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Idaho Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike & $10M Sigma Chi Settlements | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Idaho, North America, United States

If you’re reading this, your family in Idaho may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Idaho fight back.

When your child leaves for college, whether it’s the University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University, or even major institutions outside the Gem State, you expect them to find an environment that fosters growth, learning, and safety. You trust the institutions and the organizations they join to protect them. But sometimes, that trust is betrayed in the most brutal ways imaginable, often hidden under the guise of “tradition” within Greek life. This is the reality many families in Idaho are only now discovering.

At Attorney911, we stand as a beacon of hope for hazing victims and their families across Idaho and the entire nation. We are not just legal advocates; we are relentless fighters who believe that no student should suffer abuse in the name of brotherhood or sisterhood. We aggressively pursue accountability for every party responsible, from individual perpetrators to national organizations and the universities themselves. Our approach is data-driven, culturally relevant, and steeped in a deep understanding of hazing’s devastating impact. We understand the unique challenges and concerns of parents in Idaho, a state known for its close-knit communities and strong family values, making such betrayals of trust even more profoundly felt.

The Idaho Hazing Crisis: It Hits Closer to Home Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just a distant problem on large, faraway campuses; it is a pervasive issue that impacts students at universities and colleges across Idaho and across America, including institutions where many Idaho families send their children. Whether your child attends a state university in Idaho, a private college, or heads out of state, the threat of hazing exists wherever Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate on major university campuses have chapters near Idaho, and unfortunately, the same dangerous “traditions” can persist.

The stories you read in the news about hazing tragedies often feel remote, but the emotional truth behind them is universal. Parents in Idaho send their children to college with dreams of their future, not nightmares of their past pledging. Hazing has evolved beyond harmless pranks; it has become systematic abuse, torture, and, in too many tragic instances, a death sentence.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Our firm, Attorney911, is not a hypothetical advocate. We are in the fight right now. We are actively representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not just another case; it is the centerpiece of everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and unyielding accountability.

Idaho families, this is what hazing looks like today. This is what happened in Houston, but it could happen in Moscow, in Boise, in Pocatello, or wherever your child attends college. The same national fraternities operate near Idaho campuses. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at fraternities across the country, including those frequented by students from Idaho. The same neglect exists at institutions that allow these organizations to operate. And we will bring the same aggressive, thorough, and relentless fight for justice to Idaho families as we are currently bringing in Houston.

Media Coverage of Our Fight

When we take a stand, the world takes notice. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit has garnered significant media attention, demonstrating the severity of modern hazing and our commitment to bringing these issues to light. Just weeks after our filing, major news outlets reported on the terrifying details of our client’s experience:

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued their own statement on November 21, 2025, announcing they had “closed” their Beta Nu Chapter, available at https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/. For us, this was a clear admission of guilt and a frantic attempt at damage control before our lawsuit hit the public.

The Story of Leonel Bermudez and What It Means for Idaho Families

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student. This immediately highlights the reckless disregard fraternities and universities can have for the safety of young people seeking to join their organizations.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was an horrific ordeal of systematic abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—life-threatening conditions caused by extreme physical exertion.

As my colleague Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” Leonel also experienced a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis: passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown. The ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage still looms over his future.

Lupe Pena, my partner, perfectly encapsulated our purpose when he said to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This is why we fight for Leonel, and it’s why we will fight for your family in Idaho if your child has suffered similar abuse.

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. Our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit naming the university, the national fraternity, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. This active, ongoing case in Harris County Civil District Court demonstrates exactly what Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, and relentless in pursuing accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing today is far from the innocent rituals parents might remember from decades past. It is not about “boys being boys” or harmless initiation. It is a dangerous, illegal, and often criminal activity characterized by extreme physical, psychological, and sometimes sexual abuse. For Idaho families, it’s crucial to understand the true nature of what your child may encounter, or what they may have already endured:

  • Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel Bermudez was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is torture. It’s a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants. Yet, it was inflicted upon young college students. Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under threat of being waterboarded.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, and then, horrifyingly, forced to continue running sprints while in visible physical distress, sometimes lying in their own vomit-soaked grass.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: Hazing involved relentless physical regimens: over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were forced to recite fraternity creeds while exercising, continuing until their bodies broke down, as Leonel’s did when he could not stand without help. We have even seen instances in other cases, and alleged in ours, of pledges being struck with wooden paddles.
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This included being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, carrying degrading objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature), and instances of hog-tying, where one pledge was left face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion enforced an environment of fear and coercion.
  • Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were denied adequate rest, forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion that severely impacted their physical and mental health.

These are not isolated incidents but a systemic problem. The National Study of Hazing reports that 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 40% of student-athletes report hazing. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. Alarmingly, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, loyalty, or shame. These behaviors occur not only in fraternities and sororities but also in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other college organizations.

The institutional failure is evident: universities and national organizations often know hazing occurs. They have the power, and the responsibility, to stop it. Yet, they often choose not to act until a student is hospitalized or dies, then they initiate “investigations,” “suspend” chapters, and claim to be “shocked.” This cycle of negligence is what we fight to break for families in Idaho.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, it is not just the individual, usually underage, students who are responsible. There is a hierarchy of accountability, and at Attorney911, we diligently identify and pursue every single entity that bears culpability. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we are targeting a broad range of defendants, just as we would for a hazing incident impacting a student from Idaho at institutions like the University of Idaho or Boise State:

  • Individual Members: This includes the fraternity president, pledgemaster, other chapter leaders, and any current or former members who actively participated in, directed, or enabled the hazing. In our lawsuit, this includes not only the participating members but even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing sessions to occur at their private residence, extending premises liability beyond the campus.
  • Local Chapters: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted these horrific activities. The chapter, as a collective entity, is held responsible for creating and maintaining a culture of abuse.
  • National Organizations: The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant because they knew, or should have known, about the deadly hazing culture within their organization. They failed to adequately supervise their local chapter and failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, despite a documented history of severe incidents, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing. Their swift action to suspend and dissolve the UH chapter upon exposure suggests a clear admission of wrongdoing and an attempt to limit liability – a tactic we will exploit. National organizations often have substantial assets and robust insurance policies, serving as crucial “deep pockets” for victim compensation.
  • Universities and Colleges: The University of Houston is a defendant because they owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, and they possess the power to regulate, suspend, or remove organizations that operate on their campuses or within their purview. Their failure to act, especially with previous hazing incidents on campus (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing that hospitalized a student), demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence. Idaho universities, too, face the same obligations.
  • Housing Corporations: Entities like the Beta Nu Housing Corporation own or manage the fraternity properties. These corporations have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment and can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions, such as hazing, to persist on their premises.
  • Insurance Carriers: Many of these organizations, from national fraternities to universities, carry extensive liability insurance. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these policies and ensure maximum recovery for our clients.

It’s critical for Idaho families to understand that our goal is not merely to target individual students who may face criminal charges. Our focus is on holding the deeply resourced institutions accountable. National fraternities and universities possess millions in assets and insurance. We turn a blind eye to neither the individuals who physically inflict harm nor the organizations and institutions whose negligence enables it.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

The fight against hazing is often perceived as an uphill battle against powerful institutions. But we want Idaho families to understand: hazing victims CAN and DO win. Landmark verdicts and settlements across the nation prove that justice, and multi-million dollar compensation, is possible. These are not just numbers; they are stories of families who fought back and secured accountability, setting precedents for other victims, including those in Idaho. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is rooted in these established precedents.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements We Study and Apply:

  • Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
    • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national along with individuals settled for $7.2 million. This case alone resulted in a payout of over $10.1 million. The very recent December 2024 judgment against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, held him personally liable for an additional $6.5 million. This proves that both institutions and individuals can and will pay significant sums. For families across Idaho, this demonstrates that similar compensation is achievable for severe hazing injuries or wrongful death.
  • Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
    • Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where pledges were forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This verdict sent a clear message that juries will not tolerate deadly hazing. The case also led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
  • Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated)
    • Timothy Piazza died after falling down stairs multiple times while severely intoxicated during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event. While the settlement itself was confidential, it is estimated to be over $110 million. This monumental case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, which brought felony charges for hazing causing death and immunity for those who report. This case underscores that clear evidence of egregious conduct results in massive settlements.
  • Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE
    • Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential settlement. This case is particularly significant because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that hazing Leonel Bermudez. It unequivocally demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters years before Leonel’s hospitalization. Despite this tragic warning, they failed to implement effective safeguards, enabling the same negligence to recur repeatedly.
  • Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4 Million+ Settlement
    • Adam Oakes died after being subjected to forced alcohol consumption during a Delta Chi bid acceptance event. His family settled for over $4 million, underscoring the high value placed on hazing wrongful death claims.

These cases are not mere statistics; they represent families, just like yours in Idaho, who were brave enough to stand up and demand justice. When institutions fail to protect students, these legal battles become powerful catalysts for change. The fact that Idaho students face these same national fraternities means these precedents apply directly to their cases.

Legal Framework: Idaho Victims’ Rights

While our firm is headquartered in Texas, a state with robust anti-hazing laws, the fight against hazing transcends state lines. For Idaho families, it’s crucial to understand that similar anti-hazing statutes exist in many states, and powerful federal civil rights and negligence claims apply nationwide. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel ensure that your Idaho hazing case can be pursued with the utmost aggression and expertise.

Key Legal Principles That Protect Idaho Victims:

  1. Consent is NOT a Defense: This is perhaps the most critical principle. Fraternities and universities often try to argue that a student “consented” to the hazing or “knew what they were getting into.” However, the law in many states, including where several landmark cases originated, explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. For example, Texas Education Code § 37.154 clearly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means that regardless of a student’s perceived willingness to participate, institutions and individuals cannot legally escape culpability for illegal, dangerous, or abusive acts. This principle is fundamental to protecting victims in Idaho.
  2. Criminal Penalties for Hazing: Beyond civil lawsuits, hazing can carry severe criminal penalties for individuals and organizations. Depending on the state where the hazing occurred, individuals can face misdemeanor or felony charges, leading to jail time and substantial fines. When hazing causes serious bodily injury, as it did for Leonel Bermudez, or leads to death, charges escalate significantly. The university spokesperson in our ongoing case even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” for those responsible.
  3. Organizational Liability: Many state statutes, mirroring the Texas Education Code § 37.153, hold organizations themselves liable if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their members commit hazing. This means that local chapters and national organizations with chapters near Idaho can face fines, loss of campus recognition, and forfeiture of property.
  4. Civil Liability Theories: These are the legal mechanisms we use to secure compensation for victims. They include:
    • Negligence Claims: Arguing that institutions (universities, national fraternities) had a duty of care to protect students, breached that duty by allowing hazing, and that this breach caused the injuries and damages. This is a foundational claim in virtually all hazing lawsuits and is applicable to every state, including Idaho.
    • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or a housing corporation (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), they have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
    • Negligent Supervision: This theory holds that university administrators, Greek life advisors, and national fraternity officials failed in their duty to properly oversee and control the activities of their chapters and members.
    • Assault and Battery: These are direct claims against individuals who inflict physical harm, like waterboarding or paddling.
    • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies when the conduct is so outrageous and extreme (like simulated torture) that it causes severe emotional distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

For families in Idaho grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding these legal principles is paramount. They form the basis on which we build powerful, winning cases, ensuring that your child’s rights are protected and that those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.

Why Attorney911 Is the Choice for Idaho Hazing Victims

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions an Idaho family will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, who has battle-tested experience, and who truly cares about fighting for your child. Attorney911 offers unparalleled advantages that make us the definitive choice for hazing victims in Idaho:

Our Unmatched Experience and Strategic Advantages:

  1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph P. Manginello, Managing Partner
    • Ralph is a seasoned trial attorney with over two decades of experience fighting for victims. His extensive courtroom background ensures that we are always ready to take a case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. For Idaho families, this means having a battle-tested litigator on your side.
  2. Former Insurance Defense Insight (Both Attorneys)
    • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena previously worked on the defense side for insurance companies and corporate defendants. This invaluable insider knowledge means we know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and attempt to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims in Idaho. As Lupe Peña’s bio notes, he learned firsthand at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts—now he uses that intelligence against them.
  3. Federal Court Authority
    • Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is crucial when dealing with national fraternities and universities, allowing us to pursue complex cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when defendants operate across state lines. This means for Idaho hazing cases, we can navigate multi-state legal complexities with ease.
  4. Dual-State Bar Admission
    • Ralph is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state bar admission offers a strategic advantage when taking on national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in states beyond Texas, creating further legal leverage for clients in places like Idaho.
  5. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience
    • Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation (a mass tort against a massive corporate defendant involving 15 deaths and 180+ injuries) demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against even the largest institutional defendants. The same skills and strategic thinking are applied to hold powerful universities and national fraternities accountable for hazing in Idaho.
  6. Hazing-Specific Expertise & Ongoing Litigation
    • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is active battle. Our expertise specifically includes rhabdomyolysis injury recovery cases (like Leonel Bermudez’s), Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and deep knowledge of university and Greek life liability. We bring this real-world, current experience to every Idaho hazing case.
  7. Journalism Background (Ralph Manginello)
    • Ralph’s background in journalism sharpens his ability to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories to juries. In hazing cases, where institutions often try to obfuscate the truth, this skill is invaluable in exposing what happened to your child in Idaho.
  8. Third-Generation Texan with Heritage Values (Lupe Pena)
    • Lupe is a third-generation Texan with roots tied to the historic King Ranch, symbolizing deep ties and values that resonate with families. His background in finance also provides crucial insight into calculating economic damages and challenging corporate defendants.
  9. Se Habla Español
    • Our staff is bilingual, providing comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients. For Hispanic families in Idaho, this means seamless communication and culturally sensitive representation, ensuring that language barriers never impede access to justice.
  10. Proud Google Reviews: 4.9 Stars with 250+ Reviews
    • Our commitment to client care and aggressive advocacy is reflected in our overwhelmingly positive client testimonials. We are genuinely passionate about helping our clients and treat them like family, a sentiment echoed in their words. Many testimonials praise our communication, responsiveness, and relentless pursuit of maximum settlements. As client Chad Harris put it, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

Our Approach to Serving Idaho Hazing Victims:

  • Immediate, Aggressive Intervention: When a hazing emergency strikes, we move first, fast, and decisively. We understand the urgency, especially with time-sensitive evidence and statutes of limitations.
  • Expert Witness Network: We build powerful cases with medical experts, Greek life culture specialists, and institutional negligence experts. These professionals help us establish the full extent of damages and culpability.
  • Evidence Preservation Command Center: We immediately work to preserve all evidence: texts, photos, social media, medical records, and witness statements. As Ralph emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” We also warn against common mistakes victims make that can ruin a case, such as deleting messages or posting on social media – crucial advice for our clients, available in our YouTube video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case.”
  • Willingness to Travel for Idaho Cases: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are fully prepared to travel to Idaho for depositions, client meetings, and trials when justice demands it. Distance is never a barrier to our commitment. We also offer remote consultations via phone and video to make initial contact and ongoing communication easy for families in Idaho.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: We take hazing cases on contingency. This means Idaho families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation, removing a significant barrier for families already burdened by tragedy. Our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains this in detail.

For families in Idaho, you are not just “another case.” We see your child as a person who has endured unimaginable trauma, and we are emotionally invested in securing justice for them. We will fight for your family with the same fury and dedication we bring to every case, because we genuinely care.

What to Do Right Now if Your Child Was Hazed in Idaho

Every moment counts after a hazing incident. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines approach. If your child has been subjected to hazing in Idaho or anywhere else, immediate action is crucial to protect their rights and build a strong case. We understand that this is an overwhelming time, but taking these critical steps now can make all the difference.

Immediate Action Steps for Idaho Hazing Victims and Families:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, get them thoroughly examined by a medical professional. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed or hidden symptoms. Insist on a complete medical evaluation and ensure everything is documented. Keep every medical record, doctor’s note, and bill. Delays in seeking treatment can be used by defense attorneys to argue that injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the hazing. If your child was hospitalized, obtain all hospital records, including all lab results and discharge summaries.
  2. Preserve ALL Evidence – DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: This is absolutely critical.
    • Photos and Videos: Take photos of all injuries, from bruises and cuts to any physical marks. If there are any photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves (even if not your child’s), save them immediately. Document the location where hazing occurred.
    • Communications: Crucially, preserve every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity/sorority members, pledges, and university staff. Do not delete anything, even if it seems innocuous or embarrassing. These communications are often the paper trail that proves hazing occurred.
    • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents given to your child.
    • Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or bystanders who saw the hazing or its aftermath.
    • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, and any lost wages or academic fees incurred due to the incident.
  3. DO NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers: Once hazing is reported, the fraternity, its national organization, and the university will immediately activate their legal and public relations teams. Their priority is to protect their institution, not your child.
    • Do NOT give any statements, written or recorded, to anyone representing the fraternity, national organization, or university without your attorney present.
    • Do NOT sign any documents presented by these parties, as they may contain waivers of your rights.
    • Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything posted can and will be used against your case. This includes emotional posts, photos of your child looking “fine,” or any commentary that could be twisted by defense attorneys.
    • Refer all inquiries to your attorney.
  4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY: The legal landscape of hazing is complex, involving multiple defendants, overlapping jurisdictions, and aggressive defense strategies. You need specialized expertise.
    • Statute of Limitations: In many states, including Texas (where our firm is based and which we use as a reference point for nationwide cases), the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of injury or death. This deadline can be extended in specific circumstances (e.g., if the victim is a minor), but waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. You can find more information about typical legal deadlines in our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
    • Free Consultations: We offer free, confidential consultations to Idaho families so you can understand your legal options without any financial obligation.

We have a YouTube video titled “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) that provides further crucial guidance on what not to do immediately after an incident. This advice is particularly relevant for hazing victims.

Remember, you are not alone. There are legal avenues to pursue justice and ensure accountability for the harm your child has suffered. We are here to guide you through every step of this challenging process, ensuring that your family’s voice is heard and that meaningful change is brought about.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here

Idaho Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – aggressively and relentlessly – in the Leonel Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold powerful institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. And we will bring the same level of aggressive, expert representation to your family in Idaho.

Idaho Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

Your legal emergency demands immediate action. We are available 24/7 to provide a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Idaho families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This is our promise to you, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of justice. For a clear explanation of how this works, please watch our video on “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

We Serve Idaho Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Texas (Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), hazing is a national crisis that impacts college students in Idaho and across America. We are fully equipped to evaluate and represent your Idaho case, regardless of your geographic location, through:

  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, particularly crucial when national organizations operating across state lines are involved.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantage in managing litigation against national entities headquartered anywhere in the U.S.
  • Video Consultations: For your convenience and comfort, we offer remote video consultations, making it easy for families in Idaho to connect with our experienced legal team without having to travel.
  • Commitment to Travel: When necessary, our attorneys will travel to Idaho for critical depositions, client meetings, and trial proceedings. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice for your child.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at institutions like the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University.
  • Sports teams at colleges and high schools throughout Idaho.
  • Marching bands and other musical organizations.
  • ROTC programs.
  • Clubs and other student organizations.
  • Military academies and other similar institutions.
  • Any organization that uses physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, or forced consumption, as part of an initiation or membership process.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Other pledges were subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, witnessed a fellow pledge collapse and lose consciousness, and engaged in acts under duress.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

As 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.” If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at the University of Houston, or any hazing incident at any institution, please reach out to us. Your courage can bring about justice and prevent future tragedies.

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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

Hazing Is Not a Texas Problem — It’s an Idaho Problem, Too. Our Data Proves We Know Who They Are.

Hazing is a dangerous secret. Fraternities and universities often operate under a veil of privacy, but at Attorney911, we believe in transparency and comprehensive intelligence. We do not guess who might be responsible for hazing; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in America, including critical information on their corporate structures, housing entities, and national affiliations in states like Idaho.

Attorney911’s Hazing Intelligence: We See Them Clearly

Idaho has a vibrant landscape of higher education, and with it, a presence of Greek life. From the sprawling campuses of the University of Idaho in Moscow and Boise State University in the capital, to Idaho State University in Pocatello, North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, and the College of Idaho in Caldwell, students from across the state and beyond gather. Many families from Idaho also send their children to major universities out of state, where national Greek organizations often have chapters.

Our intelligence database tracks thousands of Greek organizations across America. When hazing happens, we know exactly who to sue. We understand that behind the Greek letters are:

  • Tax-exempt corporate entities with EINs (Employer Identification Numbers).
  • Housing corporations that own fraternity and sorority properties.
  • Alumni chapters that provide funding and, sometimes, exert influence over undergraduate behavior.
  • Complex insurance structures designed to protect these organizations.

This depth of knowledge allows us to identify every potential responsible party, ensuring that Idaho hazing victims can pursue all available avenues for compensation.

National Hazing Record: The Same Letters, the Same Danger

The national fraternities and sororities with documented histories of hazing and multi-million dollar payouts often have chapters at universities near you in Idaho. These organizations, though operating locally, are part of a national system that has allowed dangerous “traditions” to persist. We track their history to establish patterns of negligence, demonstrating that the risks your child faces in Idaho are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, systemic problem.

Consider these records of national fraternities, many of which have chapters at or near Idaho universities:

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): This national organization has paid over $24 million in hazing death settlements alone. In 2021, Stone Foltz died at Bowling Green State after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; his family settled for over $10 million. In 2012, David Bogenberger suffered alcohol poisoning and died during a Pi Kappa Alpha event at Northern Illinois, leading to a $14 million settlement.
  • Beta Theta Pi: This fraternity was at the center of the Timothy Piazza tragedy at Penn State in 2017, which resulted in an estimated $110 million in settlements and a landmark anti-hazing law.
  • Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta hazing event at LSU in 2017. His family won a $6.1 million verdict.
  • Pi Kappa Phi: The national organization currently being sued by Attorney911 for $10 million in the Leonel Bermudez case. This same fraternity was responsible for the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 at Florida State University, where he died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing event.

This pattern reveals a critical truth for Idaho parents: the same Greek letters your child sees on local campuses are often linked to national organizations with a documented history of severe and even fatal hazing incidents. These are not different fraternities; they are different chapters of the same system.

The Watchdog: We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing. We’re Fighting It Right Now.

Our current $10 million lawsuit in Leonel Bermudez’s case is the living proof that our data and our strategies are actively defending victims. We identified every defendant with precision:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (National Headquarters): Their known history of hazing, including the death of Andrew Coffey, was a key factor in our immediate strategy.
  • Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter: The local chapter directly responsible for the abuse.
  • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity that controlled the physical property where some hazing occurred.
  • University of Houston and UH Board of Regents: Named due to their ownership and control over the fraternity house, and their institutional negligence, especially given a prior hazing hospitalization at the University of Houston in 2017.
  • 13 Individual Fraternity Members: Including the president, pledgemaster, and those who participated or enabled the hazing.

Our data-driven approach allowed us to identify these defendants quickly and accurately, leveraging public records and our extensive intelligence. The result? The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH was suspended within days of the hazing reports becoming public, the members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The university itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals.

For Idaho families, this means that Attorney911 is not theoretical. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases.” We are actively fighting the biggest hazing cases in the country, and we bring that same fight, that same intelligence, and that same resolve directly to hazing victims in Idaho. We understand what you’re up against, and we know exactly how to fight back.

A Warning to Fraternities and Universities in Idaho

To every fraternity, sorority, and university operating in or near Idaho: we are watching. We know your structures. We know your histories. And we are ready to hold you accountable with the same legal force we are deploying in Texas. The closure of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter is not an anomaly; it is a preview of what happens when data-driven attorneys take on hazing. If your chapter or institution puts students from Idaho at risk, we will pursue every liable entity with relentless aggression. Your chapter could be next.

Leveraging Technology for Justice: Our Video Library

At Attorney911, we believe that an informed client is an empowered client. That’s why we’ve leveraged modern technology to create an extensive video library, accessible on our YouTube channel (@Manginellolawfirm, https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm), to educate and guide victims and their families through the complex legal journey. These videos provide invaluable insights into every aspect of a personal injury claim, now critically adapted for hazing victims.

Immediate Response & Evidence Preservation: Your First Steps

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are crucial. Our videos provide clear, actionable advice:

  • “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs): Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” For hazing victims in Idaho, this means documenting every bruise, cut, or physical symptom, as well as the conditions of the location, any degrading objects, or evidence of forced consumption. If a victim is incapacitated, family or friends should immediately take photos. Screenshots of text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, or other social media related to hazing are invaluable.
  • “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY): This video outlines critical pitfalls. For hazing victims, mistakenly deleting text messages or social media posts can destroy crucial evidence. Talking directly to fraternity leadership or university administrators without legal counsel can lead to inadvertently harming your case, as they prioritize their institution’s interests. Never give recorded statements or sign documents without consulting an attorney.
  • “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM): This guidance is paramount. Ensure immediate safety for the victim, seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries, and preserve all evidence.

Understanding Your Case Value: What Justice Looks Like

Idaho families often wonder what compensation they can expect. Our videos demystify the valuation process:

  • “How Does a Lawyer Determine ‘How Much I’ll Get’ in a Personal Injury Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY): We explain that case value is determined by economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, psychological therapy) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). For egregious conduct, like waterboarding or forced physical abuse, punitive damages are aggressively pursued to punish wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
  • “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?”: This video delves into how we calculate the intangible costs of trauma. For hazing victims, the psychological impact, including PTSD, anxiety, humiliation, and long-term trust issues, constitutes significant pain and suffering, often valued using multiplier methods based on the severity of the trauma.

Defeating the “Consent” Defense and Statutes of Limitations

Fraternities often argue that victims “consented.” Our videos directly address this:

  • “What Is Comparative Negligence?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4): This video explains that in many states, if a victim is found partially at fault, their recovery might be reduced. However, as reinforced by our legal framework discussion, a victim cannot consent to an illegal act like hazing. The coercive environment of hazing often negates true consent, an argument our attorneys are adept at making effectively.
  • “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c): Time is critical. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit. This video stresses the urgency – evidence disappears, memories fade, and delaying can jeopardize your entire case. For hazing victims struggling with fear and shame, acting quickly (even if quietly through legal counsel) is paramount.

Contingency Fees: Access to Justice for Idaho Families

  • “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc): Education on this critical point removes a huge financial barrier. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning Idaho families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours, allowing us to take on well-funded institutions on your behalf.

Our YouTube video library serves as an extension of our commitment to empowering hazing victims and their families in Idaho with knowledge, equipping them with the information needed to make informed decisions and fight for the justice they deserve.

Attorney Profiles: The Lawyers Fighting for Idaho Hazing Victims

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring a law firm; you’re gaining a team of dedicated, experienced, and strategically skilled legal professionals led by Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña. Both attorneys bring unique strengths to the table, making us a formidable force against hazing perpetrators and negligent institutions. For families in Idaho, it’s crucial to understand the caliber of the legal minds that will be fighting for you.

RALPH P. MANGINELLO — Managing Partner

Ralph Manginello is the founder and president of Attorney911, and he is a relentless advocate for victims of negligence, abuse, and injustice. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph has built a reputation as a compassionate and aggressive trial lawyer. Families across Idaho can trust that he brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal commitment to every hazing case.

Key Credentials and Experience that Benefit Idaho Victims:

  • 25+ Years of Litigation Experience: Ralph is a battle-tested trial attorney admitted to the Texas State Bar since 1998, with extensive experience in state and federal courts. His long track record ensures that he knows how to navigate complex legal battles, from negotiation to trial.
  • Former Insurance Defense Attorney: One of Ralph’s most significant advantages is his previous experience defending insurance companies. He understands their strategies, their tactics for minimizing payouts, and their thresholds for settlement. He uses this invaluable insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and build stronger cases for our clients, ensuring Idaho families get maximum compensation.
  • Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York): This unique qualification provides a strategic edge, especially in hazing cases involving national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered or have significant operations outside of Texas. It underscores our ability to pursue justice across state lines.
  • Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with appellate experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Ralph can effectively litigate cases in federal courts, which is often necessary when dealing with national organizations or complex constitutional issues that may arise in hazing lawsuits.
  • Mass Tort Experience (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion demonstrated his capability to take on massive corporate defendants in high-stakes, complex legal battles. This experience is directly applicable to challenging powerful universities and national fraternities in hazing cases.
  • Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel Bermudez’s), and holding universities accountable. He has specific knowledge in these areas, crucial for a winning strategy for any Idaho hazing victim.
  • Journalism Background: His Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin has equipped him with exceptional investigative skills, enabling him to uncover facts and craft compelling narratives that resonate with juries and expose the truth behind hazing incidents.
  • Hall of Fame Athlete & Youth Coach: As an inductee into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame and a youth coach, Ralph understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face–environments where hazing often escalates. This personal insight is invaluable in understanding the context of hazing cases.
  • Father of Three: Ralph understands firsthand the profound concern and love parents have for their children, fueling his deep emotional investment in fighting for hazing victims. His personal connection means he approaches every case with empathy and resolve.

LUPE ELENO PEÑA — Associate Attorney

Lupe Peña is a vital part of the Attorney911 team, bringing a sharp legal mind and a unique strategic advantage to our hazing litigation. Lupe is male, and he complements Ralph’s extensive experience with his own insider knowledge from the defense side.

Key Credentials and Experience that Benefit Idaho Victims:

  • Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, where he defended insurance companies and corporate defendants across multiple practice areas. This insider perspective means he knows the exact tactics and strategies used by the opposing side to devalue claims, delay payouts, and protect their clients. He now uses this “battlefield intelligence” to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, including those in Idaho.
  • 12+ Years of Litigation Experience: Admitted to the Texas State Bar since 2012, Lupe brings over a decade of hands-on litigation experience in both Texas state and federal courts, proving his capability to handle complex and challenging legal cases.
  • Federal Court Authority: Like Ralph, Lupe is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing the necessary authority to pursue cases against national institutions in federal courts.
  • Wrongful Death Expertise: Lupe has extensive experience representing families who have lost loved ones due to negligence, which is precisely the type of devastating outcome that can arise from fatal hazing incidents.
  • Dram Shop Experience: His experience in dram shop liability cases (holding bars and establishments accountable for over-serving alcohol) is directly applicable to hazing incidents involving forced alcohol consumption, allowing us to build strong cases against those who facilitated the intoxication.
  • Finance Background & Business Acumen: With a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and a pre-law career in finance, Lupe possesses a keen understanding of economic damages, future earning capacity calculations, and corporate structures. This is invaluable when pursuing compensation from well-funded national fraternities and universities.
  • Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe is fluent in Spanish, enabling him to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking families in Idaho. This eliminates language barriers, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive representation throughout the legal process.

The Attorney911 “Insurance Counter-Intelligence System”:

Together, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena represent a combined 37+ years of legal experience, with both attorneys leveraging their insider knowledge of how insurance companies and corporate defendants operate. When an Idaho hazing victim hires Attorney911, they are not just getting lawyers; they are getting former insiders who know their opponents’ every move. This provides an unparalleled, and often “unfair,” advantage for victims facing powerful institutions.

You need a team willing to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side. That is who Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are for hazing victims and their families across Idaho and beyond.

APPENDICES: The Hazing Intelligence Engine & Precedents

To provide families in Idaho with confidence in our data-driven approach, we believe in full transparency regarding the intelligence that fuels our litigation strategy. We’ve built a comprehensive Hazing Intelligence Engine that maps the landscape of Greek organizations, exposing their corporate structures and documented histories.

Attorney911’s Hazing Intelligence Database: Knowing Who We Sue

We don’t go into a hazing lawsuit guessing who might be responsible. We know. Our intelligence database tracks thousands of Greek organizations and their affiliates across the country, providing critical insights that allow us to target every liable entity. For Idaho families, this means we can quickly and accurately identify the organizational defendants behind the Greek letters.

Our database includes:

  • IRS B83 Texas Organizations: This detailed data contains over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations, including their EINs, legal names, and mailing addresses. These encompass housing corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies, demonstrating the complex corporate structures behind Greek life. When we discuss a case like Leonel Bermudez’s, we can pinpoint Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515, located in Frisco, Texas, as part of the legal web. We also track entities like Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786, College Station) and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427, San Marcos), illustrating the widespread network we monitor. This level of detail shows that behind the Greek letters are tax-exempt corporations with actual assets, insurance policies, and legal responsibilities that our firm diligently tracks.
  • Extensive Campus Data: Our records include 96 Texas campuses, allowing us to pinpoint where organizations operate and identify major hubs for Greek life.
  • Metro Organization Counts: We track Greek-related organizations by metropolitan area. For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area, where our firm is based and the Bermudez case was filed, has 188 Greek organizations. This includes various entities such as social fraternities, sororities, house corporations, alumni groups, and professional fraternities.
  • Brand Overlap Validation: Our data cross-validates information between IRS records and private intelligence firms, confirming the presence of the same national brands across undergraduate chapters, alumni groups, and other affiliates. This ensures that we can track a specific national brand, like Pi Kappa Alpha or Pi Kappa Phi, across multiple campuses and jurisdictions without guessing, meaning that if a chapter is in Idaho, we understand its broader national network.

This comprehensive approach allows us to say with absolute certainty: we know who they are, where they are, and how they are legally structured. When hazing harms a student in Idaho, we are prepared to identify and target every responsible entity.

National Hazing Incident Database: They Did It Before. They’ll Pay Again.

The tragic reality is that hazing incidents are far from isolated. Many national fraternities have a documented history of severe and fatal hazing, leading to multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These historical incidents provide crucial “pattern evidence” in current lawsuits, demonstrating that institutions had prior notice of the dangers and failed to act.

Here’s a glimpse into the documented history of some familiar Greek organizations, which often have chapters at universities attended by Idaho students:

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):
    • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021): Died from forced alcohol consumption. Total settlements from Stone Foltz’s death exceeded $10 million. The former chapter president was recently ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability for his role.
    • David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012): Died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event. Settlements totaled $14 million.
    • Takeaway: This organization has paid over $24 million in hazing death settlements in recent years. If Idaho students pledge Pike, they are joining an organization with a substantial and deadly history.
  • Beta Theta Pi:
    • Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injury sustained during a hazing ritual. Settlements exceeded $110 million.
  • Phi Delta Theta:
    • Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
  • Pi Kappa Phi:
    • Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017): Died from forced alcohol consumption during a hazing event. The chapter was permanently closed, and a confidential settlement was reached.
    • Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against this fraternity for a pledging incident that caused our client rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
    • Takeaway: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of severe hazing, resulting in death and life-threatening injuries. They had eight years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to enact change, yet they failed.
  • Sigma Chi:
    • Recent UT Austin Freshman Death (University of Texas at Austin, November 2025): A wrongful death lawsuit was recently filed against the Sigma Chi fraternity at UT Austin for a hazing-related death by suicide. This shows that hazing is not just about physical assault, but can involve psychological torture leading to tragic outcomes.
  • Delta Chi:
    • Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021): Died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing event. His family recently settled for over $4 million.

These cases are not just national news; they are a stark warning to every university and fraternity chapter in Idaho. The same letters. The same traditions. The same danger. Each incident, each settlement, and each verdict strengthens the legal basis for holding current perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. We use this history to demonstrate foreseeability, prove a pattern of negligence, and argue for robust punitive damages, sending a clear message: hazing will cost you.