Hazing Victims in Ketchikan Gateway Borough: Your Rights, Your Recourse**

A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Ketchikan Gateway Borough parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students from harm. But the harsh reality is that hazing is happening right now at institutions near Ketchikan Gateway Borough, and the consequences can be devastating.

Just this November, a young man in Texas was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at a University of Houston fraternity. He was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and made to eat until he vomited. This wasn’t an isolated incident—it was part of a systematic pattern of abuse that universities and national fraternities have failed to stop.

This could happen to your child at a university near Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

The same fraternities involved in this Texas case—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others—have active chapters at universities throughout Alaska. The same national organizations that allowed this torture to happen in Texas are operating near Ketchikan Gateway Borough. And the same universities that failed to protect students in Texas have the same oversight failures here.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We are representing the Texas victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. And we are ready to bring the same aggressive representation to Ketchikan Gateway Borough families who have been affected by hazing.

What Ketchikan Gateway Borough Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing Isn’t Just “Boys Being Boys”—It’s Abuse

Hazing is often dismissed as harmless tradition or “building brotherhood.” But the reality is far darker. Hazing involves intentional harm, humiliation, and torture disguised as initiation. It can include:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, threats, humiliation
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Extreme physical punishment: Hundreds of squats, pushups, bear crawls, and other exercises that can lead to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure

These aren’t pranks. They’re crimes. And they’re happening at universities near Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

The Medical Consequences Are Life-Altering

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can cause permanent physical damage. Some of the most common medical consequences include:

• Rhabdomyolysis: A life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing proteins that can cause kidney failure. This is what happened to our Texas client, who spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
• Acute kidney failure: A direct result of rhabdomyolysis, requiring intensive medical treatment and sometimes long-term dialysis or even a kidney transplant.
• Alcohol poisoning: Forced drinking can lead to coma or death. In 2017, a student at Florida State University died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing ritual.
• Traumatic brain injury: From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects.
• Hypothermia or heat stroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression: The psychological trauma of hazing can last a lifetime.

These injuries aren’t just painful—they’re expensive. Medical bills can quickly climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the long-term costs of treatment, therapy, and lost earning potential can be catastrophic.

Universities and Fraternities Are Failing to Protect Students

Universities and national fraternities know hazing is happening. They have the power to stop it. But too often, they choose to ignore it, cover it up, or pretend it doesn’t exist—until someone gets hurt or dies.

In our Texas case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect it, regulate it, and shut it down. But they didn’t. And Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” in their chapters but failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.

This isn’t just negligence—it’s institutional failure. And it’s happening at universities near Ketchikan Gateway Borough, too.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Ketchikan Gateway Borough?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held legally and financially responsible. This includes:

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter

The chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly liable for the harm caused. This includes:

• The chapter president and other officers who directed the hazing
• The pledgemaster who oversaw the pledge program
• Individual members who participated in or facilitated the hazing
• Former members who hosted hazing events at their homes

2. The National Fraternity Organization

National fraternities and sororities have millions of dollars in assets and insurance policies. They are responsible for:

• Failing to supervise their local chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents at their chapters
• Failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
• Allowing a culture of abuse to persist despite knowing the risks

In our Texas case, Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization immediately closed the UH chapter when the hazing was exposed—proving they knew the conduct was wrong. But they had eight years to fix their culture after a student died in 2017 at one of their chapters. They did nothing. And now, another student has been hospitalized.

3. The University

Universities have a legal duty to protect their students. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for:

• Premises liability: If the hazing occurred on university-owned property (like a fraternity house), the university is responsible for maintaining a safe environment.
• Negligent supervision: Universities are responsible for overseeing Greek life and ensuring that hazing doesn’t happen. When they fail to do so, they are negligent.
• Institutional knowledge: If the university knew or should have known about hazing at a fraternity (for example, if there were prior incidents), their failure to act makes them liable.

In our Texas case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity on campus. They knew the risks. And they failed to protect Leonel Bermudez.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable for their actions. This includes:

• Members who organized the hazing
• Members who participated in the hazing
• Members who failed to stop the hazing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events at their homes

In a recent hazing case in Ohio, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in the death of a student.

Your Legal Rights as a Ketchikan Gateway Borough Hazing Victim

If your child has been hazed at a university near Ketchikan Gateway Borough, you have legal rights—and you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable.

1. You Can Sue for Damages

Hazing is not just a violation of university policy—it’s a violation of the law. Under Alaska law (and the laws of most states), hazing is illegal, and victims can sue for:

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills related to hazing injuries
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time missed from work or school
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional trauma of hazing
• Mental anguish: Therapy costs for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation meant to punish the defendants for their egregious conduct and deter future hazing

In recent hazing cases, juries have awarded millions of dollars to victims and their families. For example:

• $10.1 million awarded to the family of a student who died from alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity in Ohio
• $6.1 million jury verdict for the family of a student who died from alcohol poisoning at a Phi Delta Theta fraternity in Louisiana
• $110 million+ settlement for the family of a student who died from traumatic brain injury at a Beta Theta Pi fraternity in Pennsylvania

These cases prove that hazing cases win. And the same legal strategies apply to Ketchikan Gateway Borough victims.

2. Consent Is Not a Defense

One of the most common defenses in hazing cases is that the victim “consented” to participate. But this defense doesn’t hold up in court.

In Texas, the law explicitly 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 even if your child “agreed” to participate in hazing activities, the defendants can still be held liable for the harm they caused.

3. You Have Time to Act—but Not Forever

Most states, including Alaska, have a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after the hazing incident occurs. In Alaska, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

If your child has been hazed, time is of the essence. Here’s what you should do right now:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause serious internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible. Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Go to the emergency room or see a doctor as soon as possible.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Evidence is critical to building a strong case. Save everything:

• Medical records: Hospital records, doctor’s notes, therapy records
• Photos and videos: Photos of injuries, videos of hazing activities, screenshots of social media posts
• Communications: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, emails, and any other communications about the hazing
• Witness information: Names and contact information of other pledges, witnesses, or bystanders
• Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, or any other documents related to the hazing

Do not delete anything. Even if you think it’s embarrassing or incriminating, it could be critical evidence for your case.

3. Do Not Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel

Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers whose job is to protect the institution—not your child. They will try to:

• Minimize the incident
• Shift blame onto your child
• Get your child to sign away their rights
• Destroy evidence

Do not give a statement to the fraternity, sorority, or university without an attorney present. Do not sign anything. Anything you say or sign can be used against you in court.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

Hazing cases are complex and high-stakes. You need an attorney who:

• Understands the unique dynamics of Greek life and university oversight
• Has experience litigating hazing cases (we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case in Texas)
• Knows how to pursue deep-pocketed defendants like national fraternities and universities
• Is willing to take your case to trial if necessary

At Attorney 911, we have 25+ years of litigation experience, including experience as former insurance defense attorneys. We know how the other side thinks, and we know how to win.

We offer free consultations for hazing victims. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

5. Report the Incident to Authorities

Consider filing a police report or a Title IX report with the university. Hazing is a crime in most states, and criminal charges may be filed against the perpetrators.

Why Ketchikan Gateway Borough Families Choose Attorney 911

When your child is hazed, you need aggressive, experienced legal representation—not just any attorney. At Attorney 911, we have the expertise, resources, and commitment to fight for Ketchikan Gateway Borough hazing victims.

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We are representing a hazing victim in Texas who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles at a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This case is ongoing, and we are using the same strategies to fight for Ketchikan Gateway Borough victims.

2. We Have Experience as Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Before we represented victims, we worked for the other side—defending insurance companies and corporations. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which gives us the ability to pursue hazing cases in federal court. This is critical for cases involving national fraternities and universities, which often span multiple states.

4. We Are Dual-State Licensed

We are licensed to practice in Texas and New York, which gives us the flexibility to pursue cases against national fraternities and sororities headquartered in either state.

5. We Offer Contingency Fees—$0 Upfront

We understand that the cost of hiring an attorney can be a barrier for families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of your settlement or verdict

You have nothing to lose by contacting us for a free consultation.

6. We Travel to Ketchikan Gateway Borough for Your Case

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Ketchikan Gateway Borough. We will travel to Ketchikan Gateway Borough for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We have bilingual staff who can communicate with you in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.

8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in personal injury cases, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic injuries
• Millions in verdicts and settlements for victims of negligence
• Aggressive representation against deep-pocketed defendants like universities and national fraternities

9. We Are Committed to Ending Hazing Culture

We don’t just see hazing victims as clients—we see them as survivors of institutional failure. We are committed to ending hazing culture by holding universities and fraternities accountable. Every case we take is a step toward protecting the next student.

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Fight for Ketchikan Gateway Borough Hazing Victims

When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just hiring a law firm—you’re hiring a team of legal warriors who will fight tirelessly for your family. Here’s how we approach hazing cases:

1. Immediate Action to Preserve Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost on the strength of the evidence. We act fast to:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve evidence
• Subpoena text messages, social media posts, and emails before they’re deleted
• Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh
• Secure security camera footage and other physical evidence

2. Aggressive Pursuit of All Liable Parties

We don’t just sue the local chapter—we sue everyone responsible, including:

• The local fraternity or sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual perpetrators (chapter officers, members, alumni)

By pursuing multiple defendants, we maximize your chances of recovery.

3. Building a Strong Medical Case

Hazing injuries can be complex and life-altering. We work with:

• Medical experts to document the full extent of your child’s injuries
• Life care planners to calculate future medical expenses
• Economists to assess lost earning potential

4. Exposing Institutional Failures

Universities and fraternities often try to minimize their responsibility by blaming the victim or claiming they didn’t know about the hazing. We expose their failures by:

• Requesting internal documents that show they knew about prior hazing incidents
• Deposing university administrators to reveal their oversight failures
• Demonstrating pattern evidence of systemic negligence

5. Pursuing Punitive Damages

When hazing involves egregious conduct—like waterboarding, forced drinking, or extreme physical punishment—we pursue punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

6. Taking Cases to Trial When Necessary

Most hazing cases settle out of court, but we are prepared to go to trial if the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement. We have 25+ years of trial experience, and we know how to win in front of a jury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. In most states, including Alaska, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the defendants can still be held liable for the harm they caused.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect their students, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing, they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation? How can you protect them?

A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from the fraternity or sorority. We take steps to protect our clients’ identities and minimize their involvement in the legal process. We also work with universities to ensure that victims are protected from further harm.

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of the injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• The number of liable parties
• The defendants’ ability to pay

In recent hazing cases, juries have awarded $6.1 million to $110 million to victims and their families.

Q: How long will my case take?

A: Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. We work aggressively to resolve cases as quickly as possible while still maximizing your recovery.

Q: Do I need to come to Texas for my case?

A: No. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Ketchikan Gateway Borough. We offer video consultations, and we will travel to Ketchikan Gateway Borough for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed.

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

A: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of your settlement or verdict

You have nothing to lose by contacting us for a free consultation.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “building character.”

It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Ketchikan Gateway Borough, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable. You have the power to send a message that this cannot happen again. And you have the power to get the compensation your family deserves.

At Attorney 911, we are ready to fight for you. We have the experience, resources, and commitment to take on universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators. And we won’t stop until justice is served.

Call us today for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless you get paid. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.

A Final Message to Ketchikan Gateway Borough Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Ketchikan Gateway Borough:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in Texas apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions for hazing deaths are overseeing your activities. And the same universities that failed to protect students in Texas have the same oversight failures here.

If you haze students in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and every individual who participated. We will expose your culture of abuse. And we will make you pay.

To the universities near Ketchikan Gateway Borough:

The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. The same failure to protect students exists in your Greek life programs. The same power to stop hazing exists in your administration.

Act now—or face the same accountability.

The choice is yours. But know this: We are coming. And we won’t stop until hazing culture is eradicated.

Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Ketchikan Gateway Borough from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com