π¨ Hazing Victims in Hood River County: You Are Not Alone. We Will Fight For You.
Hood River County families β if your child has been hazed at a college or university near you, we are here to help. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Hood River County.
ποΈ The Hazing Crisis in Hood River County
Hazing is not just a problem in Texas β it’s happening right here in Oregon, including in and around Hood River County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at colleges and universities near Hood River County, including:
- Oregon State University (Corvallis) β Just over an hour from Hood River County
- Portland State University β Major university system with active Greek life
- University of Oregon (Eugene) β Large Greek community with documented hazing risks
- Reed College, Lewis & Clark College, and other regional institutions
These organizations have the same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston β forced drinking, extreme physical punishment, psychological torture, and more. If it’s happening in Texas, it’s happening near Hood River County.
π What Happened in Houston Could Happen Here
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush” β not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet β when he was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning, considered torture when used on enemy combatants
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups β until his muscles broke down, causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
- Struck with wooden paddles β physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting β then forced to continue exercising
- Sleep deprivation β forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture β carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather, hog-tied for hours
Leonel Bermudez ended up hospitalized for three nights and four days with kidney failure. This happened in 2025 β not decades ago. It’s happening now, and it could happen to your child in Hood River County.
βοΈ Hood River County Families Have Rights
If your child has been hazed in Hood River County or at a college near Hood River County, you have legal rights. Hazing is not tradition. It is not bonding. It is not harmless fun. It is abuse, and it is illegal under Oregon law.
Oregon Hazing Law (ORS 163.197)
Hazing is a crime in Oregon. The law defines hazing as:
“Any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in, a student organization.”
Penalties for hazing in Oregon:
- Class A Misdemeanor β Up to 1 year in jail and $6,250 fine
- Class B Misdemeanor β Up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine (for failing to report)
Importantly, Oregon law states:
“Consent of the victim is not a defense to a charge of hazing.”
This means:
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
- The law protects students from being pressured or coerced
- Organizations cannot hide behind “tradition” or “consent”
π° You Can Sue for Hazing in Hood River County
Hazing doesn’t just violate criminal law β it creates civil liability. Hood River County families can sue for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Hood River County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Kidney failure, rhabdomyolysis, injuries from physical abuse |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Students with jobs, internships, or future earning potential |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing | Pain from forced exercise, beatings, waterboarding |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Psychological trauma from abuse, humiliation, fear |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles β outrageous conduct |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing causes death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
Hood River County families: These damages are available regardless of where the hazing occurred. If your child was hazed at a college near Hood River County, we can pursue compensation.
π We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now β And We’ll Fight for Hood River County
Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical β we are in the fight right now, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Hood River County families.
Our Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Leonel Bermudez |
| Fraternity | Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter, University of Houston) |
| University | University of Houston |
| Injuries | Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization |
| Damages Sought | $10,000,000 |
| Filing Date | November 21, 2025 |
| Status | Active litigation |
Media Coverage:
Why This Matters for Hood River County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Hood River County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Hood River County-area chapters
- Universities near Hood River County face the same liability failures as UH
- We know how to build these cases and win millions for victims
π― Why Hood River County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Hazing Litigation Experts
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case β we’re in the fight right now
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma litigation, and Texas A&M hazing incidents
- Deep understanding of Greek life culture, university liability, and national organization oversight
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both 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 recovery for victims
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue cases in federal court when appropriate
- Dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) β strategic advantage against national fraternities
4. We Will Travel to Hood River County
- Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β but we come to you
- For depositions, client meetings, and trials in Hood River County
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. We Offer Remote Consultations
- Video consultations available for Hood River County families
- Phone consultations 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- No need to travel to Texas β we meet you where you are
6. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront
- No upfront costs for Hood River County families
- No hourly fees
- We don’t get paid unless you get paid
- Contingency fee: 33-40% β standard for personal injury cases
7. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla espaΓ±ol β bilingual staff available
- No language barriers to justice for Hood River County Spanish-speaking families
8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results
- 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense experience β we know how to beat them
π What Hood River County Families Should Do If Their Child Has Been Hazed
STEP 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications β texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Get names and contact info of witnesses and other victims
- Document everything β write down what happened, when, where, who was involved
STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators or Greek life officials
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers
- Do not post on social media about the incident
STEP 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β available 24/7 for Hood River County families
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Schedule a free consultation β in person, by phone, or video
STEP 5: Let Us Handle Everything
- We will preserve evidence before it disappears
- We will communicate with the organization so you don’t have to
- We will build your case with experts and investigators
- We will fight for maximum compensation for your family
β³ Time Is Critical for Hood River County Families
Oregon Statute of Limitations for Hazing Lawsuits
Oregon law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death
DO NOT WAIT:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
Hood River County families β contact us TODAY.
π What to Expect When You Contact Us
Free Consultation
- We listen to your story
- We evaluate your case
- We explain your legal options
- No obligation, no pressure
Case Evaluation
- Is there clear hazing conduct?
- Are there documented injuries?
- Are there identifiable defendants?
- Is there evidence available?
Retainer Agreement
- We explain our contingency fee
- You sign an agreement
- You pay $0 upfront
Evidence Preservation
- We send preservation letters to all defendants
- We collect medical records, communications, photos
- We identify witnesses
Investigation
- We work with medical experts, hazing experts, investigators
- We build a strong case
Demand and Negotiation
- We send a demand to the defendants
- We negotiate for a fair settlement
Litigation (if needed)
- We file a lawsuit
- We conduct discovery
- We take depositions
- We prepare for trial
Resolution
- Settlement or jury verdict
- You receive compensation
- We receive our fee
π Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts β What’s Possible for Hood River County Families
| Case | University | Fraternity | Year | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | 2021 | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | 2017 | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | 2017 | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | 2017 | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | 2021 | Settlement | $4+ million |
Hood River County families: These outcomes are possible for your case. We are currently seeking $10 million for our hazing client, and we will fight for similar results for Hood River County victims.
π Hood River County Families β Call Now
If your child has been hazed in Hood River County or at a college near Hood River County, we can help.
Free Consultation β 24/7
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We serve Hood River County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π‘οΈ To Fraternities and Sororities Near Hood River County:
We are watching.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Chi, and all others β if your chapter is hazing students near Hood River County, know this:
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your hazing histories
- We will pursue every liable entity β national organization, local chapter, housing corporation, individual members
- We will not stop until justice is served
The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.
Your chapter could be next.
π« To Colleges and Universities Near Hood River County:
The time for “thoughts and prayers” is over.
University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about a prior hazing incident in 2017. They did nothing.
If your institution:
- Owns or controls fraternity/sorority property
- Has the power to regulate Greek life
- Has received hazing reports and failed to act
- Allows dangerous “traditions” to continue
You are liable. And we will hold you accountable.
π To Hood River County Parents:
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek organization.
That trust was betrayed.
Your child was abused. Humiliated. Hospitalized. Or worse β taken from you forever.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage.
We are here to turn that pain and rage into accountability, compensation, and change.
Hood River County families β you are not alone. We will fight for you.
π’ Final Message to Hood River County
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas have chapters near Hood River County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Houston have campuses near Hood River County. The same “traditions” that caused kidney failure in Texas are happening right here in Oregon.
But there is hope.
Our $10 million lawsuit is sending a message β a message that says hazing has consequences. A message that says our children are not your property to abuse. A message that says we will hold you accountable.
Hood River County families β if your child has been hazed, we are ready to fight for you. Call us today.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Justice for hazing victims in Hood River County starts here.