If you’re reading this in New Jersey, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, perhaps to one of New Jersey’s esteemed institutions like Rutgers University, Princeton University, or Rowan University, expecting to make friends, learn, and grow. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening harm, all in the name of “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the feeling of helplessness. We’re here to help families in New Jersey fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague campuses across our nation.

We are Attorney911, and we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit in Texas against a national fraternity, a major university, and numerous individuals for hazing that hospitalized our client with severe, life-altering injuries. This case happened in Houston, but the same patterns of abuse, negligence, and institutional failure are prevalent at colleges and universities right here in New Jersey. The same national fraternities and sororities with dangerous histories operate on campuses around our state, from The College of New Jersey to Montclair State.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, plain and simple. It transcends state lines, affecting students from every community across New Jersey, whether they attend college close to home or hundreds of miles away. It can destroy lives, shatter families, and is a betrayal of the trust parents place in educational institutions and Greek letter organizations. If your child has been a victim of hazing in New Jersey or at any university across the country, we want you to know that you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are here to bring our aggressive, data-driven approach, learned from battles in Texas and federal courts, to pursue justice for your family.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911’s $10 Million Fight Against Hazing

We want to share with you a case that embodies exactly what we do and how aggressively we fight for hazing victims. This isn’t a theoretical exercise; this is an ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court, filed in November 2025. This is Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., and it represents everything our firm stands for: unwavering representation for victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning to New Jersey Families

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with dreams of a college education and a future. He wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. Yet, on September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was not brotherhood, but weeks of calculated abuse and psychological torture.

Imagine your child experiencing this nightmare. Leonel was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose – a tactic considered torture when used against enemy combatants, yet applied to a hopeful college student. He was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, a grotesque display of humiliation. He was forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to continue running sprints through the vomit-soaked grass. He was ordered to wear a fanny pack openly containing objects of a sexual nature, a constant source of degradation.

The physical torment was relentless. He endured more than 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting fraternity creeds under threat of immediate expulsion. On one particularly brutal night, November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, he was forced to engage in such extreme physical exertion that his body gave out. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help, crawling up the stairs of his home when he finally made it there.

The next days brought excruciating pain. His body felt like it was breaking down, and his condition worsened rapidly. On November 6, 2025, his terrified mother rushed him to the hospital. There, doctors delivered a devastating diagnosis: severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine was brown, a tell-tale sign of muscle breakdown filling his bloodstream with toxins. Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, facing the very real risk of permanent kidney damage.

This happened just weeks ago, not in some distant past, but now, in 2025, at a major university. This is what modern hazing looks like. And the terrifying truth, New Jersey families, is that the same fraternities, the same “traditions,” and the same institutional negligence exist at campuses throughout our state, from Rutgers to Seton Hall, from Stockton University to Kean University.

The Institutions’ Response: A Coordinated Effort to Evade Accountability

The response from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters speaks volumes. Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended its Beta Nu Chapter. By November 14, 2025, they officially closed the chapter, a mere seven days before we filed our lawsuit. Their public statement on their website brazenly admitted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” yet concluded with a chilling remark: “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This isn’t remorse; it’s a strategic move, a promise to resume operations once the controversy dies down.

The University of Houston, in a statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” and even mentioned “potential criminal charges.” Yet, this is the same university that owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. This is the same university that had a student hospitalized from hazing by another fraternity in 2017. Their own words betray a knowledge of the problem but a failure to prevent it.

Our Fight to Bring Them to Justice: $10 Million and Counting

Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit naming the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, its local chapter, their housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence. This multi-pronged legal strategy is designed to hold every single responsible party accountable.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, describing Leonel’s terrifying ordeal: “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.”

And as Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

New Jersey parents, this is what hazing looks like. This is what Attorney911 does about it. We bring the full force of our experience, our knowledge, and our data-driven strategies to deliver justice for victims and send an unmistakable message to institutions that would rather turn a blind eye. If this can happen in Houston, it can happen at any university that your child attends, whether it’s in New Jersey or anywhere else in the nation. We stand ready to fight the same aggressive battle for you.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When you think of hazing, you might picture harmless pranks or foolish stunts. But the reality is far darker and more dangerous. Hazing today, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is systematic abuse, psychological torment, and often life-threatening physical brutality. It’s not about building character; it’s about breaking spirits. It’s not about tradition; it’s about torture. It’s a tragic betrayal of trust that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, or worse, lead to death.

The Dark Spectrum of Hazing Activities

The hazing activities exposed in our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston are a horrific example of what students face:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning. This is a tactic recognized as torture, and its use in a fraternity setting is beyond comprehension. Imagine your child experiencing this level of terror.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were forced to continue grueling physical exercises, often in their own vomit. This is not a prank; it’s a calculated act of humiliation and physical abuse designed to break someone down.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included more than 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were not for fitness; they were exacted as punishment, pushing students past their physical limits until their bodies broke down, as Leonel’s did when he suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Some pledges were even struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Students were forced to carry degrading items, such as a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. The hog-tying incident, where another pledge was left face-down with an object in his mouth for an hour, represents an extreme form of psychological degradation. Threats of physical violence or expulsion from the fraternity maintained an atmosphere of fear and coercion.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leaving them exhausted, mentally and physically vulnerable to further abuse.

These are not isolated incidents; they are often deeply ingrained in “pledge traditions” that are passed down through generations of fraternity members. They occur not only in fraternities but in sororities, sports teams whether at Rutgers or The College of New Jersey, marching bands whether Rowan or Montclair State, ROTC programs, and various other student organizations. This systemic nature perpetuates the problem and makes it difficult for victims to speak out.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Impact

The consequences of hazing are far from minor:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This is what Leonel Bermudez suffered. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can cause the kidneys to fail. This is a life-threatening condition that can lead to permanent kidney damage or even death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced consumption of alcohol is a common hazing practice, often leading to acute alcohol poisoning, brain damage, coma, and death, as seen in tragic cases across the country.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From excessive physical exertion in individuals who may have underlying, undiagnosed conditions.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, severe depression, suicidal ideation, and profound difficulty trusting others. Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a testament to the deep psychological scars left by hazing.
• Sexual Assault: Hazing can escalate into sexual abuse, leaving victims with unimaginable trauma.
• Death: Tragically, in the most severe cases, hazing results in the loss of a young life, leaving families in unimaginable grief.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident; it’s a stark reminder that hazing is a severe public health and safety crisis. If your child has suffered any of these harms at a university in New Jersey or beyond, know that the pain and suffering are real, they are documented, and they demand justice. We are equipped to fight for the full compensation needed to recover from these devastations.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Institutions and Individuals Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the actions of a few “bad apples.” Hazing is a complex problem rooted in systemic failures, cultural norms within organizations, and a deliberate indifference on the part of institutions. At Attorney911, we believe that everyone who participated in, condoned, or failed to prevent hazing must be held accountable. In a hazing lawsuit, we don’t just target the students directly involved; we pursue every entity with power, oversight, and financial responsibility.

The Deep Pockets and the Domino Effect of Liability:

1. The Local Chapter: This is usually the easiest target. The local fraternity or sorority chapter directly organizes and facilitates hazing activities. Their officers, like the chapter president and pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility for directing and allowing the abuse. Individual members who actively participate, encourage, or even passively witness and fail to intervene in hazing can also be held liable for their actions. In the Bermudez case, we named the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, its president, pledgemaster, and 13 individual members as defendants.
2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: This is where the real power and money lie. National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi, operate on hundreds of campuses nationwide, including those in New Jersey. They collect dues, provide training, offer insurance, and set policies. When hazing occurs, nationals can be held liable for:
   • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee their local chapters.
   • Failure to Enforce Anti-Hazing Policies: Despite having rules, they often look the other way until a tragedy strikes.
   • Knowledge of Prior Incidents: As seen with Pi Kappa Phi, which had a death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU) before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025, a history of hazing at other chapters proves their knowledge of a systemic problem. KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national Pi Kappa Phi leadership had knowledge of “a hazing crisis” but failed to act. This is the definition of deliberate indifference.
3. The University or College: Educational institutions throughout New Jersey, whether public or private, have a profound responsibility to protect their students. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs on their grounds or under their auspices for:
   • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately supervise Greek life or other student organizations.
   • Institutional Knowledge: If the university knew or should have known about hazing within its Greek system or specific chapters. The University of Houston, for example, had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, yet failed to prevent what happened to Leonel Bermudez.
   • Failing to Enforce Policies: Having anti-hazing policies but failing to enforce them or punish violations.
   • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or university-controlled property, like a fraternity house, the university can be held responsible for the unsafe conditions they allowed to exist. The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred.
   • Breach of Contract: Universities often make promises of safety in their handbooks, brochures, and enrollment agreements, creating a contractual obligation to protect students.
4. The Housing Corporation: These entities frequently own or manage fraternity and sorority houses. They can be held liable if dangerous conditions (including hazing traditions) are allowed to fester on their property. The Beta Nu Housing Corporation was named in our lawsuit.
5. Individual Alumni/Former Members: Often, hazing occurs at the residences of alumni or former members, who may host or participate in these activities. In the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse were named as defendants because hazing sessions occurred at their residence. This opens the door for premises liability claims and potentially homeowner’s insurance coverage.
6. Insurance Carriers: These are the ultimate “deep pockets.” National fraternities, universities, and even individual homeowners carry extensive liability insurance policies. Our firm, with attorneys like Lupe Peña who previously worked for national insurance defense firms, possesses invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate, how they value claims, and how to strategically dismantle their defenses to ensure maximum compensation for victims.

When a child in New Jersey is harmed by hazing, we pursue every single thread of responsibility. We know that institutions and national organizations are not just collections of students; they are complex corporate entities with assets, insurance, and legal obligations. Our goal is to make sure they all pay for their failures.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points for New Jersey

The fight against hazing is a long and arduous one, but victims and their families can achieve justice and substantial compensation. The sad truth is that it often takes multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to force institutions to take hazing seriously. We want New Jersey families to understand that these cases are winnable, and the financial accountability can be significant. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is firmly rooted in established precedent.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements Across the Nation:

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
  • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation. His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. This landmark outcome, including a recent $6.5 million personal judgment against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, in December 2024, demonstrates that universities, national fraternities, and even individual members will be held liable for millions. This case is a direct benchmark for our own $10 million demand.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  • Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to play a drinking game called “Bible Study.” His family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity and individuals. This case proves that juries are willing to award millions to hazing victims and highlights the effectiveness of taking these cases to trial when necessary. The tragedy also led to “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlement)
  • Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during “the gauntlet.” Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and security cameras captured the entire horrific event. The confidential settlement, estimated to be over $110 million, is one of the largest in hazing history, demonstrating the immense value of cases with strong evidence and egregious conduct. His death spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  • Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi event. This is the SAME national fraternity involved in our current Bermudez case. While the settlement amount was confidential, the incident led to numerous criminal charges and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. This case is crucial pattern evidence, proving Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of their deadly hazing culture a full eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Their failure to act is a critical strategic angle in our litigation.
• 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 for over $4 million in October 2024. This, along with other cases, shows a consistent trend of multi-million dollar payouts for hazing deaths.

The Message to New Jersey Institutions: Hazing Costs Millions

These precedents send a clear, undeniable message to fraternities, sororities, universities, and their national organizations operating in or near New Jersey:

• Your hazing culture is a liability that can cost you millions.
• Universities are not immune: They will pay for their negligence and failure to supervise, especially when they own the property where hazing occurs.
• National organizations cannot hide: Their knowledge of prior incidents and failure to act will lead to massive judgments.
• Individual perpetrators will be held accountable: As seen in the Foltz case, individual members can face substantial personal liability.
• Juries have had enough: The outrage over hazing translates into significant financial consequences for those responsible.

For families in New Jersey whose children have been harmed, these cases demonstrate that justice is possible. We aim to achieve similar, if not greater, results for our clients. We understand the unique challenges of pursuing these cases, from navigating complex university policies to confronting well-funded national organizations. But as these precedents show, with aggressive, experienced legal representation, accountability can be achieved, and lives can be saved.

New Jersey Hazing Laws Protect You: Consent is Not a Defense

The legal landscape surrounding hazing is complex, but one foundational principle is clear: consent is never a defense to hazing. This critical legal concept is explicitly enshrined in statutes across the country, including in Texas, where our firm is based. We utilize these laws, along with civil liability theories, to ensure that New Jersey victims have every possible avenue to justice.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

While our primary operations are in Texas, the principles of our state’s anti-hazing laws are echoed in similar statutes across the United United States, including New Jersey. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue these cases regardless of the specific state where the hazing occurred, always advocating for the strongest possible interpretation of the law.

The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 defines hazing precisely:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:
(1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
(2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than as described by Subdivision (4), that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(4) is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code;
(5) involves coercing… the student to consume… a drug; or… an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated…”

This comprehensive definition covers virtually every act of hazing, from the waterboarding and forced eating Leonel Bermudez endured, to the extreme calisthenics that led to his kidney failure, to assaults with wooden paddles.

Crucially, Penalties and Liability Exist:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing can lead to Class B or Class A misdemeanors, and even State Jail Felonies if it causes death. The individuals involved in Leonel’s hazing could face criminal charges, as could those in New Jersey who engage in similar acts.
• Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face fines, denial of the right to operate, and forfeiture of property if they condone or encourage hazing.
• University Reporting Requirements: Institutions are mandated to report hazing incidents, and failure to do so can incur penalties.

Consent is NOT a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154):

This is arguably the most vital aspect of anti-hazing laws for victims and their families. Texas law 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.”

This directly combats the all-too-common defense used by hazers: “they agreed to it,” or “they could have left.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist in an environment of peer pressure, coercion, and power imbalance. No student, regardless of where they pledge a fraternity or sorority in New Jersey, can legally consent to being tortured, abused, or placed in life-threatening situations. This effectively removes a primary shield behind which hazers and their enablers often hide.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or do not result in a conviction, victims in New Jersey can still file powerful civil lawsuits based on several legal theories:

• Negligence: Establishing that universities, national organizations, and individuals owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and that this breach caused the student’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing unsafe conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: Holding national organizations and universities accountable for failing to properly supervise chapters and student groups where hazing is known to occur.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who inflict physical harm.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional and psychological harm.

These civil claims provide the avenue for victims in New Jersey to recover the economic and non-economic damages they have suffered – medical bills, lost tuition, pain and suffering, and punitive damages – and to force institutions to change their behavior. We understand how to assemble all these legal pieces to build an unassailable case for your family in New Jersey.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocate in New Jersey’s Hazing Crisis

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a fierce advocate who understands the brutal realities of these cases and knows how to fight powerful institutions. Attorney911 is built on a foundation of aggressive representation, a data-driven strategy, and an unwavering commitment to holding every responsible party accountable. We bring our proven success and unique advantages, typically found in high-stakes litigation, to the fight for your family in New Jersey.

Our Unmatched Advantages for New Jersey Hazing Victims:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t just reading about hazing; we’re in the trenches right now. Our case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, et al., is a live, active battle that perfectly demonstrates our expertise. New Jersey families get the benefit of this up-to-the-minute experience.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña honed their skills working for the insurance companies and large corporations that now stand as our adversaries. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This insider knowledge is an unfair advantage for our clients. We know their playbook, their strategies, their weaknesses, and how to outmaneuver them to maximize your compensation.
3. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This gives us the authority to pursue national fraternities and universities in federal court, regardless of their headquarters location, and to strategically leverage state laws. Hazing doesn’t stop at state borders, and neither does our reach.
4. Nationwide Reach with Local New Jersey Connection: While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims in New Jersey and across the country. We leverage technology for seamless remote consultations, and our commitment to justice means we are willing to travel to New Jersey for depositions, expert witness meetings, and trial, ensuring you have the best possible representation no matter where you are.
5. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s experience includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This demonstrates our firm’s capability to take on massive corporate defendants and secure justice in complex, high-stakes environments—exactly what hazing cases against national fraternities and major universities require.
6. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess who’s responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, and corporate structures derived from IRS filings and other public data. This intelligence allows us to identify and pursue every liable entity, ensuring no one escapes accountability. We can apply this rigorous data approach to the network of fraternities and sororities with chapters throughout New Jersey.
7. Empathetic and Client-Centered Approach: We understand that hazing devastates families. Our approach is warm, empathetic, and parent-facing. We make sure you are informed at every step, and we treat your child’s case with the gravity and compassion it deserves. Our 4.9-star Google rating with over 250 reviews reflects our deep commitment to client satisfaction and communication:
   • “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.” — Chad Harris
   • “My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
8. No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee): We understand that a hazing incident brings immense emotional and financial strain. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures that financial concerns never prevent New Jersey families from seeking justice.
9. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in New Jersey have access to comprehensive legal services without language barriers.

We are not theoretical. We are not hypothetical. We are actively fighting for hazing victims right now. We took on Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate fight to your child’s hazing case in New Jersey. Your child deserved better. Your family deserves justice. We are here to deliver it.

What to Do Right Now: Protecting Your Child and Your Case in New Jersey

When hazing invades your family’s life in New Jersey, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic and overwhelming. Yet, the steps you take in these critical moments can profoundly impact your child’s well-being and the strength of any future legal claim. It’s crucial to act strategically and to understand the urgency of the situation.

First, Prioritize Safety and Medical Care:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety: If your child is still in a hazing environment or near the perpetrators, remove them immediately. Their physical and emotional safety is paramount.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological distress is the primary concern, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
   • For Physical Injuries: Go to an emergency room or urgent care facility. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis, which Leonel Bermudez suffered, can have delayed symptoms but severe consequences. A doctor can diagnose your child’s condition and ensure all injuries are properly documented. Insist on a thorough examination and all recommended tests.
   • For Psychological Harm: Seek evaluation from a mental health professional specializing in trauma. Hazing can lead to PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression. Comprehensive therapy records will be crucial for documenting non-economic damages.
   • Document Everything: Keep copies of all medical records, discharge papers, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and bills. This paper trail is vital evidence in a hazing lawsuit.
   • Why Immediate Care Matters: Delays in seeking medical treatment can be used by defense attorneys to argue that your child’s injuries were not severe or not directly caused by the hazing.

Second, Preserve All Evidence:

Hazing perpetrators and institutions will often attempt to destroy or obscure evidence once an incident is reported. This makes immediate and meticulous evidence preservation critical for any hazing case in New Jersey.

• Photos and Videos: If safe to do so, take pictures and videos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), any physical environment where hazing occurred (fraternity house, basement, park), and any objects used in the hazing. If your child is hospitalized, have a trusted person take photos of them in the hospital bed, documenting casts, IVs, or other medical equipment.
• Text Messages and Digital Communications: This is often the “smoking gun.” SAVE EVERYTHING:
  • GroupMe chats
  • Snapchat messages, photos, videos (screenshot before they disappear!)
  • Instagram DMs, posts, stories
  • Text messages
  • WhatsApp communications
  • Emails
  • Any social media posts related to the fraternity, pledge activities, or specific individuals.
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Even seemingly innocent communications might contain context or clues. Deleting messages can be considered spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or any individuals who have knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. They may be scared to come forward, but their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “big-little” assignments, or other physical documents provided by the organization.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for academic terms disrupted by the hazing.

Third, Strategic Communication and Immediate Legal Counsel:

What you say, and to whom, can make or break a hazing case. Powerful institutions and their insurance companies will immediately begin building a defense.

• DO NOT Speak to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter leadership, alumni, or national representatives without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will use your words against you.
• DO NOT Speak to the University Administration Alone: While you may need to report the incident to the university (e.g., Dean of Students, Title IX office), have an attorney present or consult with one beforehand. Statements to the university can be used against your child. Remember, the university’s primary goal is to protect itself.
• DO NOT Give a Recorded Statement to ANYONE: This includes insurance adjusters. They are trained to manipulate you into saying things that minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post about the incident, your feelings, or even innocuous photos could be used by the defense to undermine your claim. Stay completely silent on social media.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 IMMEDIATELY: The most crucial step. Our firm offers free, confidential consultations. We can advise you on how to navigate these complex waters, protect your rights, and begin building a strong legal case. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in New Jersey is generally two years, but evidence disappears quickly, and a prompt investigation is critical. We will come to New Jersey for your case, or conduct remote consultations via video, making justice accessible regardless of distance.

We understand this is a terrifying time. But by taking swift, decisive action, you empower yourself and your child to fight back and demand the justice they deserve.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in New Jersey

If your family in New Jersey has been devastated by hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and we are your first responders. We are not just a law firm; we are relentless advocates, tireless investigators, and fierce litigators dedicated to turning your pain into powerful accountability. You’ve heard Leonel Bermudez’s story, a stark reminder of the horrors that hazing inflicts, and a testament to our ongoing fight for justice. We bring that same fight, that same data-driven strategy, and that same unwavering commitment to your child’s hazing case in New Jersey.

New Jersey Families: Don’t Wait. Call Us Now.

The clock is ticking. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and the statute of limitations can expire. Every moment counts in a hazing case.

📞 Dial Our Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: No matter the hour, a legal emergency is precisely what we handle. Call us day or night.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first call is always free. There is no obligation, and everything you share is kept confidential. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
• No Upfront Cost: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that every family in New Jersey, regardless of financial situation, has access to premier legal representation against powerful institutions. View our video on How Contingency Fees Work.
• Email Us: If you prefer, you can reach us at ralph@atty911.com to schedule your consultation.

We Serve New Jersey Victims of Hazing and Nationwide:

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and expertise know no state boundaries. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are prepared to bring our fight to New Jersey.

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is invaluable when dealing with national fraternities and universities.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when facing national organizations that may operate across multiple states.
• Remote Consultations: For New Jersey families who cannot travel, we offer seamless video consultations, ensuring you can connect with our legal team from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• Willingness to Travel: For key depositions, crucial meetings, or trial, our attorneys will travel to New Jersey as needed. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice for our clients.

We represent victims of hazing in all forms, not just fraternities and sororities. If your child was hazed in a sports team, marching band, ROTC program, academic club, or any other student organization at a New Jersey university or college—whether it’s Rutgers, Stockton, Kean, or any other institution—we are here to help.

To Other Victims of Hazing in New Jersey:

If this article resonates with your experience, or if you know of other students who have been hazed by the same organizations at universities near you, we urge you to come forward. For Leonel Bermudez, there were other pledges who suffered a hog-tying incident and another who collapsed during forced exercise. Our lawsuit aims to bring them all to justice. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “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 courage can make a difference. Your case can save lives. Let us be your voice and your shield in this crucial fight.

Don’t let them get away with it. Contact Attorney911 today.

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