π¨ 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.
β οΈ 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.
π₯ 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.
βοΈ 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.
π° 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.
π― 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.
π What Washoe County Families Should Do Immediately
Critical Steps to Protect Your Rights
If your child was hazed near Washoe County:
-
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Document all injuries (physical and psychological)
- Get copies of all medical records
- Follow up with specialists (neurologists, therapists)
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- 2-year statute of limitations in Nevada for personal injury
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
π Washoe County Hazing Victims β Call Now for Free Consultation
Legal Emergency Hotline: π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Why Washoe County Families Choose Attorney 911:
β
Currently litigating a $10M hazing case β we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
β
Nationwide reach β we represent hazing victims across America, including Washoe County
β
Federal court authority β can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
β
Former insurance defense attorneys β know how defendants try to avoid liability
β
Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) β strategic advantage for national fraternities
β
Se habla espaΓ±ol β bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
β
Contingency fee basis β $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
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Willing to travel to Washoe County β for depositions, meetings, and trials
ποΈ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
π Nevada’s Anti-Hazing Laws β What Washoe County Families Need to Know
Nevada Revised Statutes Β§ 200.605 β Full Text
“Hazing” defined.
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.
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
π‘ 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.
π Our Approach to Washoe County Hazing Cases
How We Fight for Nevada Victims
-
Immediate Response
- Free consultation within 24 hours
- Evidence preservation strategy
- Medical documentation guidance
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Aggressive Investigation
- Obtain all communications (texts, social media, emails)
- Interview witnesses
- Subpoena organization records
- Work with medical experts
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Multi-Defendant Strategy
- Sue the local chapter, national organization, university, and individuals
- Pursue all available insurance policies
- Maximize recovery from all liable parties
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Pattern Evidence Development
- Identify prior hazing incidents at same chapter
- Document national organization’s history of hazing
- Show institutional knowledge and failure to act
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Public Pressure Campaign
- Media outreach to expose the truth
- Legislative advocacy for stronger laws
- Alumni and donor pressure on institutions
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Litigation to Verdict
- Willing to take cases to trial
- Experienced in federal and state courts
- Proven track record of large verdicts and settlements
π Washoe County Hazing Victims β Call Now
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.
Legal Emergency Hotline: π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Washoe County families.
π 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.
π 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.
π― 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.
π 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 |
π’ 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:
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Your story could save lives.
π 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.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Washoe County families deserve justice. We deliver it.