Hazing Victims in City of Hampton: Know Your Rights and How to Get Justice

🚨 Hazing Is Not Tradition. It’s Abuse. It’s Illegal. And It’s Happening Near City of Hampton.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near City of Hampton, you need to know: what happened to them was not their fault. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths are operating at universities near City of Hampton. The same institutions that claim to protect students are failing them when it matters most.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after our client was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This same fraternity has chapters at universities near City of Hampton. This same pattern of abuse is happening in City of Hampton.

You are not alone. Your child deserves justice. City of Hampton families deserve answers.

🏢 Who We Are: City of Hampton’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in City of Hampton. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers with over 37 years of combined legal experience. We know how institutions try to avoid accountability, and we know how to fight back.

Why City of Hampton Families Choose Attorney 911:

✅ 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience – We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We can take on universities and national fraternities.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
✅ Federal Court Authority – We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases nationwide, including in City of Hampton.
✅ Dual-State Bar Admission – Licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantage against national organizations.
✅ Se Habla Español – We serve Spanish-speaking families in City of Hampton without language barriers.
✅ Nationwide Hazing Expertise – We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case and have experience with rhabdomyolysis, fraternity abuse, and institutional negligence.
✅ We Come to City of Hampton – For depositions, trials, and client meetings, we travel to City of Hampton as needed.
✅ Contingency Fee Representation – $0 upfront for City of Hampton families. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

We’re not just lawyers. We’re parents. We’re advocates. And we’re furious that universities and fraternities continue to let this happen to our children.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis: It’s Happening Near City of Hampton

The Reality of Hazing in America

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes manslaughter.

The Statistics Are Chilling:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed (Alfred University Study)
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it (they’re afraid of retaliation)
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations

And it’s happening near City of Hampton.

Hazing Near City of Hampton: What You Need to Know

Universities near City of Hampton have active Greek life programs where the same national fraternities and sororities operate. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths across the country. The same culture exists in City of Hampton.

National Fraternities With Hazing Histories Operating Near City of Hampton:

City of Hampton parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near City of Hampton, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence exists. The same danger exists.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened at University of Houston Could Happen Near City of Hampton

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi: The $10 Million Fight

This case is happening RIGHT NOW. This is what hazing looks like. This is what’s happening near City of Hampton.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in September 2025. He wasn’t even a UH student yet – he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester.

Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Him:

✔ Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning (considered torture by the U.S. government)
✔ Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck with wooden paddles – physical beatings
✔ Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – then forced to continue running
✔ Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting
✔ Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose
✔ Forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times
✔ Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
✔ Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
✔ A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout – fraternity members had to elevate his legs

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical activities until he could not stand without help. The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The following day, his condition worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital.

Who Is Responsible:

We’re suing everyone who let this happen:

1. Pi Kappa Phi National Organization – Failed to supervise despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”
2. Beta Nu Chapter (UH) – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
3. University of Houston – Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred; failed to prevent despite prior hazing incident in 2017
4. Individual Members – Participated in and facilitated the hazing
5. Former Members and Spouse – Hazing occurred at their residence

Why This Case Matters to City of Hampton Families:

1. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America – including near City of Hampton
2. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at City of Hampton universities
3. Universities near City of Hampton face the same liability failures as UH
4. If your child is being hazed near City of Hampton, we will fight for you with the same aggression
5. This case proves that hazing cases can win millions – the same results are possible for City of Hampton victims

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

City of Hampton families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases are taken seriously by courts and juries. The same legal strategies apply to your case.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 $10.1 Million Total Settlement

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Outcome: University paid $2.9M; fraternity and individuals paid $7.2M
• Significance: Our $10M demand is directly in line with this precedent

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 – 6x legal limit)
• Hazing: “Bible Study” drinking game – wrong answer = drink more
• Outcome: $6.1M verdict; criminal convictions; Max Gruver Act passed (made hazing a felony in Louisiana)
• Significance: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 $110+ Million Estimated Settlement

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding
• Hazing: Forced to run “the gauntlet” – 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times
• Fraternity Response: Waited 12 HOURS to call 911; tried to cover up
• Outcome: $110M+ settlement; multiple criminal convictions; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed
• Significance: Strong evidence leads to massive outcomes

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

⚠️ Same Fraternity as Our Current Case

• Victim: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon
• Outcome: 9 members charged; chapter permanently closed; confidential settlement
• Significance: Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Coffey’s death. They didn’t. Now Leonel Bermudez is in the hospital.

⚖️ Legal Framework: Your Rights as a City of Hampton Hazing Victim

Virginia Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Virginia has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Hazing is illegal in Virginia, and consent is not a defense.

Virginia Code § 18.2-56 – Hazing Unlawful; Penalty

Definition of Hazing:

Any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

Criminal Penalties in Virginia:

• Class 1 Misdemeanor – Hazing that creates a substantial risk of injury or death
  • Up to 12 months in jail
  • Up to $2,500 fine
• Class 6 Felony – Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death
  • 1-5 years in prison
  • Up to $2,500 fine

Consent is Not a Defense:

“The implied or express consent of the victim shall not be a defense to any prosecution under this section.”

Organizational Penalties:

• Student organizations can be suspended or banned from campus
• Fines up to $10,000

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in City of Hampton

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in City of Hampton can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. You can sue:

1. The Local Chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
2. The National Organization – Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks
3. The University – Failed to protect students; premises liability if hazing occurred on campus property
4. Individual Members – Participated in or facilitated hazing
5. Chapter Advisors – Failed to supervise
6. Property Owners – If hazing occurred at a private residence
7. Insurance Companies – Policies may provide coverage

Types of Damages You Can Recover in City of Hampton:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if unable to work due to injuries)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on daily activities)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in City of Hampton

If your child has been hazed near City of Hampton, ACT IMMEDIATELY. Evidence disappears quickly, and there are time limits to file a lawsuit.

Step-by-Step Action Plan:

1. Ensure Your Child’s Safety

   • Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately
   • Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
   • Document all injuries with photos

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Do NOT delete any communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
   • Take screenshots of all messages about hazing
   • Save all photos and videos from hazing activities
   • Get contact information for witnesses
   • Keep all medical records and bills

3. Report the Hazing

   • File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Virginia
   • File a Title IX report with the university – Hazing often involves gender discrimination
   • Report to the national organization (if Greek life)

4. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

   • The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
   • They may offer a settlement that waives your rights
   • Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for City of Hampton families
   • We work on contingency – $0 upfront; we only get paid if we win

❓ Frequently Asked Questions from City of Hampton Families

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Virginia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they did not consent to being abused, tortured, or hospitalized.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault, whether it’s called “hazing” or “tradition.” Courts have repeatedly rejected this argument.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear social ostracism or further abuse. We will:

• Protect your child’s identity if requested
• Handle all communications with the organization
• Take legal action against anyone who retaliates

Q: We’re in City of Hampton. Can you still help us?

A: ABSOLUTELY. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in City of Hampton. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Travel to City of Hampton for meetings and depositions
• Federal court representation
• Remote case management

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is different. Factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Impact on education and career
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• Egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)
• Whether there was a cover-up

Precedent cases show hazing victims can recover millions. We will evaluate your case and fight for maximum compensation.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Virginia, you generally have 2 YEARS from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the process takes time. Contact us immediately.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university near City of Hampton?

A: It doesn’t matter. Whether public or private, universities have a duty to protect students. Private universities often have substantial insurance policies that can provide compensation.

Q: My child was hazed in a sports team, not a fraternity. Can you still help?

A: YES. We represent hazing victims from:

• Fraternities and sororities
• Sports teams (football, basketball, baseball, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Student clubs
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation”

🎯 Why City of Hampton Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Battle – Right Now

We’re representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the defendants’ tactics, and we know how to win.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Defendants will argue: “Your child consented to participate.” Virginia law says consent doesn’t matter. We know how to defeat this argument.

3. We Know Where the Money Is

National fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance policies. We know how to access those funds to compensate your child.

4. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we know how to fight back.

5. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid trial. We’re trial lawyers. If the defendants won’t offer fair compensation, we’ll take them to court.

6. We Understand the Culture

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face. We know how hazing happens, and we know how to stop it.

7. We Speak Your Language

Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families in City of Hampton without language barriers.

8. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

We understand that cost can be a barrier. That’s why we work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

📞 City of Hampton Families: You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.

If your child has been hazed near City of Hampton, call us immediately. Time is critical.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer free consultations for City of Hampton families. We come to you. We fight for you. We win for you.

🔥 A Message to Fraternities and Universities Near City of Hampton

To the fraternities operating near City of Hampton: We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same pattern of negligence that led to Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization exists in your organization.

To the universities near City of Hampton: The clock is ticking.

You own the property. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. When you fail, you will be held accountable.

To the national organizations: Your time is running out.

Eight years after Andrew Coffey’s death, Pi Kappa Phi hospitalized another student. How many more will it take before you change?

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every institution that lets this happen.

Enough is enough.

© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
Serving City of Hampton and nationwide for hazing litigation.