24/7 LIVE STAFF β€” Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Lucas County (Earth/North America/United States/Iowa/Lucas County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 38 min read
lucas-county-featured-image.png

Hazing Victims in Lucas County, Iowa: Legal Rights and Justice

🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Lucas County β€” And It’s Time to Stop It

Lucas County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will uphold values of brotherhood and sisterhood.

But in fraternities and sororities across Iowa β€” including near Lucas County β€” hazing continues. Students are being forced to endure dangerous, humiliating, and sometimes life-threatening initiation rituals. They’re being waterboarded. Forced to drink until they vomit. Beaten with paddles. Forced to exercise until their muscles break down. And when they try to speak up, they’re threatened with social ostracism.

This isn’t tradition. This isn’t brotherhood. This is abuse. And it’s happening right here in Iowa.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. The same fraternities operate at universities near Lucas County. The same negligence exists at Iowa institutions. And we will fight for Lucas County families with the same aggression.

If your child has been hazed in Lucas County, you have legal rights. You have the power to hold these organizations accountable. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🏒 Who We Are: Lucas County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’ Serving Lucas County

Immediate, aggressive help for legal emergencies β€” 24/7 free consultations. We protect the injured and defend the accused across Iowa and nationwide, including Lucas County.

Headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas β€” but serving hazing victims in Lucas County and across America.

At Attorney 911, we understand what Lucas County families are facing. We know the fear, the anger, and the heartbreak when your child is harmed by an institution you trusted. We’re here to turn that pain into justice.

Why Lucas County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

Advantage Why It Matters for Lucas County Victims
25+ Years Courtroom Experience Battle-tested trial attorneys with proven results
Former Insurance Defense Insight We know how insurance companies think β€” and how to beat them
Federal Court Admissions Can pursue Lucas County cases in federal court
Dual-State Bar Admission Texas AND New York licensed β€” strategic advantage against national fraternities
Se Habla EspaΓ±ol Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Lucas County families
Nationwide Hazing Expertise Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case β€” same strategies available for Lucas County victims
Will Travel to Lucas County For depositions, trials, and client meetings β€” distance is not a barrier

The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Serve Lucas County Hazing Victims

When a legal emergency hits β€” whether it’s on a Lucas County campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America β€” we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

For Lucas County hazing victims, our team:

  • Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
  • Preserves evidence immediately β€” texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
  • Negotiates from strength β€” we’re currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case
  • Travels to Lucas County β€” for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
  • Provides remote consultations β€” Lucas County families can video chat with our attorneys
  • Fights for maximum compensation β€” medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Lucas County hazing victims, we take it to court.

Meet Your Lucas County Hazing Attorneys

Ralph P. Manginello β€” Managing Partner

Lucas County families can reach Ralph directly:

  • Email: ralph@atty911.com
  • Direct Line: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • Video Consultations: Available for Lucas County families

Why Ralph is the right attorney for Lucas County hazing victims:

  • 25+ years of litigation experience β€” battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts
  • Former insurance defense attorney β€” knows exactly how insurance companies try to deny claims
  • Multi-billion dollar case experience β€” BP Texas City explosion litigation proves he can take on massive defendants
  • Dual-state bar admission β€” Texas AND New York licensed, strategic advantage against national fraternities
  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue Lucas County cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Civil rights litigation experience β€” knows how to fight when institutions try to silence victims
  • Journalism background β€” trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories to juries
  • Hazing-specific expertise β€” direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability
  • Hall of Fame athlete & youth coach β€” understands team culture and the pressures that lead to hazing
  • High-profile case experience β€” knows how to handle media attention while protecting Lucas County clients
  • Proven track record β€” hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
  • Crime Stoppers supporter β€” committed to community safety and standing up for victims
  • Father of three β€” knows what’s at stake when a Lucas County family’s child is harmed
  • Will travel to Lucas County β€” immediate response, relentless pursuit of justice

Lupe Eleno PeΓ±a β€” Associate Attorney

Lucas County families can reach Lupe directly:

  • Email: lupe@atty911.com
  • Direct Line: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • Video Consultations: Available for Lucas County families

Why Lupe is the right attorney for Lucas County hazing victims:

  • Former national defense firm attorney β€” worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending insurance companies
  • 12+ years of litigation experience β€” knows how the other side thinks and fights
  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue Lucas County cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Wrongful death expertise β€” direct experience representing families who have lost loved ones
  • Dram shop experience β€” knows how to hold establishments accountable for alcohol-related injuries
  • Catastrophic injury experience β€” understands how to calculate and pursue massive damages
  • Finance background β€” pre-law career in finance means he understands economic damages
  • Business degree (International Business) β€” understands corporate structures of national fraternities
  • Third-generation Texan β€” deep roots and values that resonate with Lucas County families
  • Bilingual (Fluent Spanish) β€” can serve Lucas County Hispanic families without language barriers
  • Aggressive philosophy β€” “outwork, outsmart, outfight” β€” exactly the mentality needed to take on fraternities
  • Proven results β€” recovered millions for clients across wrongful death, dram shop, trucking, and car crash cases
  • Client communication β€” keeps Lucas County clients informed at every stage
  • Will travel to Lucas County β€” available for in-person meetings and case work

We Are the Only Law Firm in America Where BOTH Attorneys Are Former Insurance Defense Lawyers

This is not a coincidence β€” it’s strategy.

Ralph Manginello (Male) β€” Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Lupe PeΓ±a (Male) β€” Former Insurance Defense Attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP, National Firm)

Together, they represent a combined 37+ years of legal experience, with deep insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. When a hazing victim or their family hires Attorney 911, they’re not just getting lawyers β€” they’re getting former insiders who know exactly how the other side thinks, operates, and tries to win.

This is an UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for victims.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Lucas County: What’s Really Happening

Hazing Is Not a “Tradition” β€” It’s Abuse

Hazing is happening at universities near Lucas County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have killed and hospitalized students across America have active chapters at Iowa institutions.

This is what hazing looks like in Lucas County:

Category Examples of Hazing Activities
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion
Forced Consumption Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
Sleep Deprivation Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
Waterboarding/Drowning Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater
Exposure Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces
Servitude Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members

These aren’t pranks. These aren’t harmless rituals. These are crimes.

The Medical Consequences: Hazing Can Kill

Hazing doesn’t just cause emotional trauma β€” it causes serious physical injuries and death.

Medical conditions caused by hazing:

Condition Description Hazing Activities That Cause It
Rhabdomyolysis Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure Extreme forced exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
Acute Kidney Failure Kidneys unable to filter waste Rhabdomyolysis; dehydration; extreme exertion
Alcohol Poisoning Life-threatening alcohol overdose Forced drinking; binge drinking; “drinking games”
Traumatic Brain Injury Brain damage from head trauma Beatings; falls; being struck with objects
Hypothermia Dangerously low body temperature Forced exposure to cold weather; cold showers
Hyperthermia/Heat Stroke Dangerously high body temperature Extreme exercise in hot conditions
Cardiac Arrest Heart stops due to electrolyte imbalance Extreme physical exertion; dehydration
PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychological abuse; torture; life-threatening experiences
Anxiety & Depression Mental health disorders Humiliation; threats; psychological torture
Death Fatal consequences All of the above

These aren’t hypothetical risks. These are real consequences that have happened to real students β€” including right here in Iowa.

Iowa Hazing Laws: What Lucas County Families Need to Know

Iowa has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Hazing is a crime in Iowa.

Iowa Code Β§ 708.10 β€” Hazing

Definition of Hazing in Iowa:

Any intentional or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student, and in which both of the following apply:

  1. The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, admission into, or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, an organization.
  2. The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm, or degradation, or causes physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation.

Criminal Penalties in Iowa:

Offense Penalty
Simple Misdemeanor Up to 30 days in jail; up to $625 fine
Serious Misdemeanor Up to 1 year in jail; up to $1,875 fine (if serious injury or risk of serious injury)
Aggravated Misdemeanor Up to 2 years in jail; up to $6,250 fine (if bodily injury)

Organizational Penalties:

  • Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
  • Organizations can lose recognition at universities

Consent is Not a Defense:

It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.

This is critical for Lucas County families: When fraternities argue “he agreed to participate” or “she knew what she was getting into,” Iowa law says CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

Civil Liability: What Lucas County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Lucas County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries.

Legal theories available in Iowa:

Legal Theory Description Application to Hazing
Negligence Failure to exercise reasonable care Universities and fraternities owe duty of care to students
Premises Liability Property owner responsibility If hazing occurs on university-owned property
Negligent Supervision Failure to properly supervise Fraternities and universities must monitor activities
Assault Intentional harmful contact Physical abuse during hazing
Battery Intentional offensive contact Being struck, forced to consume substances
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Outrageous conduct causing severe distress Psychological abuse, humiliation, threats
Vicarious Liability Employer/principal liable for agent National fraternities liable for chapter conduct

Who can be sued in Lucas County hazing cases:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
National Organization Failed to supervise; pattern of negligence
University Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability

πŸ’° Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions β€” Lucas County Victims Can Too

Hazing cases across America have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that hazing victims can win β€” and that juries will hold institutions accountable.

Lucas County Families: These Results Are Possible for Iowa Victims Too

Stone Foltz β€” Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

πŸ’° Total: $10.1 Million+

  • Bowling Green State University: $2.9 million
  • Pi Kappa Alpha National + Individuals: $7.2 million
  • Largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history

What happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. He died from alcohol poisoning.

Why it matters for Lucas County: This case shows that $10 million settlements are possible β€” and that both universities and fraternities pay substantial amounts.

Maxwell Gruver β€” Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

πŸ’° Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What happened: Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a pledge event called “Bible Study.” He died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 β€” 6x legal limit).

Why it matters for Lucas County: This case shows that juries award millions in hazing cases. The verdict led to the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Timothy Piazza β€” Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

πŸ’° Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

What happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during “the gauntlet.” He fell down basement stairs repeatedly. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from traumatic brain injury.

Why it matters for Lucas County: This case shows the highest potential damages when evidence is strong. The case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Andrew Coffey β€” Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

⚠️ Same Fraternity as Our Current Case

What happened: Andrew Coffey was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during “Big Brother Night.” He died from acute alcohol poisoning.

Why it matters for Lucas County: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. This proves the national organization knew about the risks and failed to prevent them.

Why These Precedents Matter for Lucas County Victims

  1. Hazing cases win millions β€” Juries and institutions take these cases seriously
  2. Universities are liable β€” They have the power to stop hazing and the duty to protect students
  3. National fraternities are liable β€” They have deep pockets and insurance coverage
  4. Individuals are liable β€” Chapter officers and members can be sued personally
  5. Evidence matters β€” The stronger the evidence, the higher the potential recovery
  6. Pattern evidence strengthens cases β€” Prior incidents at the same chapter or fraternity increase liability

Lucas County families: If your child has been hazed, you have the right to seek justice. These cases prove it’s possible β€” and we know how to build them.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why It Matters for Lucas County

Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston β€” $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

This case is happening RIGHT NOW β€” and it’s a warning to every fraternity and university near Lucas County.

What happened:
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, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The hazing activities included:

  • 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting β€” then forced to continue exercising
  • Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
  • A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout β€” other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered

The result:

  • Bermudez could not stand without help
  • He crawled up the stairs when he got home
  • His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025
  • He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
  • He spent three nights and four days hospitalized

The institutional response:

  • Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter immediately β€” 7 days before the lawsuit was filed
  • The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
  • Both institutions admitted they knew about the risks

The lawsuit:

  • Filed November 21, 2025
  • $10 million in damages sought
  • Defendants include: Pi Kappa Phi National, the local chapter, the housing corporation, the University of Houston, individual members, and a former member and his spouse

Why This Case Matters for Lucas County

  1. Pi Kappa Phi operates near Lucas County β€” The same national fraternity has chapters at Iowa universities. If they’re waterboarding students in Texas, they could be doing the same in Iowa.

  2. The same “traditions” exist everywhere β€” Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme exercise, paddling β€” these aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a culture that exists at fraternities near Lucas County.

  3. Universities near Lucas County face the same liability β€” The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Iowa universities have the same power to regulate Greek life β€” and the same duty to protect students.

  4. This case proves hazing victims can win β€” We’re fighting this battle right now. The same legal strategies we’re using in Texas apply to Lucas County cases.

  5. $10 million sends a message β€” This is what it costs to torture our children. Lucas County families can send the same message to Iowa fraternities.

  6. The time to act is now β€” Leonel Bermudez acted immediately. He was hospitalized November 6, and we filed the lawsuit within weeks. Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lucas County

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Lucas County Families

If your child has been hazed in Lucas County, follow these steps immediately:

Step Action Why It Matters
1 Ensure your child’s safety Remove them from dangerous situations immediately
2 Call 911 if there’s a medical emergency Medical emergencies take priority over everything
3 Seek medical attention Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms.
4 Preserve all evidence Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts, witness names
5 Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university alone They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability
6 Do NOT post on social media Anything you post can be used against you
7 Do NOT delete anything Deleting evidence can be considered obstruction
8 Contact an attorney immediately Free consultations available β€” know your rights before making decisions
9 Report to authorities Consider filing a police report and/or Title IX report
10 Follow your attorney’s advice We’ll guide you through every step of the process

Evidence Preservation Checklist for Lucas County Families

Preserve everything. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.

Evidence Type What to Save
Medical Records Hospital records, ER visits, doctor notes, therapy records
Photos/Videos Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing activities, locations
Communications Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
Witness Information Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders
Documents Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
Financial Records Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid
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
  • Post about the incident on social media
  • Give statements to university administration alone

πŸ’° What Lucas County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages: The Financial Costs of Hazing

Damage Type Description Example for Lucas County Victims
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, therapy $50,000 – $500,000+ for hospitalization, rehab, mental health
Future Medical Expenses Ongoing treatment, specialists, potential surgeries $100,000 – $1,000,000+ for long-term kidney monitoring, dialysis, transplant
Lost Wages Time missed from work during recovery $10,000 – $100,000
Lost Earning Capacity Permanent injuries affecting future career $100,000 – $1,000,000+
Educational Damages Disruption to education, lost scholarships $20,000 – $200,000
Out-of-Pocket Expenses Travel for treatment, medical equipment $5,000 – $50,000

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and Suffering

Damage Type Description Example for Lucas County Victims
Physical Pain and Suffering Pain from injuries and treatment $100,000 – $2,000,000
Mental Anguish Fear, anxiety, depression from hazing $200,000 – $3,000,000
Emotional Distress Humiliation, shame, loss of trust $100,000 – $2,000,000
Loss of Enjoyment of Life Inability to participate in normal activities $200,000 – $3,000,000
Disfigurement Permanent scars from burns, branding, injuries $100,000 – $1,000,000

Punitive Damages: Punishing Egregious Conduct

Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is especially outrageous. They’re meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Hazing often qualifies for punitive damages because it involves:

  • Intentional harm (waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise)
  • Reckless disregard for safety (continuing hazing after someone collapses)
  • Pattern of abuse (prior incidents at the same chapter)
  • Institutional failure (universities and nationals knowing about problems and doing nothing)

Punitive damages can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Total Potential Recovery for Lucas County Victims

Case Type Potential Recovery Range
Minor physical injuries $50,000 – $200,000
Moderate injuries (hospitalization, therapy) $200,000 – $1,000,000
Severe injuries (permanent damage, long-term treatment) $1,000,000 – $5,000,000
Wrongful death $5,000,000 – $20,000,000+
Egregious conduct with pattern evidence $5,000,000 – $10,000,000+

Lucas County families: These numbers aren’t hypothetical. These are real recoveries that hazing victims have received across America. Your child deserves the same justice.

πŸ›οΈ Who We Sue: Holding the Right People Accountable in Lucas County

When your child is hazed in Lucas County, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue every liable entity to maximize your recovery.

1. The Local Chapter

Why they’re liable:

  • Directly organized and conducted hazing activities
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) directed the abuse
  • Members participated and failed to stop it

What we pursue:

  • Chapter assets
  • Chapter insurance policies
  • Personal assets of officers and members

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

Why they’re liable:

  • Failed to supervise local chapter
  • Knew or should have known about hazing risks
  • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
  • Have deep pockets and insurance coverage

What we pursue:

  • National organization’s assets
  • National organization’s insurance policies
  • Pattern evidence from other chapters

3. The University

Why they’re liable:

  • Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority
  • May own or control property where hazing occurred
  • Failed to monitor Greek life activities
  • Knew or should have known about hazing risks

What we pursue:

  • University’s institutional insurance
  • University’s endowment and assets
  • Premises liability for university-owned properties

4. Individual Perpetrators

Why they’re liable:

  • Directly participated in hazing
  • Directed or encouraged hazing
  • Failed to stop hazing despite knowing about it
  • Can be sued personally

What we pursue:

  • Personal assets
  • Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance policies
  • Professional consequences (expulsion, criminal charges)

5. Insurance Companies

Why they’re liable:

  • Provide coverage for institutional liability
  • Often have multi-million dollar policies

What we pursue:

  • Liability insurance policies
  • Umbrella/excess policies
  • Policy limits

⏳ The Clock Is Ticking: Statute of Limitations for Lucas County Hazing Cases

Iowa has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue β€” forever.

Iowa Statute of Limitations

Claim Type Deadline
Personal Injury 2 years from date of injury
Wrongful Death 2 years from date of death
Minors 1 year after turning 18 (but no later than 2 years from injury)

Lucas County families: DO NOT WAIT.

  • Evidence disappears
  • Witnesses forget
  • Organizations destroy records
  • Your rights expire

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately β€” hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.

🎯 Why Lucas County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

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. We know how to win. Lucas County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of How the Other Side Thinks

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe PeΓ±a are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how insurance companies and fraternities try to deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook β€” and now we use that knowledge against them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas β€” and we can pursue Lucas County cases in federal court when appropriate. This gives us strategic advantages against national fraternities.

4. We Have Dual-State Bar Admission

We’re licensed in Texas AND New York. This is a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities that are often headquartered in New York.

5. We Will Travel to Lucas County

We come to you. For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys travel to Lucas County as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. We Offer Remote Consultations

Lucas County families can meet with us via video chat. We make it easy to get the legal help you need, no matter where you are.

7. We Work on Contingency β€” $0 Upfront for Lucas County Families

We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer. We take hazing cases on contingency β€” you don’t pay us unless and until you get paid.

Contingency Fee for Lucas County Hazing Victims:

  • $0 upfront
  • We don’t get paid unless we win your case
  • We advance all case expenses
  • If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Fighting Institutions

We’ve taken on:

  • BP in the Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
  • National fraternities in hazing cases
  • Universities in institutional negligence cases
  • Insurance companies in bad faith claims

We know how to fight powerful defendants β€” and we know how to win.

9. We Have Specific Hazing Experience

Ralph Manginello has direct experience with:

  • Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
  • Texas A&M University hazing cases
  • Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
  • University accountability claims

We know the culture. We know the dynamics. We know how to build these cases.

10. We Understand the Pressures Students Face

Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach. He understands team culture, locker room dynamics, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We know how to connect with juries and tell your child’s story.

11. We Have Media Experience

We know how to handle media attention while protecting our clients. We’ve been featured on:

  • ABC13 Houston
  • KHOU 11
  • Houston Chronicle
  • Houston Public Media

We use media strategically to put pressure on defendants and protect our clients.

12. We Care About Lucas County Families

We see your child as a person β€” not a paycheck. We understand the pain, the anger, and the fear you’re feeling. We’re here to fight for Lucas County families because we truly care.

πŸ“ž Lucas County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Lucas County, you have legal rights. You have the power to fight back. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Lucas County hazing emergencies

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

  1. We listen to your story β€” We want to hear what happened to your child
  2. We evaluate your case β€” We assess the strength of your legal claims
  3. We explain your rights β€” We help you understand your legal options
  4. We answer your questions β€” No question is too small
  5. We discuss next steps β€” We outline the process and timeline
  6. We explain our contingency fee β€” $0 upfront, we don’t get paid unless you do
  7. We offer support β€” We’re here to help you through this difficult time

Frequently Asked Questions from Lucas County Families

Q: My child doesn’t want to sue. Do we have to?

A: No. We only proceed with cases where the victim and family want to move forward. Our goal is to support you, not pressure you. However, we encourage you to at least consult with us so you understand your rights. Many victims change their minds once they realize the fraternity will face no consequences without legal action.

Q: Will suing affect my child’s academic standing?

A: No. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. We protect our clients from any form of retaliation. In fact, holding the university accountable may help prevent future hazing incidents and improve campus safety.

Q: The fraternity says this was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. Iowa law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, that doesn’t make the conduct legal or acceptable. “Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse.

Q: We’re worried about social retaliation. What can we do?

A: We understand the fear of social retaliation. Many hazing victims are afraid to speak up because they worry about being ostracized. We can help protect your child’s identity during the legal process and work to minimize social consequences. In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” β€” we take these concerns seriously.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency β€” we don’t get paid unless you get paid. There are no hourly fees, no retainers. We advance all case expenses, and our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict at the end.

Q: Can you help if the hazing happened at a university outside Lucas County?

A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and can pursue cases anywhere in America. We’ve represented clients from coast to coast.

Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late?

A: Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If the hazing happened within the last two years, you may still have time to file a lawsuit. However, the sooner you act, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Contact us immediately to discuss your timeline.

Q: My child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured. Do we have a case?

A: Yes. Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injuries. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all compensable. In fact, some of the most serious hazing cases involve psychological abuse. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Q: We’re not sure if what happened qualifies as hazing. How do we know?

A: Iowa law defines hazing broadly. If your child was subjected to activities that:

  • Were part of joining or maintaining membership in an organization
  • Created a risk of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation
  • Were humiliating, degrading, or dangerous

…then it likely qualifies as hazing. Contact us for a free evaluation. We’ll help you understand if you have a case.

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 immediately after an incident, hoping victims will accept before they know the full extent of their injuries or their legal rights. These early offers are almost always too low. We can negotiate on your behalf and ensure you receive fair compensation.

🎯 Our Message to Lucas County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Lucas County:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

If you haze students in Lucas County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your national organization, your housing corporation, your alumni, and your individual members. We will pursue every insurance policy that covers you.

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Iowa.

🎯 Our Message to Lucas County Universities: You Are Responsible

To the universities near Lucas County:

You have a duty to protect your students. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You own the properties where hazing occurs. You know the risks.

When you fail to act, you become liable.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where waterboarding occurred. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to stop it β€” and they didn’t.

That’s institutional negligence. And it will cost you.

🎯 Our Message to Lucas County Parents: You Are Not Alone

To the parents of Lucas County:

We know what you’re feeling. The anger. The betrayal. The fear for your child’s future.

You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted these institutions. That trust was broken.

We are here to help you turn that pain into justice.

We will fight for your child. We will hold these organizations accountable. We will make sure this never happens to another Lucas County family.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here for you.

πŸ† Our Promise to Lucas County Hazing Victims

  1. We will listen β€” We will hear your story and validate your experience.
  2. We will fight β€” We will pursue every liable party with relentless determination.
  3. We will protect you β€” We will shield you from retaliation and intimidation.
  4. We will seek justice β€” We will demand accountability and compensation.
  5. We will honor your child β€” We will ensure their suffering leads to change.

πŸ“ž Lucas County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Lucas County hazing emergencies

We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront for Lucas County families. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

Serving Lucas County and nationwide.

Together, we can stop hazing in Lucas County.

Together, we can protect the next student.

Together, we can hold them accountable.

Call now.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911