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, build connections, and pursue their education in a safe environment in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families like yours across the U.S. Virgin Islands fight back.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. We are an aggressive, data-driven legal team that specializes in holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable for the devastating consequences of hazing. Our roots are firmly in Texas, with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but our commitment to justice extends nationwide, reaching communities like yours across the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have the federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) to take on national organizations, no matter where they are headquartered. If you are a parent with a child attending college in the U.S. Virgin Islands or elsewhere in America, you deserve to know that when institutions fail to protect your child, we are the legal emergency responders you can count on.

The Problem: Hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Across America

Hazing is far more insidious and dangerous than most families realize. It’s often disguised as “tradition” or “team building,” but in reality, it’s systematic abuse, psychological torment, and often physical violence. Our nation is in the midst of a hazing crisis, with devastating consequences for young people and their families from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Texas and beyond.

Imagine sending your child off to college, full of dreams and aspirations. You trust the university to provide a safe learning environment, and you trust Greek organizations to foster friendship and leadership. But for too many students and families in the U.S. Virgin Islands, that trust is shattered by horrifying hazing rituals that lead to serious injury, permanent trauma, or even death.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over half of students involved in Greek life experience hazing.
• Hazing incidents often go unreported (95%) due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re symptoms of a deeply entrenched, dangerous culture that institutions consistently fail to eradicate.

This isn’t about isolated pranks or harmless rituals. This is about assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and sometimes, manslaughter or murder. And it’s happening at universities and colleges where families in the U.S. Virgin Islands send their children, including institutions on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, or major mainland universities where U.S. Virgin Islanders pursue their higher education dreams.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights for Justice Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston (2025)

U.S. Virgin Islands Families: This is what hazing looks like, and this is what we do about it.

We understand that tales of hazing might seem distant, something that happens “elsewhere.” But the horrifying reality is that the same national fraternities, the same dangerous “traditions,” and the same institutional negligence that allows hazing to flourish in a major city like Houston, Texas, are absolutely present in college towns across the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider United States. We are fighting this battle right now, demonstrating our relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

Our $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, targets Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and numerous individuals for severe hazing that led to a prospective student’s hospitalization with acute kidney failure. This case isn’t just theory; it’s active, aggressive, and driven by a passionate commitment to accountability.

The plaintiff, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, he faced weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They subjected him to unspeakable acts, proving that hazing knows no bounds, even for those not officially part of the institution.

From our very own Ralph Manginello, speaking to ABC13:

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

And from Lupe Pena, also to ABC13:

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

These aren’t just words; these are the voices of attorneys actively fighting for justice. The same dedication, the same aggressive tactics, and the same data-driven strategy we employ in Houston are available to families in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Media Coverage of Our Fight:

Our firm’s aggressive action has garnered significant media attention, validating the severity of these incidents and our commitment to our clients:

• ABC13 Houston (November 21-22, 2025): Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• KHOU 11 (November 21, 2025): $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
• Houston Chronicle (November 22, 2025): UH fraternity hazing lawsuit
• Houston Public Media (November 24, 2025): University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing

The Defendants in Our $10 Million Lawsuit:

We don’t just sue the chapter name. We target every entity and individual responsible. In the Bermudez case, our lawsuit names:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The UH Board of Regents
• The Fraternity President
• The Pledgemaster
• Multiple Current and Former Members
• Even a Former Member and His Spouse (because hazing occurred at their residence)

This comprehensive approach ensures that every responsible party, from the individual who inflicted harm to the institutions that allowed it, is held accountable. This is the exact strategy we bring to every hazing case, including those from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: A Timeline of Abuse

The hazing of Leonel Bermudez was not a single incident but a prolonged, systematic campaign of abuse:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi, hoping for friendship and belonging.
• September 16 – November 3: Weeks of systematic hazing begin, including:
  • Psychological Torture: Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexually explicit objects, wear specific clothing, complete hours of “study,” and interview members weekly. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.
  • Extreme Physical Abuse: He was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather while being sprayed, and struck with wooden paddles.
  • Forced Consumption: Made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints through the vomit-soaked grass.
  • Near-Fatal Workouts: Forced to perform 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-your-brother” drills, and repeated 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was pushed until he couldn’t stand without help.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. These warnings were ignored.
• November 3, 2025: After missing an event, Leonel endured yet another session of extreme physical hazing where he became so exhausted he couldn’t stand. He crawled home.
• November 4-5: Leonel was in extreme pain, unable to move, and his condition worsened.
• November 6: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine – a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition.
• November 14: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter (they knew what was coming).
• November 21: Our $10 million lawsuit was filed.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel Bermudez suffered from rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream. These proteins can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and potentially death. Leonel’s urine turned brown, a classic symptom of this condition, and his creatine kinase (CK) levels, indicators of muscle damage, were dangerously high. He required intensive medical treatment and still faces the risk of long-term kidney damage. This is the same medical condition our firm has experience litigating.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Minimization and Damage Control

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025):

“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”
Our translation: They are acknowledging the clear violation of their own rules, but only after a student almost died and a lawsuit was filed. Their “cooperation” implies coordinated efforts to manage the fallout.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters (their own website, Nov 21, 2025):

“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards… We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”
Our translation: They closed the chapter seven days before our lawsuit was filed, a clear attempt at damage control. And their statement shows no remorse, only a desire to return once the heat dies down. They’re effectively saying, “We hope this blows over so we can try again later.” This “business as usual” attitude is exactly what fuels the hazing crisis and why aggressive legal action is so crucial.

Why This Case Matters to U.S. Virgin Islands Families:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t just college pranks; they are systematic abuse. The kinds of hazing Leonel endured can happen, and do happen, at universities and colleges across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
2. Universities are Complicit: UH owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near the U.S. Virgin Islands and across the nation have the same power to stop hazing but often fail to act until it’s too late, making them complicit.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters knew about deadly hazing. They reacted swiftly to close the chapter, demonstrating their awareness of the severity. The same national fraternities operate at institutions students from the U.S. Virgin Islands attend.
4. Victims are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez fears retribution. This fear is a powerful tool hazers and institutions use to silence victims. We protect our clients, ensuring they can seek justice without fear.
5. One Brave Victim Protects Others: Leonel’s courage, supported by attorneys like Ralph and Lupe, can force change. Your case, U.S. Virgin Islands families, could literally save lives by sending a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit demonstrates the severe consequences for institutions that fail to protect students. Families in the U.S. Virgin Islands have the right to seek similar justice.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and throughout the nation, might imagine hazing as innocent rituals depicted in movies. The reality is far more sinister and brutal. It is not about building brotherhood; it is about breaking spirits, inflicting pain, and asserting sadistic control.

Based on our Pi Kappa Phi case and other documented hazing incidents, these are the categories of torment that exist today:

• Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion (resulting in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure in Leonel’s case).
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking and chugging of alcohol, forced eating until vomiting (as Leonel experienced with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), and consumption of non-food substances.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings, and disrupted sleep patterns that leave students vulnerable and disoriented.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation (like Leonel carrying sexual objects in a fanny pack or forced to lie in vomit), degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and constant threats.
• Simulated Waterboarding/Drowning: As Leonel experienced, being sprayed in the face with a garden hose while exercising is not a game; it is a form of torture that simulates drowning.
• Exposure: Being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, or other forms of environmental exposure, leading to hypothermia or other health risks.
• Servitude: Being forced to perform demeaning tasks, errands, or driving for fraternity members at all hours.

The Medical Consequences are Real and Devastating:
The tactics above lead to severe, often life-threatening, medical conditions:

• Rhabdomyolysis & Acute Kidney Failure: Directly seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case. This can lead to permanent organ damage or death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, as seen in many tragic cases nationwide.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls, or repeated concussions during forced physical activities.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion and lack of rest.
• Psychological Trauma: Long-term effects like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can linger for years or a lifetime.

When we talk about hazing, U.S. Virgin Islands families must understand that it can encompass everything from the explicit torture Leonel endured to the psychological manipulation that leaves lasting scars. This is not acceptable, and this is why we fight so relentlessly.

Who is Responsible for Hazing? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It.

One of the cornerstones of our strategy at Attorney911 is to identify and pursue every single entity, organization, and individual who bears responsibility for the harm caused by hazing. This multi-layered approach ensures maximum accountability and compensation for victims and their families in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

From our landmark $10 million lawsuit, we are actively pursuing damages against:

• Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters: These are the direct perpetrators who organize and conduct the hazing activities. Their leadership (president, pledgemaster) bears significant responsibility, as do the individual members who participate or fail to intervene.
• Individual Perpetrators: This includes chapter officers, active members who participate, and even former members who host or facilitate hazing events at their residences. As seen in our case, we even named the spouse of a former member who allowed hazing to occur at their home, expanding the scope of premises liability.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These entities hold immense power and often have millions in assets and insurance. They are responsible for overseeing their local chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and ensuring member safety. When we filed our lawsuit, Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and dissolved the UH chapter—an admission that they knew the conduct was wrong, and that they failed in their duty of oversight. Pi Kappa Phi, like many national organizations, has over 150 chapters across America, including those near the U.S. Virgin Islands, and they know the risks.
• Universities & Colleges: Educational institutions, like the University of Houston, have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, or if the university fails to adequately supervise Greek life despite knowing the risks (especially if there’s a history of incidents), they are directly liable. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing against Leonel Bermudez occurred. This highlights their premises liability and their failure to protect students. Universities and colleges in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the University of the Virgin Islands, are not exempt from this responsibility.
• Housing Corporations: Often separate legal entities, these corporations own and manage fraternity/sorority houses. They can be held liable for failing to maintain safe premises and allowing dangerous hazing to occur on their property.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every organizational defendant are deep-pocketed insurance carriers. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge, understanding exactly how these carriers strategize, evaluate claims, and attempt to minimize payouts. We know how to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery.

This comprehensive approach targets every level of culpability, ensuring that no one responsible can hide behind a corporate veil or claim ignorance. It’s about securing justice and sending a clear, unambiguous message that hazing will not be tolerated anywhere, from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For U.S. Virgin Islands families wondering if fighting back against powerful fraternities and universities is truly possible, the answer is a resounding yes. The legal landscape is filled with precedent-setting verdicts and settlements that prove hazing is a grievously expensive crime for the perpetrators and institutions involved. These cases demonstrate that justice can be won, and the resulting financial awards reflect the immense suffering caused.

Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary; it is meticulously crafted based on the horrific nature of the hazing, the severe medical consequences, and established legal precedents.

Here’s a look at multi-million dollar hazing outcomes that underscore the potential for families from the U.S. Virgin Islands to secure justice:

• 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 (PIKE) and individual members.
  • This case sets a direct precedent: our $10 million demand is right in line with how juries and institutions value these cases. Just recently, in December 2024, the PIKE chapter president from this case, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million, emphasizing individual accountability.

• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

  • Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning at a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. His BAC was 0.495.
  • A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • This verdict demonstrates that when cases go to trial, juries are willing to award significant damages for hazing.

• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

  • Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
  • The confidential settlement, estimated at over $110 million, is one of the largest hazing outcomes in U.S. history. This case also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Piazza’s case highlights that when evidence is strong (captured on security cameras), institutions face catastrophic financial penalties.

• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Same Fraternity as Our Case!

  • Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
  • Nine fraternity members were charged, the chapter was permanently closed, and a civil settlement (confidential) was reached.
  • This is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi: They had a death in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in their fraternity. This proves a systemic failure to address deadly hazing.

• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) — Total: $4 Million+ Settlement

  • Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family had originally sought $28 Million in their lawsuit.
  • The settlement included a $2.5 million cash payout to his parents and a $425,000 donation to his anti-hazing foundation.
  • This is another recent example of a multi-million dollar recovery for hazing victims.

These cases are not just headlines; they are proof points. They show that:

1. Hazing has a high price: For institutions that prioritize “tradition” over safety, the financial consequences are staggering.
2. Juries sympathize with victims: When presented with the callous indifference of fraternities and universities, juries deliver verdicts that send powerful messages.
3. Accountability extends everywhere: From individual students to national organizations and universities, everyone shares the burden of responsibility.
4. Laws are changing: These tragedies are fueling legislative action across the country, making hazing a more serious crime and strengthening victim rights.

For U.S. Virgin Islands families, these precedents mean that the kind of aggressive, multi-million dollar pursuit of justice that our firm is undertaking in Houston is not only possible but has been achieved repeatedly across the nation.

Legal Framework: How the Law Protects U.S. Virgin Islands Hazing Victims

When your child is subjected to hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, they are not without legal recourse. While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles and broad anti-hazing frameworks apply nationwide, and our federal court authority allows us to pursue your case wherever the hazing occurred. We understand the specific nuances of state-level laws, including those in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and how they intersect with our robust legal strategies.

Here’s a look at the types of legal protection available:

1. Anti-Hazing Statutes:
Most states, like Texas, have specific anti-hazing laws designed to deter and punish hazing. These laws define what constitutes hazing and often carry criminal penalties. For example, Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, encompassing physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, and extreme calisthenics—all elements present in Leonel Bermudez’s case.

• Criminal Penalties: Depending on the severity, hazing can be a misdemeanor or even a felony (like in Louisiana with the Max Gruver Act). Hazing causing serious bodily injury can lead to significant jail time and fines.
• Organizational Liability: Organizations, including local chapters and national headquarters, can face fines, loss of campus recognition, and forfeiture of property if they condone or encourage hazing.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is a critical point that defendants often try to exploit. Many states, including Texas (Education Code § 37.154), explicitly state that a victim’s consent to hazing is NOT a defense to prosecution or civil liability. This means that perpetrators cannot claim, “He agreed to it,” to escape responsibility. Victims are often under immense coercion, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion, shattering any notion of true “consent.”

3. Civil Liability Theories — How U.S. Virgin Islands Victims Sue for Damages:
Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to recover financial compensation for their injuries and suffering. These legal theories are applicable in the U.S. Virgin Islands and all other states:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that institutions (universities, national fraternities) and individuals owed a duty of care to the victim, breached that duty by allowing or participating in hazing, and that this breach caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the University of Houston’s ownership of the Pi Kappa Phi house), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment and allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to supervise their chapters and Greek life. A failure to do so, especially with prior knowledge of hazing, constitutes negligent supervision.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional physical harm (battery) or the threat of it (assault). Waterboarding, paddling, and forced physical exertion all fall under this umbrella.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological torture involved in hazing.
• Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their immense losses, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future earnings.

4. Pattern Evidence & Institutional Knowledge:
A key element in hazing litigation is establishing a pattern of behavior and proving “institutional knowledge.”

• Prior Incidents: As demonstrated in the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi had a death on its record (Andrew Coffey, 2017), and the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization (Jared Munoz, 2017). This proves both institutions knew the dangers and failed to act, a critical factor for punitive damages.
• “Hazing Crisis”: Allegations that national organizations knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce policies further strengthen claims of deliberate indifference.

This robust legal framework ensures that victims of hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and across the nation have strong grounds to pursue justice and demand accountability. Our job is to navigate these complex laws, gather irrefutable evidence, and relentlessly advocate for your child’s rights.

Why Attorney911 is the Clear Choice for U.S. Virgin Islands Hazing Victims

When your family in the U.S. Virgin Islands is reeling from the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team with a proven track record, deep expertise, and a fierce commitment to your cause. Attorney911 stands ready to be that team for you. While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and dedication to hazing victims know no geographical boundaries. We extend our expert services to families throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, from St. Thomas to St. Croix to St. John.

Here’s why families in the U.S. Virgin Islands, facing the nightmare of hazing, choose us:

1. Active, Aggressive Hazing Litigation Experts: This isn’t just a practice area for us; it’s a current battleground. We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This means we are consistently engaged with the latest strategies, facing down national fraternities and universities, and building a powerful case for justice. What we do for our client in Houston, we will do for your child in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers. They spent years working for the insurance companies and large corporations that now stand as our adversaries.

   • Ralph Manginello knows how they strategize, what evidence they prioritize, and their tactics to minimize payouts.
   • Lupe Peña honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, defending massive corporations. He knows their internal playbook, their valuation methods, and how they pressure victims. Now, he uses that intelligence to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for your family. This insider perspective creates an unfair advantage for our clients in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our legal reach extends beyond state lines.

   • Federal Court Admissions: Both attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or complex interstate hazing incidents.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York): This unique advantage is strategic for any hazing case involving national fraternities or sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in New York or other states. We can leverage this to pursue national organizations wherever their legal footprint lies.

4. Extensive High-Stakes Litigation Experience: Our experience isn’t limited to hazing. Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion. This demonstrates our firm’s long-standing capability in handling complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants—the exact type of skill needed to take on universities and national fraternities.

5. Proven Results and Precedent-Setting Cases: We have a history of securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients across various personal injury cases, from brain injuries to wrongful death. We study major hazing precedents—like the $10.1 million in the Stone Foltz case or the $110 million (estimated) in the Timothy Piazza case—to inform our strategy and ensure your U.S. Virgin Islands case is valued appropriately.

6. Comprehensive Hazing-Specific Expertise: We deeply understand the unique medical and psychological consequences of hazing, including rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure (as seen in our current lawsuit), alcohol poisoning, and severe psychological trauma. We work with a network of medical and Greek life experts to build an irrefutable case.

7. We Travel to You, and Offer Remote Consultations: Don’t let distance be a barrier to justice. While our headquarters are in Houston, we are committed to serving hazing victims nationwide, including those in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

   • We offer free video consultations so families in the U.S. Virgin Islands can connect with us from the comfort of their home.
   • We are prepared to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our legal emergency services are designed to meet you where you need us most.

8. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost to Your Family: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

   • You pay $0 upfront.
   • You don’t pay us unless and until we win your case.
   • This removes the financial burden and risk from your family, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the fight.

9. Empathetic, Bilingual, and Dedicated Team: Our staff is not only bilingual (Se Habla Español) but also deeply compassionate. We treat every U.S. Virgin Islands family we represent like our own. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes, and we walk alongside you through every step of the legal process, providing clear communication and unwavering support.

10. A Father’s Perspective: Ralph Manginello is a father of three. He intimately understands the fears parents face when their children are away at college and the devastating impact when they are harmed. This personal connection fuels our firm’s passionate advocacy for hazing victims.

When your child is harmed by hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you need a firm that is not afraid to stand up to the biggest institutions, a firm that knows how the other side thinks, and a firm that is actively winning these battles. You need Attorney911.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for U.S. Virgin Islands Families

If your child has been subjected to hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands or anywhere else, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can significantly impact the strength of your case. We understand the fear, confusion, and anger you might be experiencing, but please know that you are not alone, and we are here to guide you.

Here are the crucial steps you should take immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Document Everything:

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor without delay. Some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, might have delayed symptoms.
   • Full Medical Evaluation: Insist on a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests for muscle damage (CK levels, if applicable for physical exertion hazing), alcohol/drug toxicology screens (if forced consumption occurred), and assessments for any physical injuries.
   • Mental Health Support: Seek counseling or therapy for any signs of psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or nightmares. Mental and emotional injuries are just as real and compensable as physical ones.
   • Detailed Records: Ask for copies of all medical records, hospital discharge papers, doctor’s notes, therapist’s reports, prescriptions, and medical bills. These are foundational evidence for your claim. Do not underestimate the importance of seeing a doctor right after an incident – delays can be used by the defense to argue injuries were not severe or related to the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Leave No Stone Unturned:

   • Photos and Videos: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), the hazing location (if safe to do so), and any associated items (e.g., specific clothing, alcohol containers, evidence of forced activities). Continue documenting the healing process over time.
   • Digital Communications: SAVE EVERYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger conversations, emails, and any other digital communication related to the hazing. Screenshots are invaluable. Do not delete anything.
   • Physical Items: Preserve any items involved in the hazing, such as specific clothing worn, “pledge manuals,” or notes.
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone with knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. Their testimony can be crucial.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of any medical bills, lost wages due to missed work or school, tuition payments, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
   • Academic Impact: Document any impact on your child’s grades, ability to attend classes, or scholarship status.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

   • Silence is Golden: Do not speak to fraternity or sorority leadership, other members, university representatives (including Greek life advisors or Title IX coordinators), or their lawyers.
   • No Recorded Statements: Absolutely refuse to give any recorded statements to anyone other than your own attorney. Insurance companies and institutions will try to use your words against you.
   • Beware of Paperwork: Do not sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without first consulting with your attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
   • Social Media Blackout: It is critical to stay off social media about the incident. Do not post details, express anger, or engage in discussions. Anything you post can and will be used by the defense to undermine your credibility or severity of injury.
   • Maintain Privacy: Do not talk about the details of the hazing with anyone other than your immediate family, medical providers, and your attorney.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:

   • Time is of the Essence: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, varies by state but is typically two years from the date of injury or death. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to pursue justice forever.
   • Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely it is that critical evidence—like texts, photos, or witness memories—will be lost or destroyed.
   • Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and it’s an opportunity for us to evaluate your child’s situation and explain your legal options.
   • Remote Access for U.S. Virgin Islands Families: We provide video consultations for families in the U.S. Virgin Islands who cannot travel to our offices. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Remember, organizations involved in hazing will immediately begin their own damage control efforts. They will try to minimize their liability and protect their reputations. You need your own aggressive legal team to counter these efforts and ensure your child’s rights are protected.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Responders in the U.S. Virgin Islands

If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands or anywhere across the nation, their nightmare has become your reality. You are undoubtedly feeling scared, angry, and overwhelmed. But please know that you do not have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we are your legal emergency responders™—ready to step in with immediate, aggressive, and professional help.

We are actively fighting this fight right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our unwavering commitment to holding these institutions accountable. The same dedication, insider knowledge, and relentless pursuit of justice that we bring to our cases in Texas are fully available to hazing victims and their families in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

U.S. Virgin Islands Families – Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. When you’re searching for answers at 2 AM, pick up the phone. We are here.

Our Contingency Fee Promise for U.S. Virgin Islands Families:
We understand that the financial burden of legal action can be daunting, especially after a traumatic incident. That’s why we take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis.

• You pay $0 upfront.
• We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid.
• This means there is no financial risk to your family, allowing you to focus on your child’s healing and recovery while we handle the aggressive legal battle.

We Serve Hazing Victims in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Nationwide:

While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national crisis that transcends geographical boundaries. Whether your child attends the University of the Virgin Islands, another institution in the U.S. Virgin Islands, or a university on the mainland, we have the capabilities to represent you:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, we offer a strategic advantage when confronting national organizations, many of which are headquartered in or have significant operations in these states.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience and privacy, we offer secure video consultations for families in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing us to connect with you quickly and effectively, regardless of your location.
• Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary to ensure your case receives the personalized attention and vigorous advocacy it deserves.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in various organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities operating near the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• U.S. Virgin Islands sports teams (high school, club, and collegiate levels).
• Marching bands and other performance groups at U.S. Virgin Islands universities.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and other student organizations.
• Military academies.
• Any organization that uses abuse under the guise of “initiation.”

To Other Victims of Hazing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Beyond:

If you are a student or a family member who has suffered due to hazing, please know that you are not alone. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, showed incredible bravery by stepping forward, and his fight will pave the way for others. We know his case is not unique.

Our own Lupe Pena articulated our mission best:

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

If you or someone you know has been harmed by hazing, whether it’s at the University of the Virgin Islands, another local institution, or a mainland college, reach out. We are ready to listen, to fight, and to help you seek the justice you deserve.

LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE FOR U.S. Virgin Islands HAZING VICTIMS:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Immediate help for U.S. Virgin Islands hazing victims. Aggressive representation. Results.