Hazing Victims in San Joaquin County: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help**
The Hazing Crisis in San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to grow, and to have positive experiences that shape their futures. What no parent expects is for their child to be subjected to torture, abuse, and life-threatening conditions in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” Yet, this is exactly what is happening in fraternities and other student organizations across California and the nation – including right here in San Joaquin County.
The recent case we’re handling in Houston against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston reveals a disturbing pattern: hazing is not just “boys being boys” – it’s systematic abuse that can lead to hospitalization, permanent injury, and even death. And while this particular case occurred in Texas, the same national fraternities with the same dangerous cultures operate right here in San Joaquin County.
What Happened in Houston Could Happen Here
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The hazing Bermudez endured included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning that is considered torture when used in military contexts
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand without help
- Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass after becoming sick
- Sleep deprivation from being forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Psychological humiliation including carrying objects of a sexual nature
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout just weeks before Bermudez was hospitalized. And this wasn’t Pi Kappa Phi’s first hazing tragedy – Andrew Coffey died from forced alcohol consumption at a Pi Kappa Phi event in 2017.
The same fraternities operate at universities near San Joaquin County. The same “traditions” exist here. The same negligence that allowed this to happen in Houston exists in California. Your child could be next.
Why This Matters to San Joaquin County Families
San Joaquin County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives, including:
- University of the Pacific in Stockton
- California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock
- San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton
- Humphreys University in Stockton
These institutions host chapters of national fraternities and sororities, including:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Kappa Sigma
- Delta Sigma Phi
- And many others
The same national organizations that paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide have chapters operating right here in San Joaquin County. If they allowed this to happen in Houston, they’re allowing it to happen here too.
The Legal Framework for San Joaquin County Hazing Victims
California has strong laws against hazing, and victims have multiple legal options:
California Education Code § 32050-32054 – Hazing Prohibition
California law defines hazing as:
“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 points for San Joaquin County families:
- Hazing is illegal whether or not the organization is officially recognized
- The law applies to high schools, community colleges, and universities
- “Serious bodily injury” includes conditions like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Consent is not a defense – even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable
Civil Lawsuits for Hazing Victims
San Joaquin County hazing victims can sue for:
- Negligence – The organization failed to protect your child
- Assault and Battery – Physical abuse during hazing
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Psychological trauma from hazing
- Premises Liability – If hazing occurred on unsafe property
- Negligent Supervision – The university failed to monitor Greek organizations
- Wrongful Death – If hazing resulted in death
Who can be held liable in San Joaquin County:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter
- National fraternity/sorority organizations
- Individual members who participated
- University officials who failed to prevent hazing
- Property owners where hazing occurred
What San Joaquin County Families Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Isn’t What You Think It Is
Many parents believe hazing is just harmless pranks or silly traditions. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Modern hazing often includes:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances to the point of vomiting
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, isolation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous activities: Waterboarding, being held underwater, extreme exposure to elements
This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s often criminal.
2. Hazing Happens Everywhere – Including San Joaquin County
While we can’t disclose specific incidents in San Joaquin County without violating confidentiality, we can tell you this: hazing happens at universities across California, including near San Joaquin County. The same fraternities involved in the Houston case have active chapters in our area.
Common hazing scenarios in San Joaquin County:
- “Hell Week” activities at fraternity houses
- Forced drinking events at off-campus locations
- Extreme physical challenges in remote areas
- Sleep deprivation and psychological games
- “Line-ups” where pledges are interrogated and abused
3. Universities Often Cover Up Hazing
When hazing incidents occur, universities frequently:
- Minimize the severity
- Pressure victims not to report
- Conduct internal investigations that protect the institution
- Suspend chapters quietly to avoid bad publicity
- Allow the same organizations to return after a short period
They prioritize their reputation over student safety.
4. Hazing Has Serious Medical Consequences
The medical effects of hazing can be severe and long-lasting:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – can lead to kidney failure
- Alcohol poisoning – can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injuries – from beatings or falls
- Heat stroke or hypothermia – from exposure
- Cardiac arrest – from extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression – long-term psychological damage
These aren’t minor injuries. They can be life-altering or life-ending.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in San Joaquin County
If you suspect or know your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and California has strict deadlines for taking legal action.
Immediate Steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if your child seems fine, some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Document everything – Take photos of injuries, save all communications (texts, social media, emails)
- Preserve evidence – Don’t delete anything, even if it’s embarrassing
- Report the incident – To campus authorities and local law enforcement
- Contact an attorney – Before speaking to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers
Do NOT:
- Let your child confront the organization alone
- Sign any documents from the fraternity or university
- Post about the incident on social media
- Assume it was “just a prank” or “no big deal”
- Wait to take action – California has strict deadlines
How Attorney 911 Can Help San Joaquin County Families
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win. San Joaquin County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your San Joaquin County Hazing Case:
- We’re actively fighting this battle right now – This isn’t theoretical; we have a hazing case in litigation
- We understand Greek life culture – We know how these organizations operate
- We know the medical consequences – We’ve handled rhabdomyolysis and other hazing injuries
- We’re former insurance defense attorneys – We know how insurance companies will try to minimize your claim
- We have federal court authority – We can pursue your case in federal court if needed
- We travel to San Joaquin County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
- We offer video consultations – You don’t need to come to Texas to get our help
- We work on contingency – $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you get paid
- We speak Spanish – Se habla español; we can serve Spanish-speaking families
- We care about our clients – We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
Our San Joaquin County Hazing Case Process:
- Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Immediate evidence preservation – We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants
- Medical documentation – We’ll work with medical experts to document injuries
- Identify all liable parties – Chapter, nationals, university, individuals
- Aggressive negotiation – We’ll fight for maximum compensation
- Litigation if necessary – We’re not afraid to take your case to trial
- Accountability – We’ll work to ensure this never happens again
The Time to Act Is Now
California has strict deadlines for taking legal action after hazing incidents. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation forever.
California Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases:
- Personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
- Minors: May have extended deadlines
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child has been hazed in San Joaquin County, call us immediately.
What San Joaquin County Families Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (for family members)
Punitive Damages:
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, juries may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Our current client is seeking $10 million for his injuries. San Joaquin County families may be entitled to similar compensation.
Common Defenses and How We Defeat Them
Organizations often try to avoid responsibility for hazing by claiming:
1. “It was just tradition – everyone goes through it”
Our response: Tradition doesn’t justify abuse. Waterboarding is torture whether it’s done by a fraternity or a military interrogator.
2. “He consented to participate”
Our response: California law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
3. “We didn’t know it was happening”
Our response: Organizations have a duty to supervise their members. If they didn’t know, it’s because they chose not to know.
4. “It was just a prank that went too far”
Our response: Forcing someone to do 500 squats until their muscles break down is not a prank. It’s abuse.
5. “The university isn’t responsible”
Our response: Universities that allow Greek organizations to operate on their campuses have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they can be held liable.
San Joaquin County Universities and the Hazing Problem
While we can’t disclose specific incidents at San Joaquin County universities without violating confidentiality, we can tell you that hazing is a widespread problem in California higher education. Some recent examples from across the state:
University of California, Berkeley
- Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing in recent years
- Incidents involving forced drinking and physical abuse
University of Southern California
- Sigma Nu fraternity suspended for hazing in 2023
- Incidents involving sleep deprivation and physical punishment
California State University, Fullerton
- Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity suspended for hazing in 2022
- Incidents involving forced consumption and physical abuse
University of California, Los Angeles
- Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing in recent years
- Incidents involving extreme physical challenges and psychological abuse
The same organizations with the same problems have chapters operating near San Joaquin County.
How to Protect Your Child from Hazing in San Joaquin County
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Changes in eating habits
- Avoidance of certain people or places
- Sudden reluctance to talk about their organization
- Decline in academic performance
- Increased secrecy about their activities
- Sudden wealth or poverty (being forced to pay for things)
What to Tell Your Child:
- Hazing is never okay – No matter what anyone tells you
- You have the right to say no – Even if you’re pressured
- Real friends don’t haze – True brotherhood/sisterhood is built on respect, not abuse
- It’s okay to walk away – Your safety is more important than membership
- Tell someone if you’re being hazed – You won’t get in trouble for reporting abuse
What Parents Can Do:
- Educate yourself about hazing and its dangers
- Talk to your child about hazing before they join any organization
- Research organizations before your child joins
- Stay involved – Ask questions about their activities
- Trust your instincts – If something seems wrong, it probably is
The Future of Hazing in San Joaquin County
The $10 million lawsuit we’ve filed in Houston is about more than just one victim. It’s about sending a message to every fraternity, sorority, and university in America – including those near San Joaquin County – that hazing will not be tolerated.
This is what we’re fighting for:
- Accountability for those who haze
- Justice for victims and their families
- Prevention of future hazing incidents
- Cultural change in Greek organizations
- Safer campuses for all students
San Joaquin County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas. Your child’s case could help prevent the next hazing tragedy.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
If your child has been hazed at a San Joaquin County university or college, we can help. We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- Video consultations for San Joaquin County families
- Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront
- Aggressive pursuit of maximum compensation
- Experienced hazing litigation attorneys
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and California has strict deadlines.
Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email:
Visit our website:
attorney911.com
We will travel to San Joaquin County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Joaquin County Hazing Cases
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Hazing often involves coercion and fear of retaliation. Even if your child is reluctant, it’s important to document what happened and consult with an attorney. We can help protect your child’s identity and rights.
Q: The fraternity says this was just a “misunderstanding.” Should I accept their apology?
A: Organizations often try to minimize hazing incidents. Never accept an apology or settlement without consulting an attorney first. What they’re offering is likely far less than what your child deserves.
Q: My child signed a waiver. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. California law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed something, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: The university says they’re handling this internally. Should I trust them?
A: Universities often conduct internal investigations that protect the institution, not the victim. Always consult with an attorney before participating in any university investigation.
Q: How much is my San Joaquin County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth millions. Our current client is seeking $10 million for his injuries. Factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- Lost earning capacity
- Whether the organization had prior hazing incidents
- Whether the university knew about the hazing
Q: How long will my San Joaquin County hazing case take?
A: Some cases settle within months, while others may take years. Factors that affect timeline include:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Whether the case goes to trial
- Complexity of liability issues
Q: Will my child have to testify?
A: Possibly, but we’ll prepare them thoroughly. Many cases settle before trial, meaning your child may never have to testify in court.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered psychological trauma, emotional distress, or other damages that entitle them to compensation.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?
A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if they failed to properly supervise the organization or had knowledge of hazing risks.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a community college in San Joaquin County?
A: California’s hazing laws apply to all educational institutions, including community colleges. We can help victims at any San Joaquin County school.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?
A: California has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but there may be exceptions. Contact us immediately to discuss your options.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in San Joaquin County?
A: California’s hazing laws apply to high schools as well. We can help high school hazing victims and their families.
The Bottom Line for San Joaquin County Families
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not harmless fun. It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse, it’s often criminal, and it has no place in San Joaquin County schools.
If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries. You have the right to help prevent this from happening to someone else’s child.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we’re ready to fight for San Joaquin County families too.
Don’t wait. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
