Hazing Victims in Humboldt County, Iowa: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

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

Humboldt County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to uphold basic standards of dignity and respect. But when that trust is broken — when a fraternity or sorority turns “tradition” into torture — the consequences can be devastating.

If your child has been hazed in Humboldt County or at a nearby university, you are not alone. Hazing is a nationwide crisis, and Attorney 911 is fighting it 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 severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Humboldt County. The same negligence exists. And we will bring the same aggressive legal representation to Humboldt County families.

What Is Hazing? It’s Not Tradition — It’s Abuse

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

Hazing in Humboldt County and Nearby Universities Can Include:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings with paddles, branding, sleep deprivation
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food items
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, humiliation, threats of expulsion
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
• Dangerous stunts: Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure, confinement

This isn’t “building brotherhood.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s reckless endangerment. And it’s illegal.

The Hazing Crisis in Iowa and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just a problem in big states like Texas or Florida — it happens right here in Iowa. Universities near Humboldt County have active Greek life programs where hazing occurs. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at Iowa institutions.

Universities Near Humboldt County with Greek Life:

• Iowa State University (Ames, IA) — Just over an hour from Humboldt County
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) — Approximately 3 hours from Humboldt County
• University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA) — Less than 2 hours from Humboldt County
• Buena Vista University (Storm Lake, IA) — Local to the region

These schools have active chapters of major fraternities and sororities, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Beta Theta Pi
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• Phi Delta Theta
• Delta Tau Delta
• And many others

The same national organizations that have been sued for hazing deaths and injuries oversee these chapters. If your child was hazed at a university near Humboldt County, we can help.

Real Cases, Real Consequences — What Hazing Looks Like

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

Victim: Leonel Bermudez — a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet)
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep exercising
• Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing
• Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects

Result: Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter — but only after Bermudez was hospitalized. They’re already planning to return.

This is happening at universities near Humboldt County. We are fighting it in court — and we’ll fight for Humboldt County families too.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win. The same legal strategies apply to Humboldt County cases.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Humboldt County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. We pursue every liable entity to maximize compensation for Humboldt County victims.

Potential Defendants in Humboldt County Hazing Cases:

1. Local Chapter — The fraternity/sorority chapter that organized and conducted hazing
2. National Organization — Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, or address prior incidents
3. University/College — Failed to protect students, negligent oversight of Greek life
4. Chapter Officers — President, pledgemaster, and other leaders who directed hazing
5. Individual Members — Those who participated in or failed to stop hazing
6. Alumni/Hosts — Allowed hazing at their property
7. Housing Corporations — Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
8. Insurance Companies — Liability policies covering the organization or university

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:

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

We will pursue the same comprehensive liability strategy for Humboldt County families.

Iowa Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

Iowa has strong laws against hazing. Under Iowa Code § 708.10, hazing is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,560 fine.

Key Provisions of Iowa Hazing Law:

• Definition: Any act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a student organization
• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
• Criminal penalties — Up to 1 year in jail
• Civil liability — Victims can sue for damages

Humboldt County families have the right to pursue civil lawsuits for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages

We can help Humboldt County victims navigate both criminal and civil proceedings.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Humboldt County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
• Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails
• Document everything — dates, times, locations, names of perpetrators
• Get witness contact information — other pledges, bystanders

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Do not post on social media about the incident

Step 4: Report the Incident

• File a police report with local law enforcement
• Report to the university’s Title IX office or student affairs
• Consider filing a complaint with the Iowa Department of Education

Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free, confidential consultations for Humboldt County families
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win

Time is critical. Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Humboldt County Hazing Case?

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. Humboldt County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny and minimize claims. Now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for hazing victims.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue hazing cases nationwide — including Humboldt County cases.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

Licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities.

5. Se Habla Español

We serve Spanish-speaking families in Humboldt County without language barriers.

6. Willingness to Travel

We will come to Humboldt County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

7. Proven Track Record

• $10+ million in our current hazing case
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies

8. Compassionate Representation

We treat Humboldt County families like family. We understand the trauma of hazing and fight with both legal skill and genuine care.

Damages We Pursue for Humboldt County Hazing Victims

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost academic opportunities
• Rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement

Punitive Damages:

• Awarded when conduct is egregious
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer
• Supported by waterboarding, forced exercise, and other extreme hazing

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are seeking $10 million. We will pursue the same level of compensation for Humboldt County victims.

Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them

Defense: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response: Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed,” it doesn’t matter.

Defense: “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response: Tradition doesn’t legalize assault. Waterboarding is torture — whether it’s done to enemy combatants or college students.

Defense: “The University Didn’t Know”

Our Response: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the property where hazing occurs (as UH did), they are liable.

Defense: “It Was Just a Prank”

Our Response: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and hospitalization are not pranks. They are life-threatening injuries.

Hazing Doesn’t Have to Be Fatal to Be Serious

Many families think they can’t sue unless someone dies. That’s not true. Even non-fatal hazing can result in:

• Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, internal injuries
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Academic disruption: Dropped classes, failed semesters, lost scholarships
• Career impact: Lost internships, damaged reputation

If your child was hazed in Humboldt County — even if they weren’t hospitalized — you may have a case.

How We Help Humboldt County Families

1. Free Case Evaluation

We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to Humboldt County families. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.

2. Evidence Preservation

We send immediate preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction. We gather medical records, witness statements, and digital evidence.

3. Aggressive Negotiation

We negotiate with insurance companies and defendants to secure fair settlements. If they refuse to offer what your case is worth, we take them to trial.

4. Nationwide Representation

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Humboldt County. We travel to Humboldt County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

5. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict — so there’s no financial risk to you.

6. Compassionate Support

We understand the emotional toll of hazing. We provide guidance, support, and legal protection every step of the way.

Humboldt County Families: You Are Not Powerless

Fraternities and universities want you to believe that hazing is “just part of college.” They want you to stay silent. They want you to accept that “boys will be boys.”

But hazing is not normal. It’s not tradition. It’s not harmless.

It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it has to stop.

Attorney 911 is here to fight for Humboldt County families. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to hold these institutions accountable.

Take Action Now — Before It’s Too Late

Humboldt County Hazing Victims: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Fight for You

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

We serve Humboldt County and all of Iowa. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Humboldt County Families

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Even non-hospitalized victims can sue for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. Contact us for a free evaluation.

Q: The fraternity said it was “just a prank.” Is it still hazing?

A: Yes. If the activity was humiliating, degrading, or dangerous, it qualifies as hazing under Iowa law — regardless of what the fraternity calls it.

Q: The university is saying my child consented. Is that a defense?

A: No. Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed,” it doesn’t matter.

Q: How much is my Humboldt County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Psychological impact
• University’s knowledge of prior incidents
• Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced exercise)

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are seeking $10 million. We will pursue maximum compensation for your Humboldt County case.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Q: We’re in Humboldt County. Can you still represent us?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Humboldt County. We offer video consultations and travel to Humboldt County as needed.

Q: What if the fraternity tries to intimidate my child?

A: We protect our clients. If the fraternity retaliates, we will take legal action. Your child’s safety is our priority.

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

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you only pay if we win your case.

Humboldt County: It’s Time to End the Silence

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Fraternities and universities count on victims staying quiet. They count on families feeling powerless.

But you are not powerless. You have rights. You have Attorney 911.

If your child was hazed in Humboldt County or at a nearby university, call us today. Let’s hold them accountable — together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Justice for Humboldt County hazing victims starts here.