Hazing Lawyers in Marshall County, IL – Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

Hazing in Marshall County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Marshall County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume Greek organizations will uphold basic standards of decency. But too often, that trust is shattered by hazing – a dangerous tradition that has sent students to hospitals, left families devastated, and even claimed lives.

What happened at the University of Houston could happen right here in Marshall County. A student was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. Struck with wooden paddles. Made to eat until he vomited. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure – all because a fraternity thought torture was an acceptable way to build “brotherhood.”

This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening in Illinois. This could be happening to students from Marshall County right now.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle in court right now. We’re representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. And we’re ready to fight for Marshall County families too.

Why Marshall County Families Need Legal Protection Against Hazing

1. Hazing Happens at Illinois Colleges Near Marshall County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide – including in Illinois. The same fraternities and sororities that operate at the University of Houston have chapters at Illinois universities near Marshall County.

Universities near Marshall County with active Greek life include:

• Bradley University (Peoria, IL) – Approximately 30 miles from Marshall County
• Illinois State University (Normal, IL) – Approximately 40 miles away
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Approximately 100 miles away
• Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL) – Approximately 70 miles away

The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston case have active chapters at these Illinois schools:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• And many others

If your child attends or plans to attend college near Marshall County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

2. Illinois Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws – But Enforcement is Weak

Illinois has taken steps to combat hazing, but the problem persists because universities and Greek organizations continue to prioritize reputation over student safety.

Illinois Anti-Hazing Law (720 ILCS 5/12C-50):

• Makes hazing a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine)
• If hazing results in death or great bodily harm, it becomes a Class 4 felony (1-3 years in prison)
• Consent is not a defense – even if a student “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal

Despite these laws, hazing continues because:

• Universities often handle incidents internally to avoid bad publicity
• Greek organizations pressure victims to stay silent
• Students fear social retaliation if they speak out
• Criminal prosecutions are rare, leaving civil lawsuits as the only path to accountability

Marshall County families deserve better. When universities and fraternities fail to protect students, the legal system must step in.

3. The Consequences of Hazing Are Life-Altering

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse that can cause:

Physical injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – like our client in Houston
• Broken bones from beatings or falls
• Burns from branding or hot objects
• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Hypothermia or heatstroke from exposure
• Internal injuries from forced consumption

Psychological trauma:

• PTSD from waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Anxiety and depression
• Trust issues and social isolation
• Suicidal ideation
• Long-term therapy needs

Academic and professional consequences:

• Missed classes and falling behind
• Withdrawing from school
• Damaged reputation
• Lost scholarships
• Delayed graduation

Financial burdens:

• Medical bills for hospitalization and treatment
• Lost wages from missed work
• Future medical expenses for long-term conditions

In the worst cases, hazing kills. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. Illinois has seen its share of tragedies.

The Hazing Case That Shows What Marshall County Families Are Up Against

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – The Fight We’re Waging Right Now

What happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective student not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse:

• Waterboarded 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
• Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Threatened with expulsion if he stopped
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout

On November 3, 2025, after being punished with extreme exercise, Bermudez became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. 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.

The response:

• Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter – but only after Bermudez was hospitalized
• The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
• No one took responsibility – until we filed a $10 million lawsuit

Why this matters to Marshall County families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide – including near Marshall County
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Illinois fraternities
• Universities near Marshall County face the same failures as UH
• This could happen to your child – and we’re ready to fight for you

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Marshall County?

When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it can be held accountable:

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The housing corporation
• The University of Houston
• The UH Board of Regents
• The fraternity president and pledgemaster
• Current and former members
• A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

The same legal strategy applies to Marshall County cases.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Marshall County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, internal bleeding)
• Even if your child “feels fine,” get them checked – some injuries (like kidney damage) have delayed symptoms
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Save everything related to the hazing:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Screenshots of all communications
• Photos/videos – Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house, anything relevant
• Social media posts – Anything about pledge activities or hazing
• Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
• Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

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 administrators alone

Step 3: Report the Incident

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Illinois
• Report to the university – But don’t do this alone; have an attorney present
• Report to the national organization – But expect them to protect their reputation, not your child

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer

Do NOT try to handle this alone. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need someone on your side who knows how to fight them.

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

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Marshall County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability – and we know how to counter them.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they:

• Try to minimize injuries
• Shift blame onto the victim
• Delay claims to wear victims down
• Offer lowball settlements

We’ve seen their playbook. Now we use it against them.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Marshall County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Illinois. We can help Marshall County families through:

• Federal court authority – We’re admitted to U.S. District Court
• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
• Travel commitment – We come to Marshall County for depositions and trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

We treat our clients like family. We know what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the frustration. We fight hard because we care deeply about ending hazing culture.

From our client testimonials:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” – Chad Harris

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way.” – Kiwi Potato

5. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that cost can be a barrier to seeking justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Contingency fee for Marshall County families:

• $0 upfront
• We cover all case expenses
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

What Marshall County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can recover millions:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million jury verdict – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is supported by these precedents.

Common Defenses Used Against Hazing Victims – And How We Defeat Them

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Their argument: “He knew what he was getting into. He agreed to join. He could have left at any time.”

Our response:

• Illinois law says consent is not a defense (720 ILCS 5/12C-50)
• Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent – Students fear social exclusion, retaliation, or losing their fraternity/sorority membership
• Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to – Hazing is hidden until it happens

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”

Their argument: “This is how we’ve always done it. It’s part of our culture.”

Our response:

• “Tradition” doesn’t make it legal – Assault is assault, regardless of tradition
• Universities and national organizations have policies against hazing – They’re not following their own rules
• Juries don’t care about “tradition” – They care about right and wrong

Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”

Their argument: “The university had no way of knowing this was happening.”

Our response:

• Universities have a duty to protect students – They can’t claim ignorance when they have oversight responsibility
• Many universities own fraternity houses – They’re landlords with a duty to inspect and maintain safe premises
• Prior incidents show they knew – In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017

Defense 4: “It Was Just a Prank”

Their argument: “It wasn’t serious. It was just a prank gone wrong.”

Our response:

• Waterboarding is not a prank – It’s torture
• 500 squats causing kidney failure is not a prank – It’s reckless endangerment
• Hog-tying a pledge with an object in his mouth is not a prank – It’s assault
• Juries understand the difference between pranks and abuse

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Illinois. Here’s how we serve Marshall County families:

1. Video Consultations

• Meet with our attorneys remotely via Zoom or phone
• No need to travel to Texas
• Free, confidential case evaluation

2. Travel to Marshall County

• We come to Marshall County for:
  • Client meetings
  • Depositions
  • Court appearances
  • Trials

3. Federal Court Authority

• We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• This allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

• Ralph Manginello: Texas and New York
• Lupe Pena: Texas
• Strategic advantage for cases involving out-of-state defendants

5. 24/7 Availability

• Hazing incidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule
• Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

The Time to Act Is Now – Illinois Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. This means:

• If your child was hazed, you have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit
• If hazing resulted in death, you have 2 years from the date of death
• If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Fraternities Near Marshall County: We’re Watching You

To fraternities and sororities operating near Marshall 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, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Marshall County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

Every national fraternity with chapters near Marshall County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.

Universities in Marshall County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Marshall County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

Marshall County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed, you’re likely feeling:

• Angry – That this was allowed to happen
• Helpless – That powerful institutions are working against you
• Afraid – Of retaliation or social consequences
• Overwhelmed – By medical bills and legal complexities

You don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney 911, we fight for families like yours every day. We know how to hold fraternities and universities accountable. We know how to build strong cases that win.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. There’s no risk to you – only the promise of justice.

Together, We Can End Hazing in Marshall County

Hazing thrives in secrecy. It continues because victims are afraid to speak out. It persists because universities and fraternities prioritize reputation over safety.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Every time a family stands up, they make it harder for hazing to continue. Every lawsuit sends a message. Every verdict changes the culture.

If you’re ready to fight for your child, we’re ready to fight with you.

Call Attorney 911 today. The next hazing victim in Marshall County could be someone you love – but it doesn’t have to be.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com