🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Placer County, CA
Hazing Isn’t Tradition — It’s Torture. And We’re Fighting It in Placer County.
If your child was hazed at a Placer County college, university, or Greek organization, you’re not alone. And you’re not powerless.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, and systematic abuse of a student who wasn’t even enrolled yet. The same fraternities operate at universities near Placer County. The same negligence exists at Placer County institutions. And the same legal rights apply to Placer County families.
We serve Placer County hazing victims with the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this landmark case.
🏢 Who We’re Fighting Right Now — And Why It Matters to Placer County
The Case That Shows What’s Happening in Placer County Too
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was seven weeks of torture disguised as “tradition”:
- Waterboarded 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
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
- Hog-tied a pledge face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he couldn’t move. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was so sore he couldn’t move. The day after, his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure — his muscles had broken down, poisoning his kidneys. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This didn’t just happen in Houston. It happens in Placer County too.
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Placer County. The same national organization that allowed this to happen in Houston operates at Placer County universities. The same institutional failures that let this happen at UH exist at Placer County institutions.
If your child was hazed in Placer County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez.
📍 Hazing in Placer County: What Local Families Need to Know
Greek Life in Placer County — The Same National Organizations, The Same Risks
Placer County is home to Sierra College, a community college with a growing student population, and is within driving distance of major universities including:
- University of California, Davis (UC Davis) — one of the largest Greek systems in Northern California
- California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) — active fraternity and sorority life
- University of the Pacific (Stockton) — private university with Greek organizations
- California State University, Chico — known for its Greek life culture
The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at these schools:
| Fraternity | Hazing History | Placer County-Area Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Waterboarding, kidney failure (our current case); Andrew Coffey death (2017) | UC Davis |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M | UC Davis, Sac State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement) | UC Davis, Sac State |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death ($6.1M verdict) | UC Davis |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement) | UC Davis, Sac State |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits | UC Davis, Sac State, Chico State |
These aren’t just names on a list. These are organizations that have paid millions in settlements because they failed to stop hazing. And they operate right here in Placer County.
Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities
Hazing occurs in every type of student organization where power dynamics exist:
- Sororities — forced drinking, sleep deprivation, humiliation
- Sports teams — physical abuse, forced alcohol consumption, dangerous rituals
- Marching bands — physical punishment, sleep deprivation, forced activities
- ROTC programs — extreme physical training, humiliation
- Club sports — initiation rituals, forced consumption
- Honor societies — psychological abuse, humiliation
If your child was hazed in any Placer County student organization, they have legal rights.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Placer County Hazing Victim
California Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know
California has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions, including those near Placer County:
California Education Code § 32050-32054 — Anti-Hazing Law
“Hazing” means any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.
Key Provisions:
- Hazing is a crime — punishable as a misdemeanor or felony
- Consent is not a defense — even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
- Applies to all student organizations — fraternities, sororities, sports, bands, clubs, ROTC
- Applies to all educational institutions — public, private, community colleges, universities
Criminal Penalties in California:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor hazing | Up to 1 year in county jail, $5,000 fine |
| Felony hazing (causing serious injury or death) | 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison |
Civil Liability:
Even if no criminal charges are filed, Placer County hazing victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — time missed from work or school
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct
- Injunctive relief — court orders to stop hazing
Who Can Be Sued in Placer County Hazing Cases?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility — and liability:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; negligent oversight of Greek life |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to stop known hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The UH chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- The UH Board of Regents
- The chapter president
- The pledgemaster
- Current members
- Former members who hosted hazing
- The spouse of a former member
The same liability structure applies to Placer County hazing cases.
The “Consent” Defense — And Why It Fails in Placer County
Fraternities and organizations will argue:
“He agreed to participate.”
“She knew what she was signing up for.”
“They could have left at any time.”
California law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE.
California Education Code § 32051:
“It shall be unlawful to engage in hazing, as defined in this article.”
“The person against whom the hazing is directed may not consent to or acquiesce in the hazing activity.”
The legislature specifically eliminated the consent defense. No matter what a student “agreed” to, hazing is illegal.
In Placer County courts, the “consent” defense will fail.
💰 What Placer County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages — The Tangible Costs
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Past Medical Expenses | ER visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, medications |
| Future Medical Expenses | Ongoing therapy, specialist visits, potential dialysis, kidney transplant |
| Mental Health Treatment | Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Future Lost Earning Capacity | If injuries cause permanent limitations |
| Educational Costs | Tuition for missed classes, lost scholarships, delayed graduation |
Non-Economic Damages — The Invisible Costs
| Damage Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, medical treatments, recovery |
| Mental Anguish | Fear, humiliation, trauma from hazing |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Disfigurement | Permanent scars, burns, or physical changes |
| Loss of Consortium | Impact on family relationships |
In California, there is NO CAP on non-economic damages in personal injury cases.
Punitive Damages — Sending a Message to Placer County Organizations
Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is:
- Intentional
- Malicious
- Grossly negligent
- Recklessly indifferent to safety
In hazing cases, punitive damages are often appropriate because:
- Organizations knew about the risks
- They failed to implement safeguards
- They continued despite prior incidents
- They prioritized “tradition” over safety
Punitive damages send a message:
“This cannot happen again. Not in Placer County. Not anywhere.”
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Placer County
Immediate Steps — Preserve Evidence and Protect Your Rights
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care immediately | Document injuries; protect health |
| 2. Preserve All Evidence | Save all texts, photos, videos, social media | Critical for legal case |
| 3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | No statements, no meetings without legal counsel | They will try to control the narrative |
| 4. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Anything you post can be used against you | Defense will twist your words |
| 5. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 immediately | Know your rights; protect your case |
| 6. Report to Authorities | File police report; report to university Title IX | Document the incident officially |
| 7. Keep a Journal | Document symptoms, pain, emotional state | Supports pain and suffering claim |
Why You Need a Placer County Hazing Lawyer — And Why You Need One Now
1. Evidence Disappears Fast
- Texts get deleted
- Photos get erased
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
2. Statute of Limitations is Running
- California personal injury: 2 years from date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death
- If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue
3. Organizations Will Try to Silence You
- They’ll offer settlements that don’t cover your damages
- They’ll pressure you to sign away your rights
- They’ll intimidate witnesses
4. You Need Someone Who Knows How to Fight Them
- We’re former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- We know how to maximize your recovery
5. We Work on Contingency
- $0 upfront for Placer County families
- We don’t get paid unless you get paid
- No risk to you
🏆 Why Placer County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Legal Emergency Responders
1. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they fight. And we know how to beat them.
2. $10 Million Hazing Case Experience
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client. Placer County families get the same aggressive representation.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California — we can pursue your Placer County case in federal court if needed.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses
Licensed in California and Texas — strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations.
5. We Speak Spanish
Se habla español — we serve Placer County’s Hispanic families without language barriers.
6. We Come to Placer County
For depositions, client meetings, and trials, we travel to Placer County. Distance is not a barrier.
7. We Protect Your Privacy
Hazing victims often fear retribution. We keep your case confidential and protect you from intimidation.
8. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We don’t accept lowball offers. We fight for every dollar you deserve — medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages.
📞 Placer County Hazing Victims — Call Now for a Free Consultation
We’re Available 24/7 for Placer County Families
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Video Consultation: Available for Placer County families who cannot travel
We serve Placer County hazing victims on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Placer County Families
Q: What qualifies as hazing in California?
A: Any activity that is likely to cause serious bodily injury, including:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beating, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Extreme physical exercise (to the point of injury)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
If your child was injured or traumatized as part of an initiation, it’s likely hazing.
Q: My child was hazed at a Placer County community college. Do we have a case?
A: Yes. California’s anti-hazing law applies to all educational institutions, including:
- Community colleges (like Sierra College)
- Public universities
- Private colleges
- Trade schools
If hazing occurred at any Placer County school, you have legal rights.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still be held liable?
A: Absolutely. California law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is illegal.
The law was written this way because:
- Students are often coerced
- Power dynamics prevent true consent
- Hazing is inherently dangerous
This defense will not work in Placer County courts.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life, they can be held liable.
In our current case, hazing occurred:
- At the university-owned fraternity house
- At a private residence (former member’s home)
Both locations are covered by liability law.
Q: How much is my Placer County hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but Placer County hazing cases can be worth millions depending on:
- Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Impact on education and career
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)
- Pattern of abuse (was this a one-time incident or systematic?)
- University’s knowledge (did they know about prior incidents?)
Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:
- $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)
Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is in line with these precedents.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Placer County?
A: Yes, you can sue. California’s anti-hazing law applies to all schools, including:
- High schools
- Middle schools
- Elementary schools
High school hazing cases often involve:
- Sports teams
- Cheerleading squads
- Band programs
- Clubs
If your child was hazed at a Placer County high school, contact us immediately.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Placer County?
- Personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Call Attorney 911 today to protect your case.
🔥 To Placer County Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities: We’re Watching
To the fraternities and sororities with chapters near Placer County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
If you haze students in Placer County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals. We will pursue every dollar of insurance coverage.
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Placer County too.
To the universities near Placer County:
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous organizations.
You are responsible for what happens on your property — and in your student organizations.
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded. They’re paying for it.
If you fail to protect Placer County students, you will pay too.
🏆 Our Promise to Placer County Families
We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.
We don’t just represent hazing victims. We fight for them. We’ve seen what fraternities and universities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now.
If your child was hazed in Placer County, we will:
- Fight for maximum compensation — medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
- Hold every responsible party accountable — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Protect your privacy — no intimidation, no retribution
- Travel to Placer County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
Placer County families deserve justice. We will fight for it.
📞 Call Now — Free Consultation for Placer County Hazing Victims
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Placer County legal emergencies
We serve Placer County hazing victims nationwide — because hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Placer County hazing victims with the same fire we’re bringing to the $10 million Bermudez case.
Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s torture. And we’re ending it.
