🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Oneida County, Idaho
Oneida County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?
If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Oneida County, you’re not alone. And you’re not powerless.
We are Attorney 911 — the law firm currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable. And we’re ready to fight for Oneida County families.
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
While we’re based in Texas, hazing is a national crisis. The same fraternities that operate at universities near Oneida County have chapters across America — and they have a documented history of abuse. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Oneida County, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.
If your child was hazed in Oneida County, we will come to you.
This Is What Hazing Looks Like — And What It Costs
The Case That Proves It Can Happen in Oneida County
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
What happened to him is happening in Oneida County too.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to keep running
✅ Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✅ Psychological torture — carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather
✅ Another pledge collapsed unconscious — they kept going
Result: Bermudez spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. His muscles broke down. He was lucky to survive.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Oneida County. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence happens.
Why Oneida County Families Need Legal Representation
1. Universities and Fraternities Will Protect Themselves — Not Your Child
When hazing is exposed, institutions scramble to limit their liability. They:
- Close the chapter quietly (Pi Kappa Phi closed their UH chapter 7 days before our lawsuit)
- Claim they’re “shocked” (despite prior incidents)
- Offer lowball settlements (insurance companies want to pay as little as possible)
- Try to blame the victim (“He consented”; “He could have left”)
They will not protect your child. You need an attorney who will.
2. Consent Is Not a Defense in Idaho
Fraternities will argue your child “agreed” to participate. Idaho law says consent does not matter.
Idaho Code § 18-917 — Hazing:
“It is no defense to a prosecution for hazing that the victim consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
They can’t claim your child “wanted” to be waterboarded or forced to do 500 squats. The law is clear.
3. Hazing Causes Permanent Damage
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes:
- Physical injuries — rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, broken bones, traumatic brain injury
- Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression, trust issues
- Academic disruption — missed classes, failed courses, lost scholarships
- Career impact — delayed graduation, damaged reputation
- Death — since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the U.S.
These injuries require compensation. And the institutions responsible must be held accountable.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Oneida County?
We Sue Everyone Responsible
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about prior hazing incidents |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority to do so |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their residence |
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:
- The local chapter
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- The UH Board of Regents
- The fraternity president and pledgemaster
- Multiple current and former members
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
Oneida County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
What Oneida County Families Can Recover
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical bills — hospital stays, treatment, rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses — ongoing care, potential dialysis/transplant
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Educational costs — tuition, fees, lost scholarships
- Therapy costs — PTSD, anxiety, depression treatment
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries
- Mental anguish from abuse
- Emotional distress from humiliation and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience
- Permanent impairment — long-term health consequences
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Appropriate for waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse
Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Win Millions:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
- $4+ million — Adam Oakes (Delta Chi, VCU)
Oneida County families can recover the same.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Oneida County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and psychological trauma may not appear immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, what happened
- Get witness names — other pledges, bystanders
- Do NOT delete anything — even old posts can be evidence
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
- They will ask for statements, try to settle quickly, or intimidate victims
- Do not sign anything without legal counsel
- Do not give recorded statements
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Idaho has a 2-year statute of limitations — you lose your rights if you wait
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
Call Attorney 911 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Why Oneida County Families Choose Attorney 911
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 the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability
- We know how to counter them
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
- Both our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers
- We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue cases in federal court nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
4. We Will Travel to Oneida County
- For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
- Oneida County families get the same representation as Houston families
5. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español
- No language barriers to justice
6. We Have a Proven Track Record
- $10+ million in hazing litigation (current case)
- Millions recovered in personal injury cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
7. We Care About Your Child
- We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
- We fight hard because we truly care about hazing victims
- We want to prevent this from happening to other Oneida County families
The Oneida County Hazing Crisis
Hazing Is Happening at Universities Near Oneida County
Oneida County is home to Malad High School and is served by nearby universities including:
- Idaho State University (Pocatello, ~100 miles away)
- University of Idaho (Moscow, ~200 miles away)
- Brigham Young University-Idaho (Rexburg, ~150 miles away)
- Utah State University (Logan, UT, ~150 miles away)
These universities have active Greek life programs. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries operate near Oneida County.
| Fraternity | Hazing Deaths/Injuries | Universities Near Oneida County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death); Leonel Bermudez (2025, hospitalization) | Idaho State, University of Idaho, BYU-Idaho |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021, death) | Idaho State, University of Idaho |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death) | University of Idaho |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death) | University of Idaho, BYU-Idaho |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple deaths nationwide | Idaho State, University of Idaho |
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Oneida County, they face the same risks.
What Oneida County Parents Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Idaho
Idaho Code § 18-917 — Hazing:
“Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine.”
“It is no defense that the victim consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death can be charged as a felony.
2. Universities Can Be Held Liable
Universities have a duty to protect students. When they fail:
- They can be sued for negligence
- They can be sued for premises liability (if hazing occurs on their property)
- They can be sued for negligent supervision
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They are being held liable.
3. National Organizations Have Deep Pockets
National fraternities and sororities have:
- Millions in assets
- Liability insurance policies
- The ability to pay substantial settlements
They will fight hard to protect their reputation — but we fight harder to protect your child.
4. The Time to Act Is Now
- Idaho has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
Do not wait. Contact Attorney 911 today.
Oneida County Hazing Warning Signs
What to Watch For
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns; difficulty walking; changes in physical appearance |
| Behavioral | Withdrawal from friends/family; secrecy about activities; sudden mood changes; anxiety, depression |
| Academic | Declining grades; missed classes; sudden disinterest in school |
| Social | Only spending time with fraternity/sorority members; avoiding old friends; sudden new friend group |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses; requests for money; missing valuables |
| Schedule | Late nights; early mornings; unexplained absences; being “on call” for fraternity/sorority |
What to Ask Your Child
If you suspect hazing, ask:
- “Are you being asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
- “Have you been forced to drink alcohol or take drugs?”
- “Have you been physically hurt or threatened?”
- “Have you seen others being treated badly?”
- “Do you feel safe?”
If they say yes, contact Attorney 911 immediately.
Oneida County Hazing Resources
Emergency Contacts
- Oneida County Sheriff’s Office: (208) 766-2251
- Malad City Police Department: (208) 766-2251
- Idaho State Police: (208) 236-6468
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Medical Facilities Near Oneida County
- Oneida County Hospital (Malad): (208) 766-2241
- Portneuf Medical Center (Pocatello): (208) 239-1000
- Bingham Memorial Hospital (Blackfoot): (208) 785-3800
Mental Health Resources
- Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Idaho: (208) 376-4304
Oneida County Families: We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to fight this alone. We are Attorney 911 — the law firm currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know how to hold fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable.
We will fight for your Oneida County family with the same aggression we’re bringing to the Pi Kappa Phi case.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
We will travel to Oneida County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
The Message to Oneida County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Oneida County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If your Oneida County chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Oneida County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities near Oneida 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 Oneida County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
Oneida County Families: Enough Is Enough
Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not building character.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes manslaughter.
Oneida County families deserve better. Your children deserve better.
If your child was hazed, we’re here to help. Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
