Hazing Victims in Latah County: Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Justice
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Latah County, you are not alone. What happened to them was not “tradition.” It was not “building character.” It was abuse. And it was preventable.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Latah County. The same negligence exists at Latah County institutions. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Latah County families.
You have legal rights. Your child deserves justice. And the institutions that failed to protect them must be held accountable.
The Hazing Crisis in Latah County: What Local Families Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
The tragic case we’re litigating in Houston is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a national crisis that affects students at colleges and universities across America — including right here in Idaho.
Latah County is home to major educational institutions where Greek life thrives:
- University of Idaho in Moscow — just minutes from Latah County
- Washington State University in Pullman — just across the border
- Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston — with active student organizations
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others — have active chapters at universities near Latah County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in this region, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
What Hazing Really Looks Like
Hazing is often dismissed as “harmless pranks” or “team-building exercises.” This is a dangerous myth. Hazing is systematic abuse disguised as tradition. In our current case, the hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls — until muscles broke down and kidneys failed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
- Threatened with expulsion if they stopped — psychological coercion
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing — and they kept going
This is not hazing. This is torture. And it happens at universities near Latah County.
The Medical Consequences: What Latah County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries — some of which may not appear immediately. After the extreme physical exertion in our case, our client developed rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins that can cause acute kidney failure.
Signs your child may be suffering from hazing-related injuries:
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Dark brown or reddish urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling in limbs
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (if forced drinking occurred)
If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Rhabdomyolysis can be fatal if untreated.
The Psychological Trauma: Invisible but Devastating
Even if your child wasn’t physically injured, hazing can cause severe psychological harm that lasts for years. Victims often experience:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from waterboarding, physical abuse, or threats
- Anxiety and depression — fear of returning to campus, loss of trust
- Academic decline — difficulty concentrating, dropping grades
- Social withdrawal — avoiding friends, family, or campus activities
- Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope with trauma
- Suicidal ideation — feeling hopeless or worthless
This trauma is real. It is serious. And it deserves compensation.
Who Is Liable? The Institutions That Failed Latah County Students
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility — and multiple parties can be held legally accountable. In our Houston case, we are pursuing:
1. The Local Chapter
The UH Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing. The same chapter structure exists at universities near Latah County. These chapters are often run by students who have no training in safety or supervision. They create a culture of abuse and then claim it’s “tradition.”
2. The National Organization
Pi Kappa Phi National has 150+ chapters across America. They set the policies. They conduct the training. They have the power to inspect and shut down dangerous chapters. They knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017. They knew about the “hazing crisis.” They did nothing to stop it. The same national organizations operate near Latah County — and they have the same failures.
3. The University
The University of Houston owns the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collect rent while students are being tortured. They have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down dangerous organizations. They had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again. Universities near Latah County have the same responsibilities — and the same failures.
4. Individual Perpetrators
The chapter president, pledgemaster, and members who participated in or allowed the hazing can be held personally liable. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. These are not just “kids being kids” — they are individuals who chose to abuse and torture.
5. Housing Corporations and Alumni
Some hazing occurs at off-campus locations owned by alumni or housing corporations. If hazing happened at a private residence near Latah County, the property owners can be held liable for allowing dangerous activities on their premises.
Your Legal Rights as a Latah County Hazing Victim
You Have the Right to Compensation
If your child was hazed, they have the right to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, therapy, medication
- Lost wages — time missed from work or internships
- Educational disruption — tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, or other injuries
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Punitive damages — to punish the institutions that allowed this to happen
In recent hazing cases, families have won:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz case)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver case)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza case)
These results are possible for Latah County families too.
Consent Is Not a Defense in Idaho
Some fraternities and universities will argue that your child “consented” to participate. This is a lie. Idaho law, like Texas law, recognizes that true consent is impossible in hazing situations because of:
- Coercion and peer pressure — fear of social exclusion
- Power dynamics — older members control younger pledges
- Deception — victims don’t know what they’re truly agreeing to
- Fear of retaliation — threats of physical punishment or expulsion
Idaho Code § 18-917 makes hazing a crime. Consent is not a defense. The law is clear: You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime.
The Clock Is Ticking: Statute of Limitations
In Idaho, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Latah County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. Remove them from the situation as soon as possible.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor. Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 3: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages — GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp
- Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
- Social media posts — screenshots of any posts about hazing
- Documents — pledge manuals, schedules, rules
- Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders
Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative. Do not give statements, sign documents, or accept settlement offers without legal counsel. Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations for Latah County families. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Latah County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring the same expertise to Latah County families.
We Have Insider Knowledge of the Defendants
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies think. We know their strategies. We know their playbook. We’ve seen it from the inside — and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
We Have Proven Results
- $10 million lawsuit filed in our current hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex, high-stakes cases
We Serve Latah County Families Nationwide
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across America, including Latah County. We can pursue your case through:
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — we come to Latah County for depositions and trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
We understand that the cost of hiring an attorney can be a concern. We take hazing cases on contingency. This means:
- $0 upfront — you pay nothing to hire us
- $0 if we don’t win — if we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing
- We only get paid if you get paid — our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
You have nothing to lose by calling us.
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 at every stage of your case.
We Treat You Like Family
Our clients consistently tell us that we treat them like family. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their loved ones. We are here to support you, not just legally, but personally.
Client testimonial:
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Fight for Latah County Families
1. Immediate Action
From the moment you contact us, we move fast and decisively. We:
- Preserve evidence — send preservation letters to all defendants
- Gather documentation — medical records, communications, witness statements
- Build your case — work with experts to establish liability and damages
2. Aggressive Representation
We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We:
- Pursue every liable party — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Demand full compensation — for medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
- Fight insurance companies — who will try to minimize your claim
- Take cases to trial if needed — we don’t accept lowball offers
3. Nationwide Reach
We represent Latah County families no matter where the hazing occurred. We:
- Serve clients across America — from Latah County to Houston to New York
- Travel to you — for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Use technology — video consultations, electronic document management
- Pursue federal claims — when applicable
4. Comprehensive Support
We guide you through every step of the process. We:
- Handle all communications — with defendants, insurance companies, and universities
- Coordinate medical care — ensure you get the treatment you need
- Provide emotional support — connect you with resources for trauma recovery
- Keep you informed — regular updates on your case
Frequently Asked Questions for Latah County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Latah County. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Latah County. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case regardless of where the incident occurred. We offer video consultations and travel to Latah County as needed.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. Idaho law, like Texas law, explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The power dynamics, peer pressure, and threats involved in hazing make true consent impossible. You can still pursue compensation.
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but recent hazing settlements and verdicts have ranged from $4 million to $110 million. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise, etc.)
- Pattern of prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
- Institutional knowledge and failure to act
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much will this cost?
A: You pay nothing upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency. This means:
- $0 to hire us
- $0 if we don’t win
- We only get paid if you get paid — our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
Q: The university says they’re conducting an “investigation.” Should we wait for that?
A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. The clock is ticking on your legal rights. The statute of limitations in Idaho is typically 2 years from the date of injury. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Our client in the Houston case was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously. We can protect your child’s identity during the legal process and pursue claims against the organization, not just individuals.
Q: How long will this take?
A: Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on complexity. Some cases settle quickly; others go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: Can we sue even if no criminal charges were filed?
A: Yes. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are separate processes. Even if no one is criminally charged, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private residence near Latah County?
A: You can still sue. The property owners (including alumni or housing corporations) can be held liable for allowing dangerous activities on their premises. We pursue all responsible parties.
Q: My child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured. Do we still have a case?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is real and compensable. You can pursue damages for emotional distress even without physical injury.
The Message to Latah County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Latah County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions in other states have chapters here. If your chapter harms students in Latah County, we will pursue every liable entity.
To the universities near Latah County: You own the problem.
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down dangerous organizations. When you fail to protect students, you share liability. The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They will pay. So will you if you fail to act.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all national fraternities with chapters near Latah County: Your culture of abuse ends now.
Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. Eight years. Same fraternity. Same negligence. You had time to fix your culture. You chose not to. Now you will pay.
Latah County Families: Your Next Steps
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Latah County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations is ticking.
Call Attorney 911 Today for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free case evaluation — no obligation
✅ $0 upfront — we work on contingency
✅ Nationwide representation — including Latah County
✅ Bilingual staff — Se habla español
✅ Aggressive advocacy — we don’t back down
What to Expect When You Call:
- A confidential conversation — we listen to your story
- Case evaluation — we assess the strength of your claim
- Legal options — we explain your rights and next steps
- No pressure — you decide whether to proceed
We Come to You
We understand that traveling to Texas may not be possible. We offer:
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel to Latah County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Local coordination — we work with Idaho medical providers and experts
Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Latah County
Hazing doesn’t have to be this way. With accountability, we can change the culture.
Our client’s case has already led to:
- The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter being permanently closed
- National media coverage exposing the truth
- Criminal referrals being initiated
Your case can do the same for Latah County.
If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. — Lupe Pena
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Your child deserves justice. Latah County deserves change.
