Hazing Victims in Fayette County, Illinois: Your Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Do We

Fayette County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But when universities and Greek organizations fail to protect students, the consequences can be devastating. Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities — it happens at institutions near Fayette County too, including at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Lake Land College in Mattoon, and other regional schools where Greek life thrives.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis right now. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities and sororities that operate in Houston have chapters at universities near Fayette County. The same negligence that led to our client’s hospitalization exists at institutions your child may attend.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Fayette County, we can help. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Fayette County families, with the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our current case.

What Is Hazing? — And Why It’s Never “Just Tradition”

Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Illinois, hazing is a criminal offense under 720 ILCS 5/12C-50, and consent is not a defense.

Hazing Takes Many Forms — All of Them Dangerous

The Medical Consequences Can Be Life-Altering

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort — it can lead to permanent injuries and even death. In our current case, our client was hospitalized for three nights and four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to perform extreme physical exercises.

Other serious medical consequences of hazing include:

• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure)
• Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
• Permanent psychological damage (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

The Hazing Crisis at Universities Near Fayette County

Greek Life at Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL)

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is just 30 minutes from Fayette County and has an active Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities. While EIU has policies against hazing, the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters at EIU.

Fraternities at EIU with documented hazing histories nationwide:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Paid $10M+ in settlements for hazing deaths (including our current case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits
• Beta Theta Pi — Timothy Piazza case ($110M+ settlement)
• Phi Delta Theta — Maxwell Gruver case ($6.1M verdict)

Sororities at EIU also engage in hazing, though it is often less physical and more psychological. However, psychological hazing can be just as damaging and is equally illegal.

Lake Land College (Mattoon, IL) and Other Regional Schools

While Lake Land College is a community college and does not have traditional Greek life, hazing can occur in athletic teams, clubs, ROTC, and other student organizations. The same dynamics of peer pressure, initiation rituals, and abuse exist in many types of groups.

Other institutions near Fayette County where hazing may occur:

• Parkland College (Champaign, IL) — Clubs and athletic teams
• Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield, IL) — Student organizations
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1.5 hours away) — Major Greek system with documented hazing incidents

Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Fayette County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Local Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing activities
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility
• Individual members who participate can be sued personally

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

• Sets policies and standards for chapters
• Has the power to suspend or close chapters
• Often has deep pockets and insurance coverage
• In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”

3. The University or College

• Has a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm
• May own or control the property where hazing occurs (premises liability)
• Can regulate or suspend Greek organizations
• In our current case, University of Houston is a defendant for owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred and failing to prevent it

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Each person who participates in or facilitates hazing can be held personally liable
• May have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that covers liability
• In our current case, individual fraternity members are named as defendants

5. Housing Corporations and Property Owners

• Own the fraternity or sorority house
• Can be liable for hazing that occurs on their property
• In our current case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is named as a defendant

What Can Fayette County Families Recover?

If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work due to injuries)
• Educational expenses (tuition refunds, costs of transferring schools)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries impact career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries and medical treatment)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame (from psychological hazing)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent 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
• In our current case, we are seeking punitive damages for waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and the fraternity’s failure to act despite knowing about prior hazing deaths

Real Cases, Real Results — What Fayette County Families Can Expect

$10.1 Million Settlement: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)

• What happened: A pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event.
• Result: He died from alcohol poisoning. The family received $10.1 million in settlements from the university and fraternity.
• Why it matters: This case shows that $10 million+ settlements are possible in hazing cases, even when the victim is not killed.

$6.1 Million Jury Verdict: Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta)

• What happened: A pledge was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event.
• Result: He died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495 (more than 6 times the legal limit). A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
• Why it matters: Juries hate hazing. They will award millions when institutions fail to protect students.

$110 Million+ Settlement: Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi)

• What happened: A pledge was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, then fell down stairs multiple times. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
• Result: He died from traumatic brain injury. The family received a confidential settlement estimated at $110 million+.
• Why it matters: When evidence is strong (like security camera footage in this case), settlements can reach nine figures.

Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi) — $10 Million Lawsuit

• What happened: A “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet) was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. He was hospitalized for three nights and four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Result: We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and individual members.
• Why it matters: This is happening right now. The same fraternities operate near Fayette County. Your child could be next.

What Fayette County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation.
• If they are in immediate medical danger, call 911.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation immediately.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/Videos: Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
• Texts/Social Media: Save all communications about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.).
• Witness Information: Get names and contact info of other victims or witnesses.
• Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, or any written rules.

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
• They may ask your child to sign documents or give statements.
• Anything they say can be used against them in court.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
• We offer video consultations for Fayette County families who cannot travel.
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Fayette County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know the strategies fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability.
• We know how to counter their defenses and maximize your compensation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and defense firms before switching sides to represent victims.
• We know how insurance companies value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability.
• We use that insider knowledge to fight back and win.

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Fayette County Families

• While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Fayette County.
• We have federal court authority and can pursue cases in any jurisdiction.
• We offer video consultations and will travel to Fayette County for depositions and trials.

4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• We’ve won millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence.
• Our experience includes high-stakes litigation like the BP Texas City explosion case.
• We know how to build strong cases and negotiate top-dollar settlements.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Many hazing victims in Fayette County come from Hispanic families.
• We provide bilingual legal services so language is never a barrier to justice.

6. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs for Fayette County Families

• We understand that Fayette County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation.
• We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we’re motivated to get you the maximum compensation.

The Clock Is Ticking — Illinois Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, is 2 years from the date of the injury.

This means you have only 2 years to file a lawsuit, or you lose your right to sue forever.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Contact Attorney 911 today for a free consultation.

Fayette County Parents: What You Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Illinois

Under 720 ILCS 5/12C-50, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the hazing causes great bodily harm or death, it becomes a Class 4 felony, punishable by 1-3 years in prison.

Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

2. Universities Near Fayette County Have a Duty to Protect Students

Colleges and universities have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. When they fail to prevent hazing — especially when they own the fraternity house or have prior knowledge of hazing incidents — they can be held liable for negligence.

3. National Fraternities and Sororities Have Deep Pockets

National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Beta Theta Pi have millions in assets and insurance coverage. They can afford to pay large settlements and verdicts, and they often settle quickly when faced with strong legal representation.

4. Your Child May Be Afraid to Speak Up — We Can Help

Many hazing victims fear retaliation from their peers or the organization. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We understand this fear, and we will protect your child’s identity and safety while pursuing justice.

5. You Can Make a Difference for Other Fayette County Students

By holding hazing organizations accountable, you can prevent this from happening to other students. In our current case, Lupe Pena said:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your case can save lives.

Frequently Asked Questions from Fayette County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?

A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to pursue legal action now, evidence disappears quickly. Consulting with an attorney ensures you understand your rights and preserves evidence in case your child changes their mind later. We offer free, confidential consultations with no obligation.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Yes. Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any harm caused.

Q: We live in Fayette County, and the hazing happened in another state. Can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Fayette County families. We have federal court authority and can pursue cases in any jurisdiction. We offer video consultations and will travel to you if needed.

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

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we’re motivated to get you the maximum compensation possible.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a small college or community college near Fayette County?

A: Hazing can occur at any type of school, not just large universities. We’ve seen hazing in athletic teams, ROTC, marching bands, and clubs at community colleges and small schools. If your child was hazed, we can help, regardless of the size of the institution.

Q: The university says they’re “investigating” the hazing. Should we wait for their report?

A: No. Universities conduct investigations to protect themselves, not your child. Their report may downplay the severity of the hazing or shift blame onto the victim. Do not wait — contact an attorney immediately to protect your child’s rights.

Q: Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured, but they’re suffering from PTSD or anxiety?

A: Yes. Psychological injuries are just as valid as physical injuries. If your child is suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues as a result of hazing, they may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, therapy costs, and emotional distress.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Some cases settle quickly, while others may go to trial. We work efficiently to resolve your case as soon as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can the university still be held liable?

A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for off-campus hazing if they knew or should have known about the risk and failed to take action. In our current case, hazing occurred at a university-owned fraternity house and at a private residence — both locations can lead to liability.

Fraternities Near Fayette County: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating at universities near Fayette County:

We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapter.

If you haze students near Fayette County, we will pursue every liable entity — the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and individual members.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case. We have deposed fraternity leaders, university administrators, and insurance executives. We know how you operate.

Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

Fayette County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing can leave victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone.

At Attorney 911, we’ve seen what fraternities and universities do to silence victims. We’ve seen the medical bills, the psychological trauma, and the lifelong consequences. We’ve also seen what happens when victims stand up and fight back.

We are fighting this battle right now. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. We are holding the fraternity and the university accountable.

If this happened to your child near Fayette County, we can help you too.

Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Fayette County Families

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Fayette County hazing emergencies.

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

Serving Fayette County and nationwide.