🚨 Franklin County Hazing Lawyer – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening at colleges near Franklin County.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Franklin County, Iowa, you have legal rights. The same national organizations that operate at major universities across Iowa—including those near Franklin County—have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. Franklin County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Iowa – It’s Closer Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in Texas or Florida. It happens right here in Iowa—including at colleges near Franklin County. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in high-profile hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters at Iowa institutions, including those near Franklin County.

Colleges Near Franklin County Where Hazing Occurs

While we can’t name specific incidents without verified evidence, we know that hazing happens at colleges and universities across Iowa, including those near Franklin County. Some of the institutions in the region where Greek life is active include:

• University of Northern Iowa (UNI) – Located in Cedar Falls, about 70 miles from Franklin County, UNI has a significant Greek life presence with multiple fraternities and sororities.
• Iowa State University (ISU) – Located in Ames, approximately 100 miles from Franklin County, ISU has one of the largest Greek systems in the state.
• University of Iowa (UI) – In Iowa City, roughly 150 miles from Franklin County, UI has a well-established Greek community.
• Drake University – A private university in Des Moines, about 100 miles from Franklin County, with active Greek organizations.
• Luther College – A private liberal arts college in Decorah, approximately 120 miles from Franklin County, with Greek life organizations.
• Wartburg College – Located in Waverly, about 80 miles from Franklin County, Wartburg has fraternities and sororities.
• Simpson College – In Indianola, roughly 130 miles from Franklin County, Simpson College has Greek organizations.
• Coe College – A private liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, about 150 miles from Franklin County, with Greek life.
• Cornell College – Located in Mount Vernon, approximately 180 miles from Franklin County, Cornell has Greek organizations.
• Buena Vista University – In Storm Lake, about 150 miles from Franklin County, Buena Vista has fraternities and sororities.

The same fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have chapters at these Iowa schools, including those near Franklin County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in this region, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

📰 Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – Then forced to continue running sprints while in distress
• Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats of expulsion, carrying sexual objects

This happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at colleges near Franklin County.

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities in Iowa. The same national organization that failed to prevent Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 (Pi Kappa Phi at Florida State) failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025. They knew about the “hazing crisis” and did nothing.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where this torture occurred. They knew about a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha at UH) and failed to implement real oversight. Universities near Franklin County have the same power—and the same liability—when they fail to protect students.

💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions – These Results Are Possible for Franklin County Victims

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These same results are possible for Franklin County families:

Franklin County families: If your child was hazed, you can sue for:

• Medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and PTSD
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization)

And remember: In Texas and many other states, “consent” is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

⚖️ Who Can Franklin County Families Sue for Hazing?

When hazing happens, multiple parties are liable. In our current case, we’re suing:

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing.
2. The National Fraternity Organization – Knew about hazing risks and failed to prevent them.
3. The University – Owned the fraternity house; had power to regulate Greek life; failed to protect students.
4. Individual Members – Participated in or facilitated the hazing.
5. Alumni & Spouses – Allowed hazing at their private residences.

Franklin County families: The same liability applies to hazing incidents at Iowa colleges. Whether it’s the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State, or another institution near Franklin County, universities and national organizations can be held accountable.

🏛️ Iowa Hazing Laws – What Franklin County Families Need to Know

Iowa has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Iowa Code § 708.10, hazing is defined as:

“Any act which is committed in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization and which is intended to or produces bodily harm, including but not limited to whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student.”

Key Provisions for Franklin County Families:

• Hazing is a criminal offense – Can result in fines and jail time for perpetrators.
• Consent is not a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter.
• Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face penalties.
• Universities must report hazing – Iowa law requires institutions to report hazing incidents.

If your child was hazed at a college near Franklin County, they may have both criminal and civil legal options.

🎓 Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

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. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight. Franklin County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching to represent victims. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims. We use that knowledge against them.

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Pursue Cases Nationwide

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Can pursue hazing cases in federal court regardless of where they occurred
• We will travel to Franklin County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City Explosion – Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
• Hundreds of personal injury cases – Including wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
• Federal civil rights litigation – Experience in U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals
• Currently litigating multiple federal court cases (Law360 verified)

5. We Understand Greek Life Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and former youth coach – understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
• We know how fraternities and sororities operate – their structures, their national organizations, their insurance policies.
• We know where the money is – national fraternities have millions in assets and insurance coverage.

6. Se Habla Español – Bilingual Representation

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:

• Consultations in Spanish
• Case communication in Spanish
• Translation of legal documents
• Courtroom interpretation coordination

7. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront for Franklin County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. We take hazing cases on contingency—you don’t pay us unless and until we win your case. No upfront fees. No hourly billing. No financial risk.

8. We Come to Franklin County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Franklin County. We will:

• Travel to Franklin County for client meetings
• Travel for depositions and court appearances
• Offer video consultations for Franklin County families
• Handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies

📋 What Franklin County Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed

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

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications – texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
• Document everything – dates, times, locations, what happened
• Get witness information – names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
• Do not delete anything – even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

• They will try to control the narrative
• They will pressure you to sign documents
• They will twist your words
• Let your attorney handle all communications

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Anything you post can be used against you
• Even innocent posts (“I’m fine”) can be used to claim you weren’t really hurt
• Stay off social media until your case is resolved

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Schedule a free consultation – in-person, by phone, or video

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Prevent the organization from intimidating witnesses
• Build your case while memories are fresh
• Ensure you meet all legal deadlines

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing – What Franklin County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs Franklin County parents can watch for:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, muscle pain, inability to move)

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
• Fear of discussing Greek life activities
• Secretive behavior about phone or social media
• Sudden academic decline
• Avoiding certain people or places

Academic & Social Signs:

• Missing classes or declining grades
• Avoiding campus or certain buildings
• Sudden loss of interest in Greek life
• Fear of retribution or social exclusion

If you notice these signs, talk to your child—and contact us immediately.

📞 Franklin County Hazing Victims – Call Now for a Free Consultation

You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Franklin County families.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency – $0 upfront for Franklin County families. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

We will travel to Franklin County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

What Franklin County Families Can Expect When They Call:

1. Immediate Response – We answer calls 24/7 for legal emergencies.
2. Free Consultation – No obligation, no pressure.
3. Case Evaluation – We’ll assess your legal options.
4. Evidence Preservation – We’ll guide you on what to save and how.
5. Aggressive Representation – We’ll fight for maximum compensation.
6. No Upfront Cost – You pay nothing unless we win.

🎯 Our Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Franklin County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Franklin County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in settlements. We know your insurance policies.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Franklin County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

Every national fraternity with chapters near Franklin County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won. If you haze students, we will pursue every liable entity.

Universities near Franklin County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses. Act now—or face the same accountability.

The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Iowa.

🏆 Franklin County Families Deserve Justice – Let’s Fight This Together

Hazing destroys lives. It hospitalizes students. It kills. And it happens at colleges near Franklin County.

But Franklin County families don’t have to stay silent. You have legal rights. You can hold these organizations accountable. You can prevent this from happening to another Franklin County family.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Franklin County families with everything we have.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Email ralph@atty911.com. Schedule your free consultation today.

Franklin County hazing victims: The law is on your side. We are on your side. Let’s get justice.