Hazing Lawyer in Los Angeles County: Holding Fraternities and Universities Accountable

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And in Los Angeles County, it’s illegal.

If your child was hazed at a university or college in Los Angeles County—whether at UCLA, USC, Cal State LA, or any other institution—you have legal rights. The same fraternities that hospitalized our client in Houston operate right here in Southern California. The same negligence exists at Los Angeles County universities. And we will fight for your family with the same aggression we’re bringing to the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit.

The Hazing Crisis in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County is home to some of America’s largest and most prestigious university systems:

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – 47,000+ students
• University of Southern California (USC) – 49,000+ students
• California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) – 26,000+ students
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – 10,000+ students
• Pepperdine University – 10,000+ students
• Occidental College – 2,000+ students
• Pasadena City College, Santa Monica College, and dozens more

Each of these institutions has active Greek organizations. And each of these institutions has a duty to protect your child from hazing.

Yet hazing continues—despite laws, despite policies, despite the deaths and hospitalizations that make national headlines.

What Hazing Looks Like in Los Angeles County

The same activities that hospitalized our client in Houston happen right here in Los Angeles County:

• Waterboarding and simulated drowning – Forced water torture during “initiation”
• Extreme physical punishment – Hundreds of squats, pushups, bear crawls until collapse
• Forced alcohol consumption – Binge drinking leading to alcohol poisoning
• Sleep deprivation – All-night activities causing exhaustion and accidents
• Psychological torture – Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
• Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Wooden paddles and beatings – Physical assault with weapons

This isn’t “brotherhood.” This isn’t “tradition.” This is abuse. And it’s happening at universities across Los Angeles County.

The $10 Million Warning: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Los Angeles County

Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose – Simulated drowning while doing calisthenics
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting – Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns consumed until he threw up
• Hog-tied for over an hour – Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth
• Sleep deprived – Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Threatened with expulsion – If he didn’t comply with hazing activities

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do two-mile warmups, 100-yard crawls, and “suicides” until he couldn’t stand. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

Why This Matters for Los Angeles County Families

1. The same fraternities operate in Los Angeles County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UCLA, USC, and other California universities
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others have documented hazing histories nationwide

2. Universities in Los Angeles County face the same liability failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • UCLA, USC, and other Los Angeles County universities own or control Greek housing
   • They have the same power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters

3. National organizations know about the hazing crisis

   • Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “a hazing crisis” and failed to stop it
   • The same nationals operate in Los Angeles County—they know what’s happening in their chapters

4. Los Angeles County families deserve the same aggressive representation

   • We’re fighting this battle right now in Houston
   • We will bring the same fight to Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

California has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child was hazed in Los Angeles County, you have legal options.

California Education Code § 32050 – Anti-Hazing Law

Definition of Hazing:

Any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student.

Key Provisions:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine
• If hazing results in death or serious bodily injury, it becomes a felony
• Consent is not a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them
• Universities must report hazing incidents – Failure to report is a violation

Additional Legal Claims for Los Angeles County Victims

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Los Angeles County can pursue civil lawsuits for:

1. Negligence – Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect students
2. Assault and Battery – Intentional harmful or offensive contact
3. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
4. Premises Liability – If hazing occurred on university-owned property
5. Negligent Supervision – Failure to monitor Greek organizations
6. Wrongful Death – If hazing resulted in death

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Los Angeles County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Los Angeles County families: These same defendants exist at UCLA, USC, Cal State LA, and other local universities. The same legal strategies apply.

What Los Angeles County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims in Los Angeles County may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
• Future medical costs – Long-term treatment for injuries
• Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
• Educational expenses – Tuition reimbursement if forced to leave school

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering – The agony of hazing injuries
• Mental anguish – PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
• Emotional distress – Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct – When hazing is particularly outrageous
• Deterrent for other organizations – To prevent future hazing

Recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Los Angeles County families deserve the same justice.

The Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in substantial verdicts and settlements. Here’s what other families have recovered:

Los Angeles County families: These same results are possible for your case. The same legal strategies apply.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Los Angeles County

If your child was hazed at a university in Los Angeles County, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
2. Preserve all evidence – Texts, photos, videos, social media posts
3. Document everything – Write down what happened, who was involved
4. Do not talk to the fraternity or university alone – They will try to control the narrative
5. Do not post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
6. Contact an experienced hazing lawyer – Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in California, you have only two years to file a lawsuit.

Why Los Angeles County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are not a local Los Angeles County law firm—we’re better. Here’s why:

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know how to build these cases from the ground up
• Los Angeles County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims
• We’ve seen their playbook—and now we use it against them

3. Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue Los Angeles County cases in federal court
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide strategic advantage

4. Proven Track Record of Winning Big Cases

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – Mass tort experience against major corporations
• Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements – Recovered millions for victims
• Criminal defense victories – Hundreds of cases dismissed

5. We Come to Los Angeles County

• We offer video consultations for Los Angeles County families
• We travel to Los Angeles County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

6. Contingency Fee Representation – $0 Upfront

• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We take the risk so you can fight back

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Fight for Los Angeles County Families

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep all evidence
• We obtain text messages, social media posts, photos, and videos before they’re deleted
• We secure witness statements while memories are fresh

2. Aggressive Investigation

• We work with medical experts to document injuries
• We hire investigators to uncover the truth
• We subpoena fraternity records, university documents, and internal communications

3. Multi-Defendant Strategy

• We sue everyone responsible—not just the fraternity, but the university, national organization, and individuals
• We identify all insurance policies that may provide coverage
• We maximize recovery by pursuing every available source of compensation

4. Media and Public Pressure

• We use media coverage to hold institutions accountable
• We expose patterns of negligence that universities want to hide
• We create public pressure that forces defendants to settle

5. Trial-Ready Representation

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We’re not afraid to take cases to court if defendants won’t settle fairly
• Our trial experience forces defendants to take us seriously

Los Angeles County Hazing: We Know the Culture

The Greek system in Los Angeles County is big business:

• UCLA has 66 fraternities and sororities with 3,500+ members
• USC has 51 Greek organizations with 5,000+ members
• Cal State LA has 14 Greek organizations
• LMU has 17 Greek organizations

Fraternities and sororities are not just student clubs—they’re powerful institutions with:

• Millions in annual revenue from dues, events, and merchandise
• Political influence through alumni networks
• University support through housing, funding, and recognition
• Insurance coverage for liability claims

But with power comes responsibility. When these organizations fail to protect students from hazing, they must be held accountable.

The Greek Life Culture Problem in Los Angeles County

Greek organizations in Los Angeles County operate under a culture of secrecy and tradition that enables hazing:

• “Brotherhood” used as an excuse for abuse – “It’s tradition” doesn’t justify torture
• Peer pressure and coercion – “Everyone does it” doesn’t make it right
• Loyalty over safety – Members are pressured to stay silent
• Institutional protection – Universities often look the other way to avoid bad publicity

This culture must change. And the only way to change it is to hit them where it hurts—their wallets and their reputations.

Common Hazing Scenarios in Los Angeles County

Hazing happens in many forms across Los Angeles County universities. Here are some common scenarios we see:

1. Fraternity Hazing at UCLA or USC

• Forced alcohol consumption – “Big Brother Night” drinking rituals
• Physical abuse – Paddling, beatings, extreme exercise
• Psychological torture – Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
• Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts

2. Sorority Hazing at LMU or Pepperdine

• Forced servitude – Acting as personal assistants to members
• Extreme calorie restriction – Dangerous “weight loss” requirements
• Psychological manipulation – Isolation, gaslighting, emotional abuse
• Financial exploitation – Paying for members’ expenses

3. Sports Team Hazing at Cal State LA

• Initiation rituals – Humiliating or dangerous activities for new team members
• Alcohol-fueled events – Forced drinking leading to alcohol poisoning
• Physical punishment – Extreme workouts, beatings, paddling
• Sexual misconduct – Forced nudity, sexual acts

4. Marching Band Hazing at Local Colleges

• Extreme physical demands – All-night rehearsals causing exhaustion
• Psychological abuse – Verbal harassment, humiliation
• Dangerous stunts – Risky activities leading to injury
• Forced alcohol consumption – Drinking games during band events

5. Military ROTC Hazing at USC or UCLA

• Physical punishment – Extreme exercise, beatings
• Sleep deprivation – All-night activities
• Psychological manipulation – Verbal abuse, threats
• Dangerous training exercises – Activities that risk serious injury

Warning Signs of Hazing in Los Angeles County

Parents in Los Angeles County should watch for these red flags:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Unexplained injuries or bruises

Physical Signs

• Fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Unexplained pain or stiffness

Organizational Red Flags

• Requirements to keep activities secret
• Forced participation in late-night activities
• Pressure to consume alcohol or other substances
• Threats of social exclusion if they don’t comply
• References to “traditions” or “initiation”

If you notice these signs, act immediately. Hazing can escalate quickly to serious injury or death.

Los Angeles County Universities: They Know Hazing Happens

Universities in Los Angeles County know hazing is a problem—but they often fail to act until it’s too late.

UCLA

• 2018: Sigma Nu fraternity suspended for hazing allegations
• 2020: Kappa Sigma fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2023: Multiple Greek organizations under investigation for hazing

USC

• 2019: Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2021: Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2024: Multiple Greek organizations under investigation

Cal State LA

• 2020: Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2022: Multiple Greek organizations under investigation

LMU

• 2019: Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2023: Multiple Greek organizations under investigation

Pepperdine

• 2021: Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2024: Multiple Greek organizations under investigation

These universities have the power to stop hazing. They choose not to—until someone gets hurt or killed.

What Los Angeles County Universities Should Be Doing

Universities in Los Angeles County have a duty to protect students from hazing. Here’s what they should be doing:

1. Regular inspections of Greek housing – Not just annual, but random and unannounced
2. Mandatory anti-hazing training – For all Greek organization members and leaders
3. Anonymous reporting systems – So students can report hazing without fear
4. Strict penalties for violations – Immediate suspension for any hazing allegations
5. Transparency – Public reporting of all hazing incidents
6. Independent oversight – Third-party audits of Greek organizations
7. Education for parents – So families know the warning signs

Most Los Angeles County universities do none of these things—until it’s too late.

The Attorney 911 Hazing Victim Protocol for Los Angeles County Families

When a Los Angeles County family contacts us about hazing, here’s what we do:

1. Immediate Case Evaluation

• Free consultation to assess your case
• Determine legal options and potential defendants
• Explain the legal process in clear terms

2. Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Obtain text messages, social media posts, photos, and videos
• Secure witness statements while memories are fresh
• Preserve medical records and university documents

3. Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview witnesses
• Review fraternity and university records
• Consult with medical experts
• Analyze insurance policies

4. Strategic Legal Action

• File lawsuits against all responsible parties
• Pursue criminal complaints where appropriate
• Coordinate with Title IX investigations
• Use media exposure to hold institutions accountable

5. Aggressive Negotiation

• Demand full and fair compensation for your child’s injuries
• Push for policy changes to prevent future hazing
• Seek public apologies where appropriate

6. Trial-Ready Preparation

• Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Build a compelling narrative for judge and jury
• Be ready to take the case to court if defendants won’t settle fairly

Los Angeles County Hazing Cases: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed in Los Angeles County?

Yes. If your child was hazed at a university in Los Angeles County, you can pursue a civil lawsuit for damages. California law allows victims to sue for negligence, assault, battery, and other claims.

2. Who can I sue for hazing in Los Angeles County?

You can sue:

• The local fraternity or sorority chapter
• The national fraternity or sorority organization
• The university or college
• Individual members who participated in hazing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events

3. What can I recover in a Los Angeles County hazing lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Educational expenses
• Punitive damages

4. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Los Angeles County?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait—evidence disappears and witnesses forget.

5. Does it matter if my child “consented” to hazing?

No. California law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still protects them.

6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing that occurs off-campus is still illegal and can result in liability for the fraternity, university, and individuals involved.

7. Can I report hazing to the police in Los Angeles County?

Yes. Hazing is a crime in California. You can file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. We can help you navigate this process.

8. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We take steps to:

• Protect your child’s identity where possible
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Work with universities to ensure your child’s safety

9. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Los Angeles County?

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.

10. Can you help if my child was hazed at a community college in Los Angeles County?

Yes. We represent hazing victims at all types of schools in Los Angeles County, including:

• Four-year universities (UCLA, USC, etc.)
• Community colleges (Pasadena City College, Santa Monica College, etc.)
• Private colleges (Pepperdine, LMU, etc.)
• Trade schools and vocational programs

Los Angeles County Hazing Resources

If you suspect hazing in Los Angeles County, here are resources to help:

Reporting Hazing

• California Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• Local Law Enforcement: Call 911 for emergencies
• University Reporting:
  • UCLA: (310) 825-3871
  • USC: (213) 740-6281
  • Cal State LA: (323) 343-3100
  • LMU: (310) 338-2700
  • Pepperdine: (310) 506-4476

Support for Victims

• National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Educational Resources

• StopHazing.org: Research and prevention resources
• HazingPrevention.org: Education and training
• Inside Hazing: Comprehensive hazing information

Contact Attorney 911: Los Angeles County’s Hazing Lawyers

If your child was hazed at a university in Los Angeles County, call us immediately. We’re fighting this battle right now in Houston—and we’ll bring the same fight to Los Angeles County.

Free Consultation for Los Angeles County Families

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Why Choose Us for Your Los Angeles County Hazing Case?

✅ We’re fighting this battle right now – $10 million hazing lawsuit in progress
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know their playbook
✅ Federal court authority – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ We come to Los Angeles County – Video consultations and in-person meetings
✅ Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront, we only get paid if we win

Serving All of Los Angeles County

We represent hazing victims throughout Los Angeles County, including:

• Los Angeles – UCLA, USC, Cal State LA
• Pasadena – Caltech, Pasadena City College
• Long Beach – Cal State Long Beach
• Santa Monica – Santa Monica College
• Malibu – Pepperdine University
• Westwood – UCLA
• Downtown LA – USC
• East LA – Cal State LA
• And everywhere in between

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your legal rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.