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Elmore County (Earth/North America/United States/Idaho/Elmore County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | $24M Pike Settlements | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 21 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Elmore County, Idaho: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Elmore County, Idaho, you are not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston are operating right here in Idaho. The same negligence that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Texas exists in our own backyard. And the same legal rights that protect victims in Texas protect victims in Elmore County.

Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities and universities accountable. And we are ready to fight for Elmore County families with the same aggression.

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

🔍 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Idaho)

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “team-building.” It’s abuse — and it’s against the law.

In Idaho, hazing is defined as any activity that:

  • Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
  • Is used for initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization
  • Includes forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
  • Includes physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
  • Includes sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, or other dangerous activities

Idaho Code § 18-917 makes hazing a misdemeanor — and if it causes serious injury or death, it can be a felony. But criminal charges aren’t your only recourse. You can sue for money damages — and win millions.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Elmore County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties are responsible — and all of them can be sued:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted the hazing
National Organization Knew about hazing risks; failed to supervise chapters
University/College Had power to stop hazing; failed to protect students
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated the hazing
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their homes
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability

In our current $10 million case in Texas, we are suing:

  • The fraternity chapter
  • The national organization
  • The university
  • The housing corporation
  • Individual members
  • A former member and his spouse

The same strategy applies to Elmore County.

💔 What Hazing Does to Victims (And Why You Can Sue)

Hazing isn’t harmless. It causes real harm — and victims have the right to compensation.

Physical Injuries We’ve Seen:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — like our client in Houston, who was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats
  • Alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking
  • Broken bones, burns, and internal injuries — from beatings or paddling
  • Traumatic brain injury — from falls or assaults
  • Hypothermia or heatstroke — from exposure to extreme weather

Psychological Trauma:

  • PTSD — from waterboarding, humiliation, or assault
  • Anxiety and depression — fear of social rejection, academic decline
  • Suicidal thoughts — many victims report feeling hopeless after hazing
  • Trust issues — difficulty forming relationships after betrayal

Financial Costs:

  • Medical bills — ER visits, hospital stays, therapy
  • Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
  • Educational disruption — failing classes, dropping out, losing scholarships
  • Future earning potential — if injuries cause permanent limitations

You can sue for ALL of this.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth in Elmore County?

Hazing cases win millions of dollars — and we have the receipts.

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz (2021) Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza (2017) Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ million (estimated)
Adam Oakes (2021) Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi $4+ million
Our Current Case University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi $10 million lawsuit pending

These results are possible for Elmore County victims too.

What Affects Your Case Value:

  • Severity of injuries — hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage
  • Egregiousness of conduct — waterboarding, forced alcohol, physical abuse
  • Pattern of abuse — was this a one-time incident or systemic?
  • Institutional knowledge — did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?
  • Defendant’s ability to pay — national organizations and universities have deep pockets

Elmore County families deserve the same compensation as victims in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

📅 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Elmore County

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And the law limits how long you have to act.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms right away
  • Medical records are critical evidence in your case

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
  • Take photos/videos — of injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
  • Write down everything — dates, times, what happened, who was involved
  • Get witness names — other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They may ask you to sign documents that waive your rights
  • They may offer a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
  • Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media

  • Do not post about the incident
  • Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
  • Do not engage with Greek life members online
  • Insurance companies and fraternities will use your posts against you

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911

  • We offer free consultations — no obligation, no upfront cost
  • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
  • We travel to Elmore County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • We handle everything — so you can focus on healing

⚖️ Your Legal Rights Under Idaho Law

Idaho has strong laws protecting hazing victims — and you have multiple legal options:

1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators

  • Idaho Code § 18-917 makes hazing a misdemeanor
  • If hazing causes serious injury or death, it can be a felony
  • Criminal charges can result in jail time for individuals

2. Civil Lawsuit for Money Damages

Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can sue for compensation including:

  • Medical expenses — past and future
  • Lost wages — if your child missed work or lost internships
  • Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
  • Punitive damages — to punish the defendants for egregious conduct

3. Title IX Complaint

  • If the hazing involved sexual harassment, assault, or gender discrimination, you can file a Title IX complaint
  • Title IX applies to all schools receiving federal funding
  • Can result in investigations, disciplinary action, and policy changes

4. University Disciplinary Action

  • Universities have codes of conduct that prohibit hazing
  • You can report the incident to the university’s student affairs office
  • Can result in suspension or expulsion of perpetrators

We can help you pursue ALL of these options.

🏛️ Who Can Be Sued in Elmore County Hazing Cases?

1. The Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted the hazing
  • Individual members can be sued personally

2. The National Organization

  • Knew or should have known about hazing risks
  • Failed to supervise local chapters
  • Deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance

3. The University/College

  • Had a duty to protect students
  • Knew or should have known about hazing
  • Owns fraternity/sorority houses — premises liability
  • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies

4. Individual Members & Officers

  • Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members — all can be sued personally
  • Personal assets — including future earnings — can be targeted

5. Alumni & Hosts

  • If hazing occurred at a private home, the homeowner can be sued
  • Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage

6. Insurance Companies

  • National organizations, universities, and individuals have liability insurance
  • These policies often have $1 million+ limits

🕒 How Long Do You Have to Sue?

Idaho has a statute of limitations — a deadline to file your lawsuit.

Type of Claim Deadline in Idaho
Personal Injury 2 years from date of injury
Wrongful Death 2 years from date of death
Minors (under 18) 2 years from 18th birthday

Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And once the deadline passes, you lose your right to sue forever.

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Elmore County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • We know how to build these cases from the ground up
  • We know how to hold institutions accountable

2. We Have Deep Experience with Hazing Cases

  • Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of litigation experience
  • We’ve handled rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma litigation, and Texas A&M hazing cases
  • We know the medical, cultural, and legal nuances of hazing

3. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
  • We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims
  • We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

4. We Have Federal Court Authority

  • Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Can pursue cases in federal court — critical for national fraternity cases

5. We’re Dual-State Licensed

  • Licensed in Texas AND New York
  • Can pursue national fraternity organizations headquartered anywhere

6. We Offer Free Consultations & Contingency Fees

  • No upfront cost — you pay nothing to hire us
  • No hourly fees — we only get paid if we win
  • No risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing

7. We Travel to Elmore County

  • We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Distance is not a barrier to justice

8. We Speak Spanish

  • Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers

9. We Care About Our Clients

  • We treat every client like family
  • We fight hard because we truly care about hazing victims
  • We see your child as a person — not a paycheck

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

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for Elmore County hazing emergencies.

🏆 Our Track Record: Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just talk about hazing. We fight it in court — and we win.

Case Outcome
BP Texas City Explosion Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
Pi Kappa Phi Hazing (Current) $10 million lawsuit pending against fraternity and university
Wrongful Death Cases Multiple million-dollar settlements for families
DWI/DUI Defense Hundreds of cases dismissed by exposing flawed evidence
Trucking Accidents Millions recovered for victims of 18-wheeler crashes

We know how to win against powerful institutions — and we will fight just as hard for Elmore County families.

🔥 What Makes Our Elmore County Hazing Cases Strong?

1. Clear Evidence of Hazing

  • Text messages, photos, videos, witness statements
  • Medical records documenting injuries

2. Documented Injuries

  • Hospitalization, surgery, therapy records
  • Psychological evaluations for PTSD, anxiety, depression

3. Pattern of Abuse

  • Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
  • Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national organization

4. Institutional Knowledge

  • University knew about prior hazing
  • National organization knew about “hazing crisis”

5. Egregious Conduct

  • Waterboarding, forced alcohol, physical abuse
  • Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, paddling)

6. Deep Pockets

  • National fraternities have millions in assets and insurance
  • Universities have substantial endowments and insurance

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Elmore County Families

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Idaho law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. No matter what they call it.

Q: What if my child was hazed off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it’s part of the initiation process, it qualifies.

Q: Can we sue if no one was physically injured?

A: YES. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is a valid claim. You can sue for emotional distress even without physical injury.

Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended?

A: It doesn’t matter. Suspension doesn’t erase liability. The national organization, university, and individuals can still be sued.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.

Q: Can you help if the hazing happened at a school outside Elmore County?

A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide. Federal court authority and dual-state licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. We handle all communications with the fraternity and university. You don’t have to confront them directly.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Most cases settle within 12-24 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?

A: It depends. Idaho has a 2-year statute of limitations. If the hazing happened more than 2 years ago, you may have lost your right to sue. Call us immediately to check your deadline.

🏛️ Universities and Colleges Near Elmore County with Greek Life

Hazing happens at all types of institutions — not just large universities. Here are some schools near Elmore County where Greek organizations operate:

Institution Location Greek Life Presence
Boise State University Boise, ID Multiple fraternities and sororities
College of Idaho Caldwell, ID Greek organizations present
Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, ID Greek life active
College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, ID Fraternities and sororities

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at these schools. If your child was hazed at any of these institutions — or any school in Idaho — we can help.

🔫 The Pi Kappa Phi Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Elmore County

The Incident That Led to a $10 Million Lawsuit

In Fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez — a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston — accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

What They Did to Him:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles — physical beating
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
  • Forced to continue running while vomiting — then lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Stripped to underwear in cold weather — exposure to elements
  • Sprayed with hose while minimally clothed — further exposure
  • Carried a fanny pack with sexual objects — humiliation
  • Another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do extreme exercise until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Why This Matters to Elmore County:

  • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Elmore County
  • The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez happen at Idaho fraternities
  • Universities near Elmore County face the same liability failures as UH
  • If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Idaho, they face the same risks

The Defendants We’re Suing in the $10 Million Case:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
  • University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
  • Individual fraternity members and officers
  • A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

The same defendants can be sued in Elmore County cases.

📢 Our Message to Fraternities Operating Near Elmore County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, and every other national fraternity with chapters in Idaho:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters. The same negligence, the same failure to supervise, the same culture of abuse that led to lawsuits in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania exists in your Idaho chapters.

If you haze students in Elmore County, we will pursue every liable entity — the chapter, the national organization, the university, and every individual involved.

We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

🏆 What Elmore County Families Can Do Right Now

1. Call Attorney 911 — 1-888-ATTY-911

  • Free consultation
  • No obligation
  • No upfront cost

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Save all texts, social media, photos, videos
  • Write down everything that happened
  • Get witness names and contact info

3. Get Medical Attention

  • Even if injuries seem minor
  • Medical records are critical evidence

4. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They may offer a lowball settlement
  • Anything you say can be used against you

5. Do NOT Post on Social Media

  • Insurance companies and fraternities will use your posts against you
  • Stay quiet until your case is resolved

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

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve Elmore County hazing victims with the same aggression we’re bringing to the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case.

You are not alone. We are here to fight for you.

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