Hazing Victims in Lemhi County: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help

🚨 Hazing Happens in Lemhi County — And It’s Not “Just Tradition”

Lemhi County families send their children to college expecting safety, growth, and opportunity. But for too many students at universities near Lemhi County — including Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello, and other regional institutions — Greek life and student organizations can become sites of torture, humiliation, and life-threatening abuse disguised as “tradition.”

This isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s not “brotherhood.”

It’s hazing — and it’s illegal in Idaho.

📍 What Is Hazing? Idaho Law Explains

Under Idaho Code § 18-917, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with an educational institution, and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, degrading, abusing, endangering, or injuring the student.”

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting)
• Psychological torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation)
• Sexual abuse or degradation
• Any activity that risks serious injury or death

Idaho law is clear: Hazing is a misdemeanor. If it causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony.

And consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

💔 Hazing in Lemhi County: Real Stories, Real Harm

Hazing doesn’t just happen at big-name universities in other states. It happens right here in Eastern Idaho, at institutions where Lemhi County students attend.

Case Study: The University of Houston Hazing Lawsuit — What This Means for Lemhi County

In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The fraternity subjected him to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to run through his own vomit
• Sleep deprivation and psychological torture

He wasn’t even a student at the university yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member being hazed before enrollment.

This same fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, has a chapter at Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg — just a short drive from Lemhi County.

If this can happen at UH, it can happen — and likely is happening — at universities near Lemhi County.

🏛️ Which Organizations Near Lemhi County Have Hazing Risks?

Lemhi County students attend or may interact with Greek organizations and student groups at:

The same national fraternities involved in the UH case — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), and others — operate chapters at universities near Lemhi County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Eastern Idaho, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

⚠️ Warning Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Hazing in Lemhi County

Hazing is often hidden behind secrecy and peer pressure. But there are red flags Lemhi County parents should watch for:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, blackouts)
• Dark brown or tea-colored urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure)

Behavioral Signs:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Fear of discussing their organization
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
• Avoiding social media or deleting posts
• Fear of retribution if they speak up

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses (trips, “fees,” required purchases)
• Missing money or credit card charges for alcohol or events

What They Might Say:

• “It’s just tradition — everyone goes through it.”
• “I can’t talk about it — it’s a secret.”
• “If I quit, I’ll be blacklisted from Greek life.”
• “It’s not that bad — you don’t understand.”

If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Don’t wait — contact us immediately.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Lemhi County Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing.” It can cause permanent, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common medical consequences include:

Our client in the UH case suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise. This same injury could happen to a student in Rexburg, Pocatello, or Twin Falls.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lemhi County Hazing Victim

If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights — and powerful options for justice.

1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators

Under Idaho Code § 18-917, hazing is a misdemeanor. If it causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony.

Possible charges include:

• Hazing (misdemeanor or felony)
• Assault (if physical harm occurred)
• Battery
• Reckless endangerment
• Manslaughter (if hazing caused death)

The Lemhi County Prosecutor’s Office and local law enforcement can pursue criminal charges against individual perpetrators.

2. Civil Lawsuit for Financial Compensation

Even if criminal charges are filed, you can also file a civil lawsuit to recover financial compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition, lost scholarships)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

Who can be sued?

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization (they have deep pockets and insurance)
• The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
• Individual members (chapter officers, participants, alumni who facilitated)

In our UH case, we’re suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National (for failing to stop hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”)
✅ The local chapter (for directly organizing the abuse)
✅ The University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house and failing to protect students)
✅ Individual members (for participating in or facilitating the hazing)

The same legal strategy applies to Lemhi County cases.

3. Title IX Complaint (If Sexual Harassment or Assault Occurred)

If hazing involved sexual abuse, harassment, or assault, you can file a Title IX complaint with the university. This can lead to:

• University investigations
• Disciplinary action against perpetrators
• Protection for the victim (no-contact orders, academic accommodations)

Title IX applies to all universities receiving federal funding — including BYU-Idaho, ISU, and others near Lemhi County.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth?

Hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, especially when:

• The victim suffered serious injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• The organization had prior knowledge of hazing risks
• The university failed to act despite knowing about problems
• The conduct was particularly egregious (waterboarding, forced drinking, sexual abuse)

Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can — and do — win big. The same results are possible for Lemhi County families.

🔍 Who Is Liable in a Lemhi County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases are not just about the individual perpetrators. We pursue every entity that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.

1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority)

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
• Members who participated can be sued individually

2. The National Organization

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Had policies that weren’t enforced
• Deep pockets and insurance coverage

3. The University

• Premises liability (if they own or control the property where hazing occurred)
• Negligent supervision (failed to monitor Greek life)
• Institutional knowledge (if they knew about prior hazing incidents)
• Failure to protect students (breach of duty of care)

Example: In our UH case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats. They are liable.

4. Individual Members & Alumni

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster)
• Members who participated in hazing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Can be sued personally and may have homeowner’s insurance coverage

5. Insurance Companies

• National fraternities have liability insurance policies (often $1M+)
• Universities have institutional insurance
• Homeowner’s insurance may cover individual defendants

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know how to maximize recovery from these policies.

🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Lemhi County Hazing Victims

We are not just lawyers — we are legal emergency responders. When hazing happens, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations cover their tracks.

Here’s how we fight for Lemhi County families:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Secure text messages, social media posts, and GroupMe chats before they’re deleted
• Obtain security camera footage from fraternity houses, event locations
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Preserve medical records documenting injuries

In our UH case, we documented:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose
✅ 500 squats causing rhabdomyolysis
✅ Wooden paddles used to strike pledges
✅ Forced eating until vomiting
✅ Another pledge collapsing unconscious

We’ll do the same for Lemhi County victims.

2. Aggressive Legal Action

• File civil lawsuits against the chapter, national organization, and university
• Pursue criminal referrals to local prosecutors
• File Title IX complaints if sexual abuse occurred
• Demand policy changes to prevent future hazing

We don’t just settle quietly. We fight for justice.

3. Nationwide Reach — Lemhi County Families Welcome

While we’re based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lemhi County and Eastern Idaho.

How we serve Lemhi County families:
✅ Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
✅ Travel to Lemhi County — For depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ Federal court authority — Pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York (strategic for national fraternity litigation)

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront

We understand that Lemhi County families may be concerned about legal costs. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront.

How it works:

• We front all case costs (investigation, experts, filing fees)
• You pay $0 unless we win
• If we win, our fee is a percentage of the recovery
• If we lose, you owe us nothing

This levels the playing field against universities and national fraternities with deep pockets.

5. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims.

We know how they think. We know how they fight. We know how to win.

• We know how insurance companies minimize claims
• We know how universities protect their reputation
• We know how fraternities try to silence victims
• We’ve seen their playbook — and we know how to dismantle it

📞 What Lemhi County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

If your child has been hazed, act fast. Evidence disappears quickly, and Idaho has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Step 1: Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Attention

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
• If they’re injured, take them to the ER — even if they say they’re “fine”
• Document everything (photos of injuries, hospital records)

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Do NOT delete anything — text messages, social media, photos
• Screenshot all communications about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram)
• Write down everything your child remembers (dates, locations, what was said)
• Get names of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do NOT meet with fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization
• Do NOT give a statement without legal counsel

They will try to control the narrative. They will try to minimize liability. They will try to silence your child.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

We will:

• Provide a free, confidential consultation
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Begin immediate evidence preservation
• Handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers
• Fight for maximum compensation and justice

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

🎯 Why Lemhi County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

Lemhi County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. We Have the Experience

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
• Federal court authority — we can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) — strategic advantage
• Multi-million dollar case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation

3. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former college athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics and locker room culture
• We know how peer pressure and loyalty are weaponized in hazing
• We know how universities and national organizations try to protect their reputation over student safety

4. We Care About Lemhi County Families

We don’t see your child as a “case.” We see them as a person who was betrayed by the very institutions that were supposed to protect them.

We will fight for your family like we’re fighting for our own.

5. We Get Results

• $10 million lawsuit filed in the UH hazing case
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Successful trial outcomes in federal and state courts
• Media coverage that holds institutions accountable

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lemhi County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Many hazing victims fear retribution, social exclusion, or being labeled a “snitch.” This is understandable — but it’s also why hazing continues.

We can help protect your child’s identity while still pursuing justice. You don’t have to go public to hold the organization accountable.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Under Idaho Code § 18-917, consent is not a defense to hazing.

Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable. Peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and duress negate true consent.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to monitor Greek life, ignored prior incidents, or allowed dangerous conditions to exist, they can be held liable.

In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect and regulate — but they didn’t.

Q: My child attends BYU-Idaho. Does their religious policy affect hazing liability?

A: No. While BYU-Idaho is affiliated with the LDS Church and does not officially recognize Greek life, unofficial fraternities and sororities still operate on campus.

These groups are not exempt from Idaho hazing laws. If hazing occurs, they can still be held criminally and civilly liable.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can result in six- or seven-figure settlements, especially when:

• The victim suffered serious injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• The organization had prior knowledge of hazing risks
• The university failed to act despite knowing about problems
• The conduct was particularly egregious (waterboarding, sexual abuse, forced drinking)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, an off-campus event, or even online, the perpetrators and organizations can still be held liable.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. That’s why we:

• Protect your child’s identity during investigations
• File restraining orders if necessary
• Advocate for university protections (no-contact orders, academic accommodations)
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates

Our client in the UH case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take this fear seriously and will protect Lemhi County victims.

Q: What if my child was drinking or using drugs during the hazing?

A: Even if your child consumed alcohol or drugs, they are still a victim. Hazing often involves forced consumption, and organizations cannot escape liability by blaming the victim.

We will focus on the organization’s actions — not your child’s choices.

📢 A Message to Lemhi County Fraternities & Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Lemhi County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Lemhi County, know this:

• We have former insurance defense attorneys on our team — we know how you try to avoid liability
• We have federal court authority — we can pursue you anywhere
• We have proven we can win — our $10 million UH lawsuit is just the beginning

Clean up your chapters. Enforce your policies. Protect your members. Because if you don’t, we will.

🏆 A Message to Lemhi County Universities

To Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University, and other institutions near Lemhi County:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you will be held accountable.

• If you own fraternity houses, you are responsible for what happens inside them.
• If you have prior hazing incidents, you have a duty to prevent future harm.
• If you ignore complaints, you are complicit.

We are currently suing the University of Houston for $10 million because they owned the house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure.

If it can happen at UH, it can happen at BYU-Idaho, ISU, or any university near Lemhi County. Act now — or face the same accountability.

💔 A Message to Lemhi County Hazing Victims

If you’re reading this and you’ve been hazed — we see you. We believe you. We’re here for you.

You didn’t deserve this. What happened to you wasn’t “tradition.” It wasn’t “brotherhood.” It was abuse, and it was wrong.

You may feel ashamed, scared, or alone. You may think no one will believe you. You may fear retribution if you speak up.

But you are not alone.

We are fighting for a young man just like you — someone who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. We’re fighting for him, and we’ll fight for you.

You have the right to justice. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people who hurt you accountable.

Call us. Even if you’re not ready to file a lawsuit. Even if you just need someone to talk to.

We’re here. 1-888-ATTY-911. ralph@atty911.com

📞 Contact Attorney 911 — Lemhi County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice

If your child has been hazed in Lemhi County or at a university near Lemhi County, contact us immediately.

📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

We serve Lemhi County and all of Eastern Idaho. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to End Hazing in Lemhi County.

To Lemhi County parents: Your child’s safety should never be at risk because of “tradition.”

To Lemhi County students: You deserve to join an organization without being tortured.

To universities near Lemhi County: You have the power to stop this. Use it.

To fraternities and sororities near Lemhi County: The era of hazing is over. The lawsuits have begun.

To the people who think hazing is “no big deal”: We have a $10 million lawsuit that says otherwise.

It’s time for change. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for justice.

Attorney 911 is here to make it happen.