Hazing Victims in Sullivan County, New Hampshire: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
The Hazing Crisis Hitting Close to Home in Sullivan County
Sullivan County families send their children to college expecting them to grow, learn, and be safe. But for too many students across New Hampshire and the nation, the college experience includes a dangerous hidden reality: hazing. The same fraternities and organizations operating at colleges near Sullivan County have been involved in hazing incidents that have led to hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and even deaths.
What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston could happen to a student from Sullivan County. The same Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that waterboarded Bermudez and forced him to do 500 squats until he developed kidney failure has chapters at universities throughout New England. The same culture of abuse, secrecy, and institutional failure exists right here in our region.
Sullivan County parents need to know: if your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, or any other organization, they could be at risk. And if they’ve already been harmed, you have legal rights.
The Landmark Case That Shows What’s Happening Near Sullivan County
In November 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was systematically abused during his pledge process. The details are shocking:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to run sprints through his own vomit
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during a workout – fraternity members just propped up his legs
- Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This wasn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” This was systematic abuse that put a young man’s life at risk. And here’s the most disturbing part: Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017. They had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing.
The University of Houston also knew about hazing on their campus. In 2017, another fraternity at UH sent a student to the hospital with a lacerated spleen from hazing. Eight years later, they still didn’t implement effective safeguards.
This same pattern of negligence exists at universities near Sullivan County. The same national fraternities operate here. The same failures to protect students happen here. And if your child has been hazed, you have the same legal rights as Leonel Bermudez’s family.
Hazing at Colleges Near Sullivan County
While Sullivan County itself is home to smaller community colleges and institutions, many students from the area attend larger universities throughout New England where Greek life is active. Some of the major institutions within driving distance of Sullivan County include:
- Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) – Home to multiple fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories
- University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH) – Active Greek system with past hazing incidents
- Keene State College (Keene, NH) – Greek organizations present on campus
- Plymouth State University (Plymouth, NH) – Fraternities and sororities active
- Colby-Sawyer College (New London, NH) – Greek life organizations
- Norwich University (Northfield, VT) – Military college with Greek organizations
- University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) – Active Greek system
- Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) – Greek organizations present
The same national fraternities involved in the Bermudez case – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others – have chapters at these institutions. If your child attends or plans to attend college near Sullivan County, they could be at risk.
What Constitutes Hazing in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire law defines hazing broadly, and it includes any activity that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
- Is required for initiation, admission, or continued membership
- Includes physical brutality, forced consumption of food/alcohol, sleep deprivation, or any other activity that creates unreasonable risk
Common hazing activities that have harmed students near Sullivan County include:
- Physical abuse: Paddling, beating, branding, excessive exercise
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of illness
- Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities, early morning obligations
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, threats
- Servitude: Forced errands, cleaning, or personal services
- Dangerous stunts: Activities that put students at physical risk
The Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation” – it can cause serious, long-lasting medical problems. Leonel Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis from being forced to do 500 squats. This condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys. It can be fatal.
Other medical consequences of hazing include:
- Alcohol poisoning – Can lead to coma or death
- Traumatic brain injuries – From falls or beatings
- Internal bleeding – From physical trauma
- Hypothermia or heat stroke – From exposure to extreme temperatures
- Cardiac arrest – From extreme physical exertion
- Permanent disabilities – From severe injuries
- Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicide
Who Is Liable When Hazing Occurs Near Sullivan County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
- The local chapter – The fraternity or sorority that directly organized the hazing
- National organization – For failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
- Individual members – Those who participated in or facilitated the hazing
- The university – For failing to protect students, especially when they own or control the property where hazing occurs
- Chapter advisors – Adults who oversee the organization
- Property owners – If hazing occurred at a private residence
In the Bermudez case, we’re pursuing all of these defendants: the local chapter, the national organization, the university, individual members, and even the spouse of a former member who allowed hazing at her home.
Your Legal Rights as a Sullivan County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed at a college near Sullivan County, you have important legal rights:
1. The Right to Compensation
You can pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disabilities
- Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
Precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover millions:
- $10.1 million for the family of Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million jury verdict for the family of Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million estimated settlement for the family of Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi)
2. The Right to Hold Institutions Accountable
Universities and national fraternities often try to distance themselves from hazing incidents. But the law holds them responsible when they fail to protect students.
3. The Right to Prevent Future Hazing
By pursuing legal action, you’re not just seeking compensation – you’re sending a message that hazing won’t be tolerated. Many hazing laws were created because of lawsuits like ours.
4. The Right to Privacy and Protection
We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We protect our clients’ privacy and work to ensure they’re safe throughout the legal process.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed Near Sullivan County
If you suspect your child has been hazed, act immediately:
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked out
- Document everything – Take photos of injuries, save text messages, collect witness information
- Preserve evidence – Don’t delete anything from your phone or social media
- Report to authorities – Consider filing a police report
- Contact an attorney – Before talking to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity or organization alone
- Sign anything from the university or fraternity
- Post about the incident on social media
- Assume it was “just a prank” or “harmless tradition”
Why Sullivan County Families Choose Attorney 911
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Sullivan County and throughout New England. Here’s why Sullivan County families trust us:
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez case. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now, and we’ll bring the same aggressive representation to Sullivan County victims.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Fraternities will argue that your child “consented” to the hazing. We know how to defeat this argument. In Texas, and in many states, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law is clear: you cannot consent to be abused.
3. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.
4. We’re Willing to Go to Trial
Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid trial. We’re not afraid to take cases to court when that’s what justice requires. We’ve won multi-million dollar verdicts for our clients.
5. We Understand the Emotional Toll
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries – it causes deep psychological trauma. We work with mental health experts to document the full impact on our clients.
6. We’ll Come to Sullivan County
We travel to our clients. Whether it’s for depositions, court appearances, or meetings, we’ll come to Sullivan County to fight for you.
The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing victims have a limited time to take legal action. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three years, but it’s important to act quickly:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
If your child has been hazed at a college near Sullivan County, don’t wait. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
For Sullivan County hazing victims: We’re here to help.
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation • No upfront costs • We don’t get paid unless you win
Serving Sullivan County and all of New Hampshire from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Sullivan County
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to “make waves.” Should we still pursue legal action?
A: We understand the pressure to stay silent. Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social consequences. But consider this: if your child doesn’t speak up, the next victim could be seriously injured or killed. Legal action isn’t just about compensation – it’s about preventing future harm. We can protect your child’s privacy throughout the process.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. In many states, including New Hampshire, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and other factors make true consent impossible in these situations. We know how to defeat this argument in court.
Q: We’re in Sullivan County. How can a Texas law firm represent us?
A: While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are admitted to practice in multiple states. We offer video consultations and travel to our clients when needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: The university says they had no knowledge of the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect their students. If they fail to implement proper oversight of Greek organizations, they can be held liable for hazing that occurs on their campus – even if they claim they didn’t know about it.
Q: How much is a hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover millions. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Permanent disabilities
- Egregious conduct (like waterboarding)
- Pattern of prior hazing incidents
- Institutional knowledge and failure to act
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most cases settle without going to trial. If your case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and support them through every step of the process.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injuries?
A: Even without physical injuries, hazing can cause severe psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are compensable. We work with mental health experts to document these injuries.
The Message to Fraternities Operating Near Sullivan County
To the fraternities and organizations operating at colleges near Sullivan County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in New Hampshire, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Sullivan County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu 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 New England. That’s what happens when you haze anywhere.
A Final Warning to Sullivan County Institutions
To the universities and colleges near Sullivan County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. If you own fraternity houses, if you recognize Greek organizations, if you have the power to regulate student activities – you have the responsibility to protect students.
The University of Houston knew about hazing on their campus. They had a student hospitalized in 2017. They did nothing. In 2025, another student was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing at a different fraternity.
If you know about hazing and fail to act, you will be held accountable. Act now or face the same accountability.
Sullivan County Parents: Protect Your Children
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Sullivan County, talk to them about hazing. Make sure they know:
- They have the right to say no
- They can leave at any time
- They can report hazing anonymously
- They can call us if they’re being pressured
And if the worst happens, remember: You have legal rights. You are not alone. We are here to help.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
