Hazing Lawyers Serving Tama County, Iowa – Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Tama County and Across Iowa
If your child has been a victim of hazing in Tama County, Iowa, or at any college or university in the state, you are not alone. Hazing is not “tradition” — it’s abuse. And when fraternities, sororities, or other organizations cross the line into physical and psychological harm, they must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systemic institutional negligence. We know how to win these cases. And we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven approach to Tama County hazing victims.
We serve Tama County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we will travel to Iowa to fight for you.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Why Tama County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and systematic abuse of a student. This isn’t theoretical. We’re in the fight right now. And we will bring the same level of aggression to Tama County hazing cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurers will try to deny, delay, and minimize your claim. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside. Now, we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere in America
We are admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and have experience litigating in federal courts. This means we can pursue Tama County hazing cases against national fraternities and universities, no matter where they’re headquartered.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas and New York
We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility to pursue national organizations that operate in multiple states.
5. We Travel to Tama County
While we’re based in Texas, we will travel to Iowa for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means Tama County families can fight back without financial risk.
7. Se Habla Español
Our staff is bilingual, and we offer full Spanish-language legal services to Tama County families.
Hazing in Tama County: The Reality
Hazing is not limited to big universities in other states. It happens right here in Iowa — including in and around Tama County.
Universities Near Tama County with Greek Life
While Tama County itself is a rural area, several major universities with active Greek life are within driving distance, including:
| University | Location | Distance from Tama County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa (UI) | Iowa City, IA | ~100 miles | Strong Greek system (fraternities & sororities) |
| Iowa State University (ISU) | Ames, IA | ~130 miles | Large Greek community |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) | Cedar Falls, IA | ~110 miles | Active Greek organizations |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | ~120 miles | Greek life present |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | ~40 miles | Smaller Greek presence |
These same national fraternities — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others — operate chapters at universities near Tama County. The same hazing culture that hospitalized our client in Houston exists in Iowa.
Types of Hazing Reported in Iowa
Hazing in Iowa — as in the rest of the country — often involves:
✅ Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, drinking games, “chugging”)
✅ Extreme physical exercise (calisthenics until exhaustion, “suicides,” bear crawls)
✅ Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, “hell week”)
✅ Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation, threats)
✅ Forced eating (hot sauce, raw eggs, other substances until vomiting)
✅ Physical assault (paddling, branding, “lineups”)
✅ Waterboarding and simulated drowning (as seen in our Houston case)
✅ Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects)
This isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.
What Counts as Hazing in Iowa?
Iowa law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Confinement
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Importantly: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the law still holds the organization liable.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Tama County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity housing |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
In our Houston case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Multiple individual members
- A former member and his spouse
The same strategy applies to Tama County cases.
What Damages Can Tama County Hazing Victims Recover?
Hazing victims in Iowa can pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (emergency room, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work due to injuries)
- Educational costs (tuition, fees, lost scholarships due to academic disruption)
- Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering (injuries from hazing)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and shame (psychological abuse)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Punitive Damages
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or reckless
- Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
- Applicable when organizations knowingly allow hazing to continue
Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts of $1 million to $110 million. Your Tama County case could be worth millions.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending | Our case |
These cases prove that hazing victims CAN and DO win big. The same results are possible for Tama County families.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Tama County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get medical care right away. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening. Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
- Get witness names and contact information.
- Keep all medical records and bills.
- Do NOT delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet.
- They will offer lowball settlements before you know the full extent of injuries.
- Do not sign anything or give any statements without legal counsel.
Step 4: Report the Hazing (Optional but Recommended)
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in Iowa).
- Report to the university’s Title IX office (if applicable).
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization.
Note: Reporting is your choice. We can guide you through the process.
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We will evaluate your case at no cost.
- We will preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- We will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
Common Defenses in Hazing Cases — and How We Defeat Them
Fraternities and universities will try to blame the victim. Here’s how we fight back:
| Defense | Our Response |
|---|---|
| “He/she consented to participate.” | Iowa law says consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed, the organization is still liable. |
| “It’s just tradition.” | Tradition doesn’t justify abuse. Waterboarding is torture, not tradition. |
| “We didn’t know it was happening.” | Universities and nationals have a duty to supervise. If they didn’t know, they should have. |
| “It was just a prank.” | Hazing that causes injury is not a prank — it’s assault. |
| “The victim was drinking voluntarily.” | Forced or coerced consumption is not voluntary. Peer pressure and threats negate consent. |
Tama County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. You may worry about:
- Retaliation from the fraternity or sorority
- Social ostracism on campus
- Academic consequences if you speak out
- Financial strain from medical bills and legal costs
We understand. And we’re here to help.
- We protect your confidentiality.
- We handle all communications so you don’t have to deal with the organization.
- We work on contingency — no upfront costs.
- We fight for maximum compensation so you can focus on healing.
Tama County Families: The Clock Is Ticking
Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have only two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Memories fade.
Don’t wait. Call Attorney 911 today.
Frequently Asked Questions for Tama County Hazing Victims
1. Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing laws apply whether the incident occurred on or off campus.
2. Can I sue if I wasn’t a student at the university yet?
Yes. Our client in the Houston case was a “ghost rush” — not yet enrolled at UH. If you were recruited and hazed, you have rights.
3. Can I sue if I was drinking alcohol during the hazing?
Yes. Forced or coerced drinking does not negate liability. The organization is still responsible.
4. Can I sue if I’m afraid of retaliation?
Yes. We take steps to protect your identity and safety. Many hazing victims fear retaliation — we understand and will protect you.
5. Can I sue if the fraternity has already suspended the chapter?
Absolutely. Suspension is an admission of guilt. We will still pursue full compensation.
6. Can I sue if the hazing happened years ago?
It depends on the statute of limitations. In Iowa, you generally have 2 years from the incident. Contact us immediately to evaluate your case.
7. Can I sue if no one was physically injured?
Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. You don’t need physical injuries to have a case.
8. Can I sue if the university claims they didn’t know?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to supervise Greek life, they can be held liable.
9. Can I sue if the fraternity is no longer active?
Yes. Even if the chapter is closed, the national organization and individual members can still be sued.
10. Can I afford a lawyer?
Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Tama County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
- We’ll preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- We’ll handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
- We’ll fight for maximum compensation — so you can focus on healing.
Hazing is abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.
Let Attorney 911 help you hold them accountable.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
Serving Tama County, Iowa, and all of Iowa from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
We will travel to Iowa for your case.
