24/7 LIVE STAFF β€” Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Washoe County (Earth/North America/United States/Nevada/Washoe County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down By Our $10M Lawsuit | Attorney911 β€” America’s Most Comprehensive Greek Organization Database | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 19 min read
washoe-county-featured-image.png

🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Washoe County Families β€” Attorney 911

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Legal Help for Washoe County Hazing Victims

Washoe County families: If your child was hazed at a university, fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Reno, Sparks, or anywhere in Washoe County, you are not alone. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston operate chapters at institutions near Washoe County. The same culture of abuse exists in Nevada. And the same legal rights apply to Washoe County victims.

At Attorney 911, we are 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 hold institutions accountable. Washoe County families get the same aggressive representation we provide nationwide.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home for Washoe County

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

The shocking hazing case we’re fighting in Houston could easily happen at universities near Washoe County. Consider:

  • University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) β€” Home to multiple fraternities and sororities with active Greek life
  • Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) β€” Smaller but still has student organizations where hazing can occur
  • Sierra Nevada University (Incline Village) β€” Private institution with Greek organizations
  • Western Nevada College (Carson City) β€” Growing student population with clubs and teams

The same national fraternities involved in our Houston case have chapters near Washoe County:

  • Pi Kappa Phi β€” Has chapters at universities across the West
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β€” Multiple Nevada chapters; $1M+ settlement history
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β€” Involved in Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement)
  • Phi Delta Theta β€” Maxwell Gruver death ($6.1M verdict)
  • Beta Theta Pi β€” Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement)

If your child attends or plans to attend college near Washoe County, they face the same risks.

πŸ₯ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Washoe County

The Case That Shows Washoe County Families What Hazing Really Looks Like

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. The abuse included:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups β€” until he couldn’t stand
  • Struck with wooden paddles β€” physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting β€” then made to keep running
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during workouts β€” but the hazing continued
  • Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth β€” for over an hour

He wasn’t even a student at UH yet. He was a “ghost rush” β€” expected to transfer for Spring 2026. They hazed him anyway.

The result: Three nights and four days in the hospital with kidney failure. His muscles broke down. His urine turned brown. He crawled up the stairs when he got home.

Washoe County families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture.

βš–οΈ Washoe County Hazing Victims Have Legal Rights

Nevada Law Protects You

Nevada has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions in Washoe County:

Nevada Revised Statutes Β§ 200.605 β€” Hazing Defined:

“Hazing” means any method of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm to any student or other person.

NRS 200.605(2) β€” Criminal Penalties:

  • Misdemeanor β€” Hazing that creates risk of harm
  • Gross Misdemeanor β€” Hazing that causes substantial bodily harm
  • Category B Felony β€” Hazing that causes death or substantial bodily harm (1-6 years prison; up to $5,000 fine)

NRS 200.610 β€” Consent is Not a Defense:

“The implied or express consent of a person to acts that constitute hazing is not a defense to a violation of this section.”

This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

πŸ’° Washoe County Victims Can Recover Compensation

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Apply to Nevada Cases

Hazing cases result in substantial settlements and verdicts β€” and these precedents apply to Washoe County victims:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1M+
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1M
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110M+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4M+

Washoe County families: These results are possible for Nevada victims too. The same legal strategies apply.

🎯 Who Is Liable for Washoe County Hazing?

We Sue Everyone Responsible

When hazing occurs near Washoe County, multiple parties can be held legally accountable:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis”
University Failed to protect students; premises liability
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility (president, pledgemaster)
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their homes
Housing Corporations Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Coaches/Advisors For athletic or club hazing

Washoe County families: In our Houston case, we’re suing 10+ defendants β€” including the university, national fraternity, housing corporation, and individuals. We’ll do the same for Washoe County victims.

πŸ“‹ What Washoe County Families Should Do Immediately

Critical Steps to Protect Your Rights

If your child was hazed near Washoe County:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

    • Document all injuries (physical and psychological)
    • Get copies of all medical records
    • Follow up with specialists (neurologists, therapists)
  2. Preserve All Evidence

    • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING β€” texts, social media, photos, videos
    • Screenshot all communications about hazing
    • Save physical items used in hazing
    • Get names and contact info of witnesses
  3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

    • They will try to control the narrative
    • Anything you say can be used against you
    • Refer all communications to your attorney
  4. Report to Authorities

    • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Nevada)
    • Report to university administration (Title IX office)
    • Report to national fraternity (if applicable)
  5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

    • 2-year statute of limitations in Nevada for personal injury
    • Evidence disappears quickly
    • Witnesses forget details
    • Organizations destroy records

πŸ“ž Washoe County Hazing Victims β€” Call Now for Free Consultation

Legal Emergency Hotline: πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Why Washoe County Families Choose Attorney 911:

βœ… Currently litigating a $10M hazing case β€” we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
βœ… Nationwide reach β€” we represent hazing victims across America, including Washoe County
βœ… Federal court authority β€” can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
βœ… Former insurance defense attorneys β€” know how defendants try to avoid liability
βœ… Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) β€” strategic advantage for national fraternities
βœ… Se habla espaΓ±ol β€” bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
βœ… Contingency fee basis β€” $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
βœ… Willing to travel to Washoe County β€” for depositions, meetings, and trials

πŸ›οΈ Universities Near Washoe County with Greek Life

Where Hazing Could Be Happening Right Now

University Location Greek Life Presence Notes
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Reno, NV 15+ fraternities; 10+ sororities Largest Greek community in Nevada
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) Reno, NV Student clubs & organizations Hazing can occur in non-Greek groups
Sierra Nevada University Incline Village, NV Greek organizations Private institution with Greek life
Western Nevada College Carson City, NV Growing student population Clubs and teams may have hazing culture
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Las Vegas, NV Large Greek community Multiple national fraternities/sororities
Nevada State University Henderson, NV Developing Greek system New chapters forming

Washoe County families: If your child attends any of these schools, they could be at risk. The same national fraternities involved in our Houston case operate at Nevada institutions.

πŸ” Warning Signs of Hazing for Washoe County Parents

What to Watch For

Hazing often starts subtly. Warning signs include:

Physical Signs Behavioral Signs Academic Signs
Unexplained bruises or injuries Withdrawal from family/friends Sudden drop in grades
Weight loss Increased anxiety or depression Skipping classes
Fatigue/exhaustion Changes in sleep patterns Withdrawing from academic activities
Difficulty walking Fear of certain people/places
Brown/dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis) Sudden secrecy about activities
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning Talking about “traditions” or “pledging”

If you notice these signs: Ask questions. Seek help. Contact us immediately.

πŸŽ“ Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternities

Other Groups Where Washoe County Students Are at Risk

Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Washoe County students may face hazing in:

  • Sports teams (football, basketball, soccer, etc.)
  • Marching bands
  • ROTC programs
  • Honor societies
  • Club sports
  • Student government
  • Academic clubs
  • Theater groups
  • Performance organizations

Washoe County families: If your child is joining any student group, ask about their initiation practices. If they seem secretive or extreme, it could be hazing.

πŸ“š Nevada’s Anti-Hazing Laws β€” What Washoe County Families Need to Know

Nevada Revised Statutes Β§ 200.605 β€” Full Text

“Hazing” defined.

  1. As used in this section, “hazing” means any method of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm to any student or other person attending any school, college or university in this State.

  2. A person who engages in hazing is guilty of:
    (a) A misdemeanor if the hazing creates a risk of bodily harm or physical harm to a person.
    (b) A gross misdemeanor if the hazing creates a risk of substantial bodily harm or serious psychological or emotional harm to a person.
    (c) A category B felony if the hazing causes substantial bodily harm or death to a person, and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than 1 year and a maximum term of not more than 6 years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both fine and imprisonment.

Key Points for Washoe County Families:

  • Hazing is illegal in Nevada
  • Consent is not a defense β€” even if your child “agreed” to participate
  • Criminal charges can be filed against perpetrators
  • Civil lawsuits can be filed against organizations and individuals

πŸ’‘ Why Washoe County Victims Don’t Report Hazing

Barriers to Justice β€” And How We Help

Hazing victims often stay silent due to:

Fear How We Help
Fear of retaliation Legal protection; anonymous reporting options
Fear of social ostracism Confidential consultation; no obligation to proceed
Shame or embarrassment Compassionate representation; we’ve seen it all
Loyalty to the group Focus on justice, not blame; prevent future harm
Not recognizing it as hazing Education and guidance on legal definitions
Fear of ruining their future Hazing follows the perpetrators, not the victims
Language barriers Se habla espaΓ±ol β€” bilingual staff available

Washoe County families: You don’t have to face this alone. We protect our clients’ privacy and guide them through every step.

πŸ† Our Approach to Washoe County Hazing Cases

How We Fight for Nevada Victims

  1. Immediate Response

    • Free consultation within 24 hours
    • Evidence preservation strategy
    • Medical documentation guidance
  2. Aggressive Investigation

    • Obtain all communications (texts, social media, emails)
    • Interview witnesses
    • Subpoena organization records
    • Work with medical experts
  3. Multi-Defendant Strategy

    • Sue the local chapter, national organization, university, and individuals
    • Pursue all available insurance policies
    • Maximize recovery from all liable parties
  4. Pattern Evidence Development

    • Identify prior hazing incidents at same chapter
    • Document national organization’s history of hazing
    • Show institutional knowledge and failure to act
  5. Public Pressure Campaign

    • Media outreach to expose the truth
    • Legislative advocacy for stronger laws
    • Alumni and donor pressure on institutions
  6. Litigation to Verdict

    • Willing to take cases to trial
    • Experienced in federal and state courts
    • Proven track record of large verdicts and settlements

πŸ“ž Washoe County Hazing Victims β€” Call Now

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.

Legal Emergency Hotline: πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Washoe County families.

🌐 Serving Washoe County from Our Nationwide Offices

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Washoe County. Our services include:

  • Video consultations β€” meet with us remotely
  • Travel to Washoe County β€” for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Federal court representation β€” pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Multi-state coordination β€” handle cases involving out-of-state nationals
  • Bilingual services β€” Se habla espaΓ±ol

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Washoe County families with the same intensity we’re bringing to our Houston case.

πŸ“… Washoe County Hazing Statute of Limitations

Don’t Wait β€” Act Now

Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury:

  • 2 years from date of injury

If your child was hazed near Washoe County, the clock is ticking.

Why you can’t wait:

  • Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
  • Organizations destroy records
  • Perpetrators graduate and become harder to locate
  • Your rights expire forever after 2 years

Our Houston client acted immediately β€” hospitalized November 6, 2025; lawsuit filed November 21, 2025. This is how you protect your rights.

🎯 The Message We’re Sending to Washoe County Fraternities

A Warning to All Greek Organizations Near Washoe County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and every fraternity with chapters near Washoe County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

If your Nevada chapters harm students, we will pursue every liable entity:

  • Your national organization
  • Your local chapter
  • Your housing corporation
  • Your alumni oversight
  • Your individual members

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.

To University of Nevada, Reno and all Nevada institutions:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. If you own fraternity houses, if you have oversight responsibility, if you’ve had prior hazing incidents β€” you are on notice.

Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ“š Resources for Washoe County Families

Where to Get Help

Resource Contact Purpose
Attorney 911 1-888-ATTY-911 Legal representation for hazing victims
University of Nevada, Reno β€” Dean of Students (775) 784-4388 Report hazing; student support
Nevada Anti-Hazing Hotline (775) HAZING-1 Anonymous reporting
National Hazing Prevention Hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE Crisis support
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 24/7 mental health support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 Immediate mental health crisis support

πŸ“’ Washoe County Families β€” Share Your Story

You Are Not Alone

Hazing thrives in secrecy. By speaking out, you can:

  • Protect other Washoe County students
  • Hold perpetrators accountable
  • Change the culture
  • Find healing

If you or someone you know was hazed near Washoe County, we want to hear from you.

Contact us confidentially:
πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Your story could save lives.

πŸ”š Enough Is Enough β€” Justice for Washoe County

Washoe County families: The hazing crisis ends with accountability. It ends with justice. It ends when institutions realize that “tradition” is not an excuse for torture.

At Attorney 911, we are committed to fighting for Washoe County hazing victims. We will pursue every liable party. We will seek maximum compensation. We will change the culture.

If your child was hazed near Washoe County, call us now. The fight for justice starts today.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Washoe County families deserve justice. We deliver it.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911