🚨 Hazing Victims in Schuyler County: You Are Not Alone

Schuyler County families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Schuyler County, we can help. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we will bring that same aggressive representation to Schuyler County victims.

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Schuyler County

Hazing isn’t just happening in Houston or at major universities — it’s happening right here near Schuyler County. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client at the University of Houston have active chapters at colleges and universities throughout the Finger Lakes region. The same culture of abuse, the same “traditions” of torture, and the same institutional failures that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist at institutions near Schuyler County.

Schuyler County parents: Your child could be next.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen Here

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

What they did to him:

Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
Struck him with wooden paddles
Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him continue running
Humiliated him with sexual objects and public degradation
Deprived him of sleep by making him drive fraternity members at all hours

The result:

Three nights in the hospital
Acute kidney failure
Muscle breakdown so severe his urine turned brown
Physical pain and psychological trauma that will last a lifetime

Schuyler County families: This isn’t just happening in Texas. This is happening at colleges and universities near Schuyler County. The same fraternities operate here. The same hazing culture exists here. And the same negligence from universities and national organizations allows it to continue.

The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Schuyler County

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity that hospitalized our client, has 150+ chapters across America — including at major universities near Schuyler County.

Universities near Schuyler County with active Greek life where hazing may occur:

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) — Major Greek system with documented hazing history
Syracuse University — Large Greek presence
University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) — Significant Greek life
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — Active Greek organizations
Binghamton University (SUNY Binghamton) — Greek life with prior hazing incidents
Colgate University (Hamilton, NY) — Greek system
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY) — Greek organizations
Ithaca College — Greek presence
SUNY Cortland — Greek life
SUNY Geneseo — Greek organizations

Schuyler County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these institutions — or any college near Schuyler County — they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

Why Schuyler County Victims Need Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While other law firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — it’s our current case. We know how to build these cases, we know how to pressure institutions, and we know how to win.

Schuyler County families: You get the benefit of our current, active hazing litigation experience — not just past cases.

2. We Know How to Hold Institutions Accountable

In our current case, we’re suing:

The local fraternity chapter that conducted the hazing
The national fraternity organization that failed to supervise
The university that owned the fraternity house and failed to protect students
The individual members who participated in the abuse

We don’t just sue one entity. We sue EVERYONE responsible.

Schuyler County families: We will pursue every liable party in your case — the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — We Can Represent You Anywhere

While we’re based in Texas, we have federal court admission and can represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Schuyler County and throughout New York.

How we serve Schuyler County victims:

Video consultations — Meet with us remotely from Schuyler County
Travel to Schuyler County — We come to you for meetings, depositions, and trials
Federal jurisdiction — We can pursue national organizations in federal court
New York bar admission — Lupe Pena is admitted to the New York bar (Texas AND New York)

Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for Schuyler County victims.

4. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how the other side thinks. We know their strategies. We know their tricks.

When we represent Schuyler County hazing victims, we know:

How insurance companies try to minimize claims
How national fraternities try to distance themselves
How universities try to shift blame
How individual members try to hide behind the organization

We use that insider knowledge against them.

5. We Have Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

Our experience includes:

BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations
Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements — Proven ability to secure large recoveries
Federal civil rights litigation — Experience in complex constitutional cases
Criminal defense with dismissal results — Aggressive litigation tactics

Schuyler County families: We have the experience to take on universities, national fraternities, and institutional defendants — and win.

6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Schuyler County Families

We understand that Schuyler County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

How it works:

$0 upfront — No retainer, no hourly fees
We cover all case expenses — Filing fees, expert witnesses, investigations
We only get paid if you win — Our fee is a percentage of the recovery
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Schuyler County families: Financial concerns should not prevent you from seeking justice.

What Schuyler County Families Should Do If Hazing Has Happened

IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:

Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Rhabdomyolysis and other hazing injuries can be life-threatening.
Preserve all evidence — Save every text message, social media post, photo, and video related to the hazing.
Document everything — Write down what happened, who was involved, when it occurred, and where.
Do NOT confront the organization — They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence.
Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you.
Contact Attorney 911 immediately — Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

The Legal Rights of Schuyler County Hazing Victims

1. You Can Sue Even If You “Consented”

New York law is clear: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they can still sue.

New York Education Law § 6450:

“No person shall recklessly or intentionally do any act or create any situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.”

This law applies to all New York colleges and universities near Schuyler County.

2. Universities Near Schuyler County Can Be Held Liable

If hazing occurred at a college or university near Schuyler County, that institution can be held responsible for:

Failing to supervise Greek life
Failing to investigate complaints
Failing to protect students
Allowing dangerous conditions to exist

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Many universities near Schuyler County have similar arrangements.

3. National Fraternities Can Be Held Liable

National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others have millions of dollars in assets and insurance policies. They can be held liable for:

Failing to supervise local chapters
Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
Ignoring prior hazing incidents
Allowing a culture of abuse to continue

These organizations have deep pockets. We know how to pursue them.

4. Individual Members Can Be Held Personally Liable

In our Houston case, we’re suing individual fraternity members personally. In a recent hazing case in Ohio, a fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in a hazing death.

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held accountable — including:

Chapter presidents
Pledgemasters
Members who conducted hazing
Members who failed to stop it
Alumni who hosted hazing events

What Schuyler County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Category	Examples
Medical expenses	Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future medical care
Pain and suffering	Physical pain from hazing injuries
Mental anguish	PTSD, anxiety, depression, emotional trauma
Lost wages	Time missed from work during recovery
Educational disruption	Tuition reimbursement, academic delays
Punitive damages	To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
Wrongful death	If hazing resulted in death (funeral expenses, loss of companionship)

In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. Similar recoveries are possible for Schuyler County victims.

The Statute of Limitations — Schuyler County Families Must Act Now

New York law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing occurs.

Claim Type	Statute of Limitations in New York
Personal injury	3 years from date of injury
Wrongful death	2 years from date of death

Critical note: If the victim was a minor at the time of hazing, the clock may not start running until they turn 18.

Schuyler County families: The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Contact us today to protect your rights.

Why Schuyler County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a hazing case right now. This gives Schuyler County families several advantages:

Up-to-date legal strategies — We’re using the latest tactics in our current case
Immediate credibility with defendants — They know we’re serious
Media and public pressure — Our current case is already in the news; we can leverage that for Schuyler County victims

2. We Have Specific Hazing Litigation Expertise

Our hazing experience includes:

Rhabdomyolysis cases — Our Houston client suffered this exact injury
Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation — Experience with Greek organizations
Texas A&M hazing cases — University accountability experience
Hospitalization compensation claims — Medical damage expertise
Wrongful death from hazing — Experience with fatal cases

3. We Are Not Afraid of Big Institutions

We have taken on:

BP — After the Texas City explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
Major insurance companies — As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to fight them
National fraternities — We’re currently suing Pi Kappa Phi
Major universities — We’re currently suing the University of Houston

Schuyler County families: We have the experience to fight the institutions that failed your child.

4. We Offer Remote Consultations for Schuyler County Families

We understand that Schuyler County is not next door to Houston. We offer video consultations so you can meet with us from home.

How it works:

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
Schedule a video consultation at a time convenient for you
Meet with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Pena via secure video call
Get immediate legal advice and case evaluation

We also travel to Schuyler County for important meetings and depositions.

5. We Are Bilingual — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families near Schuyler County are Spanish-speaking. We have bilingual staff and can conduct consultations in Spanish.

Schuyler County Hispanic families: You don’t have to navigate this process in English. We can help you in Spanish.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

STEP 1: Free Consultation

We’ll listen to your story
We’ll evaluate your case
We’ll explain your legal options

STEP 2: Immediate Action

Send preservation letters to defendants
Begin gathering evidence
Contact medical providers for records

STEP 3: Case Building

Work with medical experts to document injuries
Work with hazing culture experts
Calculate damages
Prepare demand package

STEP 4: Negotiation or Litigation

Negotiate with defendants for fair settlement
If necessary, file lawsuit and take case to trial

STEP 5: Resolution

Secure compensation for your family
Hold the responsible parties accountable
Help prevent future hazing incidents

The Message to Fraternities Near Schuyler County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and every other fraternity with chapters near Schuyler County:

We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that are securing $10 million in our Houston case apply to your chapters.

If you haze students near Schuyler County, we will find every liable entity:

Your local chapter
Your national organization
The university that allows you to operate
Every individual member who participates

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

The Message to Universities Near Schuyler County

To Cornell, Syracuse, University at Buffalo, and every other institution with Greek life near Schuyler County:

You own the fraternity houses. You recognize the organizations. You have the power to regulate them. When you fail to protect your students from hazing, you become liable.

The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They are facing a $10 million lawsuit as a result.

If hazing happens at your institution, we will hold you accountable.

Schuyler County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “character building.”

It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And it is illegal.

Schuyler County parents: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, you have the right to fight back.

Schuyler County students: You deserve to be treated with dignity. When you’re not, you have the right to seek justice.

Attorney 911 is here to help. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Schuyler County families with the same determination.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

For Schuyler County hazing victims and families:

📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation. $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.

We serve Schuyler County and all of New York. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Schuyler County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social consequences. We can help protect your child’s identity while still pursuing justice. Contact us for a confidential consultation — we can advise you on the best approach.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can we still sue?

A: Absolutely. New York law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and its members can still be held liable.

Q: We’re in Schuyler County and you’re in Texas. How can you help us?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide through:

Federal court authority — We can sue national organizations in federal court
Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
Travel to Schuyler County — We come to you for important meetings
New York bar admission — Lupe Pena is admitted to practice in New York

We will fight for Schuyler County families just as aggressively as we’re fighting in Houston.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: We work on contingency for hazing cases. You pay nothing upfront. We cover all case expenses, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.

Schuyler County families: Financial concerns should not prevent you from seeking justice.

Q: What if the hazing happened months or years ago?

A: New York has a statute of limitations (typically 3 years for personal injury). However, there are exceptions, especially if the victim was a minor. Contact us immediately to determine if you still have time to file a claim.

Q: Can we sue the university as well as the fraternity?

A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for:

Failing to supervise Greek life
Failing to investigate complaints
Allowing dangerous conditions to exist on their property
Failing to protect students

In our Houston case, we’re suing both the fraternity and the university.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a different type of organization (sports team, marching band, etc.)?

A: Hazing happens in many types of organizations, not just fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities
Sports teams
Marching bands
ROTC programs
Clubs and organizations
Military academies

If your child was hazed, we can help — regardless of the organization.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months. Others may take years, especially if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while still securing maximum compensation for our clients.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Many cases settle before trial. If the case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. However, we prepare our clients thoroughly and support them through the process. Many victims find that testifying is empowering — it’s their chance to tell their story and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Schuyler County: It’s Time to Say Enough Is Enough

To the fraternities near Schuyler County: We are coming for you. The same legal strategies that are shutting down chapters and securing millions in Houston apply to your chapters. Clean up your act or face the consequences.

To the universities near Schuyler County: You own the buildings. You recognize the organizations. You have the power to stop this. When you fail, we will hold you accountable.

To the Schuyler County families who have lost children to hazing: We will fight for you. We will honor your loved one by ensuring this never happens to another family.

To the Schuyler County students who have been hazed: You are not alone. What happened to you was wrong. It was illegal. And you have the right to seek justice.

Attorney 911 is here to help. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Schuyler County with everything we have.

Contact Us Today

Schuyler County hazing victims and families: