If you’re reading this in Illinois, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college with hopes of making lifelong friends, building community, and charting their future. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and deeply harmed by a hazing incident. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can drive a parent to search for answers in the middle of the night. We’re here to tell you that you are not alone, and we are here to help families in Illinois fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, representing a family whose son was waterboarded, forced to eat until he vomited, and subjected to extreme physical exercise that led to kidney failure. This case, filed in November 2025, is the centerpiece of everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The nightmare of hazing is not confined to Texas. The same national fraternities operate on campuses across Illinois, from major universities like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and DePaul University, to regional colleges such as Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University, and Northern Illinois University. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client also threaten students in Springfield, Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and every community throughout Illinois. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to spiral out of control in Houston exists at colleges and universities right here in your state.

We want every parent and student in Illinois to understand one thing: this is not a theoretical fight for us. It is a live, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court. We are in the trenches, aggressively pursuing justice against powerful institutions and individuals, and we will bring that same level of dedication, expertise, and ferocity to your child’s hazing case in Illinois, no matter where it happened.

The Illinois Hazing Crisis: It’s Happening Here, Just Like in Houston

What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is a chilling example of modern hazing, a stark reminder that these aren’t harmless pranks but acts of brutal abuse. We represent Leonel, who, as a “ghost rush” not even yet enrolled at the University of Houston, endured weeks of systematic torment after accepting a bid to Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This included being hog-tied, sprayed in the face with a garden hose in a manner consistent with waterboarding, forced to eat massive amounts of food until he vomited, and subjected to brutal physical exertion like 100+ pushups and 500 squats. This sadistic ritual caused his muscles to break down, leading to severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, and landed him in the hospital for four days. His urine turned brown, a harrowing sign of his body’s traumatic response.

This extreme form of hazing resulted in Attorney911 filing a $10 million lawsuit against the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the University of Houston, the fraternity’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. Within weeks of our firm bringing this to light, the chapter was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and it was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated, and the university publicly stated the conduct was “deeply disturbing.”

This is not an isolated incident. Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous problem across America, and Illinois is not immune. The very same national fraternities that have made headlines for brutal hazing incidents, including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Beta Theta Pi, maintain active chapters on campuses throughout Illinois. Parents in Chicago, Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, and communities across Illinois need to understand that the “traditions” that landed our client in the hospital are being replicated in frat houses and off-campus residences near you.

According to a 2008 study by the University of Maine, over half of students in fraternities and sororities experience hazing. The same study found that 40% of student athletes report hazing. These are not just statistics; these are the experiences of real students, potentially your sons and daughters, attending universities right here in Illinois. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States, a horrifying trend that continues unabated. What’s even more alarming is that 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to their organizations. This culture of silence protects perpetrators and institutions, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.

Universities nationwide, including those in Illinois, have a documented history of failing to adequately address hazing. They often claim ignorance or implement superficial policy changes after a tragedy, rather than proactively protecting their students. The Pi Kappa Phi national organization, for example, had eight years since the hazing death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University to truly reform its culture, yet Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 under uncannily similar circumstances. Likewise, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, yet failed to prevent the tragedy that befell Leonel. This pattern of institutional negligence is precisely what we aim to expose and penalize.

If you are an Illinois parent whose child has been injured or died due to hazing, you need legal advocates who understand the gravity of the situation, who are not afraid to take on powerful university systems and national Greek organizations, and who have a proven track record of converting pain into meaningful accountability. We are those advocates, and we are ready to fight for your family in Illinois.

The Reality of Modern Hazing: It’s Torture, Not Tradition

When we talk about hazing, many people still imagine harmless pranks or silly initiation rituals. We want parents in Illinois to understand that this is a dangerous misconception. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not unique; it is a chilling representation of what hazing looks like today. It is systematic abuse, psychological torment, and often physical battery, all performed under the guise of “building brotherhood” or “tradition.”

Let’s break down what hazing truly looked like for Leonel Bermudez, and what it likely looks like in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other organizations across Illinois:

• Waterboarding as Punishment: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that directly simulates waterboarding. This is torture. It’s classified as a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. Yet, it was inflicted on a college student simply seeking acceptance.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific display of degradation, he was reportedly forced to continue running sprints through his own vomit, demonstrating a complete disregard for his dignity and health.
• Extreme Physical Punishment to the Point of Organ Failure: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and forced 100-yard crawls. This extreme exertion broke down his muscles, leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Another pledge even lost consciousness during similar forced workouts, yet the abuse continued.
• Physical Brutality and Assault: Reports in the Houston Chronicle explicitly mentioned pledges being “struck with wooden paddles.” This is not a ritual; it is battery and a criminal act.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was allegedly forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to break down an individual’s will, instill fear, and enforce absolute obedience.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to severe exhaustion that impacted their daily functioning.
• Coercion and Threats: Leonel was threatened with immediate expulsion from the fraternity if he failed to comply with the demands, including reciting the fraternity creed while enduring physical torment. This illustrates the power imbalance that makes genuine consent impossible.

These are not isolated incidents of “boys being boys.” These are acts of assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and in too many tragic cases, manslaughter or murder. Hazing causes not only severe physical injuries like rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, and hypothermia, but also profound and lasting psychological damage, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

Parents in Illinois send their children to college expecting them to find a safe environment for learning and growth. Hazing shatters that trust and leaves indelible scars. If your child has endured this kind of abuse at a university or organization in Illinois, we are here to fight for them, just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez. We will expose the truth, dismantle the culture of silence, and hold every responsible party accountable.

Holding Everyone Accountable: Who Is Responsible for Hazing in Illinois?

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, it’s rarely just one person’s fault. Our data-driven approach to hazing litigation means we meticulously identify and pursue every party that bears responsibility, from individual perpetrators to powerful national organizations and universities. In Illinois, where various institutions and organizations operate, this comprehensive strategy is crucial for securing maximum compensation and ensuring justice.

In our landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we are pursuing accountability from multiple defendants, a template we will apply to hazing cases in Illinois:

• Local Chapters: The individual fraternity or sorority chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu) directly organizes and conducts the hazing activities. These chapters are legally responsible for the actions of their members, especially when multiple members are involved.
• Chapter Officers: Leaders within the local chapter, such as the President, Pledgemaster, or Risk Manager, bear direct responsibility for directing or allowing hazing to occur. They are often the ones orchestrating the abuse.
• Individual Members: Any current or former members who actively participate in, facilitate, or knowingly fail to stop hazing can be held personally liable. This includes those who host hazing events at their residences, as we’ve done in the Bermudez case by naming a former member and his spouse as defendants for allowing hazing to occur in their home. These individuals face not only civil lawsuits but often criminal charges as well.
• National Organizations: National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, bear significant responsibility. They have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in our lawsuit) or a history of prior hazing deaths (like Pi Kappa Phi’s history with Andrew Coffey), their liability is substantial. These national organizations often possess millions in assets and comprehensive insurance policies, making them “deep pockets” in litigation.
• Universities and Colleges: Institutions like the University of Houston, Northwestern University, or the University of Illinois system, have a profound responsibility to protect their students. This liability is particularly strong if:
  • They own or control the property where hazing occurred (as UH did, owning the Pi Kappa Phi house).
  • They have a history of prior hazing incidents on campus (as UH did in 2017).
  • They fail to enforce their own anti-hazing policies or adequately supervise Greek life.
  • They exhibit deliberate indifference to known risks.
  • Universities, with their vast endowments and insurance coverage, are often major targets in hazing litigation.
• Insurance Carriers: Many of these entities – national organizations, universities, and individuals – carry substantial liability insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, our team knows exactly how to identify these policies and negotiate with carriers to maximize recovery for victims.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that we leave no stone unturned in seeking justice. It’s not about suing “broke college kids”; it’s about holding every individual and institution accountable when they allow or participate in acts that destroy lives. If your child has been hazed on a campus in Illinois, we will apply this same aggressive, comprehensive strategy to dismantle their defenses and secure the justice your family deserves.

Proving Hazing Costs Millions: Precedent-Setting Cases from Across America

The question parents in Illinois often ask is, “Can we really win this kind of case?” Our answer is a resounding yes. We’ve seen juries deliver multi-million dollar verdicts and national organizations agree to significant settlements because the truth about hazing is undeniable, and the consequences are devastating. These precedent-setting cases from across the nation demonstrate not only what is possible but what victims and their families have achieved when they fight back. These examples underscore why our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is justified and why similar outcomes are possible for hazing victims in Illinois.

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. His family achieved a combined settlement of $10.1 million, with Bowling Green State University paying $2.9 million and the Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and individuals contributing $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a judgment. This case is a direct blueprint for why our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is appropriate, and it shows that both universities and fraternities, including individual members, pay heavily for hazing. This case also led to Ohio’s “Collin’s Law,” increasing hazing penalties.

• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. His family pursued justice through a civil lawsuit, resulting in a $6.1 million jury verdict. This case demonstrates that juries are willing to award substantial sums for hazing deaths, leading to the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony.

• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza died from injuries sustained after drinking 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, then repeatedly falling down stairs, and being left to suffer for over 12 hours before fraternity brothers called 911. The Beta Theta Pi member was then left to die in agony. This horrific incident, largely captured on security cameras, resulted in a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million from Penn State and the national Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Multiple members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.” This case shows the immense financial and legal consequences when overwhelming evidence of negligence and abuse is presented.

• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night,” exactly eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident. This case highlights a disturbing pattern within the very national organization we are currently suing. Despite a confidential settlement, criminal charges were filed against nine fraternity members, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident provides critical pattern evidence for our Bermudez case and serves as a direct warning to Pi Kappa Phi chapters in Illinois.

• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
  Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event requiring forced alcohol consumption. His family, who initially sought $28 million, recently reached a settlement totaling over $4 million, including a significant donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation. This case further emphasizes that even in non-death cases involving serious injury, substantial settlements are attainable.

These cases send an unmistakable message: hazing is not tolerated, and those responsible will pay. The same legal theories, the same pursuit of organizational and individual accountability, and the same aggressive litigation strategies that led to these multi-million dollar outcomes are what we bring to every hazing case, including yours in Illinois. We are resolute in our mission to ensure that the pain and suffering caused by hazing are met with justice and significant financial repercussions for all negligent parties.

Protecting Students in Illinois: Understanding Hazing Laws and Your Rights

As we aggressively pursue justice for hazing victims like Leonel Bermudez in Texas, we simultaneously work to empower families in Illinois with knowledge about the legal protections available. While Illinois has its own specific anti-hazing statutes, the core legal principles that allow us to hold institutions and individuals accountable are universal. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) mean that we can pursue your hazing case in Illinois, applying the full force of national and state law.

Illinois Anti-Hazing Laws

The state of Illinois has specific laws designed to combat hazing. Under Illinois Public Act 098-0518, hazing is broadly defined to include any intentional or reckless act, whether on or off group property, by a student, either alone or with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization. This definition covers acts such as:

• Physical brutality: Whipping, striking, branding, forced calisthenics, or any other similar physical activity.
• Forced consumption: Requiring or encouraging the consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, drug, or other substance, or forcing someone to eat or drink to excess.
• Mental or emotional harassment: Causing embarrassment, humiliation, or dignitary degradation.
• Impediments to sleep or privacy: Any act that deprives a student of sleep or reasonable opportunities for privacy.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Illinois:
Illinois law imposes escalating criminal penalties for hazing:

• Misdemeanor: Most hazing offenses are classified as misdemeanors, potentially carrying jail time and substantial fines.
• Felony (Aggravated Hazing): Hazing that results in bodily harm, or hazing that is directed at a minor, can be elevated to a felony offense, carrying more severe prison sentences and fines.

Crucially, Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. This means that perpetrators cannot claim their victim “agreed” to the activities. This is a vital protection for victims, recognizing the inherent power imbalances and coercion involved in hazing.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Illinois

Beyond criminal charges, Illinois hazing victims and their families have the right to pursue civil lawsuits to recover damages for their suffering. These civil claims allow us to hold responsible parties financially accountable, often resulting in far greater repercussions than criminal convictions alone.

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common claim in hazing cases. We argue that the university, national fraternity, or individual members had a duty to protect students from harm, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages. This applies to institutions across Illinois, from the University of Chicago to Loyola University Chicago, or any college where a duty of care is owed.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the University of Houston in our case) or even an individual, those property owners can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition. This is particularly relevant if hazing occurs in a fraternity house, campus facility, or a private residence in Illinois.
3. Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and universities in Illinois have a clear duty to supervise their chapters and Greek life organizations. If they fail to adequately monitor activities, enforce policies, or respond to warning signs, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
4. Assault and Battery: Many hazing acts, including beatings, forced physical contact, or even forced ingestion, constitute criminal assault and battery. Individuals who perpetrate these acts, and sometimes the organizations that enable them, can be held directly liable.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often causes severe emotional and psychological trauma. This claim targets conduct so reprehensible that it deeply scars the victim, leading to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
6. Wrongful Death Claims: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death in Illinois, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and pain and suffering.

We leverage these legal theories, combined with our strategic advantage in federal court and our deep knowledge of national fraternity structures, to ensure that every entity culpable in an Illinois hazing incident faces the full force of the law. If your child has been subjected to hazing in Illinois, do not hesitate to contact us. We will meticulously build your case, navigate the complexities of state and federal law, and fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve.

Why Attorney911 is the Unmatched Choice for Illinois Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions your family will make. You need a legal team that combines aggressive advocacy with deep empathy, tactical insight from former opponents, and a proven track record of fighting and winning. For families in Illinois, Attorney911 offers an unparalleled array of advantages that make us the definitive choice.

Our Aggressive, Data-Driven Approach: The Bermudez Case is Our Proof

We don’t just talk about fighting hazing; we’re doing it right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, et al.) is a live demonstration of our commitment and capabilities. This isn’t theoretical – it’s real, ongoing litigation where we are actively:

• Targeting Every Responsible Party: From individual fraternity members, the local chapter, the national organization, to the University and its Board of Regents, we leave no stone unturned. We will apply this same comprehensive network of accountability to your child’s hazing case in Illinois.
• Leveraging Insider Knowledge: Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers. They know the playbook of the opposing side – how insurance companies, national fraternities with powerful legal teams, and well-funded universities strategize to deny, delay, and minimize claims. We now use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
• Demonstrating Unwavering Resolve: The Bermudez case shows our willingness to pursue justice relentlessly, even against highly influential institutions. We will bring this same aggressive, unyielding advocacy to your case, ensuring that those responsible for hazing in Illinois face the full force of the law.

Unmatched Qualifications and Expertise for Nationwide Hazing Litigation

Our firm’s unique credentials make us especially suited to handle complex hazing cases that often involve multi-state national organizations and powerful universities:

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a battle-tested trial attorney with over two decades of experience in some of the most complex mass tort litigation, including the BP Texas City Explosion lawsuit. This experience against massive corporate defendants is directly transferable to taking on national fraternities and university systems in Illinois.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for the other side. Lupe Peña, in particular, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. This means we understand how the defense values claims, what tactics they employ, and how to outwork, outsmart, and outfight them. This “insider” perspective is an unfair advantage for our Illinois hazing victims.
• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us the authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. This is a critical advantage in hazing cases, as national fraternities are often multi-state entities that can be pursued in federal courts, regardless of where the incident occurred in Illinois or elsewhere.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state licensure provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternity organizations that may be headquartered in New York or have significant operations there, allowing us to navigate complex multi-jurisdictional legal challenges.
• Fluency in Spanish (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. This is incredibly important for the diverse families in Illinois, ensuring that language barriers never stand in the way of accessing justice. We can communicate clearly and empathetically with Spanish-speaking families affected by hazing.
• Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise: Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, precisely what Leonel Bermudez suffered. We understand the specific medical, psychological, and organizational dynamics inherent in hazing cases.

Compassion, Accessibility, and Financial Flexibility for Illinois Families

We understand that Illinois families facing a hazing nightmare are under immense emotional and financial strain. Our approach is built on genuine care and accessibility:

• We Come to You: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are committed to traveling to Illinois for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice.
• Remote Consultations: Illinois families can easily connect with our attorneys through video consultations, ensuring immediate access to expert legal advice without the need for travel.
• Contingency Fees – Zero Upfront Cost: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This eliminates the financial risk for families and ensures that powerful institutions cannot simply outspend victims in court.
• Client-Centered Communication: We keep our clients informed at every stage of their case. As our client Dame Haskett said, “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” We treat Illinois families like family, not just another case file.
• Proven Results and Client Satisfaction: Our 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews speaks to our aggressive advocacy and empathetic client service. Testimonials highlight our commitment to fighting for maximum settlements and treating clients with respect and care, even when their previous attorneys gave up. As Georgia Jackson shared, “This firm took the case that needed rescuing.”

When you entrust Attorney911 with your child’s hazing case in Illinois, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining an entire team dedicated to uncovering the truth, holding the powerful accountable, and securing the maximum compensation your family deserves. We are your legal emergency responders, ready to act first, fast, and decisively for you.

What to Do Right Now if Your Child Has Been Hazed in Illinois

The moment you discover your child has been severely hazed at a university or organization in Illinois, your world can feel like it’s falling apart. Fear, anger, and confusion can paralyze you, but it’s critical to act swiftly and strategically. Every minute counts, as evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can approach. We’ve compiled essential steps that families in Illinois should take immediately to protect their child’s rights and build a strong legal case, modeled after the critical actions we’ve taken in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Medical Attention and Documentation

Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Hazing often results in serious physical injuries, like the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure Leonel Bermudez suffered, or profound psychological trauma.

• Seek Medical Care Immediately: If your child exhibits any physical symptoms (e.g., severe pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, difficulty walking, signs of alcohol poisoning, injuries, burns) or psychological distress (e.g., severe anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts), get them to an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or their primary physician. Even if seemingly minor, some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed or escalating symptoms. The defense will argue that if you didn’t seek immediate care, the injuries weren’t serious.
• Document Everything: Ensure all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and prognoses are thoroughly documented in medical records. Keep copies of all bills and receipts. This is the bedrock of proving the extent of the harm.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence Immediately

Hazing incidents often involve attempts by perpetrators and institutions to destroy or cover up evidence. This is where modern data preservation becomes critical.

• Digital Communications: This is a goldmine of evidence.
  • Text Messages: Save all texts, individual and group, related to the hazing. Don’t delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant. Screenshots are vital.
  • Social Media: Take screenshots of all relevant posts, messages (direct messages on Instagram, Snapchat, GroupMe, Facebook Messenger, TikTok), photos, and videos. Note dates, times, and participants.
  • Emails: Secure and save any emails related to the organization, pledgeship, or hazing activities.
  • Voicemails/Audio Recordings: Save any relevant voicemails or audio recordings.
• Photos and Videos: If your child or any witnesses took photos or videos of hazing activities, injuries, or locations, secure them immediately. Document visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) as they appear and as they heal. Our lead attorney, Ralph Manginello, always advises: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
• Physical Evidence: Preserve any physical items related to the hazing, such as specific clothing, notes, manuals, or objects used in the rituals (if safely retrieved).
• Witness Information: Collect names and contact information (phone numbers, emails, social media handles) of anyone who witnessed the hazing, current or former members, or anyone your child confided in. Emphasize the importance of their potential testimony.
• Academic Records & Schedules: Keep copies of your child’s academic schedule, any pledge schedules received, and any materials (creeds, songs, rules) provided by the organization.
• Financial Records: Document any tuition payments, fees associated with the organization, or lost wages if your child missed work due to injuries.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

The trauma of hazing can lead to understandable, but ultimately damaging, reactions if not managed carefully.

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, social media posts, or any digital evidence, even if you think it reflects poorly on your child. Deleting evidence can lead to severe legal penalties and cripple your case.
• DO NOT Communicate with Them Alone: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, national organization representatives, university administrators, or their attorneys without your own legal counsel present. They are not on your side and will attempt to gather information or have you sign documents that waive your rights or undermine your case.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident, your frustration, or even seemingly innocent activities on social media. Anything your child or family posts can be scrutinized and used by the defense to discredit your claims of injury or suffering.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity, the national organization, or the university without legal review. These documents often waive your right to pursue legal action.
• DO NOT Discuss with Peers (Except for Witnesses): Encourage your child to be discreet about their legal actions, except when collecting witness information. Word can spread quickly and lead to intimidation or coordinated stories from the defense.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step. A hazing case is complex, involving multiple defendants, intricate legal theories, and powerful institutions with vast resources.

• Call Us Now: 1-888-ATTY-911: We offer free, confidential consultations 24/7. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin preserving critical evidence, investigating the incident, and protecting your child’s rights.
• Time is Critical: In Illinois, as in most states, there are strict statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases (typically two years). Delaying can mean losing your right to pursue justice forever. Evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade. Our team acted swiftly in the Bermudez case, filing suit within weeks of his hospitalization, and we will do the same for you.
• We Handle Everything: From communicating with opponents, gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, to litigating in court, we will manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

Your child didn’t deserve to be a victim of hazing in Illinois. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them. Don’t let fear or intimidation prevent you from seeking justice. Call Attorney911 today.

Call Now: Your Legal Emergency Responders for Illinois Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a university, college, or organization anywhere in Illinois, your family is facing a profound legal emergency. The pain, trauma, and anger you are experiencing are valid, and you deserve answers and accountability. We want you to know that Attorney911 is here to be your legal emergency responders, ready to act first, fast, and decisively.

Our commitment to fighting hazing is not just a promise; it’s a proven reality currently unfolding in Harris County Civil District Court with our $10 million lawsuit representing Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We are aggressively challenging the powerful forces that allowed this torture to occur, and we bring that same relentless dedication, data-driven strategy, and insider understanding of defense tactics to every hazing case, including yours in Illinois.

Illinois Families – Don’t Wait. Your Child’s Future Depends on Action.

Call Our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline Now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website for More Information: attorney911.com

Why Contacting Us NOW is Critical for Illinois Families:

• Time is of the Essence: Illinois, like most states, has a strict 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation. Evidence also disappears rapidly, and memories fade. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
• No Upfront Cost, No Risk: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means Illinois families pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire our expert team. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field against well-funded universities and national organizations.
• We Protect You from the Institutions: From the moment you retain us, all communication with the fraternity, university, and their legal teams goes through us. This shields your family from manipulation tactics and ensures your rights are protected.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Impact for Illinois: While headquartered in Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to effectively represent hazing victims across America, including all of Illinois. We offer video consultations for your convenience and will travel to Illinois for depositions, meetings, and trials as necessary. Distance will not deter us from fighting for your justice.

We’re Fighting for Students Who Were Hazed In:

• Fraternities and Sororities across Illinois (e.g., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, DePaul, Illinois State, Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois).
• Sports Teams, Clubs, and Organizations at high schools and colleges throughout Illinois.
• Any group, military academy, or organization that uses abuse as a perverse form of “initiation.”

To Any Other Illinois Students Who Witnessed or Experienced Hazing:

If you were also a victim of hazing in the same incident as a friend, or if you witnessed the abuse that another student endured in Illinois, we want to hear from you. You may have crucial evidence, and you, too, may have suffered harm. As our attorney Lupe Peña said regarding the Bermudez case, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your courage can not only bring justice for yourself but also potentially save lives.

Don’t let shame, fear, or loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. The institutions and individuals who subjected your child to hazing deserve to be held accountable. Connect with Attorney911 today. We are ready to listen, advise, and fight for families throughout Illinois.