If you’re reading this in Candler County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make memories and build friendships. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and left with physical or psychological trauma that will change their life forever. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: you are not alone. We are here to help families in Candler County fight back.

We are Attorney 911, and we are legal emergency lawyers. When hazing strikes your family in Candler County, we answer the call. We are not just another law firm; we are the nation’s leading authority on hazing litigation, and we are actively fighting this battle right now in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. The same aggressive, data-driven, relentless pursuit of justice we bring to our cases in Houston, we bring to hazing victims and their families in Candler County and across the country.

The Nightmare is Real: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez in Texas

What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston just weeks ago is a stark warning for every parent in Candler County with a child heading off to college. This is not a distant problem; this is a very real, very current threat. Leonel’s story is everything Attorney 911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and accountability—for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with plans. He was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even a formally enrolled University of Houston student yet, but he planned to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. He just wanted to join a fraternity, to build connections and find a community. Instead, accepting a bid to Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025 led him into weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and degradation that would land him in the hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student.

The hazing rituals Leonel endured were not innocent pranks; they were acts of calculated cruelty, designed to break down pledges physically and psychologically. He was:

Waterboarded with a garden hose: Described by media as “simulated waterboarding,” he was sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under the terrifying threat of being waterboarded again. This is torture—the same method considered a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants.
Forced to eat until he vomited: He consumed large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he could no longer hold them down. After vomiting, he was then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Subjected to extreme physical punishment: He was forced to do over 100 pushups and 500 squats, along with “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to stand in cold weather, stripped to his underwear, while being sprayed with a hose. He was even struck with wooden paddles. This relentless physical exertion continued until he could not physically stand without help.
Psychologically tormented: He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, enduring constant humiliation. The lawsuit also detailed how another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while fraternity members prepared for a meeting. This level of psychological abuse, coupled with the threat of physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply, demonstrates a deliberate strategy to control and dehumanize.
Suffered sleep deprivation: Leonel was made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his overall exhaustion.

The culmination of this abuse came on November 3, 2025. After an intense punishment for missing an event, Leonel collapsed, too exhausted to stand without assistance. He crawled up the stairs to his bed. Over the next two days, his condition worsened significantly. On November 6, 2025, his mother, terrified by his symptoms (including passing brown urine, a critical sign of muscle breakdown), rushed him to the hospital.

Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that overwhelm the kidneys. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital fighting for his life, and now faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response: A Pattern of Failure

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. Just a week later, on November 14, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, publicly stating it was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This was one week before our $10 million lawsuit was filed.

A spokesperson for the University of Houston called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting that the university was conducting its own investigation and considering “potential criminal charges.”

What does this chilling account mean for families in Candler County?

Same Fraternities, Same Danger: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including near Candler County. The “traditions” that led to Leonel’s kidney failure are not unique to Houston; they exist within these same national organizations at colleges your children attend.
Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. Universities that host Greek life and claim oversight have a responsibility to keep students safe. When they fail, like the University of Houston, they are liable.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership already knew about deadly hazing. Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017. They had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing, and now Leonel is in the hospital.
Aggressive Legal Action is Necessary: Our $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court, names the national fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing at their residence. This demonstrates the comprehensive accountability we pursue.

As our attorney Lupe Peña told ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Our attorney Ralph Manginello added, “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.”

This is not a theoretical fight. We are in the trenches right now in Houston. We are aggressively pursuing justice for Leonel Bermudez, and we will bring that same fight, that same expertise, and that same relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims and their families in Candler County.

You can read more about the live, ongoing litigation:

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When Candler County parents hear the word “hazing,” they might picture harmless pranks or silly initiations. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is calculated abuse, and it is happening at universities where you send your children, even those near Candler County.

The Unspoken Truths of Modern Hazing:

It is torture. The simulated waterboarding Leonel endured is exactly that: torture. It’s designed to instill fear and break down a person’s will.
It is systematic degradation. Forced eating, being made to lie in one’s own vomit, carrying sexually explicit objects—these are not accidental occurrences but deliberate acts meant to humiliate and dehumanize.
It involves extreme physical abuse. The relentless forced exercises that caused Leonel’s muscles to break down, the wooden paddles, the sleep deprivation—these are tactics meant to inflict pain and cause physical harm.
It happens to vulnerable students. “Ghost rushes” like Leonel, eager to fit in, are particularly susceptible to exploitation and coercion.
It is often hidden. The vast majority of hazing goes unreported. Victims often fear retribution, social ostracization, or further abuse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that hazing is a global phenomenon that can have severe physical, emotional, and psychological health consequences. It’s often a cycle, passed down as “tradition” from one pledge class to the next, becoming increasingly extreme.

Common Hazing Tactics We See in Cases Like Leonel’s:

Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond light jogging. We often see forced extreme calisthenics (like the 500 squats Leonel endured), beatings, paddles, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, branding, and sleep deprivation. These can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, internal organ damage, and conditions like rhabdomyolysis.
Forced Consumption: This usually involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and even death. But as Leonel’s case shows, it can also involve excessive or unpalatable food, or even non-food substances, all designed to cause vomiting or distress. This is often disguised as “tradition” or a test of loyalty.
Psychological Torture: Verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation, public humiliation, and extreme intimidation are common. This can lead to severe mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can persist long after the physical injuries heal.
Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Disturbingly, hazing often includes forced nudity, sexual degradation (like carrying sexual objects), or even sexual assault. This is an egregious violation that leaves deep, lasting scars.
Servitude and Humiliation: Pledges are often forced to run errands, act as personal servants, or clean for older members, often at odd hours, disrupting their sleep and academic commitments. This reinforces a power imbalance and fosters dependency.

The Medical Consequences are Severe:
Hazing is not just about emotional distress; it can lead to catastrophic physical harm:

Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: As in Leonel’s case, this is a direct result of extreme physical exertion and dehydration, potentially leading to permanent organ damage or death.
Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From head trauma, falls, or assaults.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme cold or heat.
Infections: From open wounds or unsanitary conditions.
Psychological Disorders: PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression are common, requiring extensive therapy.

This is what hazing looks like today. It’s not a joke; it’s a dangerous practice that can destroy lives. If your child in Candler County has experienced any of these terrifying acts, you need to understand that this is serious, and you have legal recourse.

Who is Responsible for Hazing? We Hold Everyone Accountable

When hazing tears apart a family in Candler County, the first question is always: “Who is to blame?” Our answer at Attorney 911 is clear: Everyone who participated, enabled, or failed to prevent this abuse will be held accountable. We don’t guess; we have built a data-driven litigation strategy that identifies every liable entity, ensuring maximum justice for victims. Our $10 million lawsuit in Houston against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates this comprehensive approach.

Here are the parties we typically hold responsible in hazing cases, and why, for Candler County families:

Individual Student Perpetrators: These are the “pledge masters,” “presidents,” and active members who directly engaged in, facilitated, or ordered the hazing. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and in some cases, even criminal negligence or manslaughter.
- The Candler County Relevance: We name these individuals directly in our lawsuits. In the Stone Foltz case, a former chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million. Individual students, regardless of their age, are not exempt from accountability for their actions.
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters: The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is directly responsible for the actions of its members and for fostering a culture where hazing occurs. They often establish and perpetuate the “traditions” that lead to harm.
- The Candler County Relevance: The local chapters operating near Candler County are direct defendants. Our legal strategy involves proving the chapter’s systemic failure to protect pledges.
National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These national bodies provide charters, insurance, and oversight to their local chapters. They are typically well-funded with national leadership, assets, and significant insurance policies. They are responsible for enforcing anti-hazing policies and ensuring a safe environment.
- The Candler County Relevance: Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant in our Houston lawsuit. They have a documented history of hazing, including a death in 2017. Their failure to act, despite knowing the risks, makes them a prime target. We will investigate the national organizations operating near Candler County with the same scrutiny.
University or College Administration: Universities have a fundamental duty to provide a safe learning environment. This includes supervising student organizations, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and responding effectively to reports of abuse. When they own property where hazing occurs, their liability significantly increases.
- The Candler County Relevance: The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are major defendants in our current lawsuit. The University “owned the fraternity house” where much of the hazing took place, making their premises liability undeniable. Any university in or near Candler County that allows hazing on its campus, especially on its property, faces similar legal exposure.
Housing Corporations: Many fraternities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter house. These entities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the premises and can be held liable if hazing occurs on their property.
- The Candler County Relevance: The Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc is named in our lawsuit. We identify and pursue these corporate structures to ensure every responsible party is accounted for.
Alumni and Chapter Advisors: Alumni often play a significant advisory or oversight role in local chapters. If they encourage hazing, fail to report it, or host hazing events (as a former member and his spouse did in our Houston case), they can be held individually liable.
- The Candler County Relevance: We look beyond current students to all individuals who contribute to the hazing culture, whether through active participation, negligence, or providing a venue for abuse.
Insurance Carriers: For individuals, chapters, national organizations, and universities, there are insurance policies designed to cover various liabilities. Unlike other personal injury cases, hazing cases often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage from large, solvent entities.
- The Candler County Relevance: As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña know exactly how these systems work. We understand the language of policy limits, subrogation, and claims defense, allowing us to expertly navigate these complex insurance landscapes for Candler County victims.

We don’t just talk about who might be responsible; we know who they are. Attorney 911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures for over 125 IRS-registered entities. This means when hazing impacts your family in Candler County, we don’t start from scratch; we already have the intelligence to identify every entity behind the Greek letters and hold them accountable.

Winning Justice: Multi-Million Dollar Settlements and Verdicts

For Candler County families reeling from a hazing tragedy, justice often feels like an impossible dream. How can you take on powerful universities and wealthy national fraternities? We show you how: with a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in hazing cases nationwide. The $10 million lawsuit we filed for Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly; it is a strategic demand rooted in precedent.

Landmark Cases That Shaped Hazing Litigation:

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 a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
- The outcome: His family secured over $10.1 million in settlements, with $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and individuals. In a separate judgment in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay the Foltz family $6.5 million personally.
- Candler County Impact: This case demonstrates that universities are held financially liable, national fraternities pay significant sums, and most importantly, individual perpetrators can be held personally responsible. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly aligned with what families have recovered in similar cases.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
- What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to consume excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual called “Bible Study.” If he answered fraternity trivia incorrectly, he was forced to drink more. He died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495).
- The outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. In the criminal case, a fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy also spurred the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Candler County Impact: This case proves that juries are fed up with hazing and will award multi-million dollar verdicts. It shows that civil and criminal accountability can run in parallel, and that these individual acts inspire legislative change.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
- What happened: Timothy Piazza, a pledge, was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a bid acceptance night. He fell repeatedly down basement stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras in the fraternity house recorded the entire event.
- The outcome: His family secured a confidential settlement estimated at over $110 million from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi. Criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, were brought against 18 fraternity members, leading to multiple convictions. This case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
- Candler County Impact: This landmark case, with its compelling video evidence, led to one of the largest hazing recoveries in history. It underscores the immense value placed on a student’s life and the severe consequences for institutions and individuals who fail to act. Our case for Leonel has strong evidence of egregious conduct, which juries respond to.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Same Fraternity as Bermudez!
- What happened: Andrew Coffey, a pledge of Pi Kappa Phi (the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY involved in Leonel’s case), died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
- The outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged. The FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement (confidential) was reached with his family.
- Candler County Impact: This is the smoking gun for Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization. They knew their hazing culture was deadly in 2017. They had eight years to fix it. They did nothing, and now Leonel Bermudez is hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, strengthening our demand for punitive damages in Candler County cases.
Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – $4 Million+ Settlement
- What happened: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event where he was forced to drink a liter of bourbon.
- The outcome: His family received a settlement of over $4 million, with multiple criminal charges and a foundation (“Love Like Adam”) established in his name, leading to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
- Candler County Impact: Another recent multi-million dollar settlement emphasizing the gravity of forced alcohol consumption.

These aren’t isolated incidents; they are part of a nationwide pattern that reveals a tragic truth: hazing has a catastrophic cost, not just for victims and families, but for the institutions and individuals who allow it to continue.

Why Precedent Matters for Candler County Families:

Your Case Has Value: These multi-million dollar outcomes prove that hazing cases are not only winnable but often result in substantial compensation. This means justice can be found for victims in Candler County too.
Accountability is Possible: They show that national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators can be held accountable, even if they have vast resources or try to deny blame.
A Clear Message: Jury verdicts and significant settlements send a powerful message to Greek organizations and universities operating near Candler County: hazing will not be tolerated, and it will cost you dearly.
Punitive Damages: The egregious nature of hazing often warrants punitive damages, which are designed to punish wrongdoers for their conscious indifference and to deter future misconduct.

If your child in Candler County has been affected by hazing, these cases demonstrate that aggressive legal action can secure the compensation and accountability your family deserves.

Texas Law Protects Your Child: Consent is Not a Defense

For Candler County families, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While hazing is a nationwide crisis, Texas has robust laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable. Our firm, deeply rooted in Texas law and with federal court authority, leverages every aspect of these statutes to fight for our clients.

Texas Hazing Law: Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157

This legislation is clear and comprehensive, providing both criminal penalties and a strong foundation for civil litigation.

Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:
- Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body. (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles.)
- Endangering activities: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics or other activity that subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental/physical health. (Leonel endured extreme workouts, cold exposure, sleep deprivation, leading to kidney failure.)
- Forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances causing unreasonable risk. (Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.)
- Illegal acts: Requiring a student to perform a duty that violates the Penal Code.
- Coerced alcohol/drug consumption: Where a reasonable person would believe the student is intoxicated.
Candler County Relevance: This broad definition means that many actions considered “tradition” by Greek organizations near Candler County are, in fact, illegal hazing under Texas law. Leonel Bermudez’s experience explicitly violates multiple sections of this statute.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is not just a university policy violation; it’s a crime in Texas.
- Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, or failing to report it if you have knowledge. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury. (Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury.”
- State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death. (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).
  Candler County Relevance: The University of Houston spokesperson has already mentioned “potential criminal charges” in Leonel Bermudez’s case. This means individual perpetrators could face serious jail time and fines, underscoring the severity of these acts.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Not just individuals, but the organization itself can be penalized, including fines up to $10,000 and denial of operating privileges on campus.
- Candler County Relevance: This means the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH, and potentially the national organization, are subject to these penalties. It is further evidence that these corporate entities are responsible.
University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.
- Candler County Relevance: This provides another avenue for accountability, forcing universities to be transparent about hazing on their campuses.

The Critical Legal Shield: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas hazing law, directly confronting the common excuse of fraternities and universities:

“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.”

Candler County Relevance: This means that no matter how much a fraternity tries to claim that your child “went along with it,” or “knew what they were getting into,” or “could have left anytime,” the law explicitly states that consent cannot be used as an excuse for hazing. This powerful legal principle applies to civil cases as well, ensuring that the focus remains on the illegal acts of the perpetrators, not the coerced participation of the victim.

Beyond State Law: Civil Liability Theories

Even without specific hazing statutes, civil lawsuits empower Candler County victims to recover damages through established legal theories that apply nationwide:

Negligence: When a party (university, national fraternity, individuals) has a duty of care, breaches that duty (by allowing hazing), and that breach causes injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or housing corporation, they have a duty to maintain a safe environment. The University of Houston’s ownership of the Pi Kappa Phi house makes this a key point in Leonel’s case.
Negligent Supervision: When national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or universities fail to monitor Greek life, leading to foreseeable harm.
Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For highly outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering, such as the psychological torture exacted in Leonel’s case.

Candler County families: The combination of strong state hazing laws, established civil liability theories, and federal court jurisdiction means that we have a robust legal arsenal to pursue justice for your child, no matter where the hazing occurred. Texas law says you can fight back, and Attorney 911 will lead that fight.

Why Attorney 911: Your Candler County Hazing Litigation Experts

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident in Candler County can feel overwhelming. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a team that understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation, that isn’t afraid to take on powerful institutions, and that is deeply invested in your family’s fight for justice. At Attorney 911, we are that team. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and when your child is suffering from a hazing incident, we aim to be your first call, available 24/7.

Here’s why families in Candler County and across America choose Attorney 911:

1. We Are Actively Fighting Hazing RIGHT NOW

This isn’t theoretical. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity and the University of Houston for the severe hazing Leonel Bermudez endured. This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it exemplifies our aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to holding every party accountable. Candler County families get the same battle-tested strategies and relentless dedication.

2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our lead attorneys, Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. This is a critical advantage for your Candler County hazing case:

Ralph Manginello (Male): Founder and President of Attorney 911/The Manginello Law Firm, LLC. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph has handled high-stakes, complex litigation, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves his capacity for taking on massive corporate defendants – exactly what a Candler County hazing case against a national fraternity or university requires. His background as a collegiate athlete and youth coach also gives him unique insight into the cultures where hazing can thrive.
Lupe Peña (Male): Before joining Attorney 911, Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He spent years defending insurance companies and corporate defendants across a multitude of practice areas. He knows their playbook inside and out: how they value claims, how they strategize defenses, and how they try to minimize or deny payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to meticulously dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

Candler County Benefit: When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not facing institutional defendants and their insurance companies alone. You have former insiders on your side who know exactly how the other side thinks, strategizes, and attempts to suppress victims’ claims. This “insurance counter-intelligence system” is truly an unfair advantage for hazing victims.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions

Hazing cases often involve national organizations, crossing state lines and federal jurisdiction.

Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Ralph also has federal appellate experience in the U.S. Second Circuit. This allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal court, which is often necessary when dealing with national fraternities and multi-state issues.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when taking on national fraternities that may be headquartered in other states or have operations across the country.
Candler County Benefit: This means that regardless of where the national fraternity is headquartered, or where the hazing occurred in Candler County, we have the legal authority and reach to pursue justice at the highest levels.

4. Deep Hazing-Specific Experience

We don’t just handle hazing cases; we prioritize them.

Rhabdomyolysis Expertise: Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases—the exact injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. This means we understand the complex medical aspects and the long-term implications of such severe injuries.
Pattern of Negligence: We diligently track past hazing incidents, especially those of specific fraternities and universities. We connect the dots from previous hazing deaths (like Andrew Coffey’s death in Pi Kappa Phi in 2017) to current injuries (like Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in Pi Kappa Phi in 2025) to build an irrefutable case for pattern negligence and deliberate indifference.
Understanding Greek Life Culture: Our team understands the subtle and overt pressures within Greek life, the “traditions,” and the code of silence that often protect hazing. We know how to navigate this culture to uncover the truth.

5. Comprehensive Data-Driven Litigation

We don’t go to court guessing.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, EINs, legal names, and corporate structures for over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 metropolitan areas. For instance, in the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone, where our recent lawsuit was filed, we track 188 Greek organizations.
- Example from our database: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, Texas); Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785, Missouri City, Texas). We know exactly who to sue.
  Candler County Benefit: This intelligence gives us an unparalleled advantage. When hazing strikes your child near Candler County, we already know the corporate structure, the insurance layers, and the national affiliations, allowing us to build an airtight case from day one.
Proven Results Against Major Corporations: Ralph’s experience with the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity to successfully litigate against massive corporate defendants. Universities and national fraternities are no different.

6. Compassion, Communication, and Contingency Fees

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on Candler County families.

Empathetic Approach: Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping our clients. We treat Candler County families like family, providing consistent communication and support throughout the process. As one client testimonial states, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
Se Habla Español: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Candler County affected by hazing receive comprehensive, culturally sensitive legal services without language barriers.
Contingency Fees: We understand financial stress. Hazing cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we secure compensation for you. This removes financial barriers, allowing Candler County families to pursue justice without added burden. You can learn more about how this works by watching our video: How Contingency Fees Work.

7. Willingness to Travel

While headquartered in Houston, our commitment to justice for hazing victims extends nationwide. We regularly conduct remote consultations via video, and for depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will travel to Candler County as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Social Proof You Can Trust: 250+ 5-Star Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it. Attorney 911 boasts a 4.9-star rating with over 250 reviews on Google My Business. Clients consistently praise our communication, aggressive advocacy, and our genuine care. Testimonials repeatedly highlight how we treat clients “like family” and fight for the maximum settlement possible. Many are even cases that other attorneys dropped or wouldn’t touch. We fight for everyone.

For your family in Candler County, seeking justice after a hazing incident, Attorney 911 offers not just legal expertise, but a promise of relentless advocacy, driven by deep knowledge and genuine compassion. We are not hypothetical; we are actively fighting hazing right now, and we are ready to fight for you.

What To Do Right Now if Hazing Strikes Your Candler County Family

If your child in Candler County has been injured, traumatized, or even died as a result of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotions run high and confusion reigns, swift and decisive action can make all the difference in preserving your child’s rights and building a strong legal case.

Here is an actionable, step-by-step guide for Candler County families:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Remove Your Child From Danger: If your child is still in a hazing situation, get them out immediately. Their safety is paramount.
Call 911 for Emergencies: If there are serious injuries, signs of overdose (alcohol or drugs), loss of consciousness, or severe distress, do not hesitate—call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room in or near Candler County.
Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child resists, insist on a full medical evaluation by a doctor. This includes physical injuries, mental health evaluations for trauma, anxiety, or depression.
- Why it’s critical: As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our videos, delays in seeking medical attention can be used by defense attorneys to argue that injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the hazing. Medical records are undeniable evidence. For Leonel Bermudez, the prompt diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure was critical.

Step 2: Preserve Every Piece of Evidence

Hazing perpetrators and institutions will often attempt to destroy or hide evidence. Your immediate action can prevent this. As our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” highlights, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

Document Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of all physical injuries at every stage of healing—bruises, cuts, burns, rashes, swelling, signs of rhabdomyolysis (like brown urine). Document psychological symptoms if visible (e.g., severe anxiety, withdrawal, lack of sleep).
Save All Communications:
- Text Messages: Screenshots of individual and group chats (e.g., GroupMe, WhatsApp), especially any messages threatening hazing, describing hazing activities, or discussing plans to hide hazing.
- Social Media: Screenshots of posts, DMs, or stories on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook related to the fraternity/sorority, pledges, or hazing. Do not delete anything, and do not post about the incident. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” explains why.
- Emails: Save all email correspondence related to the organization, pledge activities, or reports of hazing.
Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, current or former pledges, or anyone who might have knowledge of the organization’s practices.
Gather Documents: Save everything: pledge handbooks, initiation schedules, contracts, rules, codes of conduct, financial records (medical bills, tuition, lost wages).
Physical Evidence: If applicable, preserve any physical objects related to the hazing (e.g., damaged clothing, specific items used in rituals, alcohol containers).
- Candler County Families: If your child is hospitalized or unable to collect evidence, ask friends or family members to do so safely and discreetly.

Step 3: DO NOT Engage with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel

This is perhaps the most crucial step.

Do Not Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with current members, alumni advisors, or national representatives. They are not your friends, and anything your child says can and will be used against them.
Do Not Talk to the University Administration Alone: Universities have a vested interest in protecting their reputation and limiting liability. While they may initiate an investigation (like the University of Houston did), their primary goal is rarely solely for your child’s best interest. Do not give official statements or sign anything without an attorney present.
Do Not Give Recorded Statements: As our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” warns, insurance adjusters and defense lawyers are experts at eliciting information that harms your case.
Do Not Sign Any Documents: Unless reviewed by your attorney, never sign waivers, releases, or any other paperwork from the organization or university.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. This may sound like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and the clock is ticking. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” emphasizes this urgency.
Free, Confidential Consultation: Your call to Attorney 911 is completely confidential and free. We offer 24/7 availability for Candler County hazing emergencies. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and advise you on the best course of action without any obligation.
We Will Come To You: While we are headquartered in Houston, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Candler County. We offer video consultations for your convenience and will travel to Candler County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. Our fees are contingent upon us winning your case.

Step 5: Consider Reporting to Authorities

Law Enforcement: Depending on the severity of the hazing, a police report can initiate a criminal investigation. Many hazing acts, including assault, are criminal offenses. The UH spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.
University Officials / Title IX: While we advise caution when speaking to university officials alone, in some cases, reporting may be a necessary step. If the hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, a Title IX report may be appropriate. We can guide you through this process.

Candler County Families, Act Now:

Your child’s future, and the accountability of those who harmed them, depends on prompt action. Hazing culture thrives on silence and fear. By stepping forward, you can not only seek justice for your child but also prevent future tragedies in Candler County and beyond.

Remember, Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you. We are aggressively litigating a high-stakes hazing case right now, and we bring that same expertise, experience, and dedication to every victim and family we represent.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Team for Candler County Hazing Victims

If you’re a parent in Candler County grappling with the nightmare of hazing, know this: You don’t have to face this alone. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them.

We are Attorney 911. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is currently in the trenches on a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t just news; it’s our daily fight, and we bring that same level of aggression, dedication, and expertise to every hazing victim we represent, including those in Candler County.

Call Our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Candler County Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Don’t delay. The consultation is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why Contact Attorney 911 Right Now?

Immediate Response: Hazing incidents require rapid action. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin preserving crucial evidence and protecting your child’s rights.
No Upfront Costs: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront for our services. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes any financial barrier to seeking justice.
National Expertise, Local Impact: While headquartered in Houston, our extensive experience with national fraternities, federal court authority, and dual-state bar admissions allow us to serve hazing victims nationwide, including every family in Candler County. We offer video consultations to connect with you remotely, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Candler County for depositions, meetings, or trial when necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice for your child.
No More Excuses: The institutions and individuals responsible for hazing will try to minimize, deny, or push blame onto your child. We know their tactics because our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers who know exactly how the other side operates. We will dismantle their defenses and fight aggressively for the compensation your family deserves.
A Voice for the Voiceless: Hazing victims often feel isolated, ashamed, and fearful of speaking out. We provide a safe, confidential space for your child’s story to be heard and transformed into a powerful legal case. As Lupe Peña stated, “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 decision to seek justice can be a catalyst for change.

We Represent Victims of Hazing in All Organizations:

Hazing isn’t just a fraternity problem. We represent victims from:

Fraternities and sororities at universities your children attend, such as those near Candler County.
Sports teams and athletic programs
Marching bands and performing arts groups
ROTC and other military-affiliated organizations
Any club, organization, or group that uses abuse as “initiation.”

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

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Others endured the physical punishment, the psychological torment, and the dehumanizing rituals. Another pledge collapsed unconscious weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization. If you or someone you know was part of this chapter during Fall 2025 pledge period, you have rights. Your story can strengthen the fight for accountability. We can represent you too. Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Connect With Us:

Visit our website: attorney911.com
Learn about Ralph Manginello: attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Learn about Lupe Peña: attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

To paraphrase Ralph Manginello, we started Attorney 911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust. For Candler County hazing victims, that help is just a phone call away.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Your battle is our battle. We are ready to fight for you.