largest Greek systems in the country
- Illinois State University — Active fraternities and sororities
- Eastern Illinois University — Greek organizations present
- Parkland College — Smaller but with Greek presence
- Nearby Indiana and Missouri schools — Purdue, Indiana State, University of Missouri
The same national fraternities operate near Edgar County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Delta Tau Delta
- And many more
These organizations have paid millions for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. Edgar County students face the same risks.
📅 What Edgar County Families Should Do Immediately
If your child has been hazed:
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Preserve all evidence — Texts, photos, videos, social media, witness names
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority — They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
- Do NOT sign anything — From the organization, university, or insurance
- Contact us immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911 — before evidence disappears
We will:
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Gather evidence before it’s destroyed
- Handle all communications with the organization and university
- File your claim before the statute of limitations expires
- Fight for maximum compensation
⚖️ Illinois Hazing Law — Your Rights
Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws that protect Edgar County students:
Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5/12C-50 — Hazing
“A person commits hazing who knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution if:
(1) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and
(2) the act results in bodily harm to any person.”
Penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail
- Class 4 Felony — If death or great bodily harm results
Civil Liability:
- Victims can sue for damages
- Consent is not a defense
- Organizations can be held liable
Edgar County families: You have the right to sue for compensation even if criminal charges are not filed.
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Edgar County
Parents near Edgar County should watch for these red flags:
| Warning Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Sudden secrecy about activities | Hazing is often kept hidden |
| Unexplained injuries | Bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones |
| Sudden weight loss | Forced exercise, sleep deprivation |
| Changes in sleep patterns | Late-night activities, early mornings |
| Changes in mood | Anxiety, depression, withdrawal |
| Sudden drop in grades | Sleep deprivation, stress |
| Avoiding certain people | Fear of retribution |
| Unusual items in possession | Objects used in hazing rituals |
| Sudden new friends in Greek life | Peer pressure to participate |
| Talking about “traditions” or “initiation” | Hazing disguised as tradition |
If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child is evasive, they may be in danger.
🎯 Why Edgar County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are the only law firm in America with two former insurance defense attorneys fighting for hazing victims. We know their playbook because we used to write it.
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Edgar County Families |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies value claims and try to deny them — we use that knowledge against them |
| $10 Million Hazing Case Active Now | We’re currently litigating a hazing case with the same fraternities that operate near Edgar County |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Edgar County cases in federal court |
| Dual-State Licensed | Texas AND New York — can take on national fraternities anywhere |
| Bilingual Services | Se habla español — critical for Edgar County Hispanic families |
| Willing to Travel | We come to Edgar County for depositions, meetings, and trials |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you win |
| 25+ Years Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Proven Track Record | Millions recovered for personal injury victims |
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now.
📞 Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Edgar County families: If your child has been hazed, call us immediately.
Available 24/7 — Free consultation — $0 upfront
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Edgar County and all of Illinois. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Edgar County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: This is common. Hazing victims often fear retribution or social consequences. Contact us confidentially. We can explain their legal rights and options without pressure. Many victims change their minds after learning what’s possible.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law protects them from abuse.
Q: We’re in Edgar County. How can a Texas law firm help us?
A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations, travel to Edgar County, and pursue cases in federal court. The same fraternities that operate in Texas operate near Edgar County. We know how to fight them.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if you win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket.
Q: How long do we have to file a claim?
A: Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the process takes time. Contact us immediately.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence. We can pursue claims regardless of location.
Q: Can we sue the university?
A: Yes, if the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing?
A: Forced alcohol consumption is itself a form of hazing. Even if your child drank “voluntarily,” peer pressure and threats negate true consent. We can still pursue claims.
Q: How much is our case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical treatment required
- Psychological impact
- Institutional knowledge (did they know about prior hazing?)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise, etc.)
- Defendant’s ability to pay
Precedent cases range from $4 million to $110 million. We’ll evaluate your case thoroughly during our free consultation.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most cases settle without going to trial. If we do go to trial, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: What if we’re afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear social or academic retaliation. We can take steps to protect your child’s identity and safety. Many victims are surprised to learn they’re not alone — other victims often come forward once a case is filed.
Q: Can we still pursue a claim if the fraternity has been suspended?
A: Absolutely. In fact, fraternities often suspend chapters to limit liability. We pursue the national organization, the housing corporation, and individual members regardless of chapter status.
🚫 What NOT to Do After Hazing in Edgar County
❌ Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel — They will try to get statements that hurt your case
❌ Do NOT post on social media about the incident — Anything you post can be used against you
❌ Do NOT sign any documents from the organization or university — You may be waiving your rights
❌ Do NOT accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney — First offers are always lowball
❌ Do NOT delay seeking medical attention — Delays hurt your case and your health
❌ Do NOT assume “it’s just tradition” — Hazing is abuse, not tradition
❌ Do NOT think “it wasn’t that bad” — Even “minor” hazing can cause lasting trauma
❌ Do NOT wait until it’s too late — Evidence disappears; statutes of limitations expire
✅ What TO Do After Hazing in Edgar County
✅ Seek immediate medical attention — Document all injuries
✅ Preserve all evidence — Texts, photos, videos, witness names
✅ Write down everything you remember — Dates, times, locations, people involved
✅ Contact an experienced hazing attorney — Before talking to anyone else
✅ Follow your attorney’s advice — On communications, social media, evidence preservation
✅ Keep all medical and therapy records — Critical for proving damages
✅ Document all expenses — Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
✅ Be patient — These cases take time, but justice is worth it
🔥 To Fraternities Near Edgar County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pi Kappa Alpha. Beta Theta Pi. Phi Delta Theta. Sigma Chi. Kappa Sigma.
If your chapter operates near Edgar County, know this:
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi. We know how your organizations work. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history of hazing deaths and injuries.
We know that Andrew Coffey died at your Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017. We know that you had 8 years to fix your culture. We know that in 2025, Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded and hospitalized at your UH chapter.
If your Edgar County chapter is hazing students, we will find out. And we will come for you.
To university administrators near Edgar County:
We are suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. We know you have the power to regulate Greek life. We know you have the duty to protect students.
If you know hazing is happening on your campus and do nothing, you will be held accountable.
The message is clear: Hazing ends now. Or the lawsuits begin.
📞 Edgar County Families: Call Now — The Clock Is Ticking
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 — Free consultation — $0 upfront
We serve Edgar County and all of Illinois. Your child deserves justice. We will fight for it.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
