🚨 Hazing Lawyer for Santa Cruz County Families | Attorney 911
Your child was hazed at a Santa Cruz County college. They were waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats. Beaten with wooden paddles. Left in the hospital with kidney failure. The fraternity and the university knew this could happen — and did nothing to stop it.
We are Attorney 911. We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million after a student was hospitalized from the same kind of hazing that happens at Santa Cruz County schools. We will fight just as hard for your Santa Cruz County family.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911. Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you do.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County is home to vibrant college communities where students come to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships. But behind the picturesque campuses and Greek letters, a dangerous culture of hazing thrives — often hidden from parents and administrators until it’s too late.
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at Santa Cruz County universities. The same “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure exist here in Santa Cruz County. And the same institutional failures that allowed hazing at University of Houston are happening right here in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County families: Your child is at risk.
🔥 This Is What Hazing Looks Like in Santa Cruz County
The University of Houston Case — What Happened Here Could Happen in Santa Cruz County
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at University of Houston yet — was subjected to weeks of systematic torture as a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
What they did to him:
| Activity | What It Means | Medical Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding with a garden hose | Simulated drowning — a form of torture | Psychological trauma; fear of death |
| 500+ squats, 100+ pushups | Extreme physical punishment | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) |
| Bear crawls, wheelbarrows, 100-yard crawls | Forced exercise to exhaustion | Acute kidney failure |
| Forced eating until vomiting | Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns consumed until vomiting | Aspiration risk; dehydration |
| Struck with wooden paddles | Physical beating with weapons | Bruising; potential internal injury |
| Hog-tying another pledge | Tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour | False imprisonment; psychological harm |
| Threats of expulsion | “Do this or you’re out” | Coercion; psychological abuse |
| Sleep deprivation | Forced to drive members during early morning hours | Exhaustion; impaired judgment |
The result:
- November 3, 2025: Bermudez collapses after extreme hazing
- November 6, 2025: Rushed to hospital with brown urine — sign of muscle breakdown
- Diagnosis: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
- Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days fighting for his life
Santa Cruz County families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture. And it’s happening at colleges near Santa Cruz County.
⚠️ The Same Hazing Happens at Santa Cruz County Universities
Santa Cruz County is not immune. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client operate at universities near Santa Cruz County. The same national organizations that failed to stop the University of Houston hazing have chapters right here in our community.
Universities near Santa Cruz County with Greek life include:
- University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
- Cabrillo College
- San Jose State University (nearby)
- Santa Clara University (nearby)
- Stanford University (nearby)
Fraternities with chapters near Santa Cruz County include:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Sigma Chi
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Kappa Sigma
- And many others
Santa Cruz County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
🏢 Who Is Responsible for Hazing in Santa Cruz County?
When hazing happens in Santa Cruz County, multiple parties are liable — and we will pursue every single one.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Santa Cruz County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organizes and conducts hazing | Santa Cruz County fraternity chapter that hazed your child |
| National Organization | Fails to supervise; enables culture of abuse | National fraternity with Santa Cruz County chapter |
| University | Owns or controls property; fails to protect students | Santa Cruz County university where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participate in or facilitate hazing | Santa Cruz County students who hazed your child |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allow hazing at their property | Santa Cruz County alumni hosting hazing events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional negligence | Insurance policies covering Santa Cruz County defendants |
Santa Cruz County families: We will sue everyone responsible. No one gets to hide.
💰 What Your Santa Cruz County Hazing Case Is Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. The same legal strategies that won $10 million for our Houston client apply to Santa Cruz County families.
Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending |
What Santa Cruz County Families Can Recover:
| Damage Type | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to academic plans | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, treatment, recovery | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing | $500,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct (waterboarding, etc.) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| TOTAL POTENTIAL | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Santa Cruz County families: Your child’s case could be worth MILLIONS. Don’t settle for less.
📋 What Santa Cruz County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed in Santa Cruz County, follow these steps immediately to protect their rights:
STEP 1: Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t appear immediately
- Medical records create critical evidence for your case
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/Videos:
- Injuries at all stages of healing
- Hazing locations (fraternity house, off-campus sites)
- Items used in hazing (paddles, hoses, alcohol containers)
✅ Communications:
- Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Emails about hazing or pledge activities
- Screenshots of social media posts about hazing
✅ Witness Information:
- Names and contact info of other pledges
- Names and contact info of witnesses or bystanders
✅ Documents:
- Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
- Medical records from hospital or doctor visits
STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
❌ Do NOT:
- Give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Talk to university administrators without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post on social media about the incident
✅ Do:
- Tell them you are represented by an attorney
- Direct all communication to Attorney 911
STEP 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation: We’ll evaluate your Santa Cruz County case at no cost
⚠️ WARNING: Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your Santa Cruz County hazing case will be.
⚖️ Why Santa Cruz County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston for $10 million after a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure
- ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media have all covered our case
- We know how to build these cases — and we’ll use the same strategies for Santa Cruz County families
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims
- We know how they try to minimize claims
- We know how to dismantle their defenses
- We know where the money is — and how to get it
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Santa Cruz County Families Anywhere
- Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — but we represent hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority — can pursue Santa Cruz County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willing to travel to Santa Cruz County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
4. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
- We see your child as a person — not a paycheck
- We understand the trauma of hazing
- We will fight for justice, accountability, and compensation
- We don’t back down from powerful institutions
5. No Upfront Cost for Santa Cruz County Families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- No hourly fees
- No retainer required
- We take the financial risk so you can focus on healing
🎯 What We Will Do for Your Santa Cruz County Family
1. Immediate Case Evaluation
- Free, confidential consultation
- Honest assessment of your Santa Cruz County hazing case
- Clear explanation of your legal rights
2. Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand they preserve all communications, photos, videos
- Prevent evidence destruction
3. Medical Documentation
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Calculate future medical needs
- Ensure all treatment is properly documented
4. Liability Investigation
- Identify all responsible parties (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
- Gather evidence of institutional knowledge
- Document pattern of hazing at Santa Cruz County institution
5. Damage Calculation
- Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
- Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
6. Negotiation & Litigation
- Demand fair settlement from all defendants
- Take case to trial if necessary
- Pursue maximum compensation for your Santa Cruz County family
7. Criminal Coordination
- Work with law enforcement if criminal charges are appropriate
- Ensure civil and criminal cases are properly coordinated
8. Media & Public Pressure
- Use media coverage to pressure defendants to settle
- Protect your family’s privacy while holding institutions accountable
📞 Santa Cruz County Families: Contact Us Now
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s abuse. And it must stop.
If your child has been hazed at a Santa Cruz County college or university, we can help. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Santa Cruz County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Santa Cruz County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we will travel to Santa Cruz County for your case.
No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you do.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Santa Cruz County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, consulting with an attorney is critical to:
- Understand your legal rights
- Preserve evidence in case your child changes their mind
- Get advice on how to protect your child from retaliation
- Explore other options (Title IX complaints, university discipline)
Q: The fraternity says my child consented. Can they still be held responsible?
A: Absolutely. In most states, including California, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t justify the abuse. The fraternity is still liable.
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 from known dangers. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks — especially if there have been prior incidents — they can be held liable for failing to act.
Q: My child attends a small college near Santa Cruz County. Does this apply to them?
A: Yes. Hazing happens at all types of colleges — large universities, small colleges, community colleges. If your child was hazed, we can help regardless of the school’s size or location.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can the university still be sued?
A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if:
- They knew or should have known about the risk
- The hazing was connected to the organization (fraternity, sports team, etc.)
- They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of injury. However, some exceptions may apply. Contact us immediately — evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We will:
- Advise your child not to communicate with the organization
- Send preservation letters to prevent intimidation
- Coordinate with university officials to ensure safety
- Pursue legal action if retaliation occurs
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured? Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is a serious injury. Even if your child wasn’t physically hurt, they can still recover compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Therapy costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and we only get paid if you do.
Q: We don’t live in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Santa Cruz County families. We can:
- Conduct consultations via video call
- Travel to Santa Cruz County for depositions and trials
- Pursue your case in federal court if necessary
🔒 Confidentiality & Privacy for Santa Cruz County Families
We understand that hazing cases are sensitive and that families may fear retaliation or public exposure. At Attorney 911, we take confidentiality seriously.
What we guarantee:
- All consultations are 100% confidential
- We will not share your information without your permission
- We can pursue your case discreetly to minimize public exposure
- We will advise you on how to protect your privacy on social media
- We will coordinate with university officials to ensure your child’s safety
Your privacy and your child’s well-being are our top priorities.
🏆 Our Track Record — Why Santa Cruz County Families Trust Us
1. $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (2025)
- Currently suing Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston for waterboarding and hospitalizing a student
- ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media coverage
- Chapter shut down within days of lawsuit filing
2. Multi-Million Dollar Personal Injury Results
- Recovered millions for clients in wrongful death, trucking accidents, refinery explosions
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to maximize recovery
3. Aggressive Litigation Experience
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort against major corporation)
- Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
4. Client Testimonials
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews on Google
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz
“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work with my medical issues and the repair of my vehicle. They were available to answer any questions and concerns. Everyone was very professional and polite. I also got a very nice settlement.” — MONGO SLADE
“This firm took the case that needed rescuing. Did not know what to do and gratefully they accepted the case. With hard work and dedication we prevailed.” — Georgia Jackson
📢 Message to Santa Cruz County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Santa Cruz County: We are watching.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all others: The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
To the universities near Santa Cruz County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To the Greek life leadership at Santa Cruz County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
We track your house corporations. We track your alumni chapters. We track your national organizations. And when you haze students in Santa Cruz County, we will pursue every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is already shut down. Your chapter could be next.
🚨 Santa Cruz County Families: Act Now
Time is not on your side.
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Statutes of limitations expire
- Organizations destroy records
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your Santa Cruz County hazing case will be.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Santa Cruz County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we will travel to Santa Cruz County for your case.
No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you do.
🏁 Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County families: Your child deserves to attend college without fear of torture, abuse, or life-threatening hazing. Universities and fraternities have the power to stop this — but they won’t act until they’re forced to.
By pursuing justice for your child, you’re not just fighting for compensation. You’re fighting for accountability. You’re fighting for change. You’re fighting to protect the next Santa Cruz County student from suffering the same abuse.
We are Attorney 911. We are ready to fight for your Santa Cruz County family. Call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough.
