🚨 Hazing Victims in Multnomah County: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Multnomah County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. And Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — with a $10 million hazing lawsuit that proves these cases can win.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Oregon and Beyond
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in too many cases, it’s deadly.
Right now, we’re representing a young man in Texas who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles during fraternity hazing. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure — all because he wanted to join a brotherhood.
This same hazing happens at universities near Multnomah County.
The same national fraternities operate in Oregon. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Multnomah County-area institutions. The same negligence that allowed this to happen in Texas exists at universities near you.
Multnomah County families: Your children are at risk. And if it happens to your child, we will fight for you.
📍 Hazing in Oregon: What Multnomah County Families Need to Know
🏛️ Universities Near Multnomah County with Greek Life
While we don’t have specific reports of hazing incidents at every institution, these universities in and near Multnomah County have active Greek organizations — and where there’s Greek life, there’s risk of hazing:
- Portland State University (PSU) — Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including chapters of national organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others.
- University of Portland — Private Catholic university with Greek life presence.
- Lewis & Clark College — Smaller liberal arts college with Greek organizations.
- Reed College — While officially Greek-free, unofficial groups may form.
- Nearby institutions (within driving distance):
- Oregon State University (Corvallis) — Major Greek system with over 40 fraternities and sororities.
- University of Oregon (Eugene) — One of the largest Greek communities in the Pacific Northwest.
- Willamette University (Salem) — Smaller but active Greek life.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi — have active chapters at universities near Multnomah County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in the Portland metro area, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.
🚨 What Hazing Looks Like — Real Examples from Our Case
Our current client was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that included:
| Activity | What Happened | Medical Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics | Psychological trauma, fear of drowning |
| Forced Exercise | 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck repeatedly with wooden paddles | Bruising, pain, potential internal injury |
| Forced Eating | Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting | Vomiting, dehydration, lying in vomit-soaked grass |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours | Exhaustion, impaired judgment |
| Psychological Abuse | Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times; threats of expulsion | Shame, humiliation, PTSD |
| Another Pledge Collapsed | On October 15, another pledge lost consciousness during workout | Shows systematic danger |
This is not tradition. This is torture.
And it’s happening at universities near Multnomah County.
💔 The Psychological Impact on Multnomah County Victims
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It leaves deep psychological scars:
- PTSD — Reliving traumatic events, nightmares, flashbacks
- Anxiety and Depression — Fear of social situations, loss of trust, hopelessness
- Academic Decline — Inability to focus, missed classes, failing grades
- Social Withdrawal — Avoiding friends, isolating from peers
- Fear of Retaliation — Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — this fear is real and common among hazing victims
- Loss of Trust — Betrayal by peers and institutions they trusted
- Suicidal Ideation — Hazing victims are at increased risk for suicide
These psychological injuries can last a lifetime. And they are just as real — and just as compensable — as physical injuries.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights: Oregon Law and Beyond
📜 Oregon Hazing Law (ORS 163.197)
Oregon has a criminal hazing law that makes hazing a Class A misdemeanor — punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $6,250 fine.
Definition of Hazing in Oregon:
“Any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a post-secondary institution.”
Key Points for Multnomah County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter.
- Universities can be held accountable — If an institution knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they may be liable.
- Criminal AND civil liability — The same conduct can lead to criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
🏛️ Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Multnomah County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
| Legal Theory | What It Means | Application to Hazing |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | Failure to act with reasonable care | Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm |
| Premises Liability | Property owner responsibility | If hazing occurs in a fraternity house owned or controlled by the university, the university may be liable |
| Negligent Supervision | Failure to properly oversee | National fraternities and universities have a duty to supervise Greek organizations |
| Assault and Battery | Intentional harmful contact | Physical abuse like paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Extreme and outrageous conduct causing severe distress | Psychological abuse, humiliation, threats |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing causes death | Families can sue for loss of their loved one |
💰 What Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Our current case seeks $10 million — and precedent cases show this is realistic:
| 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 |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
These same results are possible for Multnomah County victims.
What you can recover:
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work or internships
- Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages — To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
- Future medical costs — If injuries cause long-term health issues
- Academic losses — Tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation
🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Multnomah County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility:
| 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 | Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise |
| University | Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred; failed to protect students |
| Housing Corporation | Owned fraternity property; failed to prevent hazing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- Individual members
- The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- UH Board of Regents
The same defendants exist for Multnomah County cases.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Multnomah County
🚨 Immediate Steps:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos: Take pictures of injuries at all stages of healing
- Screenshots: Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts about hazing
- Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
- Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, any written materials
- Clothing: Do not wash clothes worn during hazing (may contain evidence)
-
Report the Hazing
- To the University: File a report with the Greek Life office or Dean of Students
- To Law Enforcement: Consider filing a police report (hazing is a crime in Oregon)
- To the National Organization: Report to the fraternity/sorority national headquarters
-
Do NOT Sign Anything
- The fraternity, university, or their lawyers may try to get you to sign documents
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Avoid discussing the incident online
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for hazing victims
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
📅 Why Time is Critical
Oregon has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
But you should not wait.
- Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, security footage gets erased
- Organizations cover their tracks — They may destroy records or coordinate stories
- Your rights expire — If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever
Act now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
🏆 Why Multnomah County Families Choose Attorney 911
✅ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to hold institutions accountable.
✅ Nationwide Reach — We Serve Multnomah County
We’re based in Texas, but hazing happens everywhere — including near Multnomah County. We represent victims nationwide through:
- Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — Multnomah County families can meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — We come to Multnomah County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — used to work for insurance companies defending against injury claims. We know exactly how they think. We know their tactics. We know how to dismantle their defenses.
This is an unfair advantage for our clients.
✅ Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have a history of winning big for our clients:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations
- Wrongful death cases — Representing families who lost loved ones
- Catastrophic injury cases — Securing compensation for life-altering injuries
- Hazing-specific experience — Ralph Manginello has represented victims in rhabdomyolysis and Kappa Sigma hazing cases
✅ We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations
- Ongoing case communication
- Document translation and explanation
- Courtroom interpretation coordination
No language barriers to justice.
✅ Contingency Fee — You Pay Nothing Upfront
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront — No payment required to hire us
- No hourly billing — We don’t charge by the hour
- We take the risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- You only pay if we win — Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict
Multnomah County families can afford to fight back.
✅ 24/7 Availability for Multnomah County Hazing Emergencies
Hazing emergencies don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 for Multnomah County families.
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Video Consultation: Available immediately
🎯 Our Strategy for Multnomah County Hazing Cases
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve:
- All text messages and social media communications
- All photos and videos
- All chapter documents and records
- All security camera footage
- All membership and pledge records
We act fast to prevent evidence destruction.
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We build your case with:
- Medical experts — To document injuries and future complications
- Hazing experts — To explain the culture and institutional failures
- Economic experts — To calculate lost wages and future earning capacity
- Investigators — To interview witnesses and gather evidence
3. Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate from a position of strength:
- We know the value of your case
- We know the defendants’ insurance policies
- We know their settlement patterns
- We don’t accept lowball offers
If they won’t offer fair compensation, we take them to trial.
4. Trial Preparation
If necessary, we’re ready for trial:
- We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
- We use the latest technology in courtroom presentations
- We tell your story with compassion and power
- We fight for maximum compensation
📢 Message to Multnomah County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Multnomah 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, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Nu, Delta Chi — if your chapter operates near Multnomah County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We track your house corporations. We track your alumni chapters. We track your national insurance structure. We track your documented history of hazing deaths and injuries.
If your Oregon chapters harm students, we will pursue every liable entity.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
To the universities near Multnomah County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
Act now or face the same accountability.
📞 Multnomah County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Multnomah County, call Attorney 911 immediately.
📍 How to Reach Us:
Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Video Consultation: Available immediately
📍 Our Offices (Serving Multnomah County):
Houston Headquarters:
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office:
Serving Multnomah County families with the same commitment
Beaumont Office:
Serving all of Texas and beyond
We come to Multnomah County for your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Multnomah County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: Yes. Even if your child isn’t ready to sue, you should consult with an attorney to understand your rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and preserving it now protects your options later. Also, reporting the hazing may help prevent it from happening to others.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: Absolutely. Oregon law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they didn’t consent to being abused, waterboarded, or hospitalized. The law recognizes that peer pressure and social coercion negate true consent.
Q: We’re in Multnomah County and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Multnomah County. We offer video consultations, and we travel to Multnomah County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict. Multnomah County families pay $0 to get started.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university or college near Multnomah County?
A: Private institutions have the same duty to protect students. In fact, they may have even greater liability because they often have more direct control over Greek life. We can evaluate your case regardless of whether the school is public or private.
Q: My child is an international student. Do they have the same rights?
A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process with sensitivity to your unique situation.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months. Others take years, especially if they go to trial. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a sports team or club, not a fraternity?
A: Hazing happens in many organizations — sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, honor societies, and more. We represent victims regardless of the organization involved.
Q: Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t cause physical injury?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is just as real and compensable as physical injuries. If your child suffered emotional harm from hazing, they have a case.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Off-campus hazing is still illegal and still gives rise to liability. If the organization was involved, we can pursue claims against the fraternity, university, and individuals responsible.
🚫 What NOT to Do If Your Child Is Hazed
❌ Do NOT confront the fraternity or sorority alone — They may destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, or coordinate their story.
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the organization — They may try to get you to sign away your rights.
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media — Anything you post can be used against you.
❌ Do NOT talk to insurance companies without an attorney — They are trained to minimize your claim.
❌ Do NOT wait to get legal help — Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
❌ Do NOT assume it’s “not that bad” — Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent.
🎓 Student Resources for Multnomah County
If you’re a student in Multnomah County who has been hazed or knows about hazing, you’re not alone. Here are resources to help:
🏥 Medical and Mental Health Resources:
- Multnomah County Health Department: multco.us/health
- Portland State University Health Services: pdx.edu/shac
- University of Portland Health Center: up.edu/healthcenter
- Lewis & Clark College Health Service: go.lclark.edu/health
- Oregon Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “273TALK” to 839863
- Lines for Life (Suicide & Crisis Hotline): 1-800-273-8255
📞 Reporting Hazing:
- Oregon Department of Education (for college hazing): oregon.gov/ode
- Portland Police Bureau: 503-823-3333 (non-emergency)
- Campus Security (PSU): 503-725-4407
- Campus Security (University of Portland): 503-943-4444
- Campus Security (Lewis & Clark): 503-768-7777
📚 Educational Resources:
- HazingPrevention.Org: hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing: stophazing.org
- Gordie Center (Alcohol & Hazing Education): gordie.org
📜 Oregon Hazing Laws — Full Text (ORS 163.197)
For reference, here is the full text of Oregon’s criminal hazing law:
163.197 Hazing.
(1) As used in this section, “hazing” means any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a post-secondary institution.
(2) Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor.
(3) Consent is not a defense to a charge of hazing.
(4) In any prosecution of a person for hazing, it is an affirmative defense that the person was a student at the time of the hazing and that the person:
(a) Did not plan, direct, encourage or participate in the planning or encouragement of the hazing; and
(b) Reported the hazing to law enforcement or to a person with responsibility for student discipline at the post-secondary institution before the hazing occurred or as soon as practicable after the hazing occurred.
🔚 Enough Is Enough, Multnomah County
Hazing has taken too many lives. It has hospitalized too many students. It has traumatized too many families.
Multnomah County families: You have the power to fight back.
You have the power to hold institutions accountable.
You have the power to protect the next student.
If your child has been hazed, call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now. And we’ll fight for Multnomah County families with the same fury.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Multnomah County and Nationwide
Hazing Victims Deserve Justice. We Make It Happen.
