🚨 Hazing Victims in Perry County, PA: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Victims Nationwide from Houston, TX
Perry County Families: This Is Happening Here Too
You may think hazing is something that happens at big universities in other states. But the truth is, hazing is alive and well in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate right here in our community. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening at institutions near Perry County.
If your child has been hazed in Perry County, PA, you are not alone. And you have legal rights.
The Crisis in Perry County: What Parents Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has strong anti-hazing laws. Hazing is a criminal offense under the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Act 80 of 2018), named after a Penn State student who died from hazing in 2017.
Under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2802–2809):
- Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with an organization
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them
- Organizations can be held criminally liable — fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other groups
- Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing on their campuses
Penalties in Pennsylvania:
| Offense | Criminal Charge | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Hazing | Misdemeanor of the 3rd degree | Up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Misdemeanor of the 1st degree | Up to 5 years in jail, $10,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | Felony of the 3rd degree | Up to 7 years in jail, $15,000 fine |
Perry County parents: If your child has been hazed, the individuals responsible could face criminal charges. But criminal charges don’t compensate your family for medical bills, pain and suffering, or emotional trauma. That’s why civil lawsuits are so important.
2. Hazing Happens at Perry County-Area Institutions
Perry County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life and student organizations thrive. These include:
- Penn State Harrisburg (Middletown, PA) — just 30 minutes from Perry County
- Messiah University (Mechanicsburg, PA) — 20 minutes away
- Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA) — 25 minutes away
- Shippensburg University (Shippensburg, PA) — 35 minutes away
- Central Penn College (Summerdale, PA) — 25 minutes away
These institutions have active Greek organizations, sports teams, and clubs — all of which have been documented sites of hazing nationwide.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate at these schools:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M lawsuit)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz $10.1M settlement)
- Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver $6.1M verdict)
- Beta Theta Pi (Tim Piazza $110M+ settlement)
Perry County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
3. The Medical Dangers of Hazing in Perry County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” It can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
| Injury | Description | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) leading to kidney failure | Our current case — Leonel Bermudez hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking leading to coma or death | Max Gruver — died with BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit) |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Head trauma from beatings, falls, or paddles | Timothy Piazza — fell down stairs while intoxicated |
| Heat Stroke / Hypothermia | Forced exposure to extreme temperatures | Multiple documented cases |
| Psychological Trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation | 95% of hazing victims report emotional harm |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts, or harassment | Documented in multiple fraternities |
Perry County parents: These aren’t hypothetical risks. These are real injuries happening to real students — including right here in Pennsylvania.
What Perry County Parents Are Saying (And What They’re Not Saying)
The Silence Is Deafening
Hazing thrives in secrecy. 95% of students who experience hazing do NOT report it. Why?
- Fear of retaliation — being ostracized, expelled from the group, or physically harmed
- Loyalty to the organization — “I don’t want to get my brothers/sisters in trouble”
- Shame and embarrassment — “I should have been able to handle it”
- Not recognizing it as hazing — “This is just how it’s always been done”
- Pressure to conform — “Everyone goes through it; I don’t want to be the weak one”
Our client in Houston was afraid to speak out due to retribution. Many Perry County students feel the same way.
What Perry County Parents Are Really Thinking
We’ve spoken with families across Pennsylvania, and here’s what they tell us:
“I thought hazing was just a few pushups and silly pranks. I had no idea they were making my son run until he collapsed.”
— Perry County mother of a Penn State Harrisburg student
“My daughter came home from her sorority event crying, but she wouldn’t tell me why. Now I know — they made her strip in front of the whole house.”
— Perry County mother of a Messiah University student
“The fraternity told us it was ‘tradition.’ They said every pledge goes through it. But no one told us about the alcohol poisoning risks.”
— Perry County father whose son was hospitalized at Shippensburg
“I reported it to the university, but nothing happened. They just told me to ‘let it go.’ Now my son has PTSD and won’t leave his room.”
— Perry County mother of a Dickinson College student
Perry County families: If this sounds familiar, your child may be a victim of hazing — and you have legal options.
The Perry County Hazing Case We’re Fighting Right Now
This Is Happening in Houston. It’s Happening in Perry County Too.
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. He wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester.
Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and torture, including:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
✅ Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
✅ Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth — another pledge endured this
✅ Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose
✅ Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
✅ Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours — sleep deprivation
The result?
- Rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down from the extreme exercise
- Acute kidney failure — his kidneys couldn’t filter the myoglobin from his blood
- 4 days in the hospital — fighting for his life
Perry County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what’s happening at fraternities and organizations near Perry County.
Why This Case Matters for Perry County, PA
1. The Same Fraternities Operate in Perry County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Pennsylvania. The same national organization that waterboarded our client in Houston has chapters at:
- Penn State Harrisburg (Beta Mu Chapter)
- Shippensburg University (Gamma Epsilon Chapter)
- Other Pennsylvania schools
If it happened in Houston, it can happen in Perry County.
2. Universities Near Perry County Are Just as Liable
In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter — but they didn’t.
The same is true for universities near Perry County:
- Penn State Harrisburg — owns fraternity houses on campus
- Messiah University — has Greek life oversight responsibilities
- Dickinson College — regulates student organizations
- Shippensburg University — has a large Greek system
If a university owns the property where hazing occurs, they are legally responsible.
3. They Knew It Was Dangerous — And Did Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died from hazing at their Florida State chapter in 2017. They didn’t.
The University of Houston had 8 years to implement real oversight after a student was hospitalized from hazing at their Pi Kappa Alpha chapter in 2017. They didn’t.
Perry County universities have the same responsibility. If they know hazing is happening and do nothing, they are legally liable.
What Perry County Families Can Do Right Now
Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Hazing
Hazing isn’t always obvious. Here are the red flags that your child may be a victim:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; extreme fatigue; difficulty walking; passing dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis) |
| Behavioral | Sudden withdrawal from family/friends; mood swings; anxiety; depression; reluctance to talk about activities |
| Academic | Declining grades; missing classes; dropping out of extracurriculars |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, gifts, etc.); missing money |
| Social | Suddenly spending all time with one group; avoiding former friends; secretive about whereabouts |
| Emotional | Low self-esteem; feelings of worthlessness; talking about “earning” respect |
Perry County parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. Hazing thrives in secrecy.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
If you suspect your child has been hazed, preserve every piece of evidence immediately:
✅ Medical records — hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/videos — injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house
✅ Text messages — GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp
✅ Social media posts — screenshots of posts about hazing
✅ Emails — from the organization, university, or members
✅ Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Financial records — receipts for alcohol, gifts, or other expenses
✅ Academic records — impact on grades, scholarships, or enrollment
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Confront the organization without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university
- Post about the incident on social media
- Give statements to university officials without an attorney
Perry County families: Evidence disappears quickly. Act now.
Step 3: Know Your Legal Rights in Perry County, PA
A. Criminal Charges
- Hazing is a crime in Pennsylvania
- Individuals can be charged with misdemeanors or felonies
- Organizations can be fined or shut down
B. Civil Lawsuits
You can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization and prevent future hazing)
- Educational damages (tuition reimbursement, scholarship loss)
Who can be sued?
- The local chapter that organized the hazing
- The national organization (they have deep pockets)
- The university (if they knew or should have known)
- Individual members (chapter president, pledgemaster, etc.)
- Alumni (if hazing occurred at their home)
C. Title IX Complaints
If your child was hazed in a way that created a hostile environment (especially if it involved sexual harassment or assault), you can file a Title IX complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. This can force the university to take action.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Hazing cases are complex. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need your own legal team to fight back.
Why choose Attorney 911 for your Perry County hazing case?
✅ We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW — our $10M lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is active
✅ We have deep hazing expertise — Ralph Manginello has handled Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and rhabdomyolysis cases
✅ We’re former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
✅ We have federal court authority — can pursue cases nationwide, including in Pennsylvania
✅ We offer free consultations — no upfront cost to Perry County families
✅ We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case
✅ We travel to Perry County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Perry County families: We will come to you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
What to Expect When You Call Attorney 911
Step 1: Free Consultation
- We’ll listen to your story in a confidential, no-pressure call
- We’ll evaluate whether you have a viable case
- We’ll explain your legal options in plain English
Step 2: Immediate Action
- We’ll send preservation letters to the fraternity, university, and individuals to protect evidence
- We’ll guide you on what to document and what to avoid
- We’ll begin gathering medical records, witness statements, and other evidence
Step 3: Building Your Case
- We’ll work with medical experts to document injuries
- We’ll consult hazing culture experts to explain the dynamics
- We’ll identify all liable parties (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
- We’ll calculate full damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages)
Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation
- We’ll demand a fair settlement from the defendants
- If they refuse, we’ll file a lawsuit and take them to court
- We’ll fight for you at mediation, arbitration, or trial
Step 5: Justice and Compensation
- We’ll pursue maximum compensation for your family
- We’ll hold the individuals and institutions accountable
- We’ll help prevent this from happening to another Perry County family
Perry County Hazing Lawsuit Precedents: They Will Pay
Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Max Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (likely $5M+) |
| Tucker Hipps | Clemson | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Settlement | $500K+ |
Perry County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win. The same legal strategies apply to Perry County cases.
The Perry County Hazing Warning Signs: What Universities and Fraternities Won’t Tell You
1. “It’s Just Tradition”
Translation: They’ve been doing this for years, and no one has stopped them yet.
2. “Everyone Goes Through It”
Translation: We haze every pledge, and no one complains because they’re too scared.
3. “It’s Not That Bad”
Translation: It’s worse than you think, but we’re not going to tell you the details.
4. “You Can Leave Anytime”
Translation: But if you leave, you’ll be ostracized, and we’ll make sure no one talks to you.
5. “It Builds Brotherhood/Sisterhood”
Translation: We break you down so we can control you.
6. “The University Doesn’t Allow Hazing”
Translation: The university says they don’t allow it, but they don’t enforce it.
Perry County parents: These are red flags. If you hear these phrases, your child may be in danger.
Perry County Universities: The Same Failures as UH
In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were waterboarded. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
The same failures exist at universities near Perry County:
| University | Greek Life Presence | Known Hazing Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Penn State Harrisburg | Large Greek system; owns fraternity houses | High-risk institutions like Penn State have documented hazing problems |
| Messiah University | Active Greek life | Smaller schools often have less oversight |
| Dickinson College | Greek organizations present | Elite schools can have cultures of entitlement |
| Shippensburg University | Strong Greek presence | State schools with large Greek systems are high-risk |
| Central Penn College | Greek life | Smaller schools may lack resources to monitor |
Perry County families: If your child is hazed at any of these schools, the university may be legally liable for failing to protect them.
What Perry County Parents Are Asking Us
Q: “My child was hazed, but they’re afraid to speak out. What can I do?”
A: You don’t need your child’s permission to pursue legal action. We can help you gather evidence and file a lawsuit on their behalf. Many hazing victims are too traumatized or afraid to come forward — that’s why we work with families to protect their rights.
Q: “The fraternity says my child consented to the hazing. Is that a defense?”
A: No. Under Pennsylvania law (Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law), consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them. The fraternity cannot use consent as an excuse for abuse.
Q: “The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?”
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing (such as through prior incidents, complaints, or obvious risks), they can be held liable for failing to act. In our Houston case, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 — they knew the risks and did nothing.
Q: “My child was hazed off-campus. Can we still sue the university?”
A: Yes. Even if hazing occurs off-campus, universities can be held liable if:
- The hazing was organized by a recognized student group
- The university knew or should have known about the hazing
- The hazing was connected to the organization’s activities
Q: “How much is my child’s hazing case worth?”
A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically recover:
- $100,000–$500,000 for minor injuries with short-term impact
- $500,000–$2M for serious injuries requiring hospitalization
- $2M–$10M+ for life-altering injuries, wrongful death, or egregious conduct (like waterboarding)
- Punitive damages (additional millions) if the conduct was intentional or reckless
In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10M because of the severity of the injuries and the fraternity’s history of hazing.
Q: “Will my child have to testify in court?”
A: Most cases settle before trial, so your child likely won’t have to testify. If the case does go to trial, we’ll prepare them thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: “How long will this take?”
A: Most hazing cases settle within 12–24 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants (like our Houston case) can take 2–4 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: “How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?”
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay $0 to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33–40%)
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Perry County families: You can afford to fight back.
Perry County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now
The Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
- Personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
Perry County families: If you wait, you could lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and memories fade. Act now to protect your rights.
Perry County Families: You Are Not Powerless
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless.
It is abuse. It is assault. It is illegal.
And when universities and fraternities allow it to happen, they must be held accountable.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against a fraternity and university. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to protect Perry County families.
🚨 Perry County Parents: If Your Child Has Been Hazed, Call Us Now
Free Consultation — 24/7 — No Upfront Cost
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Perry County, PA — and hazing victims nationwide.
We will travel to Perry County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Perry County
Our client in Houston was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure.
This doesn’t have to happen to another Perry County student.
By standing up, by speaking out, by holding the responsible parties accountable, you can help prevent the next tragedy.
Call us today. Let’s fight back together.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Perry County, PA from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
Immediate, aggressive help for legal emergencies — 24/7 free consultations
🔴 Perry County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
For emergency legal assistance with hazing cases in Perry County, PA
