Hazing Lawyers for Shenandoah County Families – Fight Back Against Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Justice for Shenandoah County Hazing Victims – Nationwide Representation from Attorney 911
Shenandoah County families: If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Shenandoah County, you are not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston—waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and brutal physical abuse—happens at colleges and universities across Virginia, including those near Shenandoah County.
We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Shenandoah County families with the same aggression.
🚨 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Shenandoah County
The Case That Shows Shenandoah County Families Why This Matters
In November 2025, Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the systematic abuse, torture, and hazing of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the fraternity.
What they did to him:
✔ Waterboarded him with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
✔ Forced him to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises – until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
✔ Struck him with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
✔ Forced him to eat until he vomited – then made him lie in vomit-soaked grass
✔ Threatened expulsion if he stopped – psychological coercion
✔ Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout – they kept going
The result?
- Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure – life-threatening
- 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
The same fraternities operate at colleges near Shenandoah County. The same universities fail to protect students. The same hazing culture exists in Virginia.
🏛️ The Same Fraternities Are at Shenandoah County-Area Colleges
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and other national fraternities have active chapters at universities near Shenandoah County, including:
- James Madison University (JMU) – Harrisonburg, VA
- University of Virginia (UVA) – Charlottesville, VA
- Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, VA
- Shenandoah University – Winchester, VA
- Bridgewater College – Bridgewater, VA
- Eastern Mennonite University – Harrisonburg, VA
These are the same Greek organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. The same ones that have killed students and hospitalized others—just like what happened to Leonel Bermudez.
Shenandoah County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Shenandoah County, they face the same risks.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Shenandoah County Hazing Victim
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Virginia
Virginia has strict anti-hazing laws (Virginia Code § 18.2-56). Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 in fines. If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony.
Key Virginia Hazing Law (VA Code § 18.2-56):
“It is unlawful to haze so as to cause bodily injury to any student or other person enrolled in and attending any school, college, or university. Any person found guilty of hazing is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.”
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
2. You Can Sue for Money Damages
Hazing victims in Shenandoah County and across Virginia can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
✅ Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
✅ Lost wages (if injuries affected work or internships)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✅ Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity/university for gross negligence)
✅ Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in a fatality)
Precedent cases prove you can win millions:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
Shenandoah County families: These same results are possible for you.
3. Who Can Be Sued?
We pursue everyone responsible for hazing in Shenandoah County cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/college | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity houses |
| Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual members | Participated in or allowed hazing |
| Alumni/former members | Hosted hazing events at their homes |
| Insurance companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
Shenandoah County institutions have deep pockets. Universities and national fraternities carry millions in liability insurance. We know how to make them pay.
💔 What Shenandoah County Hazing Looks Like
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture.
Common hazing activities reported at Virginia colleges (including near Shenandoah County):
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure |
| Forced Consumption | Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food items | Alcohol poisoning, choking, internal injuries |
| Sleep Deprivation | All-night activities, forced early-morning tasks | Mental breakdown, accidents, cardiac issues |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning with water or other liquids | Panic attacks, lung damage, death |
| Exposure to Elements | Forced to strip in cold weather, heat exhaustion | Hypothermia, heat stroke, frostbite |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Exhaustion, academic decline |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Trauma, PTSD, legal consequences |
Shenandoah County families: If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed. They have legal rights.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing – What Shenandoah County Parents Need to Know
Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises and embarrassment—it can cause permanent damage and death.
Common Hazing Injuries & Conditions:
| Injury | Cause | Symptoms | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme exercise, beatings | Severe muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move | Kidney failure, permanent damage, death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, unconsciousness | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Falls, beatings, paddling | Headaches, memory loss, mood swings | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Internal Bleeding | Blunt force trauma | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Organ damage, death |
| Heat Stroke | Forced exercise in heat | Confusion, nausea, loss of consciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Hypothermia | Exposure to cold | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse | Cardiac arrest, death |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological abuse | Nightmares, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts | Long-term mental health struggles |
Shenandoah County parents: If your child shows any of these symptoms after pledging, seek medical attention immediately—and contact us.
📞 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Shenandoah County
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be deadly if untreated
- Medical records are critical evidence
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
- Write down everything (dates, times, what happened, who was there)
- Get witness names and contact info
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure your child to stay silent
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you
- Even innocent posts (“I’m fine”) can hurt your case
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Virginia has a 2-year statute of limitations – don’t wait
- Evidence disappears fast – the sooner we act, the stronger your case
- Free consultation – we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
🎓 Why Shenandoah County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We filed the $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- We know how to win hazing cases – we’re doing it now
- Same strategies available for Shenandoah County families
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know how they try to deny claims
- We know how to dismantle their defenses
3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Shenandoah County Families
- Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority – we can sue in any jurisdiction
- Dual-state licensed (Texas & New York)
- We travel to Shenandoah County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
4. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency
- $0 upfront – you pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- No risk to you
5. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
- We don’t back down from powerful institutions
- We treat Shenandoah County families like family
- We fight for maximum compensation
🏆 Our Track Record in Hazing & Personal Injury Cases
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Pi Kappa Phi, UH) | $10 million lawsuit filed (pending) |
| Hazing (Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M) | Multi-million dollar settlement |
| Wrongful Death (BP Texas City) | Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation |
| Car Accidents | Millions recovered for victims |
| Trucking Accidents | Multi-million dollar settlements |
| Criminal Defense | Hundreds of cases dismissed |
Shenandoah County families: We have the experience to take on universities, national fraternities, and powerful institutions—and win.
📢 What Shenandoah County Families Are Saying About Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox
“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
“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton
Shenandoah County families: We treat every client with respect, compassion, and relentless advocacy.
🚨 Fraternities Near Shenandoah County – We Are Watching You
To the fraternities operating at James Madison University, UVA, Virginia Tech, Shenandoah University, and other schools near Shenandoah County:
We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.
- Pi Kappa Phi – Paid millions after Andrew Coffey’s death; now facing $10M lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – $10M Stone Foltz settlement
- Phi Delta Theta – $6.1M Maxwell Gruver verdict
- Beta Theta Pi – $110M Timothy Piazza settlement
If you haze students near Shenandoah County, we will pursue every liable entity—individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities.
The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter? Shut down. Your chapter could be next.
📞 Shenandoah County Families – Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Shenandoah County, we can help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation – no obligation
No upfront costs – we only get paid if we win
We travel to Shenandoah County for your case
The same legal team that filed the $10 million UH hazing lawsuit is ready to fight for Shenandoah County families.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Shenandoah County Families
1. Can I sue if my child was hazed but wasn’t hospitalized?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they can still sue for:
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Humiliation and psychological abuse
- Pain and suffering
2. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Virginia law says consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
3. Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it happened at a private home, the homeowners can also be sued.
4. Can I sue if my child is afraid of retaliation?
Yes. We protect our clients’ identities and take legal action against anyone who retaliates. Your child’s safety is our priority.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Virginia?
2 years from the date of the hazing incident. But don’t wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your case gets weaker over time.
6. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a Virginia college but we live in Shenandoah County?
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Shenandoah County families whose children attend Virginia colleges.
7. Can I sue if my child was hazed but didn’t join the fraternity/sorority?
Yes. If your child was injured during the pledge process, they can still sue—even if they ultimately didn’t join.
8. Can I sue if my child was hazed years ago?
Maybe. Virginia has a 2-year statute of limitations, but there are exceptions. Call us immediately to discuss your options.
9. Can I sue if my child was hazed but didn’t report it?
Yes. Many hazing victims don’t report due to fear or shame. We can still help.
10. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a high school near Shenandoah County?
Yes. Hazing happens in high schools too. Virginia law applies to all educational institutions.
🔥 Enough Is Enough – Shenandoah County Families Deserve Justice
Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital.
Andrew Coffey died from forced drinking at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Nothing changed.
The same fraternities operate at Virginia colleges near Shenandoah County. The same universities fail to protect students. The same hazing culture exists.
But this time, we’re fighting back.
If your child was hazed near Shenandoah County, we will hold every responsible party accountable—fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals.
Call us now. Let’s send a message that this ends now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Shenandoah County families: We are Attorney 911. We don’t just talk about justice—we fight for it.
