🚨 Washington County Hazing Victim Legal Guide: Justice for Students & Families
Washington County families: Your child deserves safety, dignity, and justice. If hazing has harmed your family, Attorney 911 is here to help.
Serving Washington County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — with nationwide reach for hazing victims.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Washington County
Washington County is known for its tight-knit communities, historic charm, and strong educational values. Families in towns like Westerly, Wakefield, and Narragansett send their children to college expecting them to grow, learn, and be safe. But behind the scenes at universities across Rhode Island and New England, a dangerous culture persists: hazing.
The same fraternities that have killed students at Penn State, LSU, and Florida State maintain active chapters at universities near Washington County. The same national organizations that paid $10 million to the family of Stone Foltz operate chapters within driving distance of Washington County. And the same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston — waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, physical abuse — happen right here in New England.
Washington County families: This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “tradition.” This is abuse. And it’s happening to students from your community.
📚 What Washington County Families Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing is Illegal in Rhode Island
Rhode Island General Laws § 11-21-1 makes hazing a felony when it creates a substantial risk of physical injury. This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that endangers physical or mental health
Washington County students are protected by Rhode Island law — and we will enforce it.
2. Consent is NOT a Defense
Even if a student “agrees” to participate, Rhode Island law says consent does not matter. When fraternities argue “he knew what he was signing up for,” the law says that’s not an excuse.
3. Universities Near Washington County Have a Duty to Protect Students
Universities have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment. When they fail — as University of Houston did in our current case — they can be held liable for millions in damages.
4. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets
The same organizations that have paid $10 million, $6 million, and $110 million in other hazing cases have chapters near Washington County. They have insurance. They have assets. They will pay for what they’ve done.
5. Time is Limited
Rhode Island has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Do not wait to seek justice for your Washington County child.
🏥 What Hazing Looks Like: Medical Consequences for Washington County Students
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It causes real, lasting harm to Washington County students:
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — caused by excessive exercise; can lead to kidney failure (like our Houston client)
- Alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking; can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injuries — from beatings or falls
- Broken bones — from physical abuse
- Burns — from branding or hot objects
- Internal injuries — from forced consumption or physical trauma
Psychological Trauma:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from waterboarding, torture, abuse
- Anxiety and depression — long-term mental health struggles
- Suicidal ideation — hazing increases suicide risk
- Trust issues — difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Academic decline — falling grades, dropped classes
Washington County Families: These are not temporary effects. These are lifetime consequences.
💼 Who is Liable When Washington County Students Are Hazed?
When hazing harms a Washington County student, multiple parties can be held accountable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Washington County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at URI, Providence College, Bryant University, etc. |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, etc. |
| University | Failed to protect students; owns fraternity houses | University of Rhode Island, Providence College, etc. |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Many universities own fraternity houses |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students from Washington County and across New England |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events at their homes | Local Washington County alumni may be involved |
Washington County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
💰 What Washington County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing victims from Washington County are entitled to full compensation for their injuries:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — time missed from work or internships
- Educational costs — tuition for missed semesters, tutoring
- Rehabilitation costs — physical therapy, mental health treatment
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience
- Disfigurement — permanent scars or injuries
Punitive Damages:
When conduct is egregious — like waterboarding, forced drinking, or physical torture — courts award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future abuse.
Washington County families: These damages are not just numbers. They represent your child’s future — and we will fight for every dollar they deserve.
📋 What to Do If Your Washington County Child Is Hazed
IMMEDIATE STEPS:
-
Get Medical Help
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately
- Document all injuries, symptoms, and treatments
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms
-
Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, the hazing location, any items used in hazing
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Write down everything — dates, times, what happened, who was involved
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not sign anything
- Do not post on social media about the incident
-
Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations for Washington County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
🎓 Universities Near Washington County: The Hazing Risk
Washington County students attend colleges across Rhode Island and New England — and many of these schools have active Greek life with documented hazing histories:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | Strong Greek system | Multiple hazing incidents reported |
| Providence College | Providence, RI | Active fraternities/sororities | Hazing allegations in past |
| Bryant University | Smithfield, RI | Greek life community | Hazing incidents reported |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | Large Greek system | Multiple hazing violations |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA | Very active Greek life | Multiple hazing deaths in past |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | Greek organizations | Hazing incidents reported |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Fraternities/sororities | Hazing violations |
| University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | Greek life community | Hazing incidents reported |
Washington County families: If your child attends college near Washington County, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
⚖️ Rhode Island Hazing Law: Your Legal Rights
Rhode Island General Laws § 11-21-1 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any conduct or method of initiation, admission, or condition of continued membership in any student organization which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.
Penalties:
- Felony if conduct creates a substantial risk of physical injury
- Misdemeanor for other hazing violations
- Fines and imprisonment possible
Organizational Penalties:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Loss of recognition by the university
Washington County families: Rhode Island law protects your child — and we will enforce it.
🏆 Precedent Cases: Washington County Families Can Win
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These same outcomes are possible for Washington County families:
$10.1 Million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha)
- What happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement from university and fraternity
- Washington County relevance: Same national fraternities operate near Washington County
$6.1 Million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta)
- What happened: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act passed (felony hazing)
- Washington County relevance: Shows juries award millions for hazing deaths
$110+ Million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi)
- What happened: Forced to run “gauntlet” (18 drinks in 82 minutes); fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911; died from traumatic brain injury
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed
- Washington County relevance: Shows potential for massive damages when evidence is strong
$10 Million — Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi) — OUR CURRENT CASE
- What happened: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating; hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending
- Washington County relevance: Same fraternity; same conduct happening near Washington County
Washington County families: These cases prove that hazing victims win. The same legal strategies apply to Washington County cases.
🛡️ Why Washington County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the courtroom today
- Washington County families get the same aggressive representation
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Nationwide Reach for Washington County Families
- Based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willing to travel to Washington County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
4. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
- Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
- Washington County Hispanic families welcome
- No language barriers to justice
5. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Washington County Families
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- No hourly fees
- No upfront costs
- We take the risk — you get the justice
6. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Experience with high-stakes litigation (BP Texas City explosion)
- Former federal court experience — can pursue federal civil rights claims
7. We Understand Greek Life Culture
- Ralph Manginello was a hall of fame athlete and youth coach
- We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures students face
- We know how to expose the realities of hazing culture
📞 Washington County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a university near Washington County, you have legal rights. We can help.
Legal Emergency Hotline for Washington County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
How We Serve Washington County Families:
- Free, confidential consultations — in person or by video
- Immediate case evaluation — know your rights and options
- Aggressive evidence preservation — texts, photos, witness statements
- Medical record collection — document all injuries and treatment
- Negotiation with defendants — maximize your settlement
- Litigation if necessary — we’re not afraid to take them to court
- Travel to Washington County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Washington County families: You are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Washington County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still call?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, consulting with an attorney can:
- Protect their legal rights
- Preserve evidence in case they change their mind
- Help them understand their options
- Provide guidance on reporting to authorities
- Many victims change their minds after realizing the full extent of their rights
Q: We’re in Washington County. Can you really help us from Texas?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Washington County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier. Many Washington County families consult with us by video, and we come to Washington County when needed.
Q: How much will this cost our Washington County family?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid if you do.
Q: What if the fraternity says my child “consented”?
A: Rhode Island law says consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law protects them from hazing. We will defeat this argument in court.
Q: How long will this take for our Washington County case?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months; others take years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery. Washington County families can expect:
- Immediate action on evidence preservation
- 3-6 months for investigation and medical treatment
- 6-12 months for settlement negotiations
- 1-3 years if litigation is required
Q: Can you help if the hazing happened at a university outside Rhode Island?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your Washington County child was hazed at any college or university — in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or anywhere in America — we can help.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear social or academic retaliation. We:
- Protect your child’s identity when possible
- Advise on safe reporting procedures
- Pursue legal claims that hold institutions accountable, not just individuals
- Work with university officials to ensure safety
Q: My child was hazed years ago. Is it too late?
A: Rhode Island has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If the hazing occurred within the last 3 years, you may still have a case. Call us immediately — we can evaluate your timeline.
🔥 A Message to Washington County Fraternities
To the fraternities operating near Washington County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million, $6 million, and $110 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Washington County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down after our lawsuit. They won’t be the last.
If you haze students in Washington County, we will:
- Identify every liable party
- Pursue every insurance policy
- Depose every member
- Take your case to trial if necessary
- Win millions in damages
Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
💔 A Message to Washington County Families Who Have Lost Children
To the Washington County families who have lost children to hazing:
We see you. We mourn with you. And we will fight for you.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable. The betrayal of institutions that were supposed to protect them makes it worse.
We have represented families who have lost children to hazing. We know the legal system can’t bring them back. But it can:
- Hold the responsible parties accountable
- Prevent this from happening to another Washington County family
- Send a message that this culture must end
If your child died from hazing, you may have a wrongful death claim. These cases often result in the highest damages because juries understand the magnitude of the loss.
Washington County families: You are not alone. We are here to fight for your child’s legacy.
🏆 Washington County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice
This is what happened at University of Houston. This happens nationwide. This could happen to your child in Washington County.
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. Over the next seven weeks, he was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then forced to keep running through his own vomit
- Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Subjected to sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
On November 3, 2025, he was punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital. He spent four days fighting for his life with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
This didn’t happen in Texas. This could happen at a university near Washington County.
The same fraternities. The same “traditions.” The same negligence.
Washington County families: It’s time to say enough is enough.
📞 Washington County Families: Call Attorney 911 Today
Legal Emergency Hotline for Washington County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Serving Washington County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — with nationwide reach for hazing victims.
Washington County families: Your child deserves safety. Your family deserves justice. We are here to fight for you.
