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New Hampshire Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike & $10M Sigma Chi Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, New Hampshire, North America, United States

If you’re reading this, a nightmare may have become your reality. Your child went away to college, full of hope and promise, only to be subjected to abuse and degradation under the guise of “tradition.” Hazing incidents, once whispered fears, are now brutally real for too many families in New Hampshire and across the nation. Your child was supposed to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. We are here to help families in New Hampshire fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that turn a blind eye to these horrific practices.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is built on aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and an unwavering commitment to accountability for every entity responsible for causing hazing injuries. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, injuries from hazing are a national crisis, and we represent families nationwide, including those in New Hampshire. The tactics and negligence that allow hazing to flourish at institutions across the country are disturbingly similar, and the legal strategies we employ to seek justice are equally effective in New Hampshire.

The Landmark Battle: Our Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi & The University of Houston (2025)

This isn’t just a theoretical discussion for us; we are actively engaged in a fierce legal battle right now in Harris County Civil District Court. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. It is the centerpiece of everything we stand for, and it is the fight we are prepared to bring to New Hampshire on your family’s behalf.

For New Hampshire families: This is what hazing looks like today. This is what we do about it. The same national fraternities that have chapters in New Hampshire operate under the same national leadership that allowed these atrocities to occur in Houston. The same institutional negligence that we are exposing at the University of Houston can be found at universities across New Hampshire. We want you to understand that if this happened to your child in New Hampshire, we will fight for you with the same aggression and dedication we bring to every case.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez? A Warning for New Hampshire Parents

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse so severe that he was hospitalized for three nights and four days with acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis—a severe breakdown of muscle tissue.

Within weeks of his hazing ordeal being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. And we, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit naming every entity we believe responsible: the university, the national fraternity, the housing corporation, and the individual members.

This case is irrefutable proof that Attorney911 is not some hypothetical firm. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases.” We are actively fighting right now. We are telling Leonel’s story so that parents in New Hampshire understand that this kind of brutal hazing is not just a distant news story; it is a present danger, even at universities their children might attend. And we want them to know that Attorney911 is the firm that fights back.

Media Coverage Highlights the Severity and Our Firm’s Engagement

Our aggressive pursuit of justice in the Bermudez case has garnered significant media attention:

The Hazing Activities: Not Pranks, But Torture

The lawsuit meticulously details the weeks of abuse Leonel Bermudez suffered:

  • Waterboarding: Pledges were subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, sprayed directly in their faces while being forced to do calisthenics. Our Houston Public Media reported that “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: This included forced exercises such as 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Leonel was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these exercises, and threats of expulsion were constant. A sobering detail reported by the Houston Chronicle was that other pledges were “being struck with wooden paddles.”
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, and then forced to continue physical exertions while clearly in distress. Leonel was made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was made 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.” Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather.
  • Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: He was compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

These are not “boys being boys” or harmless college pranks. This is systematic, intentional abuse designed to break someone down physically and psychologically. This is what we are fighting against.

The Medical Consequences: A Lifetime of Impact

The severity of the hazing resulted in Leonel Bermudez being hospitalized. As Ralph Manginello recounted to 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.” He was “passing brown urine,” a tell-tale sign of rhabdomyolysis, and diagnosed with both severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, requiring intensive medical treatment.

Rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys. This can lead to acute kidney failure and, in severe cases, even death. Leonel’s future now includes the risk of chronic kidney disease, and the possibility of needing dialysis or even a kidney transplant. This is a life-altering injury caused directly by the fraternity’s actions. Our firm has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases, and Ralph Manginello has successfully litigated such matters before.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Minimization and Damage Control

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National reveal a pattern of damage control and minimization:

  • University of Houston’s Statement (via Houston Public Media): A spokesperson stated, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement…Any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This statement, while acknowledging the severity, effectively implies the university might have been unaware or that this was an isolated incident, despite past hazing cases on its campus.
  • Pi Kappa Phi National’s Statement (on their website): Pi Kappa Phi announced on November 21, 2025, that its Beta Nu Chapter was “closed effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They explicitly thanked the University of Houston for its “collaboration” and, critically, stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This shows a lack of true remorse, prioritizing their return rather than fully acknowledging the harm caused to Leonel. The timing of their chapter closure, a week before our lawsuit was filed, implies consciousness of liability and an attempt to preempt legal action.

KHOU 11 further reported that the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical allegation establishing actual knowledge of a pervasive problem.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in New Hampshire may still imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. The brutal reality, as exposed in the Bermudez case, is far removed from these outdated notions. Hazing today is often about systematic torture, profound psychological manipulation, and life-threatening physical abuse.

This is not tradition. This is not brotherhood-building. This is abuse.

It manifests in various forms:

  • Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling (as seen with wooden paddles in the Bermudez case), branding, forced intense exercise to the point of collapse and organ failure, sleep deprivation, and exposure to harsh elements. Forcing individuals to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until their kidneys fail reveals an extreme disregard for human life.
  • Forced Consumption: This frequently involves binge drinking, often to dangerous levels (as in the Max Gruver and Stone Foltz cases), or consuming non-food items, or excessive food until vomiting, as Leonel Bermudez experienced.
  • Psychological Torture: Humiliation (like the fanny pack with sexual objects), degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and constant threats of physical harm or social ostracism.
  • Simulated Waterboarding: As seen in the Bermudez case, this is a clear form of torture, simulating drowning and causing extreme psychological and physical terror.
  • Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: This can include forced nudity, sexually degrading acts, or the carrying of sexually explicit items.

The consequences are devastating and far-reaching:

  • Life-threatening Physical Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, cardiac arrest.
  • Profound Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and long-lasting trust issues.
  • Academic and Career Impact: Hazing often leads to academic decline, withdrawal from courses, loss of scholarships, and disruption to future career plans.

For parents in New Hampshire, this is not just an issue for Texas universities. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters at local New Hampshire institutions, and the same desperate pursuit of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood,” can lead to identical outcomes.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying and holding every liable party accountable. In the Bermudez case, we aggressively pursued not just the individuals involved but also the institutions that enabled the hazing to occur. For New Hampshire families, knowing who can be held responsible can provide a path to justice and compensation.

The Local Chapter and Individual Members

These are often the most obvious culprits, the immediate perpetrators and organizers of the hazing. In the Bermudez lawsuit, we named:

  • The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi: As the entity that directly organized and conducted the hazing.
  • The Fraternity President and Pledgemaster: These individuals held leadership roles and were directly responsible for directing and overseeing the hazing activities.
  • Current Fraternity Members: Those who actively participated in the hazing or failed to intervene to stop it.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: Critically, some hazing sessions occurred at the private residence of a former member, and his spouse was also named as a defendant for allowing the hazing on their property. This highlights that liability can extend even beyond current student members.

Individual members can be held personally liable for their actions, particularly for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The Stone Foltz case illustrates this starkly, where the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability for his role in the hazing that led to Foltz’s death. This demonstrates that individual officers cannot hide behind the fraternity’s corporate structure.

The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters in our current lawsuit, often claim to have strict anti-hazing policies. However, their liability arises when they fail to enforce these policies, fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or have knowledge of a pattern of hazing that they do not address.

In our lawsuit, we allege that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “a hazing crisis” and yet failed to implement effective anti-hazing rules or policies. The death of Andrew Coffey at the FSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in 2017—eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized—serves as undeniable proof that the national organization had ample warning and failed in its duty of care. National organizations typically possess significant financial assets and robust liability insurance, making them crucial targets for meaningful compensation.

The University or College

Universities often attempt to distance themselves from hazing incidents, claiming that fraternities are independent entities. However, their liability can be substantial, especially when they exercise control over Greek life activities or the properties where hazing occurs. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a defendant because:

  • They Owned the Fraternity House: KHOU 11 reported that much of the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This establishes clear premises liability for the university. They owned the property that was essentially used as a torture chamber.
  • Prior Hazing Incidents: The University of Houston had a documented history of hazing on its campus, with another student hospitalized in 2017 after hazing at a different fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha). This means UH had actual notice of the dangers and failed to implement sufficient safeguards.
  • Failure to Supervise: Universities have a duty to oversee student organizations, ensure student safety, and enforce their own anti-hazing policies, which they often fail to do until a tragedy strikes.

Universities in New Hampshire, whether public or private, have similar responsibilities. They often provide housing, exercise control over student conduct codes, and maintain Greek life offices whose explicit purpose is to oversee these organizations. When they fail in this duty, they must be held accountable.

The “Deep Pockets”

Hazing litigation is not about financially ruining college students, though individual accountability is essential. It is primarily about holding institutions with “deep pockets” responsible. This includes:

  • National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These entities collectively maintain millions, if not billions, in assets and carry substantial liability insurance policies.
  • Universities and Colleges: Large educational institutions, especially those with significant endowments and state funding (like the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, or Dartmouth College), carry millions in liability insurance specifically to cover such incidents.
  • Insurance Carriers: These play a critical role. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate, strategize to minimize payouts, and can be compelled to cover the costs of hazing injuries. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies can also cover individual defendants.

What Hazing Lawsuits Can Win: Millions for Victims and Families

Hazing is a serious crime with devastating consequences, and the legal system recognizes the profound harm it inflicts. Families who have suffered due to hazing have successfully pursued multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that not only provide compensation for their immense losses but also send a powerful message of accountability. These precedent cases prove that justice can be won, and the same aggressive legal strategies are available for New Hampshire families.

These Cases Send a Message that Hazing Will Not Be Tolerated:

  • Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) — $10.1 Million+ Total: Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual. His family reached settlements of $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and individual members. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case directly aligns with this proven precedent.
  • Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC over six times the legal limit after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event where pledges were forced to drink for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This verdict proves that juries are willing to make significant awards for hazing deaths.
  • Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — $110 Million+ (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died after falling down a flight of stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras. While the exact settlement amount is confidential, it is estimated to exceed $110 million. This case demonstrates that with compelling evidence, awards can reach astronomical figures.
  • Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Confidential Settlement: This case is particularly relevant to our ongoing Bermudez lawsuit, as it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” initiation. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National had knowledge of this deadly incident eight years prior to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization is critical to establishing a pattern of negligence and a basis for significant punitive damages in our case.
  • Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) — $4 Million+ Settlement: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently reached a settlement exceeding $4 million. Notably, they had originally sought $28 million, demonstrating that high demands are not unusual in these cases.
  • UT Austin Sigma Chi (2025) — Lawsuit Filed: Just this past week, a lawsuit was filed in Texas concerning the death by suicide of an 18-year-old freshman after “horrific abuse” during hazing at the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Texas at Austin. This tragic case further underscores the pervasive nature of hazing and the ongoing need for aggressive legal action.

The Impact Beyond Financial Compensation

These cases also lead to critical changes that protect future students:

  • Legislation: The Max Gruver Act in Louisiana made hazing a felony, and the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania significantly increased penalties and provided immunity for those who report hazing. These laws are a direct result of families refusing to let their tragedies be in vain. New Hampshire has a robust anti-hazing statute, but continued pressure from victims can lead to even stronger protections.
  • Institutional Accountability: Universities and national organizations are forced to reform their policies, increase oversight, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to student safety.
  • Public Awareness: These lawsuits bring the dark reality of hazing into the public consciousness, educating parents, students, and institutions about the true dangers.

For New Hampshire families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, these precedents offer powerful encouragement. They demonstrate that justice is achievable, that institutions can be held accountable, and that compensation can be secured to cover medical costs, emotional distress, and the profound loss of potential.

New Hampshire Hazing Law: Your Legal Protections

While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating the Bermudez case, every state, including New Hampshire, has laws designed to combat hazing. Furthermore, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims apply regardless of state lines. This means our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred, including anywhere in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire’s Anti-Hazing Statute: RSA 631:7

New Hampshire has strong anti-hazing legislation, which provides both criminal penalties and gives educational institutions clear guidelines.

RSA 631:7, II defines “Hazing” as:

“Any action or activity which intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of any educational institution.”

This definition is broad and covers actions that endanger both physical and mental health. The types of activities Leonel Bermudez endured, such as waterboarding, forced extreme exercise leading to kidney failure, forced eating, and severe psychological humiliation, would undoubtedly fall under this definition in New Hampshire.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in New Hampshire:
Hazing in New Hampshire can be classified as a misdemeanor. If the hazing results in serious bodily injury, it can be elevated to a felony offense.

  • For instance, in the Bermudez case, his acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis would likely constitute serious bodily injury, elevating the offense to a felony under New Hampshire law. This means that individuals who orchestrate or participate in such hazing face potential felony charges, which carry severe consequences.

Consent is NOT a Defense:
Similar to Texas law, New Hampshire’s anti-hazing statute explicitly states that:

“The express or implied consent of the student to the hazing activities shall not be a defense in any action brought under this section.” (RSA 631:7 III-a)

This is a critical protection for victims in New Hampshire. Fraternities and universities often try to argue that “he agreed to participate” or “she knew the risks.” New Hampshire law unequivocally rejects this argument. A student cannot legally consent to being physically or psychologically abused, especially when such actions are a condition of membership. This aligns with Texas Education Code § 37.154, which was a key aspect of our strategy in the Bermudez case.

Civil Liability for Hazing in New Hampshire

Beyond criminal prosecution, New Hampshire victims and their families can pursue several civil claims to obtain justice and compensation:

  1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common path. It involves proving that the individuals, fraternity, or university owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty (by hazing or allowing it to happen), and that this breach caused the student’s injuries and damages. This applies to fraternities that directly orchestrate hazing and to institutions that fail to prevent it when they should have.
  2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a specific organization (such as a fraternity house), the property owner can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This was a critical component of our lawsuit against the University of Houston, given their ownership of the fraternity house.
  3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national fraternities fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to properly oversee Greek life organizations operating on their campus. If they knew or should have known about a propensity for hazing and did nothing, they are accountable.
  4. Assault and Battery: These claims can be brought directly against the individual perpetrators who physically harmed a student during hazing.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim is particularly relevant in cases involving severe psychological hazing, humiliation, or torture (like simulated waterboarding). It applies when the defendant’s conduct is outrageous and causes severe emotional distress.
  6. Wrongful Death: If hazing results in the death of a student, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for loss of companionship, future earnings, and other related costs.

These civil claims ensure that those responsible for hazing cover the extensive medical bills, lost educational opportunities, pain and suffering, and the long-term psychological damage inflicted upon victims.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your New Hampshire Hazing Case?

We understand that New Hampshire families have many choices when seeking legal representation. However, hazing litigation is a specialized and often complex area of law, requiring a unique blend of aggressive advocacy, deep legal knowledge, and a commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. Here’s why Attorney911 is distinctively positioned to assist New Hampshire hazing victims:

  1. Active, Front-Line Experience: We aren’t just reading about hazing; we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now against a national fraternity and a major university. This real-time, in-the-trenches experience gives us unparalleled insight into modern hazing tactics, institutional defenses, and the strategies required to win. The very issues faced by Leonel Bermudez are precisely the issues we prepare to fight for New Hampshire families.

  2. Deep-Rooted Insider Knowledge: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This means we’ve literally been on the other side of the courtroom, defending major corporations and insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they value claims, how they build their defenses, and how they try to minimize payouts. Now, we use that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and dismantle their arguments, maximizing recovery for hazing victims in New Hampshire.

  3. Federal Court Authority and Nationwide Reach: While headquartered in Houston, our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, including the U.S. District Court. This means we have the authority to file lawsuits in federal jurisdictions, providing a strategic advantage in cases against national fraternities and universities that often operate across state lines. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) further enhance our ability to navigate complex interstate litigation. We regularly represent victims across America, and we are prepared to travel to New Hampshire to depose witnesses, conduct meetings, and pursue justice in court.

  4. Specialized Expertise: Our firm has specific expertise in the unique medical conditions that arise from hazing, such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case. We understand the long-term medical implications and future care costs necessary for comprehensive damages claims. We also understand the intricate dynamics of Greek life culture and university oversight, which are critical to building a strong case.

  5. Aggressive Litigation Against Major Institutions: Ralph Manginello’s background includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants and powerful institutions – exactly what’s needed when confronting national fraternities and universities in New Hampshire.

  6. Data-Driven Investigation: We don’t guess. We relentlessly pursue and preserve evidence. We understand the critical importance of digital evidence like text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, and social media posts, which are often central to proving hazing. We know how to coordinate with experts—medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, and accident reconstructionists—to build an irrefutable case.

  7. No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee): We understand that families grappling with the trauma and expenses of hazing may worry about legal fees. We take hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay us nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and removes financial barriers to seeking justice, ensuring that powerful institutions cannot outspend victims. As our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains, our goal is to secure the maximum possible compensation for your family.

  8. Compassionate and Bilingual Support: Our team is not just legally skilled; we are truly empathetic. We treat every New Hampshire family with the care and understanding they deserve. Our staff is bilingual and serves Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice. Lupe Peña’s fluent Spanish skills mean that Hispanic families in New Hampshire can communicate their experiences and concerns without any impediment.

  9. Proven Track Record: Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews reflects our unwavering commitment to client success and satisfaction. Testimonials like “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such” from Chad Harris or “Nothing but amazing communication” from Ruben Garza illustrate the client-centric approach we bring to every case, including those from New Hampshire.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that possesses the specific expertise, aggressive tactics, and deep commitment required to succeed in hazing litigation. We are ready to bring our fight for justice to your family in New Hampshire.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for New Hampshire Families

If you or your child has been subjected to hazing in New Hampshire, the moments immediately following the incident are crucial. Taking the right steps can significantly impact the strength of your case and your ability to secure justice. We understand the fear, anger, and confusion you may be feeling, but it is vital to act quickly and decisively.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your safety and well-being are paramount.

  • Remove yourself or your child from the hazing environment immediately. If you know hazing is ongoing, contact local law enforcement or university authorities for immediate intervention.
  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. As our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” emphasizes, adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent. Go to a hospital emergency room in New Hampshire, or visit a local urgent care clinic. Document everything medically. For psychological trauma, seek counseling from a mental health professional in New Hampshire, as these records will document emotional distress.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence

Hazing cases often rely heavily on documented evidence. Do not delete anything. Preserve every fragment of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

  • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (especially for conditions like rhabdomyolysis or high BAC), and therapy records.
  • Photos and Videos: Take photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If possible, photograph the locations where hazing occurred. Any photos or videos of hazing activities themselves, even if taken by others, are invaluable. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” fully explains the power of photographic evidence.
  • Communications: This is often the “smoking gun.” Save all text messages, group chats (GroupMe, Snapchat, WhatsApp), social media messages (Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger), and emails related to the hazing. These often contain instructions, threats, or discussions that prove the hazing occurred. If there are messages from the fraternity attempting to cover up the incident, these are particularly crucial.
  • Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the hazing, knew about it, or even suspected it. This includes other pledges, fraternity members who did not participate, or bystanders.
  • Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the fraternity or sorority.
  • Financial Records: Document any medical bills, lost wages due to injury or academic disruption, and tuition/fees for any interrupted academic terms.
  • Academic Records: Preserve transcripts or any records that reflect a decline in academic performance due to the hazing.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Many hazing victims inadvertently harm their own cases by making common errors after an incident.

  • DO NOT Delete Messages or Posts: Never delete any texts, social media posts, or messages. This could be considered evidence spoliation and severely damage your case.
  • DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: They are not on your side. They will try to get you to minimize the incident, sign waivers, or provide statements that protect the organization.
  • DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without first consulting with an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights or jeopardize your claim.
  • DO NOT Post on Social Media: Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns against this. Anything you post, even if seemingly innocent, can be used by defense attorneys to undermine your credibility or claim of suffering. Avoid discussing the incident, your injuries, or your emotional state online.
  • DO NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: Universities have a vested interest in protecting their reputation. If you need to report the incident to the university (e.g., through Title IX or their student conduct office), do so with legal counsel, or gather as much information as possible before making a statement.
  • DO NOT Delay: As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” explains, most personal injury cases in New Hampshire (and many states) have a two-year statute of limitations. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Every day matters.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step. A hazing incident is a complex legal emergency.

  • Call Us Immediately: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and building your case. Our phone lines are open 24/7.
  • Free Consultation: We offer a completely free and confidential consultation where we will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and answer your questions.
  • We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that financial concerns do not prevent you from seeking justice.

For New Hampshire families: Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations for New Hampshire families and are prepared to travel to New Hampshire for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our nationwide experience means we can represent you effectively, regardless of where the incident occurred in New Hampshire—whether at a university in Durham, Plymouth, Keene, or Hanover.

Contact Us Now: Your First Responder to a Legal Emergency

If your child has been subjected to hazing in New Hampshire, you are facing a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and we are your first responders. We are here to fight for you and your family with the same aggression, dedication, and expertise we bring to our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Your child deserves justice, and those responsible must be held accountable.

New Hampshire Families: Have you or your child been hazed? You have legal rights.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline for New Hampshire Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for New Hampshire hazing emergencies. You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

We Serve New Hampshire Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national scourge. We represent victims of hazing in New Hampshire and across America in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities like the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, Dartmouth College, and other institutions across New Hampshire.
  • New Hampshire sports teams, college athletic programs, and high school teams.
  • Marching bands, clubs, and other student organizations at New Hampshire universities and high schools.
  • ROTC programs and military academies.
  • Any organization where abuse is used as an “initiation” or condition of membership.

The national fraternities and sororities that operate chapters in New Hampshire are the same organizations we hold accountable elsewhere. Their national headquarters, their insurance carriers, and their oversight responsibilities are consistent regardless of state lines.

To Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Our lawsuit describes how another pledge collapsed on October 15, days before Leonel’s own hospitalization. Others were subjected to similar waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse, and humiliation. If you or your child were also victimized by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, or by any other fraternity or sorority, you have rights too.

As Lupe Peña told 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.”

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

No matter where you are in New Hampshire, or what university your child attends, Attorney911 is ready to fight for you.

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

We treat our New Hampshire clients like family. Our client testimonials, including those praising our “consistent communication” and how we “fight for maximum settlement,” underscore our commitment. As Stephanie Hernandez noted, we take “all the weight of my worries off my shoulders…she just really made me feel like I mattered throughout the entire process.” We will offer New Hampshire families the same level of care and aggressive representation.