Hazing Victims’ Legal Rights in Nye County: Holding Fraternities and Universities Accountable

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Nye County Families Deserve Justice

Nye County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities will protect their students from harm. They believe that joining a fraternity or sorority will provide friendship and opportunity—not torture, abuse, and life-threatening medical emergencies.

Yet across Nevada and the nation, hazing continues to hospitalize and kill students every year. The same national fraternities operating at institutions near Nye County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same universities that accept tuition dollars have failed to stop the abuse, even when they own the buildings where hazing occurs.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We currently represent a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston—where waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and other forms of torture hospitalized our client with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Nye County. The same culture of abuse exists. And Nye County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re bringing to this case.

The Hazing Crisis in Nye County and Beyond

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

• Physical injuries including rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), broken bones, burns, and traumatic brain injuries
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation
• Wrongful death from alcohol poisoning, extreme physical exertion, or other forms of abuse

In our current case, a University of Houston fraternity pledge was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Required to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, causing sleep deprivation
• Hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

This happened in Texas, but the same fraternities operate at universities near Nye County. The same national organizations that failed to prevent this abuse have chapters throughout Nevada. And the same universities that claim to care about student safety have failed to implement effective oversight.

Nye County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a university near Nye County, you may feel:

• Shocked that this could happen at a modern institution
• Angry that the university and fraternity allowed it
• Confused about what to do next
• Fearful of retaliation if you speak out
• Overwhelmed by medical bills and the legal process

You don’t have to face this alone. Attorney 911 is here to help Nye County families navigate this difficult time. We understand the culture of Greek life, the legal complexities of hazing cases, and the emotional toll this takes on victims and their families.

What Constitutes Hazing Under Nevada Law?

Nevada Revised Statutes § 200.605 defines hazing as:

“Any method of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, athletic team or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending any school, college or university in this State.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
• Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, etc.)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse and humiliation
• Sexual assault or harassment
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Importantly, Nevada law states:

“Consent of the victim is not a defense to a prosecution for hazing.”

Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law protects them from hazing.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Nye County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties may share responsibility:

1. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. In our current case, we’re pursuing:

• The fraternity president
• The pledgemaster
• Current and former members who participated
• A former member and his spouse who hosted hazing at their home

Individuals face both civil liability and potential criminal charges.

2. Local Fraternity Chapters

The local chapter that organized and conducted hazing activities is directly responsible. These chapters often have:

• Chapter assets
• Local insurance policies
• Bank accounts

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

National organizations have substantial resources and insurance. They can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Having knowledge of prior hazing incidents (pattern evidence)
• Maintaining a culture that enables abuse

In our current case:

• Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between Andrew Coffey’s death (2017) and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization (2025)
• They knew about “a hazing crisis” but failed to implement effective safeguards
• Their immediate closure of the UH chapter shows consciousness of guilt

4. Universities and Colleges

Universities have a duty to protect their students. They can be held liable for:

• Premises liability if they own or control the property where hazing occurs
• Negligent supervision for failing to monitor Greek organizations
• Institutional knowledge when they have prior hazing incidents on campus
• Failure to enforce their own policies against hazing

In our current case:

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (different fraternity, same university)
• They failed to implement effective oversight despite knowing the risks

5. Housing Corporations

Many fraternities have separate housing corporations that own or manage their properties. These entities can be held liable for:

• Maintaining unsafe premises
• Failing to prevent hazing on their property
• Allowing dangerous conditions to exist

The Legal Process for Nye County Hazing Victims

Step 1: Immediate Action

If your child has been hazed:

1. Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor
2. Preserve all evidence including:
   • Text messages, social media posts, and group chats
   • Photos and videos of injuries or hazing activities
   • Witness contact information
   • Medical records
3. Do not speak to the fraternity, university, or their representatives without legal counsel
4. Do not post about the incident on social media
5. Contact Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Step 2: Free Case Evaluation

During your free consultation, we’ll:

• Review the details of what happened
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Develop a strategy for preserving evidence
• Discuss potential defendants and liability
• Explain the legal process and timeline

Step 3: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our team will:

• Obtain medical records documenting injuries
• Collect witness statements
• Preserve electronic evidence (texts, social media, etc.)
• Research prior hazing incidents at the chapter and university
• Identify all potential defendants
• Calculate damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, etc.)

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

We’ll:

• Send demand letters to all responsible parties
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Push for fair settlement offers
• Prepare for litigation if necessary

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we’ll:

• File a lawsuit in the appropriate court
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests, etc.)
• Prepare for trial
• Present your case to a judge and jury

Step 6: Resolution

Cases may resolve through:

• Settlement agreement
• Jury verdict
• Court judgment

Types of Compensation Available for Nye County Hazing Victims

Nye County families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work due to injuries)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, counseling)
• Future medical care (dialysis, kidney transplant, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and embarrassment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to:

• Punish the wrongdoers
• Deter similar conduct in the future
• Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages for:

• The physical pain of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• The psychological trauma of waterboarding and abuse
• The humiliation of being hazed
• The medical bills and future health consequences
• Punitive damages to prevent this from happening again

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Nye County Hazing Case

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. Nye County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide, including in Nevada.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We’re licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternity organizations headquartered in different states.

5. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases
• Significant verdicts against major institutions
• Successful outcomes in complex litigation against deep-pocketed defendants

6. Compassionate Representation

We understand the trauma hazing victims and their families experience. We provide:

• Bilingual staff (Se habla español)
• Clear communication throughout the process
• Emotional support during this difficult time
• Respectful, confidential handling of sensitive cases

7. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• $0 upfront costs for Nye County families
• We only get paid if we win your case
• No financial risk to you

Common Hazing Scenarios at Nye County-Area Universities

Hazing takes many forms, but common scenarios at universities near Nye County include:

1. Forced Alcohol Consumption

• “Big Brother” events where pledges are forced to drink entire bottles of alcohol
• Drinking games where wrong answers mean drinking more
• “Bible Study” or “Family Dinner” events with forced drinking
• Medical consequences: Alcohol poisoning, coma, death

2. Extreme Physical Exercise

• 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrows
• “Suicides” (running drills) until exhaustion
• Two-mile warmups before main workouts
• Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, cardiac arrest

3. Physical Abuse

• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Branding with hot objects
• Sleep deprivation leading to accidents
• Medical consequences: Broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injuries

4. Psychological Torture

• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Forced nudity in cold weather
• Carrying humiliating objects (sexual items, etc.)
• Being hog-tied with objects in mouth
• Medical consequences: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation

5. Forced Consumption of Non-Alcoholic Substances

• Eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)
• Consuming harmful or disgusting substances
• Medical consequences: Choking, aspiration, internal injuries

6. Sleep Deprivation

• Forced to drive members during early morning hours
• Late-night hazing sessions
• Medical consequences: Exhaustion, accidents, impaired judgment

What Nye County Parents Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Not Limited to Fraternities

While fraternity hazing gets the most attention, hazing occurs in:

• Sororities
• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Student clubs and organizations
• Honor societies

2. Universities Often Know Hazing Is Happening

Many universities near Nye County have had prior hazing incidents but failed to implement effective oversight. In our current case:

• University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017
• They owned the fraternity house where the 2025 hazing occurred
• They failed to stop the abuse despite knowing the risks

3. National Organizations Have Deep Pockets

National fraternities and sororities have:

• Millions in assets
• Substantial insurance policies
• The ability to pay significant settlements and verdicts

4. Evidence Disappears Quickly

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Universities “lose” records
• Act quickly to preserve evidence

5. Criminal Charges May Apply

Hazing can lead to criminal charges including:

• Assault
• Battery
• Reckless endangerment
• Manslaughter (in cases of death)

6. You Have Legal Rights Regardless of Your Child’s Status

Even if your child:

• Wasn’t officially enrolled yet (“ghost rush”)
• Consented to participate
• Was partially at fault
• Was drinking alcohol
  They still have legal rights under Nevada law.

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Nye County

The national fraternities involved in major hazing cases have chapters at universities throughout Nevada:

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same culture of abuse exists at their Nevada chapters.

Universities Near Nye County With Greek Life

Several universities near Nye County have active Greek life communities where hazing may occur:

1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

   • Located in Las Vegas, approximately 150 miles from Nye County
   • Home to numerous fraternities and sororities
   • Greek life is a significant part of campus culture

2. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

   • Located in Reno, approximately 300 miles from Nye County
   • Active Greek community with multiple fraternities and sororities
   • Known for strong Greek life presence

3. Nevada State University (Henderson)

   • Located in Henderson (Las Vegas area), approximately 150 miles from Nye County
   • Growing Greek life community

4. College of Southern Nevada (CSN)

   • Multiple campuses in Las Vegas area
   • Some Greek organizations operate at community colleges

Nye County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these institutions, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in our current case.

What to Do If Your Child Is Being Hazed in Nye County

Immediate Steps:

1. Ensure your child’s safety—remove them from the situation if necessary
2. Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor
3. Preserve all evidence including:
   • Text messages and social media posts
   • Photos and videos
   • Names and contact information of witnesses
   • Any physical evidence (clothing, paddles, etc.)
4. Do not confront the fraternity or university alone
5. Do not post about the incident on social media
6. Contact Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

What We’ll Do:

1. Evaluate your case during a free consultation
2. Preserve evidence before it disappears
3. Identify all responsible parties (individuals, chapter, nationals, university)
4. Calculate damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, etc.)
5. Develop a legal strategy tailored to your case
6. Pursue maximum compensation through negotiation or litigation

The $10 Million Message: Why This Case Matters for Nye County

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages—not because that number will undo what happened to our client, but because it’s what it takes to send a message:

To Pi Kappa Phi and every fraternity in America:

• Waterboarding students is torture, not tradition
• Forcing 500 squats until kidney failure is assault, not brotherhood
• You will pay millions when you hurt our children

To the University of Houston and every university near Nye County:

• Owning the torture chamber makes you responsible
• Knowing about prior hazing and doing nothing makes you liable
• Your students’ safety matters more than your reputation

To Nye County families:

• Your children deserve to be safe
• You have legal rights
• You are not alone

Contact Attorney 911 for Nye County Hazing Cases

If your child has been hazed at a university near Nye County, contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve Nye County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Distance is not a barrier—we offer:

• Video consultations
• Remote case management
• Willingness to travel to Nye County for depositions and trials

$0 upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Nye County

Q: What if my child consented to participate in hazing activities?

A: Under Nevada law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law protects them from harm.

Q: What if my child was drinking alcohol during the hazing?

A: Alcohol consumption does not absolve the fraternity or university of responsibility. Forcing alcohol consumption is itself a form of hazing.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. Universities and fraternities can still be held liable.

Q: What if we’re not sure if it was “hazing” or just “initiation”?

A: If the activities caused or were likely to cause physical or psychological harm, it likely qualifies as hazing under Nevada law. We can evaluate your specific situation.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We take victim protection seriously. We can:

• Request protective orders
• Maintain confidentiality
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Help your child transfer to a different organization or university if needed

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date of injury. However, exceptions may apply. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a university outside Nevada?

A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide through:

• Federal court authority
• Dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York)
• Willingness to travel for your case

Q: What if my child wasn’t officially enrolled at the university yet?

A: In our current case, our client was a “ghost rush”—not yet enrolled at UH. The fraternity hazed him anyway. Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect prospective members too.

Q: What if the university claims they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Universities often have knowledge of hazing through:

• Prior incidents at their fraternities
• Complaints from students or parents
• Greek life oversight mechanisms
• Public records and media reports
  We’ll investigate what the university knew and when they knew it.

Q: What if the fraternity has already suspended or closed the chapter?

A: This actually helps your case. It shows:

• The fraternity knew about the problem
• They took action to limit liability
• They’re trying to distance themselves from the chapter
  We’ll pursue the national organization and individual members regardless.

Nye County Families: You Have the Power to Stop Hazing

Every time a hazing victim comes forward, it:

• Holds abusers accountable
• Prevents future harm to other students
• Forces institutions to implement real change
• Creates legal precedent that protects others
• Sends a message that hazing will not be tolerated

Lupe Pena said it best about our current case:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your Nye County case could save lives. Be brave. Step forward. We’ll fight for you.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.