Hazing Victims in Elko County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Elko County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. And you have allies who can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from systematic abuse. The same fraternities operate at institutions near Elko County. The same negligence exists at Elko County-area schools. And we will fight for Elko County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
The Hazing Crisis in Elko County and Beyond
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “building character.”
It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes torture. And it is often criminal.
Across America, students are being waterboarded, forced to drink until they vomit, beaten with paddles, sleep-deprived, and subjected to extreme physical punishment — all in the name of “initiation.” These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a systemic culture of abuse that universities and national fraternities have allowed to flourish.
In Elko County, your child could be at risk.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta — have active chapters at universities near Elko County. If they’re hazing students in Houston, they’re hazing students in Nevada too.
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Elko County
On November 21, 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after weeks of systematic hazing.
This is what they did to him:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him continue exercising
- Forced him to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Stripped him to his underwear in cold weather
- Sprayed him with a hose while minimally clothed
- Threatened him with expulsion if he didn’t comply
Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a University of Houston student. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet.
He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life. His muscles broke down. His kidneys failed. He could have died.
And here’s the outrageous part: This wasn’t the first time.
- In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. He died from alcohol poisoning.
- Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing.
- In 2017, a student at University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at another fraternity. The university had 8 years to implement real oversight. They did nothing.
- On November 3, 2025 — exactly 8 years after Andrew Coffey died — Leonel Bermudez collapsed after extreme hazing at Pi Kappa Phi.
Same fraternity. Same negligence. 8 years apart.
Why This Matters for Elko County Families
The same fraternities that hazed Leonel Bermudez operate near Elko County.
The same culture of abuse exists at institutions near Elko County.
The same negligence by universities and national organizations puts Elko County students at risk.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Elko County, they could face the same dangers. And if they’ve already been hazed, you have legal options — no matter where in Nevada or the country the incident occurred.
We can help. We are helping. And we will fight for Elko County families.
What Qualifies as Hazing in Nevada?
Nevada law defines hazing as any activity that:
- Endangers the physical health or safety of a student
- Is for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a student organization
- Includes physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or exposure to the elements
Examples of hazing that may violate Nevada law:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise to exhaustion
- Beating or paddling
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced consumption of food or non-food substances
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Sexual humiliation or assault
- Psychological abuse or threats
Important: In Nevada, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Hazing in Elko County?
If your child has been hazed near Elko County, multiple parties may be liable:
| Party | Why They’re Responsible |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority; may own fraternity property |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
In our Houston case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- The UH Board of Regents
- Individual fraternity members
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
Elko County families can pursue the same accountability.
What Damages Can Elko County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation
- Future medical costs — if injuries require long-term care
- Lost wages — if hazing impacted ability to work
- Educational expenses — tuition for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — from hazing injuries
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, fear of retribution
- Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience, social life
Punitive Damages:
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Our Houston case seeks $10 million — an amount supported by precedent:
- $10.1 million awarded to Stone Foltz family (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
- $6.1 million jury verdict in Maxwell Gruver case (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
- $110+ million estimated settlement in Timothy Piazza case (Beta Theta Pi, 2017)
Elko County families can recover similar compensation.
What Should You Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed Near Elko County?
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And statutes of limitations can expire.
Immediate Steps for Elko County Families:
-
Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
- Hazing injuries can worsen over time
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve all evidence
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — screenshot everything
- Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Social media posts — by fraternity/sorority members about hazing
- Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
-
Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure your child to sign documents waiving rights
- Anything said can be used against you
-
Do NOT post about the incident on social media
- Insurance companies and defendants will use posts against you
- Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted
-
Contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately
- Free consultations are available
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- We can preserve evidence and protect your rights
Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Elko County Hazing Case?
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the defendants’ playbook. We know how to build these cases. And we know how to win.
We Have the Experience Elko County Families Need
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
- Federal court admission — we can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage against national fraternities
- Multi-million dollar case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation
We Understand the Unique Challenges of Hazing Cases
Hazing cases require specialized knowledge of:
- Greek life culture and dynamics
- University administrative processes
- Title IX and its intersection with hazing
- Criminal vs. civil liability
- Multi-defendant litigation strategies
- Institutional insurance structures
We Serve Elko County Families Nationwide
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims anywhere in America, including Elko County. We offer:
- Video consultations for Elko County families
- Willingness to travel to Elko County for depositions and meetings
- Remote case management — distance is not a barrier
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront cost for Elko County families
We Treat Elko County Families Like Family
Our clients say it best:
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
Frequently Asked Questions for Elko County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Elko County. Can you help us even though you’re in Texas?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Elko County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America. We offer video consultations for Elko County families and will come to Nevada for depositions, meetings, and trials.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This allows Elko County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held responsible?
A: Yes. In Nevada and most states, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization can still be held liable. The reasoning is simple: no one truly consents to abuse, and the power dynamics in hazing situations make true consent impossible.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Time limits vary by state. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date of injury. However, there may be exceptions for delayed discovery of injuries or for minors. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights can expire. Contact us immediately for a case evaluation.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university near Elko County?
A: Private universities can be held liable just like public institutions. They have the same duty to protect students from hazing. We have experience suing both public and private universities, including in our current case against the University of Houston.
Q: The university says they “didn’t know” about the hazing. Can they still be responsible?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to know what’s happening in their Greek organizations. If they failed to implement adequate oversight, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?
A: We understand. Our client in the Houston case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real and common. We will protect your child’s identity to the extent possible and take legal action against any retaliation. Many states have laws protecting whistleblowers in hazing cases.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma from hazing can be just as damaging as physical injuries. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all compensable damages. In fact, some of the largest hazing settlements have involved severe psychological harm.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a military academy or ROTC program near Elko County?
A: We can help. Hazing occurs in ROTC programs, military academies, marching bands, sports teams, and other organizations. The same legal principles apply. We have experience with complex institutional liability cases and can evaluate your options.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years, especially if they go to trial. Factors that affect timeline include:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Court schedules
We will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: What if the hazing happened out of state but my child attends school near Elko County?
A: We can still help. Hazing incidents often occur during out-of-state trips, leadership retreats, or conferences. We can pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened at a high school near Elko County?
A: Yes. While our current case involves college hazing, we also represent victims of high school hazing. The legal principles are similar, and high schools have the same duty to protect students.
The Hazing Doesn’t Have to Be This Extreme — We Can Help With Any Case
Some families think, “It wasn’t as bad as the Houston case. We don’t have a case.”
That’s not true.
Any hazing that causes harm — physical or psychological — may give rise to a legal claim. You don’t have to be hospitalized to seek justice.
We can help with cases involving:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise to exhaustion
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Any activity that causes physical or emotional harm
If your child has been harmed by hazing near Elko County, call us. We’ll evaluate your case for free.
Elko County Families: You Are Not Alone
We know how overwhelming this is. Your child trusted these people. They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.
That trust was betrayed.
We also know how intimidating it can feel to stand up to powerful institutions. Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, public relations professionals, and risk managers. They will try to silence you. They will try to make you feel powerless.
But you are not powerless.
You have rights. You have allies. And you have Attorney 911.
We are fighting this battle right now. We know how to win. And we will fight for Elko County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our Houston case.
Next Steps for Elko County Families
If your child has been hazed near Elko County:
- Call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, witness information
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
- Let us handle everything else
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
For Elko County hazing victims and families:
📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 **Serving Elko County and
