🚨 Attorney 911: Polk County’s Trusted Hazing Injury Lawyers

Justice for Hazing Victims in Polk County, Oregon — Nationwide Representation from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

🛑 Hazing in Polk County: What Families Need to Know

Polk County parents and students: Your child’s safety on campus is at risk. Hazing — the dangerous, humiliating, and often illegal initiation rituals forced upon students — is happening right here in Oregon. And it’s happening at institutions near Polk County.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just a Texas problem — it’s a national crisis, and Polk County families are not immune. The same fraternities, the same culture of secrecy, the same negligence exists at universities near Polk County. Your child could be next.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in Polk County or anywhere in Oregon, you have legal rights. We will fight for Polk County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current case.

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Oregon and Near Polk County

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. It happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, honor societies, and clubs across Oregon. And it’s happening near Polk County.

Universities Near Polk County with Active Greek Life:

While Polk County itself is a rural area, it is surrounded by institutions of higher education where Greek life thrives — and where hazing occurs:

• Oregon State University (Corvallis) — Just 30 miles northeast of Polk County

  • Home to Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, and others — the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide
  • OSU has a documented history of Greek life incidents, including alcohol-related hospitalizations and disciplinary actions

• Western Oregon University (Monmouth) — Located within Polk County

  • While smaller, WOU has active Greek organizations including fraternities and sororities
  • Hazing can occur even in smaller chapters due to peer pressure and secrecy

• University of Oregon (Eugene) — Approximately 80 miles southeast of Polk County

  • Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
  • National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters here

• Willamette University (Salem) — Approximately 20 miles northeast of Polk County

  • Private university with Greek life presence
  • Hazing incidents have occurred at private institutions nationwide

These are not just names on a map. These are real campuses near Polk County where your child could be subjected to the same abuse we’re fighting in Texas.

🚨 What Is Hazing? The Reality in Polk County

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “harmless fun.” It is abuse, and it can cause serious injury or death.

Hazing Activities Reported at Universities Near Polk County:

These are not hypotheticals. These are the same activities that hospitalized our client in Texas — and they are happening at universities near Polk County.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Polk County Families Can Learn

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

Polk County families: This case is a warning and a blueprint. This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when institutions fail to protect students. And this is what we do about it.

What Happened:

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in Fall 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding — Simulated drowning with a garden hose
• 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — Forced until he collapsed
• Forced eating — Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Wooden paddles — Physical beating
• Cold weather exposure — Forced to strip to underwear
• Sleep deprivation — Forced to drive members at all hours
• Psychological torture — Threats, humiliation, carrying sexual objects

On November 3, 2025, after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other exercises under threat of expulsion, Bermudez collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure — a life-threatening condition caused by extreme muscle breakdown.

The Institutional Failures:

• Pi Kappa Phi National had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died from hazing at their FSU chapter in 2017. They did nothing.
• University of Houston had 8 years to implement real oversight after a student was hospitalized from hazing at another fraternity in 2017. They did nothing.
• Both institutions knew hazing was dangerous. Both failed to act. Leonel Bermudez paid the price.

The Legal Response:

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The local chapter
• The housing corporation
• University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and individual members

Polk County families: This is not just a Texas story. This is your story too. The same fraternities operate at universities near Polk County. The same culture of secrecy and abuse exists. The same negligence is happening at institutions near you.

This could be your child. This could be Polk County.

💔 Why Polk County Families Are at Risk

1. The Same National Fraternities Operate Near Polk County

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi — these are the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements across the country. They have chapters at Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and other institutions near Polk County.

If they did this in Texas, they’re doing it in Oregon.

2. Universities Near Polk County Have the Same Oversight Failures

Universities have a duty to protect students. But too often, they prioritize reputation over safety. They turn a blind eye to hazing until someone gets hurt — or killed.

Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and other schools near Polk County have the same power — and the same responsibility — to stop hazing. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

3. Hazing Is Often Hidden Until It’s Too Late

Most hazing victims don’t report it. They’re afraid of retaliation. They’re ashamed. They don’t want to get their friends in trouble. They don’t realize it’s illegal.

By the time parents find out, it’s often too late. The damage is done. The injuries are severe. The culture is entrenched.

4. Polk County Families Face Unique Barriers

• Rural location — Polk County is not near major legal hubs; victims may feel isolated
• Limited local resources — Few attorneys in Polk County specialize in hazing litigation
• Fear of speaking out — Small-town dynamics can make victims reluctant to report
• Distance from universities — Parents may not be on campus to see warning signs

You are not alone. We serve Polk County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Polk County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• If there is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Hazing can cause internal injuries, concussions, rhabdomyolysis, and psychological trauma that aren’t immediately visible
• Document everything — medical records are critical evidence

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Evidence disappears quickly.

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not talk to university administrators without legal counsel
• Do not give statements to anyone without your attorney present
• Do not sign anything from the organization

They will try to control the narrative. They will try to intimidate you. They will try to silence you. Don’t let them.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

We offer:

• Free consultations for Polk County families
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
• Nationwide service — We come to Polk County for depositions and meetings
• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely from your home
• 24/7 availability — Hazing emergencies don’t wait

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Polk County Parents Need to Watch For

Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Some symptoms appear immediately. Others develop over time.

Physical Injuries:

Psychological Trauma:

• PTSD — Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
• Depression — Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities
• Anxiety — Excessive worry, panic attacks
• Suicidal Ideation — Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Trust Issues — Difficulty forming relationships
• Substance Abuse — Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol

Polk County parents: If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms after joining an organization, seek medical and psychological help immediately. Then, contact us.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Polk County Hazing Victims

1. Civil Lawsuits — Holding Institutions Accountable

Polk County families can file personal injury lawsuits against:

• The local chapter (fraternity/sorority)
• The national organization
• The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
• Individual members (chapter officers, participants)
• Housing corporations (if hazing occurred on their property)

Damages you can recover:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
• Educational damages (if hazing disrupted your child’s education)

2. Criminal Charges — When Hazing Becomes a Crime

Hazing is illegal in Oregon. Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.197, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $6,250 fine. If the hazing causes serious physical injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.

Oregon law also states that “consent is not a defense” — even if your child agreed to participate, it’s still illegal.

3. Title IX — Gender-Based Hazing and Harassment

If your child was hazed because of their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, you may have a Title IX claim against the university. Title IX protects students from gender-based discrimination, including hazing that targets LGBTQ+ students or women in male-dominated organizations.

4. Wrongful Death — When Hazing Kills

If your child died from hazing, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable and recover compensation for:

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering

💰 Why $10 Million? The Value of a Hazing Case

Polk County families often ask: “Why sue for $10 million? Isn’t that a lot?”

The answer: Because that’s what it takes to send a message and force change.

Precedent Cases — Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:

These are not isolated cases. These are the real financial consequences of hazing.

What $10 Million Represents:

• Medical bills — Hospitalization, surgery, long-term care
• Future medical expenses — Kidney monitoring, therapy, potential dialysis
• Pain and suffering — The physical and emotional trauma of abuse
• Punitive damages — To punish the institutions and prevent future hazing
• Educational disruption — Lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Loss of future earning potential — If injuries affect career prospects

Most importantly: $10 million is what it takes to make fraternities, sororities, and universities take hazing seriously. When institutions see that hazing costs millions, they start to change.

🚫 Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them

Defendants will try to blame the victim. We know their playbook. Here’s how we fight back:

🎯 Why Polk County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight. Polk County families get the same aggressive representation.

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 deny claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Service for Polk County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Polk County. We offer:

• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
• Travel to Polk County — For depositions, meetings, and trials
• Federal court authority — Pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York

4. $0 Upfront — We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

• No financial risk for Polk County families
• No hourly fees — We don’t bill by the hour
• Aligned interests — We succeed when you succeed

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide bilingual representation to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.

6. We Understand the Culture

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face. This insight helps us build stronger cases and connect with juries.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record

• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• High-profile case experience, including the BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Former prosecutor experience — we know how to build strong cases
• Google 4.9-star rating from 250+ reviews

📞 Polk County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in Polk County or anywhere in Oregon, call us immediately.

Legal Emergency Hotline for Polk County Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Polk County families
• 24/7 availability — Hazing emergencies don’t wait
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
• Nationwide service — We come to Polk County for your case
• Bilingual representation — Se habla español

🏆 Our Commitment to Polk County Families

“When a legal emergency hits — whether it’s on a Texas highway, a Polk County campus, or a fraternity house anywhere in America — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.”

For Polk County hazing victims, our team:

• Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
• Preserves evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
• Negotiates from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
• Travels to Polk County — for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
• Provides remote consultations — Polk County families can video chat with our attorneys

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Polk County hazing victims, we take it to court.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Polk County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

We understand the fear of retaliation. Many hazing victims are reluctant to come forward. You can still take legal action without your child’s full cooperation, but their testimony will strengthen the case. Call us for a confidential consultation — we can explain your options.

2. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue?

Yes. Universities have a duty to oversee Greek life and student organizations. If they failed to implement proper safeguards, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. We will investigate what the university knew — or should have known.

3. The fraternity says my child consented. Is that a valid defense?

No. Oregon law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing (ORS § 163.197). Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.

4. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is unique. The value depends on:

• The severity of the injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• The defendants’ ability to pay
• The strength of the evidence

Precedent cases range from $4 million to $110 million. We will evaluate your case and pursue maximum compensation.

5. My child was hazed at a university near Polk County, but we live in Polk County. Can you help?

Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Polk County. We can evaluate your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.

6. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most cases settle out of court. If your case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. We will prepare them thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

8. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

$0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there is no financial risk to Polk County families.

9. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, we can pursue the homeowner and their insurance.

10. Can we sue the national fraternity even if the hazing was done by the local chapter?

Yes. National fraternities have a duty to supervise their local chapters. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.

🏠 Serving Polk County, Oregon — Nationwide Representation

Attorney 911 Headquarters (Houston):
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 528-9070

We serve Polk County families nationwide through:

• Federal court authority — U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
• Video consultations — Meet with us from your Polk County home
• Travel to Polk County — For depositions, meetings, and trials
• Remote case management — All communications handled securely online

Polk County hazing victims are not alone. We will fight for you.

📢 A Message to Polk County Fraternities and Sororities

To fraternities and sororities operating near Polk County: We are watching.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates at a university near Polk County, know this:

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit.
• We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your history of hazing.
• We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national organizations.
• If you haze students near Polk County, we will find every liable entity.
• We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.

The choice is yours:

• Clean up your chapters now.
• Implement real oversight.
• Stop the abuse before someone gets hurt.
• Or face the consequences in court.

📚 Additional Resources for Polk County Families

Oregon Anti-Hazing Laws:

• Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.197 — Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor
• Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.198 — Consent is not a defense
• Oregon University System Policies — Each university has its own anti-hazing policies

National Hazing Prevention Organizations:

• HazingPrevention.Org — Education and prevention resources
• StopHazing — Research and advocacy
• Gordie Center — Alcohol education and hazing prevention

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis Text Line — Text “HOME” to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
• Oregon YouthLine — Call 877-968-8491 or text “teen2teen” to 839863

🔥 Final Warning to Polk County Institutions

Universities near Polk County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You have the power to stop hazing. You have the duty to protect your students. Act now or face the same accountability.

🚨 Polk County Families: Enough Is Enough

Your child trusted these people. That trust was betrayed.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Polk County families.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured — call us now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now. And we’ll fight for Polk County families too.

© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Polk County, Oregon and Nationwide
All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a representation agreement is signed. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes.