Hazing Lawyers in Marion County, Illinois | Attorney 911
Holding Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Accountable for Hazing in Marion County
If your child was hazed in Marion County, Illinois — we will fight for you.
At Attorney 911, we are currently 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 Marion County. The same hazing culture exists in Illinois. And we will bring the same aggressive legal representation to Marion County families.
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Marion County, Illinois. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
The Hazing Crisis in Marion County, Illinois
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states — it happens right here in Illinois. Fraternities and sororities at colleges and universities near Marion County engage in dangerous hazing rituals that put students at risk of serious injury or death.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have active chapters at Illinois institutions near Marion County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in the Marion County area, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Hazing in Illinois — The Reality
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
- 95% of hazing victims don’t report it due to fear of retaliation
- Illinois has strong anti-hazing laws, but enforcement is often lacking
Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations at Illinois colleges and universities near Marion County.
What Is Hazing? Illinois Law Explained
Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/12C-50), hazing is defined as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.”
This includes:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances (e.g., eating until vomiting) |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands |
In Illinois, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
The Hazing Case That Shows Marion County Families Why We Fight
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — The $10 Million Fight
This case is happening right now. We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston.
What happened to our client can — and does — happen in Illinois.
The Hazing Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi as a “ghost rush” — not yet enrolled at UH |
| September – November 2025 | Weeks of systematic hazing, including waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment |
| October 13, 2025 | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour |
| October 15, 2025 | A pledge loses consciousness during a forced workout — other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered |
| November 3, 2025 | Bermudez punished with 100+ pushups, 500 squats, and other exercises until he collapsed |
| November 4-5, 2025 | Bermudez becomes increasingly unable to move; condition worsens |
| November 6, 2025 | Mother rushes Bermudez to hospital — he is passing brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown) |
| November 6-10, 2025 | Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure |
| November 14, 2025 | Pi Kappa Phi closes the UH chapter |
| November 21, 2025 | $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED — ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle cover the story |
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client
Physical Abuse:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to perform 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
- Two-mile warmups before main workouts
- Repeated 100-yard crawls
Forced Consumption:
- Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns consumed until vomiting
- Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
Psychological Abuse:
- Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour (another pledge)
- Forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather
- Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion for non-compliance
Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion:
- Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion
- Late-night hazing sessions
Marion County Families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “building brotherhood.” This is torture. This is abuse. This is illegal.
Why This Case Matters to Marion County, Illinois
1. The Same Fraternities Operate in Illinois
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Illinois. The fraternity that waterboarded our client and forced him to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed has active chapters at universities near Marion County.
Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also have chapters in Illinois:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
If it happened at UH, it can happen — and likely is happening — at Illinois universities near Marion County.
2. Universities Near Marion County Are Just as Complicit
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was hazed. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the fraternity — but they didn’t.
Universities near Marion County have the same responsibility to protect students. When they own or control fraternity houses, when they recognize Greek organizations, when they collect fees — they have a legal duty to ensure student safety.
If they fail to act on reports of hazing, if they ignore prior incidents, if they turn a blind eye to dangerous “traditions” — they are legally liable.
3. Illinois Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws — But Victims Need Help Enforcing Them
Illinois has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country. Under 720 ILCS 5/12C-50, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) — and if it causes great bodily harm or death, it becomes a Class 4 felony (1-3 years in prison).
However, criminal prosecution is rare, and even when charges are filed, they often result in minimal penalties. That’s why civil lawsuits are so important — they hold institutions accountable, compensate victims, and create real change.
Marion County families: If your child was hazed, you have legal rights. You can sue for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
4. $10 Million Sends a Message — And Marion County Victims Deserve the Same Justice
We are seeking $10 million in damages for our client. This is not an arbitrary number — it’s based on precedent.
Hazing cases with similar facts have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
Marion County families: These results are possible for Illinois hazing victims too. The same legal strategies apply. The same damages are available.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Marion County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can — and should — be held accountable.
1. The Local Chapter
The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities is primarily liable.
In our case:
- The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH
- The chapter president and pledgemaster
- Individual members who participated
2. The National Organization
National fraternities and sororities have substantial resources and insurance policies. They are liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Ignoring prior hazing incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017)
In our case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
- The national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
3. The University
Universities can be held liable for:
- Premises liability — if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Negligent supervision — if they failed to monitor Greek life
- Institutional negligence — if they knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
In our case:
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha) and did nothing to prevent future incidents
Universities near Marion County face the same liability.
4. Individual Perpetrators
Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be personally liable.
In our case:
- The fraternity president
- The pledgemaster
- Current and former members
- The spouse of a former member who allowed hazing at their home
These individuals can be sued personally, and their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may provide coverage.
5. Housing Corporations
Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own the chapter house. These entities can be sued for premises liability and negligent supervision.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Marion County
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Marion County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) may not appear right away
- Medical records are critical evidence in any legal case
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — any communications about hazing
- Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity/sorority events
- Social media posts — from the organization or members
- Pledge manuals, schedules, or documents given to your child
- Names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
Do not:
- Delete messages or posts
- Confront the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- 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 and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. They are not on your side.
- They will try to get your child to give a statement
- They will twist their words to make it seem like they “consented”
- They will offer a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of damages
Let your attorney handle all communication.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better. We can:
- Send preservation letters to demand evidence isn’t destroyed
- Begin gathering evidence before it disappears
- Advise you on what to say — and what not to say
- Start building your legal case immediately
Marion County families: We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Step 5: Report the Hazing to Authorities
Consider filing:
- A police report — hazing is a crime in Illinois
- A Title IX complaint — if the hazing involved sexual harassment or gender-based violence
- A report to the university — though be cautious, as universities often protect themselves first
We can help you navigate these reports safely.
Damages Available for Marion County Hazing Victims
If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — if your child missed work due to injuries
- Educational expenses — tuition for missed classes, lost scholarships
- Future earning capacity — if injuries affect career options
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.
- Mental anguish — trauma from waterboarding, paddling, forced activities
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation
- Humiliation and embarrassment — from forced nudity, degradation rituals
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious misconduct, juries can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
Examples of conduct that may support punitive damages:
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Forced consumption until vomiting
- Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.)
- Sexual assault or humiliation
- Cover-up attempts by the organization
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Marion County Hazing Case
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight.
Marion County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. 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 exactly how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Marion County, Illinois
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Marion County.
How we serve Illinois families:
- Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — we come to Marion County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience against major corporations
- Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts and settlements
- Federal court experience — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Criminal defense experience — understanding parallel criminal investigations
5. We Understand the Culture
Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands:
- Team dynamics
- Peer pressure
- The power imbalance between pledges and members
- How “tradition” is used to justify abuse
We know this isn’t “boys being boys.” This is abuse. And we know how to stop it.
6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.
7. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront
We understand that Marion County families may be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How it works:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- We front all costs of litigation
- We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
- You keep the majority of the settlement or verdict
Common Hazing Injuries in Illinois
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common hazing injuries we see include:
| Injury | Description | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure | Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking leading to coma or death | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or paddling | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse | Chronic pain, limited mobility |
| Internal Injuries | Lacerated spleen, internal bleeding | Emergency surgery, organ damage |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | From exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ damage, death |
| Compartment Syndrome | Swelling from extreme exercise | Nerve damage, amputation |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Long-term therapy, medication, suicide risk |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Physical and psychological | Long-term trauma, trust issues |
Marion County families: If your child has suffered any of these injuries due to hazing, you have legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Illinois
Q: My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Under Illinois law, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity/sorority says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. No amount of tradition makes hazing legal or acceptable.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Will the fraternity target our child if we sue?
A: We take retaliation very seriously. We can:
- File restraining orders if necessary
- Include anti-retaliation provisions in settlement agreements
- Pursue additional damages if retaliation occurs
- Protect your child’s identity to the extent possible
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 2 years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions, so contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:
- Own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Have prior knowledge of hazing at their institution
- Fail to implement reasonable oversight of Greek life
They can be held liable even if they claim ignorance.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the organization is recognized by the university, or if members are acting in their official capacity, liability still applies.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: YES. National organizations can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Ignoring prior hazing incidents
- Allowing a culture of abuse to continue
In our case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for exactly these reasons.
Q: What if my child was hazed but wasn’t seriously injured?
A: Even if the physical injuries are minor, hazing can cause severe psychological harm. You may still have a case for:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Humiliation
- PTSD
Contact us for a free evaluation.
Q: How much is our case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases with serious injuries or egregious conduct often result in multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements.
Factors that increase case value:
- Severe physical injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, sexual assault)
- Pattern of hazing at the same chapter or university
- Institutional knowledge and failure to act
- Cover-up attempts
We will evaluate your case and provide an honest assessment of its value.
Q: We’re not in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Marion County, Illinois.
We can:
- Evaluate your case remotely
- Travel to Illinois for depositions and trials
- Work with local counsel if needed
- Pursue your case in federal court
Universities Near Marion County With Greek Life
The following universities and colleges near Marion County have active Greek life organizations. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate at these Illinois institutions.
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, IL (~50 miles from Marion County) | Active fraternities and sororities |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL (~80 miles) | Active Greek life |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL (~150 miles) | Large Greek system |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL (~180 miles) | Active fraternities and sororities |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL (~250 miles) | Greek organizations |
| Bradley University | Peoria, IL (~180 miles) | Greek life |
| Western Illinois University | Macomb, IL (~180 miles) | Fraternities and sororities |
| Lindenwood University-Belleville | Belleville, IL (~120 miles) | Greek organizations |
Marion County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in our current case.
How to Spot Hazing at Illinois Universities
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing include:
Behavioral Changes
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Avoiding questions about the organization
- Increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fear of certain people or places
Physical Signs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Bruises, cuts, or burns
- Signs of dehydration or malnutrition
Organizational Red Flags
- Being required to carry specific items (e.g., fanny packs, paddles)
- Being forced to wear unusual or degrading clothing
- Being subjected to late-night or early-morning activities
- Being required to perform personal services for members
- Being subjected to verbal abuse or humiliation
- Being forced to consume food, alcohol, or other substances
- Being required to perform excessive physical exercise
If you notice these signs, talk to your child — and contact us immediately.
Marion County Hazing Resources
Illinois Anti-Hazing Organizations
- HazingPrevention.Org — National organization with Illinois resources
- StopHazing — Research and prevention
- Clery Center — Campus safety advocacy
Illinois Hazing Laws
- 720 ILCS 5/12C-50 — Illinois Anti-Hazing Act
- 110 ILCS 1020/5-25 — Illinois College Campus Security Act (requires hazing reporting)
Illinois Colleges with Hazing Policies
Most Illinois universities have anti-hazing policies. However, enforcement is often lacking. Some policies include:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Anti-Hazing Policy
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale — Hazing Prevention
- Eastern Illinois University — Student Conduct Code
Support for Hazing Victims
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) — 800-656-HOPE (for sexual assault)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988 (for mental health crises)
- The Jed Foundation — Mental health support for college students
Contact Attorney 911 — Marion County Hazing Lawyers
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Marion County, Illinois — we can help.
Free Consultation — Available 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
How We Help Marion County Families:
✅ Free case evaluation — We’ll review your situation at no cost
✅ Immediate action — Preserve evidence, protect your child
✅ Aggressive representation — We don’t back down from fraternities or universities
✅ Nationwide reach — We serve Illinois families from our Texas offices
✅ Contingency fee — You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Bilingual services — Se habla español
What to Expect When You Call:
- Initial consultation — We listen to your story
- Case evaluation — We assess the strength of your claim
- Legal strategy — We outline your options
- Next steps — We begin building your case immediately
Marion County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, and statutes of limitations expire. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
To the Fraternities and Sororities Near Marion County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Marion County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We have proven these cases can be won.
If you haze students in Illinois, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your nationals, your university, and every individual involved.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
To the Universities Near Marion County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You own the fraternity houses. You recognize the organizations. You collect the fees. You have the power to regulate.
If you fail to protect students from hazing, you will be held accountable.
Act now — or face the same accountability.
To the Parents of Marion County:
Your child trusted these organizations.
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the sorority. They trusted the university.
That trust was betrayed.
We understand the pain, the anger, the helplessness you’re feeling. We’re here to turn that pain into accountability and justice.
Call us. We will fight for your family.
Enough Is Enough.
Marion County families: 1-888-ATTY-911
Justice for hazing victims starts here.
