Hazing Lawyers for Kossuth County Families – Holding Fraternities and Universities Accountable
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Kossuth County, Iowa, you’re not alone. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters right here in Iowa. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at institutions across the Midwest. And the same negligence that allowed this abuse to happen in Texas is happening at Iowa colleges and universities.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing that hospitalized our client. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Kossuth County families who have suffered from fraternity and sorority hazing.
You don’t have to face this alone. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Kossuth County
The Case That Shows What Hazing Really Is
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.
This wasn’t “tradition.” This wasn’t “brotherhood.” This was torture.
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning as punishment
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – Until he couldn’t stand without help
- Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting – Then made to continue running while in distress
- Hog-tying another pledge – With an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological abuse – Humiliation, threats of expulsion, carrying sexual objects
Leonel wasn’t even a UH student yet. He was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member expected to transfer. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled in the university.
This same fraternity – Pi Kappa Phi – has chapters at universities across Iowa. If they’re doing this in Houston, they’re doing it near Kossuth County too.
Why Kossuth County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer
1. Hazing Is More Common Than You Think
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
- 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it
Hazing isn’t just a “few bad apples.” It’s a culture of abuse that universities and national fraternities allow to continue – until someone gets hurt or dies.
2. Universities and Fraternities Will Protect Themselves – Not Your Child
When hazing is exposed, institutions respond with:
- Denials – “We had no idea this was happening”
- Minimization – “It was just a few isolated incidents”
- Damage control – Closing the chapter quietly, then reopening under a new name
- Blame-shifting – “The victim consented to participate”
They will not protect your child. They will protect themselves.
That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to fight them.
3. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Kossuth County
Pi Kappa Phi – the fraternity that waterboarded our client – has 150+ chapters across America, including in the Midwest.
Other fraternities with documented hazing histories also have Iowa chapters:
| Fraternity | Documented Hazing Case | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021) – Died from forced alcohol | $10.1M settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (2017) – Died from forced drinking | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) – Died after “gauntlet” drinking | $110M+ settlement |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple cases – Forced drinking, physical abuse | Multiple lawsuits |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple cases – Alcohol poisoning, beatings | Multiple lawsuits |
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Kossuth County, we can help.
What Kossuth County Families Can Sue For
1. Negligence – They Knew or Should Have Known
Universities and national fraternities have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise Greek organizations
- Ignoring prior hazing incidents (like UH did in 2017)
- Allowing dangerous “traditions” to continue
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
Example: If a university near Kossuth County had prior hazing complaints about a fraternity but did nothing, they can be sued for negligence.
2. Premises Liability – They Own the Torture Chamber
Many universities own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs. If they own the property, they have a legal duty to keep it safe.
Example: If hazing occurred in a fraternity house owned by a Kossuth County-area university, the university can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions.
3. Assault and Battery – The Individuals Who Hurt Your Child
Every person who participated in or allowed hazing can be sued individually for:
- Assault – Threatening or causing harmful contact
- Battery – Intentional harmful or offensive contact
- False imprisonment – Restraining someone against their will
Example: If a fraternity member struck your child with a paddle or forced them to drink, that individual can be held personally liable.
4. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – The Psychological Toll
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It causes severe psychological harm, including:
- PTSD – From waterboarding or extreme physical abuse
- Anxiety and depression – From humiliation and threats
- Fear of retaliation – Many victims stay silent because they’re afraid
Example: If your child was waterboarded or forced to endure extreme humiliation, they may have a claim for emotional distress.
5. Wrongful Death – When Hazing Kills
If your child died from hazing, you can sue for:
- Loss of companionship – The relationship you lost
- Loss of future earnings – The income they would have provided
- Funeral expenses – The cost of burying your child
- Punitive damages – To punish the defendants and prevent future deaths
Example: The family of Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha) received $10.1 million after he died from hazing.
What Kossuth County Families Can Recover
Economic Damages – The Tangible Costs
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical bills | Hospital stays, ER visits, surgeries, medications |
| Future medical costs | Dialysis, kidney transplants, therapy, specialists |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Lost earning capacity | If injuries affect future career opportunities |
| Educational costs | Tuition, fees, lost scholarships |
Non-Economic Damages – The Intangible Harm
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical pain and suffering | The agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns |
| Mental anguish | Fear of drowning, humiliation, depression |
| Emotional distress | PTSD, anxiety, loss of trust |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | Inability to participate in activities, social isolation |
| Disfigurement | Scars from branding, burns, or injuries |
Punitive Damages – Punishing the Defendants
If the conduct was especially egregious, courts can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.
Examples of conduct that justifies punitive damages:
- Waterboarding – Simulated drowning is torture
- Forced consumption until vomiting – Then making them continue
- Beating with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
- Ignoring prior hazing incidents – Like UH did in 2017
- Covering up hazing – Destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses
Precedent: The family of Max Gruver received a $6.1 million jury verdict – including punitive damages – after he died from hazing.
Who We Can Sue for Kossuth County Hazing Victims
1. The Local Chapter
The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing.
Example: If your child was hazed at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at Iowa State University, we can sue that chapter.
2. The National Organization
The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise the local chapter.
Example: Pi Kappa Phi National knew about the “hazing crisis” but did nothing to stop it.
3. The University
The college or university that failed to protect your child, especially if they:
- Own the fraternity house (like UH did)
- Had prior hazing complaints about the organization
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
Example: If the University of Iowa knew about hazing at a fraternity but did nothing, they can be held liable.
4. The Housing Corporation
The entity that owns the fraternity or sorority house.
Example: Many fraternities have separate housing corporations that own the property. We can sue them for premises liability.
5. Individual Members
Every person who participated in or allowed hazing can be sued individually.
Example: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and members who conducted the hazing can all be held personally liable.
Why Kossuth County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing that hospitalized our client. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now.
2. We Know How to Win
- 25+ years of litigation experience – Ralph Manginello has been trying cases for over two decades
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how the other side thinks
- Federal court admission – We can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas AND New York
3. We Have the Resources
Hazing cases require:
- Medical experts – To explain injuries like rhabdomyolysis
- Hazing culture experts – To explain why this happens
- Investigators – To gather evidence and interview witnesses
- Economic experts – To calculate future damages
We have all of this and more.
4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront
We understand that Kossuth County families can’t afford to pay a lawyer upfront. That’s why we work on contingency – we only get paid if we win your case.
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
5. We Come to You
While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide. We can:
- Travel to Kossuth County for meetings, depositions, and trials
- Offer video consultations so you don’t have to leave home
- Handle all communications with the defendants so you don’t have to
What Kossuth County Families Should Do Now
1. Seek Medical Attention
If your child was hazed, get them medical help immediately. Even if they seem “fine,” hazing can cause:
- Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure
- Alcohol poisoning – From forced drinking
- Traumatic brain injuries – From beatings or falls
- PTSD and anxiety – From psychological abuse
Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
2. Preserve All Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails – About the hazing
- Photos and videos – Of injuries, hazing activities, or the fraternity house
- Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Medical records – Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
- Fraternity documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
If you don’t preserve evidence, it could disappear forever.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
Universities and fraternities will try to:
- Get you to sign documents that waive your rights
- Record your statements and twist your words
- Pressure you to accept a low settlement
- Intimidate you into staying silent
Do NOT speak to them without a lawyer present.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
Anything you post can be used against you. Even innocent posts like:
- “I’m fine” – They’ll claim you weren’t really hurt
- Party photos – They’ll claim you weren’t traumatized
- Venting about the incident – They’ll use it to discredit you
Stay off social media until your case is resolved.
5. Call Us Immediately
The clock is ticking. In Iowa, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue forever.
Call us today for a free consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Frequently Asked Questions for Kossuth County Families
1. What if my child “consented” to hazing?
In Iowa, consent is NOT a defense.
Iowa Code § 708.10 (and similar laws in other states) makes it clear that you cannot consent to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Example: In Texas, where our case is filed, 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.”
2. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
It doesn’t matter. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a fraternity house, a private residence, or anywhere else, you can still sue.
3. What if the fraternity claims it was “just tradition”?
“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse.
Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing is not protected by tradition. If the activity was dangerous, humiliating, or illegal, it’s hazing – no matter how long it’s been going on.
4. Can we sue even if no one was arrested?
Yes. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are separate. Even if no one was arrested, you can still sue for money damages.
Example: In the Timothy Piazza case, 18 fraternity members were charged criminally, but the family also received a $110 million settlement in their civil lawsuit.
5. What if the fraternity already suspended the chapter?
That doesn’t absolve them of liability.
Many fraternities close chapters temporarily to avoid bad publicity, then reopen them later. We will hold them accountable for what they did – not just what they’re doing now.
6. How much is my case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:
- The severity of the injuries – Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage
- The egregiousness of the conduct – Waterboarding, forced drinking, beatings
- Whether the university knew – Prior hazing complaints increase value
- The defendants’ ability to pay – National fraternities and universities have deep pockets
Precedent cases show the potential value:
- Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10.1 million
- Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million jury verdict
- Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi): $110 million+ settlement
7. How long will my case take?
Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on:
- The severity of the injuries – More severe injuries require longer treatment
- The number of defendants – More defendants = more complex case
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial – Most cases settle, but some go to trial
We work as quickly as possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
8. What if we’re afraid of retaliation?
We protect our clients. Many hazing victims stay silent because they’re afraid of:
- Being ostracized by the Greek community
- Losing their scholarships or academic standing
- Facing threats from fraternity members
We will ensure your safety and protect your rights. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was fearful of retribution – we understand the risks and will protect you.
Kossuth County Families: You Have the Power to Stop This
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “girls being girls.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.
But it won’t stop unless we make it stop.
Every time a family stands up and demands justice, it sends a message:
- To fraternities: Your “traditions” will cost you millions.
- To universities: Your negligence will be exposed.
- To other students: You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Your case could save lives.
Call Us Today – Free Consultation for Kossuth County Families
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Kossuth County and all of Iowa. Distance is not a barrier – we will fight for you wherever you are.
You pay nothing unless we win.
Together, We Can End the Hazing Crisis
Enough is enough. It’s time to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. It’s time to protect our children. It’s time to say never again.
If your child was hazed near Kossuth County, call us today. We’re ready to fight for you.
