π¨ Hazing Victims in Lehigh County: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting For You.
Lehigh County families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, fraternity, sorority, or any student organization near Lehigh County, we can help. The same national fraternities that waterboarded and hospitalized our client in Houston operate at institutions across Pennsylvania β including near Lehigh County. The same negligence exists at Lehigh County-area universities. And we will fight for Lehigh County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing lawsuit.
β οΈ This Happened in Houston. It’s Happening in Lehigh County.
On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a young man was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. He was waterboarded with a garden hose. Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed. Struck with wooden paddles. Made to eat until he vomited, then forced to keep running through his own vomit. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This wasn’t an accident. This was torture.
And here’s the truth: The same hazing happens at colleges and universities near Lehigh County. The same fraternities β Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others β have active chapters at Pennsylvania institutions. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Lehigh County-area fraternities. The same negligence we’re fighting in Houston exists at Lehigh County universities.
If your child has been hazed in Lehigh County, we can help. Call us now.
π₯ What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition.” It’s Abuse.
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It isn’t “building character.” It isn’t “brotherhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. Sometimes, it’s torture.
In our current case, hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning, a form of torture
- 500 squats and 100 pushups β forced until victim collapsed
- Wooden paddles β physical assault with weapons
- Forced eating β consuming milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Sleep deprivation β driving fraternity members at all hours
- Humiliation β carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather
- Psychological torture β threats of expulsion, isolation
This isn’t just hazing. This is a war crime when done to enemy combatants. And it’s happening to our children at colleges near Lehigh County.
ποΈ Lehigh County Parents: Your Child’s University Is Failing Them
Universities near Lehigh County have a legal duty to protect students. But too often, they turn a blind eye to hazing β until someone gets hurt or killed. Then they express “shock” and “sadness,” but by then, it’s too late.
In our Houston case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity that hospitalized a student
- They had 8 years to implement real oversight β and did nothing
- They collected rent while students were being tortured on their property
Lehigh County universities are making the same mistakes. They know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. But they choose reputation over safety β until it’s too late.
If your child has been hazed at a Lehigh County-area institution, the university shares responsibility. And we will hold them accountable.
π° Hazing Costs Millions β We Have the Receipts
Hazing isn’t just wrong β it’s expensive. And we know how to make institutions pay.
Recent hazing verdicts and settlements:
- $10.1 million β Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million β Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta) β jury verdict
- $110+ million β Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi) β estimated settlement
- $4+ million β Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi)
- $10 million β Our current case (UH, Pi Kappa Phi)
These aren’t just numbers. These are messages. Messages that say: You cannot torture our children and walk away. Messages that say: This ends now.
Lehigh County families: Your case could be next. And we know how to win.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights as a Lehigh County Hazing Victim
1. You Can Sue for Hazing β Even If You “Consented”
Pennsylvania law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law protects them. The fraternity, sorority, or university cannot hide behind “tradition” or “consent.”
2. Multiple Defendants Can Be Held Liable
In our Houston case, we’re suing:
- The local fraternity chapter β for organizing the hazing
- The national organization β for failing to prevent it despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”
- The university β for owning the property where torture occurred and failing to protect students
- Individual members β for participating in the abuse
- Former members β for hosting hazing at their homes
Lehigh County families: We will pursue every liable party in your case.
3. You Can Recover Compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical bills | Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work or internships |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain from injuries |
| Mental anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse |
| Educational disruption | Impact on grades, scholarships, enrollment |
| Punitive damages | To punish the organization and deter future hazing |
4. Criminal Charges May Also Apply
Hazing is a crime in Pennsylvania. Depending on the severity, perpetrators can face:
- Misdemeanor charges β for hazing that causes injury
- Felony charges β for hazing that causes serious injury or death
- Prison time β for individuals who participate in or facilitate hazing
We work with prosecutors to ensure criminal accountability while pursuing civil justice for your family.
π What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Lehigh County
STEP 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/videos | Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house |
| Texts/emails | GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage |
| Social media | Screenshots of posts about hazing |
| Witness info | Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses |
| Fraternity documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules |
| Academic records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or university
- Post about the incident on social media
STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim
- They will try to get you to sign away your rights
- They will twist your words to blame you
- Let us handle all communication
STEP 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- 2-year statute of limitations in Pennsylvania β don’t wait
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Your rights expire
Call us now: π 1-888-ATTY-911
π Why Lehigh County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Fighting This Battle β Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the defendants. We know their playbook. We know how to win.
Lehigh County families: You get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Tricks
Both of our attorneys β Ralph Manginello and Lupe PeΓ±a β started their careers defending insurance companies. We know exactly how they think. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.
This is our unfair advantage for Lehigh County victims.
3. Federal Court Authority β We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court β including cases involving out-of-state defendants like national fraternities.
Lehigh County families: Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for you no matter where the hazing occurred.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission β Texas AND New York
We are licensed in both Texas and New York. This is critical for hazing cases involving national fraternities, many of which are headquartered in New York.
Lehigh County families: We have the legal authority to take on the biggest organizations.
5. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations
- Case updates
- Document translation
- Courtroom interpretation
No language barriers. No cultural barriers. Just justice.
6. Contingency Fee β $0 Upfront for Lehigh County Families
We understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency β you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Lehigh County families: You can afford the best legal representation. We make it possible.
7. We Will Travel to Lehigh County
For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will travel to Lehigh County. We are committed to serving Lehigh County families personally.
Distance is not an excuse. We come to you.
8. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β mass tort experience
- Trucking accident cases β taking on big corporations
- Wrongful death claims β fighting for grieving families
- And now, hazing litigation β holding institutions accountable
Lehigh County families: We know how to win against powerful defendants.
π― Our Commitment to Lehigh County Hazing Victims
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
β Lupe PeΓ±a, Attorney at Law
To Lehigh County fraternities and sororities: We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Lehigh County, we will pursue every liable entity. We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
To Lehigh County universities: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Lehigh County families: You are not alone. We see you. We believe you. And we will fight for you.
π Lehigh County Families: Call Now β Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Lehigh County or at any Pennsylvania institution, call us immediately.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 β 24/7 hazing hotline
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We offer:
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Free, confidential case evaluation
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Immediate evidence preservation guidance
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Aggressive legal representation
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$0 upfront cost β we only get paid if you win
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Spanish language services available
Lehigh County families: The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Call us now before it’s too late.
π Frequently Asked Questions β Lehigh County Hazing Victims
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still call?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, we can help preserve evidence and advise you on your options. Sometimes, just having legal representation can force the university or fraternity to take action. Call us for a confidential consultation.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still be held liable?
A: Absolutely. Pennsylvania law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable. The law protects victims from coercion and peer pressure.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Will the fraternity come after us?
A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. In our Houston case, our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We can help protect your family and ensure your safety. Do not confront the organization alone. Let us handle it.
Q: The hazing happened months ago. Is it too late to take action?
A: Pennsylvania has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade. Call us immediately β even if the incident happened months ago. We can assess your legal options.
Q: We don’t live in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lehigh County and across Pennsylvania. We have:
- Federal court authority β can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar admission β Texas AND New York
- Willingness to travel β we come to Lehigh County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultation β video meetings available
Lehigh County families: Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We advance all case expenses
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
Lehigh County families: You can afford the best legal representation. We make it possible.
Q: What if the fraternity offers us a settlement? Should we take it?
A: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Fraternities and universities often offer lowball settlements to make the case go away. These offers rarely cover the full extent of your damages. We can negotiate for a fair settlement that truly compensates your family.
Q: Can we sue the university too?
A: Yes, if the university failed to protect your child. In our Houston case, we’re suing the University of Houston because:
- They owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
- They failed to implement real oversight despite knowing the risks
Lehigh County universities have the same responsibilities. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed at an off-campus location?
A: You can still sue. Hazing often occurs at:
- Fraternity/sorority houses (even if not university-owned)
- Private residences (like in our Houston case)
- Hotels or rented spaces
- Off-campus parties
Premises liability may apply if the property owner knew or should have known about the hazing.
Q: We’re not sure if what happened qualifies as hazing. Should we still call?
A: Yes. Many students don’t recognize hazing until it’s too late. Hazing can include:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical activities
- Sleep deprivation
- Humiliation or degradation
- Servitude (cleaning, driving, errands)
- Psychological abuse
If your child was pressured, threatened, or coerced into any activity as part of joining an organization, call us. We can help determine if it qualifies as hazing.
π Our Promise to Lehigh County Families
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Lehigh County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you. The same legal strategies that shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Lehigh County, we will pursue every liable entity. Your chapter could be next.
To Lehigh County universities:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You have the power to stop hazing. Use it now, or face accountability in court.
To Lehigh County families:
You trusted these institutions to protect your children. That trust was betrayed. But you are not powerless. You have the law on your side. You have us on your side.
Call Attorney 911 now. π 1-888-ATTY-911
π Additional Resources for Lehigh County Families
Pennsylvania Anti-Hazing Laws
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Β§ 2802-2810 β Anti-hazing law
- Consent is not a defense β Pennsylvania law protects victims
- Criminal penalties β Hazing can be a misdemeanor or felony
National Organizations
- StopHazing β Research and education on hazing prevention (stophazing.org)
- HazingPrevention.Org β Resources for students and families (hazingprevention.org)
- Gordie Center β Hazing prevention and education (gordie.org)
Local Lehigh County Resources
- Lehigh County Crisis Intervention β Mental health support
- Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office β Criminal reporting
- Local university Title IX offices β Reporting hazing as gender-based violence
Media Coverage of Our Current Case
- ABC13 Houston: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge
- KHOU 11: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
- Houston Chronicle: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit
- Houston Public Media: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing
β οΈ Lehigh County Families: The Time to Act Is Now
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 β 24/7 hazing hotline
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe PeΓ±a. And we are fighting for Lehigh County hazing victims.
Enough is enough.