🚨 Hazing Victims in Genesee County: You Are Not Alone
Genesee County families, students, and victims of hazing: What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston could happen to your child at a college near Genesee County. The same fraternities operate here. The same culture of abuse exists. The same institutions fail to protect students.
You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept that “this is just how it is.” You have legal rights. You have the power to fight back. And you have Attorney 911 on your side.
🔍 The Hazing Crisis in Genesee County: What You Need to Know
1. Hazing Happens at Colleges Near Genesee County
Genesee County is home to SUNY Genesee Community College and is surrounded by major universities where Greek life thrives, including:
- University at Buffalo (UB) – One of the largest Greek systems in New York
- SUNY Brockport – Active fraternities and sororities
- SUNY Fredonia – Greek organizations with documented hazing risks
- Niagara University – Private institution with Greek life presence
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Large Greek community
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have active chapters at these schools. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Genesee County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
2. What Does Hazing Look Like in Genesee County?
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It is abuse, torture, and sometimes manslaughter. In our current case, a student was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles (physical assault)
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
- Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth (another pledge)
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
This isn’t an isolated incident. This is systemic abuse that happens at fraternities and sororities across America—including near Genesee County.
3. The Medical Consequences Are Real (And Can Be Deadly)
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized for four days with:
✅ Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown from extreme exertion
✅ Acute kidney failure – Life-threatening condition requiring intensive care
✅ Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances – Can cause cardiac arrest
Other common hazing injuries include:
- Alcohol poisoning (leading to coma or death)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Broken bones (from physical abuse)
- Burns (from branding or hot objects)
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from forced exposure)
- Death (at least one hazing death occurs every year in the U.S.)
Genesee County parents: If your child comes home with unexplained bruises, extreme exhaustion, or signs of distress, don’t assume it’s “just stress.” Ask questions. Seek medical attention. Hazing can kill.
4. Universities Near Genesee County Are Complicit
In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter—but they chose not to act.
Universities near Genesee County have the same power—and the same failure to protect students. They:
- Know hazing happens (but turn a blind eye)
- Own or control fraternity/sorority houses (but don’t enforce safety)
- Receive complaints (but rarely take meaningful action)
- Prioritize reputation over safety (until it’s too late)
If your child is hazed at a Genesee County-area school, the university is likely liable—just like UH is in our case.
5. The Law Is on Your Side (And So Are We)
New York has strong anti-hazing laws, including:
- Criminal penalties (up to 1 year in jail for hazing that causes injury)
- Civil liability (victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages)
- No “consent” defense (even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter)
But the clock is ticking. In New York, you typically have only 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait, you lose your right to justice forever.
💔 What Genesee County Families Are Facing Right Now
If your child was hazed, you’re probably feeling:
❌ Guilt – “Did I miss the signs?”
❌ Anger – “How could they do this to my child?”
❌ Fear – “Will they retaliate if we speak up?”
❌ Helplessness – “What can we even do?”
You are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have the power to hold these institutions accountable. And you have Attorney 911—a team that is fighting this battle right now and will fight for Genesee County families just as hard.
🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Genesee County Hazing Victims
1. We Know How to Win These Cases
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know:
✔ How to preserve evidence (texts, photos, witness statements)
✔ How to defeat “consent” defenses (New York law says consent doesn’t matter)
✔ How to hold universities accountable (they own the houses where hazing happens)
✔ How to pursue punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Genesee County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Houston.
2. We Travel to Genesee County for Your Case
We’re based in Texas, but hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. We will:
✅ Fly to Genesee County for depositions, meetings, and court appearances
✅ Offer video consultations so you don’t have to travel
✅ Work with local medical providers to document injuries
✅ Coordinate with Genesee County law enforcement if criminal charges are filed
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
3. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs
We understand that Genesee County families can’t afford expensive legal fees while dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
✔ $0 upfront – You pay nothing to hire us
✔ $0 unless we win – We only get paid if you get paid
✔ No financial risk – If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing
You have nothing to lose by calling us.
4. We Protect You from Retaliation
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is afraid of retribution for speaking out. We understand that fear. That’s why we:
✔ Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their lawyers
✔ Protect your identity if needed
✔ File restraining orders if threats occur
✔ Fight for criminal charges against anyone who intimidates you
You don’t have to face them alone.
5. We’ve Beaten Them Before (And We’ll Do It Again)
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how these institutions think. We know their playbook. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.
Our experience includes:
✅ BP Texas City explosion litigation (multi-billion-dollar mass tort)
✅ $6.5 million judgment against a fraternity president (Stone Foltz case)
✅ Federal court authority (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York—critical for national fraternity cases)
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers—you’re getting a team that knows how to win against powerful institutions.
📞 Genesee County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now—Before It’s Too Late
🚨 The Clock Is Ticking
- New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years (but evidence disappears fast)
- Fraternities and universities will destroy evidence if you don’t act quickly
- Witnesses will forget details if you wait too long
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a FREE, Confidential Consultation
We will:
✔ Listen to your story without judgment
✔ Evaluate your case for free
✔ Explain your legal options in plain language
✔ Fight for the justice you deserve
You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to let them get away with this.
💬 What Genesee County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911
(Testimonials from our personal injury clients—applicable to hazing cases)
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz
“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work with my medical issues and the repair of my vehicle. They were available to answer any questions and concerns. Everyone was very professional and polite. I also got a very nice settlement. I will definitely use them again if needed.” — MONGO SLADE
“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” — Devin Hebert
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
🔥 Fraternities Near Genesee County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Genesee County—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and all others:
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after their chapter waterboarded a student and caused kidney failure. We know what you’re doing. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. And we know how to hold you accountable.
If your Genesee County chapter harms a student, we will:
✅ Sue you for every penny you have
✅ Pursue criminal charges against your members
✅ Expose your culture of abuse to the media
✅ Demand your chapter be permanently shut down
The Beta Nu chapter at UH is already closed. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ Universities Near Genesee County: The Time to Act Is Now
To the University at Buffalo, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Fredonia, Niagara University, RIT, and all other Genesee County-area schools:
You own the fraternity houses. You control the Greek organizations. You have the power to stop hazing before it starts.
If you don’t act now, you will face the same liability as University of Houston:
✅ Premises liability (you own the property where hazing occurs)
✅ Negligent supervision (you failed to monitor Greek life)
✅ Institutional negligence (you knew it was happening and did nothing)
✅ Multi-million-dollar lawsuits (just like UH is facing now)
We are coming for every institution that fails to protect students. Don’t let Genesee County be next.
📢 Genesee County Parents: Talk to Your Kids About Hazing
Many students don’t recognize hazing when it happens. They think it’s “just part of the process.” Educate your child on the warning signs:
🚩 Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed
- Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns; extreme exhaustion; weight loss; signs of alcohol poisoning
- Behavioral signs: Sudden withdrawal from friends/family; anxiety or depression; fear of certain people or places; secrecy about activities
- Academic signs: Declining grades; missed classes; sudden disinterest in school
- Financial signs: Unexplained expenses (paying for alcohol, trips, or “brotherhood fees”)
- Social signs: Only hanging out with fraternity/sorority members; avoiding other friends
💬 What to Say to Your Child
- “If something feels wrong, it probably is. Trust your gut.”
- “No ‘tradition’ is worth your health or safety.”
- “You can always call me—no judgment, no punishment.”
- “If you’re being pressured, threatened, or hurt, that’s not brotherhood—that’s abuse.”
- “I will always believe you and stand by you.”
🎯 What Genesee County Families Can Do Right Now
1. If Your Child Was Hazed: ACT IMMEDIATELY
✅ Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
✅ Preserve evidence – Save texts, photos, videos, GroupMe chats, social media posts
✅ Do NOT confront the fraternity – They will destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses
✅ Do NOT post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
✅ Call Attorney 911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 – Before you talk to anyone else
2. If You Suspect Hazing: INVESTIGATE
✅ Ask your child direct questions – “Has anyone pressured you to do something dangerous?”
✅ Check their phone – Look for group chats, photos, or messages about hazing
✅ Monitor their health – Sudden weight loss, exhaustion, or injuries
✅ Contact the university’s Greek life office – Demand answers
✅ Call Attorney 911 – We can help you investigate discreetly
3. If You Want to Prevent Hazing: SPEAK UP
✅ Report suspected hazing to the university (but don’t expect action)
✅ Report to the national fraternity (they may ignore it)
✅ Report to the police (hazing is a crime in New York)
✅ Contact Attorney 911 – We can help you force accountability
📞 Genesee County Hazing Victims: Your Next Step Is Simple
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
We will:
✔ Listen to your story without judgment
✔ Evaluate your case for free
✔ Explain your legal options in plain language
✔ Fight for the justice you deserve
The call is free. The consultation is free. And if we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.
Don’t wait. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t let them get away with this.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
💔 A Final Message to Genesee County Hazing Victims
We know what you’re going through. We know the shame, the fear, the anger. We know you might be thinking:
- “It wasn’t that bad.”
- “I agreed to this.”
- “I don’t want to ruin their lives.”
- “No one will believe me.”
But here’s the truth:
- It was that bad. Waterboarding isn’t “tradition.” 500 squats until you collapse isn’t “brotherhood.” Being struck with wooden paddles isn’t “just how it is.”
- You didn’t agree to this. Consent doesn’t matter when you’re being threatened, coerced, and manipulated.
- You’re not ruining their lives—you’re saving the next victim. If you don’t speak up, someone else will get hurt.
- We will believe you. We’ve seen this before. We know what hazing looks like. And we know how to fight it.
You are not alone. We are here. And we will fight for you.
