If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to embark on a new chapter of learning and growth. Instead, they were tortured. Abused. Harmed. We’re here to help families in Rhode Island and across the nation fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing. We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the profound sense of betrayal.

At Attorney911, we are not just legal professionals; we are advocates, strategists, and relentless fighters for justice. We understand the unique challenges facing families in Rhode Island. Whether your child attends a university in Providence, Kingston, or any other institution across our beautiful state, they deserve to be safe. And when that trust is broken, when alleged “tradition” turns into trauma, we step in. Our mission is to transform your pain into powerful action, holding every responsible party accountable.

We know this isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a deeply personal one. Most families never imagine their child experiencing such an ordeal. The shock, the confusion, and the overwhelming emotions can make it difficult to know where to turn. That’s why we’ve assembled this comprehensive guide, grounded in our active litigation and deep expertise, to empower you with knowledge and a clear path forward.

The Haunting Echoes of Injustice: Leonel Bermudez’s Story and Its Resonance in Rhode Island

The battle against hazing is not theoretical for us. It is a daily fight we are waging right now in the Harris County Civil District Court. This November 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez. Leonel’s story is a harrowing testament to the brutal reality of modern hazing, and it serves as a stark warning to families in Rhode Island and beyond.

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled University of Houston student when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. He was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. He sought brotherhood and a sense of belonging. Instead, he endured weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, clinging to life in a hospital bed for three nights and four days.

Imagine this: a young man, aspiring to build a future, forced to lay hog-tied and face-down on a table for over an hour with an object in his mouth. Imagine him subjected to “simulated waterboarding” with a garden hose, the terror of drowning inflicted as a twisted initiation rite. Imagine being forced to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, only to then be forced to perform grueling sprints while lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. Leonel was compelled to do over 100 push-ups and 500 squats, along with other extreme exercises like bear crawls and “suicides” (running drills), all while reciting a fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. He was driven to such sheer exhaustion that his muscles broke down, his urine turned brown, and his kidneys began to fail.

Upon returning home, barely able to move, Leonel’s condition worsened over days until his terrified mother rushed him to the hospital. The diagnosis confirmed the severe damage inflicted upon his body: rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins that can lead to kidney failure, and acute kidney failure itself. The physical pain was immense, and the psychological scars run deep, leaving him fearful of retribution for speaking out.

Within weeks of our client’s ordeal being reported, the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members, facing overwhelming evidence and the immediate threat of legal action, voted to surrender their charter, leading to the chapter’s permanent closure. Criminal referrals were initiated, signaling the gravity of the offenses. Our $10 million lawsuit names not just the local chapter, but the national fraternity headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed their residence to be used as a site for this barbarism.

This case is not just a glimpse into the darkness of hazing; it is a live, ongoing demonstration of Attorney911’s commitment to aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. What happened to Leonel in Houston is a terrifying reflection of the hazing that happens at universities near Rhode Island. The same national fraternities operate in our state. The same negligence and institutional failures that plagued the University of Houston could exist at any Rhode Island institution. We tell Leonel’s story not to sensationalize, but to educate and empower parents to understand that this level of abuse is real, it is happening today, and Attorney911 is the firm that fights back.

As Attorney Lupe Pena succinctly put it, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” For families in Rhode Island, this means that the strategies and determination we apply in Houston are ready to be deployed on your behalf.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and Into the Nightmare

When most people hear the word “hazing,” they might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless rituals from movies. The reality, tragically, is far more sinister, far more dangerous, and often, far more brutal. Hazing today, particularly within Greek life and other student organizations, is a sophisticated form of torture, designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and enforce absolute obedience. It is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”
It is assault. It is battery. It is reckless endangerment. Too often, it is manslaughter. And sometimes, it is murder.

We want families in Rhode Island to understand the true face of hazing, to strip away the euphemisms and expose the horrifying truth your children might endure:

The Arsenal of Abuse: A Comprehensive Look at Hazing Tactics

Based on our active litigation and extensive research, these are some of the horrifying tactics we see employed by hazers, tactics that cause not just physical harm, but deep psychological trauma:

• Physical Abuse: This is the most overt form of hazing, often involving direct physical violence. This includes beatings, brandings, being struck with objects like wooden paddles (as in Leonel Bermudez’s case), and forced exposure to extreme temperatures. It also encompasses brutal calisthenics like the 500 squats and 100 push-ups that left Leonel with kidney failure, or forced “high-volume suicides” and bear crawls designed to push the body past its limits. We often see pledges forced to perform these exercises until collapse, sometimes even losing consciousness, with their so-called “brothers” refusing to seek medical help.
• Forced Consumption: This category extends beyond mere binge drinking. It includes requiring pledges to consume massive quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and, tragically, death, as seen in the cases of Andrew Coffey and Maxwell Gruver. It also involves forced eating to the point of vomiting, sometimes with degrading or unpalatable substances, or even mixing food with non-food items. Leonel Bermudez was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to continue exercising in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Simulated Waterboarding and Drowning: This terrifying tactic involves spraying water into a pledge’s face while they are physically restrained or unable to move, creating the sensation of drowning. This is a form of torture, as recognized by the U.S. government when used against enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez with a garden hose. The psychological trauma from such an experience can be profound and lasting.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities, early-morning calls, mandatory long study hours, or being forced to serve as drivers for older members at all hours. This exhaustion compromises physical and mental health, making individuals more susceptible to accidents, illness, and psychological manipulation. Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, which contributed to his exhaustion.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This can be the most insidious form of hazing, leaving invisible wounds that may never fully heal. It includes verbal abuse, threats of physical harm or social ostracism, forced stripping or wearing degrading attire, and public humiliation. The hog-tying incident experienced by another pledge in Leonel’s fraternity, left face-down with an object in his mouth, speaks to this level of dehumanization. Carrying items of a sexual nature, as Leonel was forced to do, is another example designed to degrade and control.
• Sexual Abuse and Harassment: While often overshadowed by other forms, sexual hazing is a deeply disturbing reality. This can range from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to sexual assault. The presence of sexually explicit objects or forced discussions of sexual acts as part of hazing rituals contributes to a culture of exploitation and objectification.
• Exposure to Elements: Pledges can be forced to endure extreme heat or cold, often with minimal clothing, leading to hypothermia, heatstroke, or other serious health issues. Leonel was made to strip to his underwear in cold weather and then sprayed with a hose.
• Servitude and Isolation: Requiring pledges to perform menial tasks, clean houses, run errands for older members, or endure isolation from friends and family contribute to a loss of personal autonomy and a feeling of being trapped within the hazing system.

The True Cost: Medical and Psychological Consequences

The consequences of these tactics are far beyond superficial. They include:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This severe condition, suffered by Leonel Bermudez, is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can overwhelm the kidneys. It is life-threatening and can lead to permanent kidney damage or the lifelong need for dialysis.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: From physical beatings, falls, or repeated head trauma.
• Internal Organ Damage: From physical assault or forced extreme exertion.
• Hypothermia, Heatstroke, and Dehydration: From exposure to the elements or extreme physical activity without proper hydration.
• Broken Bones, Burns, and Lacerations: Direct results of physical abuse.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The mind’s response to extreme trauma, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and an inability to cope with daily life. Leonel’s fear of retribution speaks to this enduring trauma.
• Severe Anxiety and Depression: Often debilitating, leading to academic decline, social withdrawal, and, tragically, suicidal ideation.
• Substance Abuse: Victims may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate the pain and trauma.

Parents in Rhode Island send their children to institutions like Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, or Providence College, expecting them to be safe. They expect universities to protect their students. They do not expect their child to return from college emotionally scarred, physically injured, or worse, in a coffin, all in the name of “brotherhood.” This is the nightmare Attorney911 is fighting, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this battle.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Rhode Island

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, the immediate impulse is to blame the individual perpetrators. While those individuals are absolutely responsible, the reality is that the web of culpability stretches much wider, encompassing institutions with far greater power and resources. At Attorney911, our strategy is aggressive and comprehensive: we pursue every single entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable, particularly those with the financial means to make a meaningful difference. This approach applies whether the hazing occurred at a sprawling state university or a private college in Rhode Island, extending to any fraternity or sorority chapter, sports team, or student organization operating within our state.

Our $10 million lawsuit in the Leonel Bermudez case demonstrates precisely this expansive approach, naming a potent array of defendants. The same legal theories we are employing in Houston are readily applicable to hazing incidents across Rhode Island.

1. The Local Chapter: The Direct Perpetrators

The most direct line of responsibility lies with the local fraternity or sorority chapter (or other student organization) that actively planned and executed the hazing. In Leonel’s case, this includes the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.

• Why they are liable: This is where the hazing physically occurred. The chapter directly organized, promoted, and often enforced the abusive activities. Their officers, like the president and pledgemaster, were instrumental in directing the abuse, and the individual members participated, enabled, or failed to intervene.
• Rhode Island Application: Whether it’s a chapter at Salve Regina University, the University of Rhode Island, or any other institution in Rhode Island, if their members engaged in hazing, the chapter itself can be held liable.

2. Individual Perpetrators: The Faces of Abuse

Hazing is not an anonymous act. It is carried out by individuals. In our Bermudez lawsuit, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including the highest-ranking officers. This is a critical aspect of our strategy, as demonstrated by the $6.5 million judgment against a single Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president in the Stone Foltz case.

• Why they are liable: Each person who participated in, planned, encouraged, or failed to stop the hazing, despite having the ability to do so, holds personal responsibility. This includes chapter presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers, and even regular members. We also pursue individuals who hosted hazing activities at their residences, extending to their spouses who permitted such events on their property.
• Rhode Island Application: Every individual who actively inflicted harm on your child, or stood by and allowed it to happen, can be named in a lawsuit in Rhode Island. This personal accountability is crucial for genuine justice and deterrence.

3. The National Organization: The Puppet Masters

National fraternities and sororities portray themselves as beacons of leadership and philanthropy. The reality beneath the surface often reveals systemic negligence and a pattern of turning a blind eye to dangerous activities. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.

• Why they are liable: National organizations have a fundamental duty to oversee their chapters. They establish policies, provide training, and possess the authority to discipline or dissolve problematic chapters. When they fail in these duties, especially after prior incidents (like the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter), they exhibit a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference. They often have substantial insurance policies and assets, representing the true “deep pockets.”
• Rhode Island Application: The national organizations of fraternities and sororities with chapters at Rhode Island universities like Bryant University or Roger Williams University are just as liable when their local branches engage in hazing. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court experience give us a strategic advantage in suing these national entities, many of whom are headquartered outside of Rhode Island.

4. The University: The Enablers

Universities have a profound responsibility to protect their students. They provide the environment, resources, and recognition that allow Greek life and other student organizations to flourish. When they fail in this fundamental duty, they are complicit. The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are key defendants in our case.

• Why they are liable: Universities like the University of Rhode Island have a duty to provide a safe educational environment. This extends to oversight of student organizations, including Greek life. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs (as UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house), or has prior knowledge of hazing on its campus (as UH did from a 2017 hazing hospitalization), their failure to act is a direct breach of their duty. This can include negligent supervision of Greek life offices, inadequate anti-hazing policies, or a culture that prioritizes public image over student safety.
• Rhode Island Application: Whether it’s Brown University, Providence College, or any other institution in Rhode Island, if hazing occurs on their campus or under their supervision, and they had the power to prevent it, they are liable. We investigate everything from their anti-hazing policies and enforcement records to the training provided to their student life staff.

5. The Housing Corporation: The Landlords of Abuse

Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation is another defendant in our lawsuit.

• Why they are liable: As property owners or managers, housing corporations have a responsibility to ensure premises are safe and not used for illegal activities like hazing. Their failure to monitor the property or enforce anti-hazing clauses in lease agreements can make them directly liable.
• Rhode Island Application: If a Greek organization’s housing corporation in Rhode Island knew or should have known about hazing occurring on its property, it too can be held accountable.

6. Insurance Carriers: The Deep Pockets

Ultimately, financial compensation in these cases often comes from various insurance policies. Our firm, with attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña both being former insurance defense lawyers, possesses critical insider knowledge of how these companies operate.

• Why they are liable: National fraternities, universities, housing corporations, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s policies) carry liability insurance. These policies are designed to cover the damages arising from negligence, assault, battery, and other claims that stem from hazing. Our expertise allows us to skillfully dissect these policies and forcefully demand maximum payouts.
• Rhode Island Application: We know how to identify and pursue every layer of insurance coverage that applies to hazing incidents in Rhode Island, ensuring that the victims receive the compensation they deserve.

In Rhode Island, as in every state, the law provides avenues to hold all these parties accountable. When your child is subjected to horrendous hazing, we don’t just sue the kids who did it. We sue the entire ecosystem that allowed it to happen: the national organization that looked the other way, the university that failed to protect, and every individual who contributed to that culture of abuse. That is how we fight. That is how we ensure justice.

What These Cases Win: A Path to Justice and Accountability for Rhode Island Families

The goal of a hazing lawsuit extends far beyond financial compensation. It is about demanding accountability, forcing institutional change, and sending a resounding message that such behavior will not be tolerated. For families in Rhode Island grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the significant financial outcomes in similar cases provides a crucial sense of hope and a clear path toward justice. Juries across the country have awarded millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for hazing victims, demonstrating a powerful societal rejection of these dangerous practices.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary figure; it is rooted in these established precedents and reflects the severe nature of the injuries inflicted upon him. The goal is to ensure that the compensation covers medical expenses, psychological trauma, lost educational opportunities, and future quality of life, while also serving as a punitive measure against those responsible.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements that Paved the Way:

Here are some of the most prominent multi-million dollar hazing cases that exemplify the kind of outcomes we fight for, and that serve as powerful warnings to fraternities, universities, and student organizations operating in Rhode Island:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+

   • What happened: Stone Foltz, a pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: The Foltz family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals. This stands as the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Furthermore, in December 2024, a jury ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay an additional $6.5 million personally for his role in Stone’s death.
   • Relevance for Rhode Island: This case underscores that both universities and national fraternities are held highly liable. The $10.1 million total recovery aligns directly with the demand in Leonel Bermudez’s case, demonstrating that substantial awards are achievable even for non-fatal, yet life-altering, injuries like severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. It also clearly shows that individual perpetrators, even if students, face immense personal financial consequences.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT

   • What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, over six times the legal limit) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual known as “Bible Study,” where he was made to drink if he answered questions incorrectly.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. In a parallel criminal case, fraternity member Matthew Naquin was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Relevance for Rhode Island: This case is a powerful reminder that juries are often outraged by hazing, leading to significant verdicts. It further demonstrates that criminal and civil accountability can proceed simultaneously, and that these tragedies frequently spur legislative changes.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Multiple Settlements)

   • What happened: Timothy Piazza, a pledge, was forced to undergo “the gauntlet,” consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a blood alcohol content of 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire horrific sequence was captured on security cameras. He died two days later.
   • The Outcome: The Piazza family settled with Penn State and numerous fraternity members for a confidential, but estimated at over $110 million, marking one of the largest hazing settlements in U.S. history. Multiple criminal charges were filed, resulting in involuntary manslaughter and hazing convictions. His death led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
   • Relevance for Rhode Island: This case highlights that when evidence is robust and egregious (like the waterboarding, physical abuse, and forced consumption in Leonel Bermudez’s case), the potential for massive settlements, even over $100 million, becomes very real. It also emphasizes the critical importance of preserving evidence, as the security camera footage was instrumental.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – THIS IS THE SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE

   • What happened: Like Max Gruver, Andrew Coffey, a pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed.
   • The Outcome: The Coffey family reached a civil settlement, though the amount remains confidential.
   • Relevance for Rhode Island: This is a critical smoking gun for our Leonel Bermudez case. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of their chapters engaging in deadly hazing activities back in 2017. Despite Andrew Coffey’s death, just eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was subjected to severe hazing at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference by Pi Kappa Phi National, directly supporting claims for punitive damages in our current lawsuit. It’s a stark warning to all Pi Kappa Phi chapters with operations near Rhode Island universities.

These cases send an unmistakable message to every fraternity, sorority, and higher education institution operating in Rhode Island: Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is a crime that carries catastrophic consequences, both for its victims and for those responsible. Our firm meticulously tracks these outcomes, proving that we are not entering legal uncharted territory. We have a clear roadmap to justice, and we are prepared to bring the same level of expertise and aggression to hazing cases in Rhode Island.

Legal Changes Forged in Tragedy:

Many of these high-profile cases have also served as catalysts for legislative action, leading to stronger anti-hazing laws and increased accountability. The Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, and Collin’s Law in Ohio all demonstrate that the public, through its elected representatives, demands an end to hazing. These laws make hazing a felony, increase penalties, and create new reporting requirements, applying enhanced pressure on institutions nationwide, including those in Rhode Island.

For Rhode Island families, these multi-million dollar outcomes and the resulting legal reforms provide a powerful assurance: you are not alone, justice is possible, and when you choose Attorney911, your fight becomes part of a larger, national movement demanding accountability for hazing.

Your Rights Under Law: Protecting Rhode Island from Hazing

For families in Rhode Island, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is headquartered in Texas, where hazing laws, such as the Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157, provide a robust foundation for our litigation, the principles of civil liability and the existence of similar anti-hazing statutes are prevalent in nearly every state across the nation, including Rhode Island. Our federal court admissions also grant us the authority to pursue justice for Rhode Island victims without geographical limitations, operating within federal civil rights statutes when applicable.

Let’s clarify the legal protections available, focusing on universal principles that apply to students in Rhode Island:

The Legal Definition of Hazing: It’s Not a Prank, It’s a Crime

Most states, including Rhode Island, have statutes defining hazing that closely mirror the expansive view laid out in the Texas Education Code. This definition is critical because it moves beyond the public’s often-misguided perception of hazing as harmless fun.

Generally, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization.

This broad definition often includes:

• Physical Brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or forced extreme exercise.
• Mental or Emotional Harm: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in small spaces, humiliation, or psychological torment.
• Forced Consumption: Requiring the consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs to an extent that endangers health.
• Illegal Acts: Any activity that requires a student to violate criminal law.

In Leonel Bermudez’s case, the hazing activities—waterboarding, extreme physical exertion to the point of kidney failure, forced eating until vomiting, physical assault with paddles, and psychological humiliation—clearly violate multiple facets of standard anti-hazing definitions. If your child in Rhode Island has endured similar or even lesser acts classified under this broad definition, they have a claim.

Consent is NOT a Defense: Unmasking a Common Lie

One of the most insidious falsehoods propagated by fraternities and universities is the notion that victims “consented” to hazing. They might argue, “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left at any time.” This is a lie designed to evade responsibility, and the law, in most jurisdictions including Texas, flatly rejects it.

In Texas, Education Code § 37.154 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 is a critical legal principle that extends to civil liability. You cannot legally consent to criminal acts like assault, battery, or torture. The immense peer pressure, the fear of social exclusion, the desire to belong, and the power dynamic inherent in hazing situations negate any genuine “consent.” If your child was hazed in Rhode Island, irrespective of what they may have been pressured to say or do, the law protects them. We will dismantle any “consent” defense with the full force of the law.

Civil Liability: Your Path to Compensation

Beyond criminal charges that may be filed against individual perpetrators (which can range from misdemeanors to felonies, like felony hazing in our neighboring states of Pennsylvania and Louisiana), victims and their families in Rhode Island can pursue substantial financial compensation through civil lawsuits based on several theories:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. We demonstrate that the defendants (the fraternity, national organization, university, individuals) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (such as allowing hazing), and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages. This applies universally in Rhode Island.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as was the case with UH owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), or the fraternity housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment or for allowing dangerous activities to occur on their premises. This is a powerful tool for holding Rhode Island institutions accountable.
3. Negligent Supervision: This claim focuses on the failure of those in authority (university administrators, national fraternity officers, alumni advisors) to adequately supervise the local chapter or its members, leading to foreseeable harm. Given the national scope of many fraternities operating near Rhode Island institutions, allegations of negligent supervision against national headquarters are often very strong.
4. Assault and Battery: These are direct intentional torts where individuals physically harm or threaten to harm another. Every individual who participated in physical hazing, from paddling to waterboarding, can be sued personally.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing is often “outrageous and extreme” conduct that causes severe emotional distress. Claims for IIED are particularly relevant in cases involving psychological trauma, humiliation, and terror, such as what Leonel endured.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that hazing leads to a student’s death, families in Rhode Island can pursue wrongful death claims, seeking compensation for the loss of companionship, financial support, and punitive damages against all responsible parties.

The Power of Dual-State and Federal Authority

While Attorney911 is based in Texas, the fight against hazing is a national one. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are admitted to both the Texas and New York State Bars, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national Greek organizations, many of which are headquartered outside of Rhode Island. Furthermore, our admission to the U.S. District Court allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, often providing another potent avenue for justice for hazing victims in states like Rhode Island, particularly when federal civil rights claims or interstate negligence are involved. We also travel to Rhode Island for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring that geographical distance is never a barrier to justice.

For parents and victims in Rhode Island, the law is on your side. Do not let institutions or organizations mislead you into believing otherwise. Your child’s future, safety, and well-being are paramount, and we are here to ensure that their legal rights are fiercely protected.

Why Attorney911 is the Unrivaled Choice for Rhode Island Hazing Victims

When your family in Rhode Island is facing the nightmare of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape, the cunning tactics of national organizations, and the deep emotional toll hazing takes. Attorney911 stands as the definitive authority in hazing litigation, and our commitment to justice for Rhode Island families is unwavering. We bring a unique blend of experience, insight, and a proven track record that sets us apart.

1. Active, Ongoing Hazing Litigation: We’re in the Fight Right Now

We are not merely theoretical experts. We are actively engaged in the legal battle against hazing. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez is concrete proof of our aggressive stance. This case, unfolding right now, demonstrates precisely how we leverage our expertise, data-driven strategies, and relentless determination to dismantle powerful institutions. For families in Rhode Island, this means you are hiring a firm that is actively refining its hazing litigation strategies, armed with real-world, real-time experience against the very types of defendants you face.

2. The Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Insiders

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic design. We’ve seen the playbook from the other side. Lupe Pena’s experience at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, provided him with invaluable insider knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Ralph Manginello’s background further solidifies this understanding. This means:

• We know their tactics: We anticipate every move insurance companies and institutional legal teams will make to deny, delay, or devalue your claim.
• We speak their language: Our familiarity with their internal processes and valuation methods allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, compelling them to offer fair settlements.
• We dismantle their defenses: What they taught us to use against victims, we now use to secure maximum recovery for our clients.

For Rhode Island families, this translates into an unfair advantage against the formidable legal and financial resources of national fraternities and universities.

3. Battle-Tested Experience Against Corporate Giants

Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation (2005) against one of the world’s largest corporations is a testament to our capacity to take on massive defendants with seemingly limitless resources. Hazing cases often involve complex corporate structures of national fraternities, the vast resources of universities, and sophisticated insurance carriers. Our experience in high-stakes, multi-defendant litigation ensures that we are not intimidated and possess the strategic prowess to succeed against any opponent.

4. Nationwide Reach: Justice Without Borders

While our base is in Texas, we are committed to serving hazing victims across the United States, including Rhode Island. Our capabilities ensure that geographical distance is never a barrier to securing top-tier representation:

• Federal Court Authority: With admissions to the U.S. District Court, we can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when national organizations or federal statutes are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic edge when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or significantly operating in multiple states.
• Willingness to Travel: Our attorneys will travel to Rhode Island for critical depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary, bringing our full resources directly to your case.
• Remote Consultations: We leverage modern technology to provide seamless video consultations, allowing Rhode Island families to connect with us from the comfort and privacy of their homes.

5. Data-Driven Litigation and Comprehensive Intelligence

We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, addresses, housing corporations, and alumni chapters. This intelligence extends to national patterns of hazing incidents and settlements.

• Rhode Island Application: This means that when hazing occurs at an organization in Rhode Island, we can quickly identify every single entity behind the Greek letters—from the local chapter to the national headquarters and their associated housing corporations—ensuring that no responsible party can hide. We cross-reference national hazing incident databases, allowing us to identify patterns of abuse by specific fraternities or universities, building a powerful narrative of foreseeability and deliberate indifference.

6. Compassionate Advocacy and Client-Centered Service

We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. Our entire team operates with empathy, warmth, and a dedication to treating clients like family.

• Bilingual Services: Our staff is fluent in Spanish (Se Habla Español), ensuring that Hispanic families in Rhode Island facing language barriers can access justice without impediment.
• Contingency Fees: We believe in justice for all, not just those who can afford it upfront. All hazing cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and aligns our success directly with yours.
• Constant Communication: We pride ourselves on keeping clients informed at every stage, ensuring you are never left guessing about the status of your case.

When your family in Rhode Island is shattered by hazing, you need a firm that is not only exceptionally skilled but deeply committed. Attorney911 embodies this commitment, actively fighting to ensure that your child’s trauma leads to meaningful accountability and a safer future for all students. We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting this battle right now, and we are ready to fight for you.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Rhode Island Hazing Victims and Families

If you or your child in Rhode Island has been a victim of hazing, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. You may feel confused, scared, angry, or unsure of what steps to take. It’s crucial to act decisively and intelligently to protect your legal rights and preserve critical evidence. Every moment counts.

Here is an actionable, step-by-step guide for Rhode Island families to follow:

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your, or your child’s, physical and mental well-being is the absolute priority.

• Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or you initially feel “fine,” get a thorough medical evaluation. Some hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, can have delayed symptoms. Psychological trauma also needs documentation.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care in Rhode Island.
  • Always be honest and detailed with medical professionals about how the injuries occurred, explicitly stating “hazing” or “fraternity activities” as the cause.
  • Keep all medical records. This includes hospital reports, doctor’s notes, test results (like blood work for kidney function or alcohol levels), receipts for medications, and therapy notes.
• Remove from Harmful Environment: If the hazing is ongoing, ensure the victim is immediately removed from the fraternity house, team activities, or any situation where abuse could continue.
• Consider Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological scars. Seek counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional in Rhode Island. Documenting emotional distress is as important as documenting physical injuries.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence — Document Everything!

Evidence is the backbone of any legal case. Hazing incidents are often deliberately hidden, making immediate preservation vital.

• Take Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Photograph bruises, cuts, swelling, marks, or any visible signs of injury at all stages of healing. Show the progression.
  • Location: If safe to do so, document the scene of the hazing: the fraternity house (inside and out), the basement, the field, the off-campus residence.
  • Physical Evidence: Any degrading attire, forced consumption items, physical restraints, or other objects used in the hazing.
• Save All Communications:
  • Text Messages: Crucial evidence! Do NOT delete any texts, regardless of content. This includes messages from other pledges, fraternity members, or anyone discussing hazing directly or indirectly.
  • Group Chat Apps: Preserve all chats from GroupMe, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Discord, or any other messaging platforms. Screenshots are good, but full chat logs are better.
  • Social Media: Archive any posts, photos, or direct messages on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other platforms related to the fraternity, its members, or the hazing.
  • Emails: Save all emails related to the organization, pledge activities, or any complaints.
• Identify Witnesses:
  • Other Pledges: Obtain names and contact information for any other pledges or members who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
  • Bystanders: Anyone in the vicinity during hazing that could corroborate events.
• Gather Documents:
  • Pledge Manuals/Schedules: Any official or unofficial documents given to pledges outlining activities, rules, or expectations.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages (if any), and tuition costs.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions

This is a critical step to safeguard your legal position.

• Do NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: Their goal will be to control the narrative, deny wrongdoing, or pressure you into silence.
• Do NOT Speak to University Administration Alone: Universities have powerful legal teams and risk management departments. Any statements you make without legal counsel can be used against you. Remember, they protect the institution, not necessarily your child. Even if they initiate an “investigation,” you need your own advocate.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their insurance representatives without consulting an attorney first. You could inadvertently waive your rights to compensation.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: The defense will meticulously scour your social media. Anything you post—even seemingly innocuous photos of you generally looking “fine” at a party later—can be twisted to undermine your claims of injury or distress. Keep your profiles private and refrain from discussing the incident online.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step after ensuring safety and preserving evidence.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Right Away: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your case. Waiting allows critical evidence to disappear, witnesses’ memories to fade, and defendants to coordinate their defenses.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your situation, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. This is your chance to speak freely and understand your rights.
• We Work on Contingency: Financial concerns should never prevent you from seeking justice. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
• Attorney-Client Privilege: Your conversations with us are protected. We will protect your privacy and ensure your best interests are at the forefront.
• We Serve Rhode Island Families: Despite our Texas base, we are equipped to represent hazing victims in Rhode Island and nationwide. We travel for cases, conduct video consultations, and leverage our federal and dual-state bar admissions to provide seamless, expert representation.

Step 5: Follow Through with Legal and Medical Advice

Once you retain our firm, our guidance becomes paramount.

• Continue Medical Treatment: Follow all recommendations from doctors and therapists. Consistent medical care is vital for your recovery and for documenting the full extent of your injuries.
• Be Honest and Thorough: Provide your legal team with every piece of information and evidence, no matter how minor or embarrassing it may seem. Honesty is critical to building a strong case.
• Limit External Communication: Allow us to handle all communication with the fraternities, universities, and insurance companies. This protects you from manipulation and ensures consistent messaging.
• Stay Patient and Trust the Process: Hazing litigation can be complex and may take time. We will keep you informed at every stage, but rest assured that we are relentlessly pursuing every avenue for justice.

For parents in Rhode Island, we know this is a terrifying time. Your child’s future, health, and sense of security are at stake. By following these steps and contacting Attorney911, you take a powerful stance, transforming victimhood into empowerment and setting a course for accountability and healing.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Families: Your Call to Action is Now.

If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing at a university, college, or any student organization in Rhode Island, you have legal rights. The pain, the anger, the fear – we understand. We are actively fighting the fight against hazing right now, engaging in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to WIN. And we will bring that same aggressive, unwavering representation directly to Rhode Island families.

Do not suffer in silence. Do not let these perpetrators, whether individuals or institutions, escape accountability.

Call Your Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This number connects you directly to our team, ready to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help.

Email Us Anytime:
ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website for More Information:
attorney911.com

What You Can Expect When You Call:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free, and completely confidential. There is no obligation, only a compassionate ear and expert advice. We want to hear your story.
• No Upfront Costs: We handle hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront for our legal services. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This ensures that financial hardship never stands in the way of justice.
• Direct Access to Attorneys: You will speak with experienced legal professionals who understand hazing litigation. We don’t believe in gatekeepers when your family is facing a legal emergency.
• Remote & Travel Capabilities: For Rhode Island families, distance is not a barrier to receiving top-tier legal representation. We offer secure video consultations for your convenience and will travel to Rhode Island for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever your case demands it. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) enhance our ability to represent you against national organizations.

We Serve Hazing Victims in Rhode Island and Nationwide:

Hazing is a pervasive problem, affecting students at institutions across the country. Whether the incident occurred at a fraternity or sorority near Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, or any other academic or community setting within our state, we are here to help.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at Rhode Island universities
• Sports teams in Rhode Island, from college athletics to high school clubs
• Marching bands and performing arts groups
• ROTC and military-affiliated programs
• Various clubs and student organizations
• Any group that uses abuse as a prerequisite for belonging

To Other Victims of Hazing, Including Those from the UH Pi Kappa Phi Incident:

If you were another pledge in the Leonel Bermudez case, or a victim of any other hazing incident, we want you to know: You are not alone, and you have rights. We know there are others who have suffered similar abuses. We know another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during those agonizing workouts. We know others endured waterboarding, forced consumption, and degrading rituals.

As Attorney 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 in coming forward can be the catalyst for profound change, saving countless others from enduring similar trauma. Call us. Let us bring every responsible party to justice, not just for Leonel, but for every victim who has been silenced by fear and intimidation.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking on your legal rights. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and statutes of limitations can expire. Immediate action is critical.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us be your first responders in this legal emergency.