If you’re reading this in Alabama, your family may be grappling with one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college, and instead of finding friendship and belonging, they encountered abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-altering harm. We understand the fear, the anger, and the profound sense of betrayal you must be feeling. At Attorney911, we are here to help families in Alabama and across the nation fight back against the insidious problem of hazing. We are experienced, aggressive attorneys who are currently in the trenches of a multi-million dollar hazing lawsuit, and we bring that same relentless advocacy to every family we represent, including yours in Alabama.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: From Houston to Alabama’s Campuses

Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a present-day crisis unfolding on college campuses, from the largest state universities to smaller private colleges, including those right here in Alabama. While our firm is based in Texas, the fight against hazing is a national one, because the fraternities, the universities, and the patterns of abuse are often the same, regardless of state lines. What happened recently in Houston serves as a stark warning to parents in Montgomery, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and every community across Alabama.

The Landmark Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – Our Fight, Your Shield

Just last month, in November 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit that epitomizes our aggressive approach to seeking justice for hazing victims. This is not a hypothetical scenario or a distant historical event; this is an active, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court, and it clearly demonstrates why families in Alabama should trust us with their child’s hazing case.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush” for the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He wasn’t even an enrolled student yet, planning to transfer to the university for the upcoming semester. Yet, this young man, just seeking a place to belong, was subjected to a systematic campaign of physical and psychological torture that lasted for weeks.

What they did to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: Yes, you read that correctly. Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that simulates drowning. This is a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants, yet it was perpetrated against a college-aged student seeking brotherhood. As Houston Public Media clearly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Extreme Physical Exertion: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed through his exhaustion, under constant threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped.
• Force-Feeding to Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even then, the abuse continued; he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Psychological Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Leonel was subjected to sleep deprivation, made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, and stripped to his underwear in cold weather.
• Physical Assault: The hazing included being struck with wooden paddles, a clear act of assault and battery.

The culmination of this horrific abuse resulted in Leonel collapsing from exhaustion on November 3, 2025. He could not stand without help and crawled up the stairs when he finally made it home. As Attorney Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Leonel was rushed to the hospital on November 6, passing ominous brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, life-threatening conditions. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical care. He now faces the risk of permanent kidney damage. His experience proves that hazing is not just harmless pranks; it inflicts brutal, long-lasting physical and psychological trauma.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended, and later, permanently closed the University of Houston chapter. The university, too, publicly stated that the “events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and mentioned “potential criminal charges” for those involved.

Why this case matters deeply to families in Alabama:

Tragically, these types of incidents are not isolated to Texas. The same national fraternities, including Pi Kappa Phi, have chapters at universities throughout Alabama, such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Samford University, the University of South Alabama, and many others. The “traditions” that led to Leonel’s kidney failure are often replicated across chapters nationwide. Furthermore, universities in Alabama face the same institutional pressures and oversight failures that allowed hazing to spiral out of control at the University of Houston.

Attorney Lupe Pena powerfully articulated our firm’s mission, stating to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Our fight for Leonel Bermudez is aimed at holding every responsible party accountable, and we are ready to bring that same level of aggression and expertise to protect your child in Alabama.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Shattering the Myths for Alabama Parents

When you envision “hazing,” you might think of silly pranks, late-night chores, or perhaps some embarrassing public dares. Many organizations perpetuate this image to downplay the true nature of their activities. However, for Alabama parents, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing has evolved into systemic abuse, often involving physical assault, psychological torment, alcohol poisoning, and even sexual degradation. It is not “boys being boys” or harmless “character building.” It is often criminal, and it destroys lives.

Beyond the Stereotypes: The Brutal Realities of Hazing:

Based on our extensive experience and documented cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, here’s what hazing actually entails:

• Physical Abuse and Torture: This category includes beatings with paddles or bare hands, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats), sleep deprivation, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and even “simulated waterboarding,” as our client endured. These acts can lead to severe injuries like broken bones, internal organ damage, rhabdomyolysis, hypothermia, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Forced Consumption: Pledges are often coerced into consuming dangerous quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and death, or eating repugnant, indigestible, or excessive amounts of food until they vomit. The lawsuit in Leonel’s case detailed forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns.
• Psychological Torment: Hazing aims to break an individual down mentally. This involves constant verbal abuse, isolation, public humiliation, threats of physical violence or social exclusion, demeaning tasks such as carrying sexually explicit objects, and being forced into terrifying situations that inflict lasting psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sexual Exploitation: Tragically, hazing can also include forced nudity, forced sexual acts, or carrying items of a sexual nature, as seen in Leonel’s case with the fanny pack. These actions constitute sexual assault and have devastating, lifelong consequences for victims.
• Servitude and Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often forced to be at the beck and call of older members, performing tasks at all hours, driving members around, and losing critical sleep. This exhaustion makes them vulnerable and can lead to accidents or serious health complications.

This is what hazing looks like in Alabama today. These brutal tactics are designed to instill fear, obedience, and perceived loyalty through pain and degradation. When your child joins a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any other organization at an Alabama university, they enter an environment where these “traditions” can be lurking beneath the surface, often shielded by secrecy and peer pressure.

The pervasive nature of hazing is alarming. Studies show that over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing, and nearly 40% of student athletes report similar treatment. What’s even more concerning is that 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or a misguided sense of loyalty. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, putting more students in Alabama and elsewhere at risk.

Who is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable for Hazing in Alabama

When hazing leaves a student injured or, tragically, dead, it is rarely the fault of just one individual. These incidents are the result of a complex web of negligence, complicity, and deliberate indifference from multiple parties. Our firm’s approach, exemplified by the Bermudez lawsuit, is to meticulously identify and pursue every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring comprehensive accountability and maximizing compensation for our clients in Alabama.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we named numerous defendants, each with a distinct role in the tragedy:

• The Local Chapter (Beta Nu of Pi Kappa Phi): This is the direct perpetrator. The local chapter members and their leadership (president, pledgemaster) organized, facilitated, and actively participated in the hazing activities. They are primarily responsible for the immediate harm inflicted. For any hazing incident in Alabama, the local chapter is always a prime target.
• The Individual Members: Beyond the chapter leadership, every individual who participated in the hazing, failed to intervene, or created the conditions for the abuse is potentially liable. In Leonel’s case, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including current and former members. Even former members and their spouses who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence were named, highlighting our comprehensive approach to identifying all responsible parties.
• The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): National fraternities are often the “deep pockets” in hazing litigation. They establish the rules, provide funding, offer training, and issue directives to their chapters. Yet, time and again, they fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, or address known patterns of abuse. In Leonel’s case, evidence suggests Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to act, a pattern tragically consistent with the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident. These same national fraternities operate chapters throughout Alabama, and they must be held accountable when their members cause harm.
• The University (University of Houston): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, a responsibility enshrined in federal and state laws. When they fail to properly supervise Greek life, investigate complaints, or enforce anti-hazing regulations, they become complicit. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston was sued because it owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and ultimately shut down the chapter. Furthermore, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had clear notice that hazing was a problem on their campus yet failed to implement effective safeguards. This institutional negligence is a critical factor in nearly every hazing lawsuit, including those involving Alabama’s colleges and universities.
• The University’s Governing Body (UH Board of Regents): As the ultimate authority for the university, the Board of Regents is responsible for institutional oversight and ensuring the safety of all students. Their inclusion in the lawsuit emphasizes the systemic nature of the negligence.
• The Housing Corporation (Beta Nu Housing Corporation): Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter’s physical property. These entities have premises liability for ensuring a safe environment and can be held responsible if hazing occurs on their property.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle:

While it might seem daunting to sue individual students, the reality is that the significant compensation in hazing cases often comes from the national fraternity’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, and sometimes homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies from individuals involved. Our former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, strategize, and try to minimize or deny claims. We leverage this knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients in Alabama.

For parents in Alabama, understanding that multiple layers of accountability exist is crucial. It is not just about a few “bad apples”; it is often about a culture of negligence that permeates from the chapter up to the national organization and the very institutions entrusted with your child’s safety. When your child is hazed at an Alabama university, we will meticulously investigate every potential defendant to ensure no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Alabama Families

The question that often weighs heavily on families after a devastating hazing incident is: “Can we truly get justice? Can we make a difference?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. High-profile verdicts and settlements across the nation demonstrate that juries and courts are increasingly holding fraternities, their national organizations, and universities accountable with multi-million dollar awards. These cases send a powerful message that hazing will not be tolerated, and these very precedents support the aggressive representation we offer to families in Alabama.

A Glimpse at the Groundbreaking Outcomes:

Here are some landmark hazing cases that underscore the potential for substantial compensation:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other defendants. In a separate development in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally in a civil judgment. This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case and highlights that both universities and national fraternities pay heavily, and individual perpetrators can be held personally liable.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total Recovery: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and several fraternity members received criminal convictions. This landmark verdict directly inspired the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. The jury’s outrage in this case, leading to such a significant award, mirrors the outrage we expect a jury in Alabama to feel when confronted with horrific hazing.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Estimated Recovery: $110 Million+
  Timothy Piazza died from preventable head injuries and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity members waited over 12 hours before calling 911, and security cameras captured the entire horrific event. The confidential settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million. This case illustrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, as in Leonel Bermudez’s waterboarding, the financial consequences for the responsible parties can be staggering. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was also passed in Pennsylvania as a direct result of this tragedy.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. Most significantly, this tragedy involved the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez eight years later. This is concrete proof that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its ranks and failed to take adequate measures, strengthening our claim for punitive damages and demonstrating a clear pattern of negligence for Alabama cases.

• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
  Adam Oakes, a Delta Chi pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after a hazing incident. His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually led to a settlement of over $4 million, including a substantial donation to the “Love Like Adam” Foundation and the passage of “Adam’s Law” in Virginia. This case further reinforces the multi-million dollar outcomes now common in hazing litigation.

These cases are not just statistics; they are human tragedies that resulted in immense suffering and profound loss. They represent families who bravely stood up and demanded justice, forever changing the landscape of hazing accountability.

Why these precedents matter for your family in Alabama:

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Realistic: The settlements and verdicts above provide clear justification for the $10 million in damages we are seeking in the Bermudez case. Even though Leonel survived, his life-threatening injuries, his hospitalization, and the sustained psychological trauma warrant significant compensation, consistent with these precedents.
2. Institutional Negligence is Punished: In many of these cases, the universities and national fraternities were held liable for their roles in enabling the hazing culture. This applies directly to universities and national organizations influencing chapters in Alabama.
3. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Max Gruver case, delivered by a jury, illustrates that when presented with the horrific facts of hazing, everyday citizens are willing to award substantial damages. Leonel’s experiences—waterboarding, forced eating, physical assault—are precisely the kind of egregious conduct that can outrage a jury in any community, including communities across Alabama.
4. Criminal Charges are a Reality: Many civil hazing cases run parallel to criminal investigations and charges, underscoring the severity of these acts.
5. Legislative Change Follows Litigation: The Adam’s Law, Max Gruver Act, and Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law are proof that these brave families and their legal battles are driving significant legislative reform across the country. Your case in Alabama could similarly contribute to saving lives.

For families in Alabama, these multi-million dollar outcomes are not just numbers; they are a beacon of hope. They demonstrate that when a child is brutally hazed, it is possible to hold the powerful institutions responsible and secure the financial resources needed for medical care, therapy, and to rebuild shattered lives. It means that fraternities, national organizations, and universities in Alabama can and will be forced to pay for their negligence.

Texas Law Protects You: A Legal Shield for Hazing Victims in Alabama

While hazing incidents happen across the United States, understanding the specific legal framework under which these cases are fought is crucial. Our firm is deeply familiar with Texas hazing laws, and these statutes often mirror or influence similar anti-hazing legislation in other states, including Alabama. Importantly, regardless of state-specific laws, fundamental civil liability theories—such as negligence, premises liability, and assault—apply nationwide, and our federal court authority allows us to pursue these claims for victims in Alabama.

Key Aspects of Texas Hazing Law and Their National Relevance:

The Texas Education Code, specifically §§ 37.151 through 37.157, provides a robust legal foundation for hazing litigation. Here’s how these protections often extend to or are mirrored in cases for families in Alabama:

1. Comprehensive Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. This includes:

   • Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like wooden paddles in Leonel’s case), branding, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body.
   • Emotional/Physical Risk Activities: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement in small spaces, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats that led to kidney failure), or other activities that create an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect health.
   • Forced Consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol (like Leonel’s forced eating to vomiting), or drugs that subject a student to unreasonable risk or harm.
   • Criminal Acts: Any activity that causes a student to violate the Penal Code.
   • Coercion to Consume: Alcohol or drugs leading to intoxication.

   For Alabama Families: Most states in the U.S. have anti-hazing laws with broad definitions that cover these types of egregious acts. The hazing your child experienced in Alabama likely falls squarely within such definitions.

2. Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152): Texas law prescribes criminal charges ranging from Class B Misdemeanors to State Jail Felonies for individuals involved in hazing. Hazing that causes “serious bodily injury”—a category that unequivocally includes Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—is a Class A Misdemeanor, carrying up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Hazing that causes death is a State Jail Felony.

   For Alabama Families: This means that the perpetrators of hazing may not only face civil lawsuits but also criminal prosecution. When the University of Houston’s spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges” in connection with Leonel’s case, it underscored this dual layer of accountability. Alabama also has criminal penalties for hazing, with increasing severity based on the harm caused.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law clearly states that organizations (like fraternities and sororities) commit an offense if they condone, encourage, or have officers/members who commit hazing. Penalties can include fines and denial of permission to operate. This provides a legal basis to target the chapter itself.

   For Alabama Families: This principle holds true nationally. National fraternities and local chapters can and should be held responsible for the actions of their members, especially when there is evidence of systemic problems or a failure to supervise effectively.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most critical aspects of modern anti-hazing law. The Texas statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

   For Alabama Families: This directly refutes the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He could have just said no, he consented, he wanted to be part of the brotherhood.” This argument holds no legal weight. The law recognizes that true consent is impossible in an inherently coercive hazing environment where individuals face immense peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and potential threats. For hazing cases in Alabama, we will aggressively counter any claims of consent, just as this Texas statute allows.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so also carries criminal penalties. This creates transparency and a mechanism for accountability for the institutions themselves.

   For Alabama Families: These reporting requirements, or similar obligations based on federal laws like Title IX and the Clery Act, mean that universities in Alabama cannot simply ignore hazing. Their failure to report or act can become a significant point of liability in a civil lawsuit.

Beyond State Statutes: Universal Civil Liability Theories

Beyond state-specific anti-hazing laws, our firm leverages universal civil liability theories that apply in all jurisdictions, including Alabama:

• Negligence: This is the bedrock of most personal injury claims. We argue that the defendants (fraternity, national, university) owed a duty of care to the victim, breached that duty by allowing hazing, and this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (like the University of Houston fraternity house in Leonel’s case) or a housing corporation, these entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to properly oversee their chapters, or universities fail to adequately monitor Greek life activities.
• Assault and Battery: These claims specifically target individuals who inflict physical harm, like those who waterboarded or paddled Leonel.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim addresses the psychological torture and severe emotional suffering caused by extreme hazing.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for their profound loss.

For all families in Alabama grappling with a hazing incident, know this: The legal landscape is increasingly favorable to victims. The laws exist to protect students, and our firm is expert at navigating these complex legal frameworks to ensure justice is served, no matter where the hazing occurred in Alabama or across the nation. We will leverage every available legal tool to hold responsible parties—from individual members to national organizations and universities—accountable.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Alabama Hazing Victims

When your family in Alabama faces the trauma of a hazing incident, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. This isn’t just about finding a lawyer; it’s about finding a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, knows how powerful institutions operate, and is dedicated to fighting for justice. At Attorney911, we believe our unique qualifications and aggressive approach make us the obvious choice for families in Alabama and nationwide.

What Makes Attorney911 Different: A Strategic Advantage for Alabama Families

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t theoretical; we are actively fighting a high-stakes hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This means we are up-to-date on the latest tactics, defenses, and legal strategies in this rapidly evolving practice area. What we learn today in the Harris County court, we apply to your case in Alabama tomorrow.
2. Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over two decades of courtroom experience. His background includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – a skill directly applicable to suing national fraternities and universities. Ralph’s journalism background also means he’s trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories that resonate with juries, which is vital when institutions try to hide the truth about hazing.
3. Lupe Pena: Former National Insurance Defense Attorney – He Knows Their Playbook: Attorney Lupe Pena’s previous role at a nationwide insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, is a game-changer. He spent years defending insurance companies and corporations, gaining intimate knowledge of their strategies to deny claims, minimize payouts, and wear down victims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge against them, providing an “unfair advantage” for our clients. When a national fraternity’s insurance carrier or an Alabama university’s legal team tries to lowball or delay, Lupe knows exactly how to counter their moves because he helped write their playbook.
4. Dual Former Insurance Defense Advantage: Ralph and Lupe together form a formidable “insurance counter-intelligence system.” Both attorneys have seen the defense’s strategies from the inside, making them uniquely equipped to anticipate, counter, and defeat the tactics employed by powerful defendants in hazing cases.
5. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph and Lupe are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court. Ralph also holds bar admissions in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in different states. This means we can pursue your child’s hazing case in the most favorable venue, whether that’s in Alabama state court or federal court, depending on what best serves your interests.
6. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Our firm has a deep understanding of hazing, including its medical consequences like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case. Ralph also has specific experience with litigation against Kappa Sigma fraternity and hazing cases at institutions like Texas A&M University.
7. Unwavering Client Communication and Compassion: We understand that hazing cases are deeply personal and emotional. Our team is bilingual (Se Habla Español), friendly, and committed to keeping you informed at every step. We truly treat our Alabama clients like family, providing regular updates and direct communication so you never feel alone or in the dark. As one client, Chad Harris, eloquently put it, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
8. Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost for Alabama Families: We know that families dealing with the aftermath of hazing should not have to worry about legal fees. We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This commitment levels the playing field, allowing families in Alabama to take on powerful university and national fraternity systems without financial burden.
9. Willingness to Travel: Although headquartered in Houston, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including those in Alabama. We offer remote consultations via phone and video conference, and we are prepared to travel to Alabama for depositions, trials, and client meetings whenever necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
10. Dedication to Systemic Change: Our attorneys are not just seeking compensation; they are driven by a profound desire to prevent future harm. As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your case in Alabama, much like the Bermudez case, can become a powerful catalyst for change, forcing institutions to prioritize student safety over outdated “traditions.”

For families in Alabama, we are more than just lawyers; we are allies who are deeply invested in your child’s well-being and in holding accountable those who caused harm. When fear turns to fury, and you’re ready to fight back, Attorney911 is ready to stand with you.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Alabama Hazing Victims and Their Families

If your child in Alabama has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do—or don’t do—can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and secure compensation. We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or even pressured to stay silent. But acting quickly and strategically is paramount.

Here is essential, immediate guidance for families in Alabama:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention – No Delay, No Matter What

• Seek professional medical care immediately. Even if injuries seem minor or the victim feels “fine,” adrenaline can mask serious trauma. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure didn’t fully manifest until days after the most extreme hazing incident.
• Go to the emergency room or urgent care. Get a full medical evaluation. Your health and safety come first.
• Document everything. Ensure medical professionals record all injuries, symptoms (physical and emotional), and the victim’s account of how they occurred. Be explicit about the hazing details to your doctors. This creates a crucial paper trail linking the hazing to the injuries.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – The Digital and Physical Record

Evidence is the bedrock of any successful hazing lawsuit. It can disappear quickly, so preserving it immediately is non-negotiable.

• Digital Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat message, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. Take screenshots and back them up to multiple locations. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant. This includes communications from the leaders and members of the local chapter, the national organization, and the university.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos exist of the hazing activities or the resulting injuries, save them immediately. If you have photos of bruising, cuts, burns, or other physical signs of abuse, take more. Document the healing process over time. If the victim is incapacitated, family or friends should take these photos.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have knowledge of the events. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents: Keep all physical documents related to the pledge process, including manuals, schedules, rules, “big/little” assignments, or any written communication from the organization.
• Financial Records: Maintain records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if any), and any academic fees or tuition expenses incurred due to the hazing.

Critical Warning from Attorney911: As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” deleting messages or communications can destroy your case. “Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.” Use your cell phone to document everything immediately.

3. Avoid These Critical Mistakes

• Do NOT Delete Anything: This is paramount. Deleting digital evidence can be perceived as spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case.
• Do NOT Communicate with the Organization: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority members, alumni, or national leadership without legal counsel present. They are not on your side and will try to get you to say things that can harm your claim.
• Do NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: Universities have legal teams and risk management departments. While you may be required to report the incident to the university (e.g., through Title IX), do not give a detailed statement or sign anything without consulting with an attorney first. They protect the institution, not necessarily your child.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post—or have ever posted—can and will be used against you. This includes posts about the incident, general life updates (which can be used to argue you’re “fine”), or even old photographs that can be twisted by the defense.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, national organization, or university without a lawyer reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your rights.

4. Consult an Attorney Immediately – Time is of the Essence

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Right Now. The consultation is free, confidential, and available 24/7. This is the single most important step you can take. Your attorneys will guide you through every subsequent action.
• Understand the Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury cases, including hazing lawsuits, have a strict statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of injury or death. This may sound like a long time, but gathering evidence, vetting witnesses, and building a case takes substantial time. Delaying can mean losing your right to sue forever.
• Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely it is that critical evidence will be deleted, witnesses will forget details, or organizations will destroy records. As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” makes clear, “If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.”

5. For Alabama Families: Distance is Not a Barrier

• Remote Consultations: We offer comprehensive phone and video consultations, allowing families in Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, and throughout Alabama to speak directly with our experienced hazing litigation attorneys from the comfort of their home.
• National Reach: While our headquarters are in Houston, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) enable us to represent hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Alabama for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed.

Again, let me be clear: You didn’t deserve this. Your child didn’t deserve this. What happened was wrong, and you have rights. By taking these immediate steps, you empower yourself and your family to fight back. Call Attorney911, and let us help you turn your pain into powerful action against those responsible for hazing in Alabama.

Contact Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims in Alabama

If your family in Alabama has been impacted by hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The fear, the anger, the confusion – we understand. But you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. Our team at Attorney911 is here to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We are actively fighting the battle against hazing in court right now, and we are ready to bring that experience and dedication to your case in Alabama.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline – Available 24/7 for Alabama Families

When a hazing incident strikes, time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and the statute of limitations is always ticking. Don’t wait. Our hotline is open around the clock, ready to provide you with a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We are here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

No Upfront Cost for Alabama Families – We Work on Contingency

We firmly believe that financial burdens should never prevent a hazing victim from seeking justice. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

What does this mean for your family in Alabama?

• $0 Upfront: You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to hire our firm.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our fees are contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
• Risk-Free Representation: We cover all the litigation costs, expert fees, and administrative expenses. We take the financial risk so you don’t have to.

This arrangement allows our clients in Alabama to pursue justice against powerful universities and national fraternities without worrying about overwhelming legal bills.

Our Commitment to Alabama Hazing Victims

• Nationwide Reach: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to represent hazing victims across the United States, including all communities in Alabama.
• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video or phone consultations for families in Alabama, making it easy to connect with our legal team without the need for extensive travel.
• Travel for Your Case: When necessary, our attorneys will travel to Alabama for depositions, court proceedings, and to meet with you in person. Distance will not be a barrier to our aggressive representation.
• Bilingual Services: Se habla español. Our team is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and comprehensive legal support for Hispanic families in Alabama who prefer to communicate in Spanish.
• Compassionate & Aggressive: We combine empathy for what you’ve endured with relentless advocacy against those responsible. We treat our clients like family, and we fight for them with unyielding determination.

To Other Victims of Hazing at Alabama Universities: You Are Not Alone

If you endured hazing at the University of Alabama, Auburn, Samford, the University of South Alabama, or any other institution in Alabama, know that your story matters. The culture of silence surrounding hazing thrives on fear and isolation. Leonel Bermudez’s case has already revealed that another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts and others were subjected to similar brutal hazing.

There may be others at your university in Alabama who suffered just like you did. Your decision to speak out can encourage others to come forward, bringing full accountability to the perpetrators and potentially saving lives. As Attorney Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let us help you bring them all to justice.

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Your legal emergency is our call to action. We are ready to fight for you in Alabama.