If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to find friendship, community, and growth at college here in Massachusetts. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening harm. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Massachusetts fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is actively leading the charge against hazing. We aren’t just talking about the problem; we are fighting it right now in court, representing a student who was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure by a fraternity. This landmark case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is precisely the type of aggressive, data-driven litigation strategy we bring to every hazing case, including those affecting families across Massachusetts.

The Haunting Echoes of Initiation: When Brotherhood Turns to Brutality in Massachusetts

Parents in Massachusetts send their children to colleges and universities across New England and beyond, expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to thrive. They trust these institutions to protect their students. Yet, across Massachusetts, from major urban universities like Boston University and Northeastern to the historic campuses of Harvard and MIT, and the smaller liberal arts colleges dotting the landscape, a dark secret often lurks within the seemingly innocent rituals of Greek life and other student organizations: hazing.

Hazing is not just harmless fun or a rite of passage; it is an insidious form of abuse that inflicts profound physical and psychological damage. It can tear families apart, destroy academic careers, and, in far too many cases, claim young lives. The stories we hear are chillingly similar, whether they come from a large public university in Texas or a revered institution in Massachusetts. Students, desperate to fit in or earn acceptance, endure terrifying acts of humiliation, physical torment, and forced consumption that leave them broken, traumatized, or worse. We have seen firsthand, through cases like the one we are currently litigating, the devastating aftermath of these so-called “traditions.”

A Crisis Unfolding in Plain Sight

The tragedy is that many parents don’t truly understand the horrific realities of modern hazing until it strikes their own family. They may imagine the outdated antics depicted in movies, not realizing that today’s hazing rituals include acts of violence, psychological manipulation, and forced consumption that can lead to severe injury, permanent health damage, and even death.

If your child attends college near Massachusetts, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same national fraternities and sororities operate here, often carrying with them the same dangerous “traditions” and cultures of silence. Universities here, just like the University of Houston, have a responsibility to protect students, and when they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.

We hear the terror in parents’ voices when they learn what their child has endured. We see the anger in the eyes of students who have been betrayed by their peers and institutions. We understand that this isn’t just a legal emergency; it’s a human one. That’s why we’re dedicating our expertise and resources to fighting for hazing victims and their families in Massachusetts, ensuring that no institution or individual can escape accountability for these heinous acts.

The Landmark Case That Defines Our Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re fighting it right now. The centerpiece of our firm’s commitment to aggressively representing hazing victims is the ongoing lawsuit of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. This isn’t a hypothetical case; it’s a very real, live, and aggressive $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, right in our home state of Texas. It is a stark warning to all fraternities, universities, and their members across the nation, including those operating here in Massachusetts.

Leonel Bermudez was just a young man seeking a sense of belonging. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to the University of Houston. He wasn’t even an enrolled student yet. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, hoping to find camaraderie. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse, psychological torment, and physical brutality that landed him in the hospital for four agonizing days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The hazing activities he endured were nothing short of torture:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a hose during calisthenics, simulating drowning—an act internationally recognized as torture.
• Hog-tied and degraded: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Leonel himself was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature.
• Forced eating until vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, he was forced to run sprints while clearly in physical distress and lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme physical punishment: Under threat of expulsion, he was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, “wheelbarrows,” “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls until his body broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles.
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion: He was forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, contributing to his extreme fatigue.

On November 3, 2025, after being punished with this horrific regimen, Leonel became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. His condition worsened over the next two days until his mother, seeing him pass brown urine (a critical sign of muscle breakdown), rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending three nights and four days in intensive medical care. The trauma he experienced left him fearful of retribution for speaking out, a common and heartbreaking reality for hazing victims.

The Immediate Aftermath: Accountability Begins

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization suspended its University of Houston chapter. The members then voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The University of Houston itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals.

Our firm, Attorney911, immediately filed a $10 million lawsuit. We didn’t just name the individual members who inflicted the abuse; we pursued every entity responsible:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• The University of Houston
• The UH Board of Regents
• The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and even a former member and his spouse at whose residence some of the hazing occurred.

This swift, comprehensive action is what Attorney911 stands for. We understand that hazing happens in Massachusetts too, at institutions like UMass Amherst, Boston College, and colleges throughout the Commonwealth that host national Greek organizations. The parents of students pledging at Harvard or MIT should know that hazing doesn’t care about a school’s reputation or location. What happened to Leonel in Houston could happen to a student pledging in Worcester or in the Boston metro area. We make parents understand that this is what modern hazing looks like, and Attorney911 is the firm that fights back, using every legal tool available to hold all responsible parties accountable.

You can read more about this case from various news outlets:

• ABC13 Houston: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• KHOU 11: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
• Houston Chronicle: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit

This case is our proof. It shows that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting hazing right now. And families in Massachusetts deserve the same aggressive, thorough, and relentless representation.

Beyond “Pranks”: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

Many people still hold outdated notions of hazing—thinking of it as harmless pranks, silly rituals, or “boys being boys.” The tragic reality is that modern hazing, especially within fraternities and other student groups, has evolved into something far more sinister, often involving psychological torture and severe physical abuse. It is not about building character; it is about breaking down individuals through fear, intimidation, and violence.

Here in Massachusetts, from the prestigious institutions along the Charles River to the state university system, communities often face a disconnect between the perception and the reality of hazing. Our ongoing litigation, as well as numerous other tragic cases across the country, reveals the true, horrifying face of hazing:

• Physical Abuse and Torture: This category includes acts that directly inflict bodily harm. In our recent case, this involved being struck with wooden paddles, forced high-volume calisthenics like 500 squats and 100 pushups until physical collapse, bear crawls, and other drills that push the body past its limits, often leading to medical emergencies like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Waterboarding, simulating drowning by spraying water in a victim’s face, takes this to an extreme, crossing into the realm of internationally recognized torture tactics.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and even death. However, it can also include forcing students to eat unusual or disgusting food combinations until they vomit, or even non-food substances. Our client was forced to consume copious amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be forced to continue exercising in his own vomit-soaked grass. This is not about camaraderie; it’s about degradation and control.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing is deeply psychological. This can involve prolonged sleep deprivation, isolation, verbal abuse, threats, forced servitude, and demeaning rituals. The fanny pack incident in our case, where our client was forced to carry objects of a sexual nature, is a profound example of psychological and sexual humiliation. Hog-tying another pledge with an object in his mouth for an hour demonstrates extreme psychological and physical torment. Victims often develop PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression long after the physical injuries heal.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Requiring pledges to complete tasks or drive members during early morning hours, coupled with late-night activities, results in severe sleep deprivation. This not only impairs judgment and physical ability, making them vulnerable to further abuse, but can also lead to life-threatening accidents.
• Exposure: This can range from forcing individuals to strip in cold weather, as in our client’s case, to leaving them in isolated or dangerous locations, posing risks of hypothermia, heatstroke, or other serious health issues.

Across Massachusetts, these types of hazing incidents can lead to severe medical consequences, from traumatic brain injuries and broken bones to alcohol poisoning and cardiac arrest. The psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression, can last a lifetime, severely impacting academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. This is not “tradition”; it is assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment, and we are committed to seeing that justice is served.

Holding All Accountable: Who Is Responsible for Hazing in Massachusetts?

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, the focus often falls on the direct perpetrators—the fraternity brothers or teammates. However, our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing litigation in Massachusetts and nationwide ensures that every single entity that enabled, ignored, or profited from the abuse is held responsible. We identify the entire network of culpability, because true accountability involves addressing the systemic failures that allow hazing to flourish.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we are pursuing an exhaustive list of defendants, a strategy we will replicate for hazing victims in Massachusetts:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Organization: This is the most direct perpetrator. The individual members and their leadership (like the chapter president and pledgemaster) who plan, initiate, and execute hazing rituals are directly liable for the physical, psychological, and emotional harm inflicted. We pursue them for intentional acts like assault and battery, as well as negligence in their conduct.
2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: These national bodies oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, including those at universities like Boston College, Tufts, and Harvard in Massachusetts. They establish policies, provide training (or fail to), and have a duty to supervise their local chapters. When a student is harmed, the national organization often knows about a broader “hazing crisis” but fails to enforce its own anti-hazing rules or implement effective safeguards despite prior incidents, as we have seen with Pi Kappa Phi. These national organizations often have deep pockets and extensive insurance coverage, making them key targets for significant damages. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority give us a strategic advantage in pursuing these national entities, many of which are headquartered outside Massachusetts.
3. The College or University Administration: Universities in Massachusetts, whether public or private, have a fundamental duty to protect their students’ safety and well-being. This includes diligently overseeing student organizations, enforcing anti-hazing policies, investigating reports, and intervening when necessary. In our ongoing case, the University of Houston owned and controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing occurred. This establishes direct premises liability and demonstrates a failure to provide a safe environment. Similarly, universities throughout Massachusetts are liable if they turn a blind eye to hazing, fail to properly supervise Greek life, or neglect to act on known hazing risks.
4. Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the leadership, we target every individual who participated in, facilitated, or stood by idly while hazing occurred. This includes members who actively inflicted abuse, those who hosted hazing events at their residences (even their spouses can be named for premises liability), and those who failed to intervene or report severe incidents. Holding individuals accountable sends a powerful message that these acts have personal and lasting consequences.
5. Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards: Often, a fraternity chapter’s house is owned or managed by a separate housing corporation, typically comprised of alumni. These entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe property and often have oversight into chapter activities. If hazing occurs on their property or with their knowledge, they bear liability. These entities, like their national counterparts, often have substantial assets and insurance that can be tapped to compensate victims.
6. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds to compensate victims often come from institutional liability insurance policies held by national fraternities, universities, and housing corporations, as well as personal liability umbrella policies and homeowner’s insurance for individual defendants. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable “insider” knowledge of how these companies operate, strategize, and attempt to minimize payouts. We leverage this expertise to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

Every one of these parties has a degree of responsibility, and every one of them has resources, often backed by substantial insurance policies. This is not about suing broke college kids; it’s about holding powerful institutions and their enablers fully accountable. For families in Massachusetts, we bring the same relentless, comprehensive strategy to ensure justice is served, no matter how many defendants we need to pursue.

Justice Has a Price Tag: What Hazing Cases Win for Massachusetts Families

The full impact of hazing can be immeasurable, forever altering lives through physical injuries, psychological trauma, and, tragically, death. While no amount of money can truly compensate for such profound losses, civil lawsuits serve a critical purpose: they provide victims and their families with the financial resources needed for recovery, hold negligent parties accountable, and, perhaps most importantly, send a powerful message that instigates systemic change.

For families in Massachusetts grappling with the aftermath of hazing, knowing the potential for substantial recovery offers a glimmer of hope. Cases across the nation, supported by aggressive legal representation, have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, proving that justice can indeed be served for hazing victims. These landmark cases set powerful precedents that directly inform our strategy for hazing lawsuits in Massachusetts.

Here are just a few examples that illustrate the significant and life-changing compensation achieved in hazing litigation:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha at BGSU, tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual. The Foltz family secured over $10.1 million in settlements, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals. This case proved that both universities and national fraternities face significant financial responsibility. Furthermore, in December 2024, a $6.5 million judgment was also awarded against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating that individual hazers face personal, life-altering liability. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is directly in line with this precedent, especially given the similarly egregious conduct involved.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.495—six times the legal limit—during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, sending a clear message that juries are outraged by hazing. The criminal conviction of a fraternity member for negligent homicide and the subsequent passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, illustrate both civil and criminal accountability stemming from these cases. This jury verdict highlights what is possible when a case proceeds to trial.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi “gauntlet” ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling for help, and security cameras captured the entire horrific event. While the exact settlement amount is confidential, it is estimated to exceed $110 million from Penn State and the Beta Theta Pi national organization. This staggering figure demonstrates the potential for massive recovery, especially when strong evidence of egregious conduct and institutional cover-up exists. The case also led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, increasing penalties for hazing nationwide.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  Tragically, Andrew Coffey also died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a full bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at FSU. This is the same national organization involved in our ongoing Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. The chapter was permanently closed, and nine fraternity members faced criminal charges. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, it underscores the history of deadly hazing within Pi Kappa Phi and strengthens our demand for accountability for Leonel Bermudez. It proves Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters years ago.

• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
  Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently settled for over $4 million, which included contributions to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which campaigned for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia. This case, like others, shows the multiple avenues of justice—financial compensation, criminal charges, and legislative reform.

These verdicts and settlements send an unequivocal message: hazing is not tolerated, and those responsible will pay dearly. For Massachusetts families, these precedents mean that the courts and juries are increasingly willing to impose severe financial penalties on fraternities, universities, and individuals who engage in or enable hazing. Our firm brings this deep understanding of precedent, coupled with our aggressive litigation tactics, to every hazing case in Massachusetts, ensuring that your family receives the maximum possible compensation and that a powerful message of accountability is sent.

Massachusetts Law Protects Hazing Victims: Consent is Not a Defense

Massachusetts, like many states, has laws specifically designed to combat hazing and protect students. While Texas law is where our flagship case is being battled, the core principles of anti-hazing legislation are often consistent across states, providing a robust legal framework for civil claims in Massachusetts. Understanding these laws is crucial for victims and their families.

In Massachusetts, hazing is addressed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Sections 17-19. These statutes define hazing, outline criminal penalties, and specify institutional responsibilities. Crucially, they include provisions that reject the notion that a victim’s “consent” to hazing absolves perpetrators of responsibility.

Here’s a breakdown of the legal protections relevant to Massachusetts families:

1. Definition of Hazing (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 17):
Massachusetts law broadly defines hazing as any conduct or method of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. This includes:

• Any act that subjects the student to abuse, physical brutality, or extreme physical exertion.
• Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs.
• Threats of physical or psychological harm.
• Any event that causes mental or physical discomfort, humiliation, or degradation.

Massachusetts Application: This definition covers the types of egregious acts seen in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, such as waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, and psychological humiliation. If your child was subjected to any of these, state law specifically categorizes it as hazing.

2. Criminal Penalties (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 17):
Hazing is a criminal offense in Massachusetts. Anyone who directly participates in hazing can face:

• Imprisonment for up to one year.
• A fine of up to $3,000.
  Anyone who knows of hazing and fails to report it can also face penalties. In cases directly leading to death or serious injury, more severe criminal charges, including felony assault or manslaughter, may be pursued. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case suffered serious bodily injury (kidney failure), which under many state laws, including Texas, would elevate criminal charges significantly.

3. The Crucial “Consent is Not a Defense” Clause (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 19):
This is perhaps one of the most vital protections for hazing victims in Massachusetts. The law explicitly states:

“The implied or express consent of a student or other person to hazing shall not be a defense in any civil or criminal action brought pursuant to this section.”

THIS IS CRITICAL: Fraternities, coaches, and other organizations frequently try to defend their actions by claiming the victim “consented,” “knew what they were getting into,” or “could have left.” Just as in our Texas litigation, where Texas Education Code § 37.154 similarly invalidates consent as a defense, Massachusetts law unequivocally says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER. A student cannot legally consent to be abused or to have their physical or mental health endangered. This statutory provision is a powerful tool in dismantling the defense strategies commonly employed by hazing perpetrators.

4. Institutional Responsibilities (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 18):
Massachusetts law places significant responsibilities on educational institutions, including public and private colleges and universities in the Commonwealth:

• They must adopt a written anti-hazing policy and distribute it to all students.
• They must report any violations of the anti-hazing policy to law enforcement and relevant authorities.
• They must conduct an investigation into any credible reports of hazing.
• Failure to comply can result in fines and other sanctions for the institution.

Massachusetts Application: Universities across Massachusetts, from UMass Boston to Boston College, are legally obligated to prevent and respond to hazing. Where they fail—by ignoring reports, conducting sham investigations, or allowing dangerous cultures to persist—they open themselves to civil liability. The University of Houston’s role in our ongoing case, including its ownership of the fraternity house and its prior knowledge of hazing incidents on campus, illustrates how institutional failure directly contributes to a university’s culpability.

Civil Liability for Massachusetts Hazing Victims:
Beyond criminal prosecution, Massachusetts hazing laws, combined with broader personal injury and negligence principles, allow victims to pursue significant civil claims. These include:

• Negligence Claims: Any individual or institution (fraternity, national organization, university) that owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through hazing or inaction, and thereby caused injuries, can be held liable.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation in Massachusetts, those entities can be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment.
• Assault and Battery: Individual hazers directly responsible for physical contact or threats can be sued for these intentional torts.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often causes severe emotional and psychological harm, which can be compensated under this legal theory.
• Wrongful Death: Families who lose a loved one to hazing in Massachusetts can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their profound losses.

Federal Civil Rights Claims and Nationwide Reach

It’s also crucial to understand that federal civil rights claims can be brought in hazing cases, especially when institutions receiving federal funding (which includes most universities in Massachusetts) fail to protect students. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue complicated multi-state litigation against national fraternities and universities across state lines, regardless of where the hazing occurred. This means that even though our offices are based in Texas, we are fully equipped and committed to fighting for justice for hazing victims throughout Massachusetts.

The legal landscape in Massachusetts provides clear avenues for accountability. We are here to navigate these complexities, leverage every statutory protection, and ensure that your child’s hazing experience, as traumatic as it was, leads to meaningful justice.

Why Massachusetts Families Choose Attorney911: Your Advocates in the Fight Against Hazing

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions you will make. This is not just any personal injury case; it requires a deep understanding of unique legal complexities, institutional dynamics, and the specific psychological impacts of hazing. Families here in Massachusetts need advocates who are not only skilled trial lawyers but who also possess an unshakeable commitment to fighting for young victims against powerful, entrenched institutions.

Here’s why Attorney911 stands out as the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families in Massachusetts:

1. Active, Front-Line Experience: The Bermudez Case is Our Proof: We aren’t theoretical. We are currently leading a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that hospitalized our client with kidney failure. This case demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach and our willingness to take on multiple, powerful defendants—individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities. When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a firm that is actively in the fight, right now, for a hazing victim just like yours. The same legal strategies, the same dedication, and the same tenacity will be brought to your case in Massachusetts.

2. Unparalleled Insight: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both of our lead attorneys, Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, previously worked as insurance defense attorneys, representing the very types of insurance companies and corporate entities we now fight against. Mr. Peña, in particular, spent years at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, learning the intricate tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims. This “insider” knowledge is an unparalleled strategic advantage for your family in Massachusetts. We know their playbook, their valuation methods, their delay tactics, and their pressure points—and we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. Extensive Courtroom and Litigation Experience: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello is a battle-tested trial attorney. His experience ranges from high-stakes mass tort litigation against corporate giants like BP (following the Texas City Explosion) to federal civil rights cases. This demonstrates our capacity to take on massive defendants, navigate complex legal frameworks, and fight vigorously in any court, including federal courts relevant to hazing litigation. Lupe Peña adds another 12+ years of litigation experience, including wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. For Massachusetts families, this means proven expertise in high-stakes legal battles.

4. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Hazing cases often involve national fraternities or universities that operate across state lines. Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state admission provides a strategic advantage for cases in Massachusetts, allowing us to pursue national organizations, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations outside of New England. We have the authority to pursue federal claims and are not limited by state boundaries, ensuring comprehensive accountability wherever the defendants may be.

5. Dedicated Hazing-Specific Expertise: Hazing is not a general personal injury. It’s a specialized area. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in hazing cases involving rhabdomyolysis and severe physical injuries. Our firm has developed one of the most comprehensive private databases of Texas Greek organizations, their corporate structures, and their hazing histories. This data-driven approach enables us to identify every liable entity—from local chapters to national headquarters and housing corporations—before we even file suit. We will apply this same laser-focused expertise to hazing cases in Massachusetts.

6. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees Make Justice Accessible: We understand that dealing with the trauma of hazing is financially and emotionally draining. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees. We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis for our Massachusetts clients. This means you pay us nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes financial barriers and ensures that every family, regardless of their economic situation, can access aggressive, top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions. You can learn more about how this works by watching our video: “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

7. Empathy, Communication, and Client-Centered Approach: We are a firm built on a foundation of empathy. We speak directly to worried parents and traumatized students. We call you “family.” Our testimonials speak volumes about our commitment to consistent communication, genuine care, and fighting for maximum settlements. We know that behind every case is a human story of pain, betrayal, and struggle. Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Massachusetts can communicate effectively with their legal team. We will travel to Massachusetts for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed, and offer remote consultations to ensure distance is never a barrier to justice.

8. Will Travel and Serve Nationwide: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to hazing victims extends far beyond. Hazing is a national crisis, and we serve families nationwide. For Massachusetts hazing victims, we offer video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Massachusetts for client meetings, depositions, and trials, ensuring you receive the personalized attention your case deserves.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a legal team that is not afraid to take on fraternities and universities, a team that has proven experience, and a team that genuinely cares about getting justice for your child. Just as we are fighting relentlessly for Leonel Bermudez, we will fight for your family in Massachusetts.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Massachusetts Hazing Victims and Families

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Massachusetts, the moments directly after the incident can be chaotic, frightening, and confusing. However, the actions you take (or fail to take) during this critical time can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and recover compensation. It is vital to act quickly and strategically.

We understand that you may be searching for answers at 2 AM, overwhelmed and scared. Here is clear, actionable guidance—the same advice we give our clients—to protect your child’s health, preserve evidence, and safeguard your legal rights in Massachusetts:

1. Prioritize Your Child’s Health and Safety – Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

   • Call 911 immediately if your child is in immediate danger, has suffered a severe injury, is unconscious, experiencing acute pain, or showing signs of alcohol poisoning or rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, dark urine).
   • Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. Even if injuries seem minor, medical evaluation is crucial. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
   • Document EVERYTHING medically: Ensure medical staff records every detail about the hazing incident as the cause of injury. Request copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, test results (like blood work for creatine kinase levels or liver/kidney function), and bills. Medical documentation is paramount evidence.
   • Follow all medical advice: Attend follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or counseling sessions. Inconsistent medical care can be used by defense attorneys to downplay the severity of injuries.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!

   • Take Photos and Videos: If safe to do so, photograph visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling, unusual skin discoloration) immediately and as they heal. Document the location where the hazing occurred, any items used (bottles, paddles, substances), and the clothes your child was wearing. If your child is incapacitated, ask a trusted friend or family member to do this.
   • Save All Communications: This is incredibly important in hazing cases. Do not delete ANYTHING.
     • Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp: Preserve every message, photo, and video related to the hazing, including invitations, threats, instructions, and discussions among members or pledges. Take screenshots. Save chat logs. These digital trails are often smoking guns.
     • Emails: Save all emails from the fraternity/organization, university, and individual members.
   • Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, heard about it, or even suspected it. This includes other pledges, current members who were uncomfortable, or university staff.
   • Collect Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “big/little reveal” documents, fraternity bylaws, university Greek life policies, and any communications from the university.
   • Record Everything: Keep a detailed personal journal of events, including dates, times, locations, who was present, what specifically happened, and how your child felt physically and emotionally.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Representatives Without Legal Counsel:

   • Do NOT give statements: Do not speak to fraternity leadership, national organization representatives, university administrators (including Title IX officers or student conduct staff), or their lawyers without consulting with your attorney first. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institution. Any statement you make can be used against you.
   • Do NOT sign anything: Never sign any documents, waivers, or agreements from the fraternity, national organization, or university. These documents may waive your legal rights to pursue a claim.
   • Do NOT post on Social Media: Anything you post—even seemingly innocuous updates—can be used by defense attorneys to undermine your case. Avoid discussing the incident, your injuries, or your emotional state online. Avoid posting photos of your child engaging in activities that might seem inconsistent with their injuries or trauma. Just stay completely offline about the incident until instructed by your legal team.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately:

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner we can launch our investigation, preserve critical evidence (even preventing the destruction of evidence by the defendants), and protect your child’s rights.
   • Statute of Limitations: Be aware that most states, including Massachusetts, have a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you typically have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit, or you lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade, so acting immediately is paramount. You can learn more about these deadlines by watching our video: “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
   • Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations for families in Massachusetts. There is no obligation, and it allows us to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Distance is not a barrier; we offer video consultations and are prepared to travel to Massachusetts for your case.

Massachusetts families: You are not alone in this fight. The courage to come forward can not only secure justice for your child but also prevent future tragedies. Let us be your advocates.

Call Attorney911 Now: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims in Massachusetts

The moment you discover your child has been victimized by hazing, it’s a legal emergency. It’s a terrifying, overwhelming, and infuriating experience that no parent in Massachusetts should ever have to face alone. We understand the urgency, the emotional toll, and the critical need for immediate, aggressive action.

We are Attorney911, and we are ready to fight for your family in Massachusetts.

Our attorneys are currently leading the charge in a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, a case that embodies our firm’s relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims. This is not theoretical; this is real, ongoing litigation where we are actively holding powerful institutions and individuals accountable. We will bring the same level of expertise, aggression, and dedication to your child’s hazing case in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Families: Don’t Wait. Your Rights Depend on Immediate Action.

Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Emotional trauma deepens. And legal deadlines are unforgiving. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case can be.

Take the first step toward justice today:

📞 CALL OUR 24/7 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Why Contact Us Now?

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always completely free and confidential. There’s no obligation, and it’s an opportunity for us to hear your story, evaluate your case, and provide clear guidance on your legal options.
• No Upfront Fees: We Work on Contingency: We understand that the financial burden of hazing can be immense. That’s why we handle hazing cases for our Massachusetts clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This means the powerful legal representation you need is accessible, regardless of your current financial situation.
• National Reach, Local Impact: While our offices are based in Texas, hazing is a national crisis that transcends state lines. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us the authority and flexibility to represent hazing victims across the country, including Massachusetts. We offer seamless remote consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Massachusetts for depositions, meetings, and trials as your case demands. Distance will never be a barrier to securing justice for your child.
• Proven Aggression Against Powerful Defendants: We are not intimidated by large universities or national fraternities with vast resources. Our track record, including the high-stakes BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrates our capability to take on any defendant, no matter how powerful, and win.
• Insider Knowledge of Defense Tactics: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how the other side thinks, how they strategize to deny claims, and how to effectively dismantle their defenses. This is your unfair advantage.
• We Protect Your Child’s Future: Our commitment goes beyond securing financial compensation. We fight for accountability that can change cultures, prevent future tragedies, and help your child heal and move forward.

We Are Here for All Massachusetts Hazing Victims:

Our fight against hazing extends to every student who has suffered, whether it was at a fraternity or sorority at UMass Amherst, a sports team at Boston College, an ROTC program in Worcester, a marching band event in Springfield, or any other student organization across Massachusetts.

If your child has been victimized by hazing, they didn’t deserve it. You didn’t deserve this. Let us fight for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Let’s get justice for your family in Massachusetts.