🛡️ Hazing Victims in Union County, Oregon: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Union County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Nationwide Representation for Hazing Victims
📞 24/7 Hazing Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
🚨 Union County Families: Hazing Is Happening Near You — And It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in Texas or Florida. It’s happening right here in Oregon — at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, in Union County high schools, and in Greek organizations across the state. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a student in Houston are being practiced in Union County. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate chapters near Union County.
If your child has been hazed in Union County, you are not alone. And you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Union County families.
🏢 Who We Are: Union County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Why Union County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Our Advantage | How It Helps Union County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven trial lawyers who know how to win against institutions |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability — and how to counter them |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Union County cases in federal court when needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Union County |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Union County’s Spanish-speaking families |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you win |
| Willingness to Travel | We come to Union County for depositions, meetings, and trials |
Our Attorneys: Fighting for Union County Hazing Victims
Ralph P. Manginello
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense attorney — knows how defendants think
- Successfully handled BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
- Currently litigating $10M hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
- Will travel to Union County for your case
Lupe Eleno Peña
- Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise
- Third-generation Texan with deep commitment to justice
- Fluent Spanish speaker
- Will fight aggressively for Union County families
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Union County: What Families Need to Know
Hazing Is Happening Near Union County
While Union County doesn’t have a major university with Greek life, hazing occurs in many organizations across Oregon, including:
- Eastern Oregon University (La Grande) — Greek organizations, sports teams, clubs
- High schools in Union County and surrounding areas — athletics, bands, clubs
- Community colleges and trade schools near Union County — student organizations
- Military groups, ROTC programs, and youth organizations in the region
- Online hazing — cyberbullying and digital harassment
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters at Oregon universities near Union County:
| Fraternity | Oregon Universities with Chapters | Notable Hazing Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | University of Oregon, Oregon State | Our $10M UH case; Andrew Coffey death (2017) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | University of Oregon, Oregon State | Multiple hazing deaths nationwide |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | University of Oregon, Oregon State | Stone Foltz death (2021) — $10.1M settlement |
| Beta Theta Pi | University of Oregon | Timothy Piazza death (2017) — $110M+ settlement |
| Sigma Chi | University of Oregon, Oregon State | Multiple hazing incidents |
Union County families: If your child is involved in any organization near Union County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in Houston.
What Hazing Looks Like in Union County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.
Common hazing activities reported in Oregon and nationwide:
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, burning | Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scars |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage |
| Extreme Exercise | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hoses or buckets | Psychological trauma, suffocation, death |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health crises |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, long-term trauma |
| Exposure | Forced to stay outside in extreme weather | Hypothermia, heat stroke, frostbite |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Exhaustion, academic disruption |
Union County families: If your child has experienced any of these activities, it is hazing. It is illegal. And you can take legal action.
The Devastating Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort. It can ruin — or end — lives.
Physical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) → Kidney failure → Dialysis → Transplant
- Alcohol poisoning → Coma → Death
- Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
- Internal bleeding from physical abuse
- Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
- Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
- Death
Psychological Consequences:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Trust issues and social withdrawal
- Academic decline and dropout
- Substance abuse (self-medicating)
Academic and Financial Consequences:
- Failed courses and delayed graduation
- Lost scholarships and financial aid
- Medical bills from hospitalizations
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning potential from long-term health issues
Union County families: These consequences are real. They happen to students just like yours. And they are preventable.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Union County Hazing Victim
Oregon Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Oregon has strong laws against hazing, designed to protect students like those in Union County.
Oregon Revised Statutes § 351.070 — Hazing Prohibited
(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Hazing” means any act that:
(A) Is likely to cause physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to another person; and
(B) Is committed for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a student group, organization or athletic team.
(2) No student, or other person in a school, shall intentionally or recklessly engage in hazing or recklessly permit hazing to be conducted by others.
(3) Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor.
Key Points for Union County Families:
- Hazing is a CRIME in Oregon — punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it’s still illegal
- Applies to ALL student groups — fraternities, sororities, sports teams, bands, clubs, ROTC, etc.
- Applies to high schools AND colleges — including Eastern Oregon University and Union County high schools
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Academic disruption
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Who Can Be Sued in Union County Hazing Cases:
- The local organization (fraternity, team, club, etc.)
- The national organization (if applicable)
- The school or university (if they knew or should have known)
- Individual members who participated
- Advisors or coaches who failed to stop it
- Property owners where hazing occurred
Federal Civil Rights Claims: Additional Protection
In some cases, hazing may violate federal civil rights laws, especially if it involves:
- Discrimination (based on race, gender, religion, etc.)
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Institutional cover-ups
Title IX (for sexual harassment/assault in schools)
Section 1983 (for constitutional violations by government entities)
Union County families: Federal claims can be pursued in federal court and may result in additional compensation.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same legal strategies apply to Union County victims.
Case 1: Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million Settlement
- Victim: Stone Foltz (20 years old)
- University: Bowling Green State University (Ohio)
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
- What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” event
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement from university and fraternity
- Union County Relevance: Shows that $10M+ settlements are possible for hazing deaths
Case 2: Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver (18 years old)
- University: Louisiana State University
- Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
- What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event; wrong answers = drink more
- Result: BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit); died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act (hazing now a felony in Louisiana)
- Union County Relevance: Juries award millions for hazing deaths; similar cases can win in Oregon
Case 3: Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million Settlement
- Victim: Timothy Piazza (19 years old)
- University: Penn State University
- Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
- What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; members waited 12 hours to call 911
- Result: Died from traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law
- Union County Relevance: Shows that when evidence is strong (security cameras captured everything), settlements reach $100M+
Case 4: Our Current Case — $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & UH
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez
- University: University of Houston
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
- What Happened: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Result: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure; 4-day hospitalization
- Status: $10 million lawsuit filed November 2025
- Union County Relevance: This is the case that proves Union County victims can win. We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for Union County families too.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Union County
If your child has been hazed, ACT IMMEDIATELY. Evidence disappears quickly, and legal deadlines apply.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything — take photos of injuries, save communications
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
✅ Medical Records — Hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/Videos — Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used
✅ Communications — Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
✅ Witness Information — Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
✅ Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Financial Records — Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid
✅ Academic Records — Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships
⚠️ DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the organization without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
- Give statements to school administrators alone
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- To law enforcement: File a police report with your local Union County police department
- To the school: Report to Eastern Oregon University (if college) or your child’s high school
- To the organization’s national headquarters (if applicable)
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
We will:
- Guide you through the legal process
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Handle all communications with the organization and school
- File a lawsuit if necessary
- Fight for maximum compensation
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The statute of limitations for hazing lawsuits in Oregon is typically 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait.
🎯 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Union County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants with deep pockets. We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation.
1. The Local Organization (Fraternity, Team, Club, etc.)
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Example: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at UH
2. The National Organization (If Applicable)
- Failed to supervise local chapter
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Example: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
3. The School or University
- Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it occurs
- Failed to supervise student organizations
- Example: University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
4. Individual Members
- Participated in hazing
- Failed to stop it
- Example: Fraternity president, pledgemaster, active members
5. Advisors, Coaches, or Leaders
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Failed to take action to stop it
6. Property Owners
- Allowed hazing to occur on their property
- Example: Fraternity house landlord
💼 Damages: What Union County Victims Can Recover
Hazing victims are entitled to full compensation for all harm suffered.
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical bills — Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, medications, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational costs — Tuition, fees, lost scholarships
- Future earning capacity — If injuries cause permanent limitations
- Rehabilitation costs — Physical therapy, ongoing treatment
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain — From injuries and medical treatment
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Humiliation and shame — From degrading hazing activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — Permanent scars or injuries
Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct)
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Examples of conduct warranting punitive damages:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forced exercise to the point of kidney failure
- Covering up hazing incidents
- Continuing hazing after prior incidents
📅 Timeline: What to Expect in Your Union County Hazing Case
| Phase | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Free case evaluation; sign retainer | Day 1 |
| Investigation | Gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain records | 1-3 months |
| Medical Treatment | Complete treatment; reach Maximum Medical Improvement | 2-12+ months |
| Demand Package | Compile damages; send demand to defendants | After MMI |
| Negotiation | Settlement discussions with defendants | 1-6 months |
| Litigation (if needed) | File lawsuit; discovery; depositions | 6-18 months |
| Mediation | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement | 1 day |
| Trial (if needed) | Present case to judge/jury | Days to weeks |
| Resolution | Settlement or verdict; payment | Varies |
Union County families: We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. We only get paid when you get paid.
🔥 Why Union County Families Need Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. Union County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How Defendants Fight Back — And How to Counter Them
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know:
- How fraternities try to blame the victim
- How universities try to claim they didn’t know
- How insurance companies try to lowball settlements
- We’ve seen their playbook — and we know how to dismantle it
3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have:
- In-house legal departments
- Insurance company lawyers
- Risk management professionals
- Crisis PR teams
You need a law firm with the resources to fight back. We have:
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- A network of medical and hazing experts
- The financial backing to take cases to trial
- A track record of multi-million dollar wins
4. We Serve Union County — No Matter the Distance
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Union County. We offer:
- Video consultations for Union County families
- Willingness to travel to Union County for depositions and meetings
- Remote case management — we handle everything electronically
- Local counsel coordination if needed
5. We Care About More Than Just the Money
We see hazing victims as people, not paychecks. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting to:
- Hold abusers accountable
- Send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
- Prevent the next tragedy
- Help your child heal
🚫 Common Defenses in Hazing Cases — And How We Defeat Them
Defendants will try to avoid liability. We know their arguments — and we know how to counter them.
| Defense Argument | Our Counter-Argument | Legal Support |
|---|---|---|
| “He consented to participate” | Consent is not a defense under Oregon law (ORS 351.070) | ORS 351.070(2) |
| “He knew the risks” | Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens | Pattern evidence of deception |
| “He could have left at any time” | Fear of retaliation, social ostracism, and losing membership = duress | Psychological expert testimony |
| “It’s just tradition” | “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity — assault is assault | Criminal hazing statutes |
| “We didn’t know it was happening” | Universities and nationals have a duty to supervise — failure to do so is negligence | Negligent supervision claims |
| “It was an isolated incident” | Pattern evidence shows systemic problem — multiple incidents prove culture of hazing | Prior hazing reports |
📞 Union County Families: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Union County, you have legal rights. And you have a legal team ready to fight for you.
📞 24/7 Hazing Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free case evaluation — no obligation
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
✅ Nationwide representation — including Union County, Oregon
✅ Aggressive litigation — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
✅ Compassionate advocacy — we treat your family with respect and care
Union County families: The same fraternities that hazed a student in Houston operate near Union County. The same negligence exists at Oregon universities. Your child deserves justice. And we’re ready to fight for it.
🏆 Our Promise to Union County Families
- We will listen — without judgment, without pressure
- We will investigate — thoroughly and aggressively
- We will fight — for every dollar you deserve
- We will protect you — from retaliation and intimidation
- We will be there — every step of the way
Union County hazing victims: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders. And we’re ready to help.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Union County, Oregon from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced without permission.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a signed retainer agreement is in place. Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
