If you’re reading this in Essex County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find community and make friends. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and even physical torture, all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” We are here to help families in Essex County and across the nation fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

We understand the mix of fear, anger, and confusion you must be feeling. This isn’t just about college pranks; modern hazing is a systematic campaign of physical and psychological abuse that can leave lifelong scars, and in the worst cases, can be fatal. In Essex County, where vibrant communities send their children to esteemed institutions across New Jersey and beyond, the expectation is safety and growth, not trauma and betrayal.

Our firm, Attorney911, is a group of Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a fierce commitment to holding hazing perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. We are not a theoretical firm that someday hopes to handle hazing cases; we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our expertise is grounded in aggressive representation, data-driven litigation strategy, and a relentless pursuit of justice for every hazing victim. We bring this same dedication and expertise to families in Essex County.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Essex County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a pervasive, dangerous, and often deadly reality on college campuses today, including at universities where students from Essex County attend. These incidents often unfold in the shadows, fueled by a toxic culture of secrecy, peer pressure, and a distorted sense of tradition. But when the darkness is illuminated, you find institutions that knew, national organizations that failed to supervise, and individuals who chose to inflict harm.

Consider the recent case of Leonel Bermudez in Houston, Texas. This case, filed in November 2025, represents everything we stand for at Attorney911: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. What happened to Leonel is precisely what we are fighting to prevent from happening to students from Essex County.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

This case may have happened in Houston, but the same patterns of hazing, the same national fraternities, and the same institutional failures exist at universities across America, including those near Essex County. What we are doing in Houston, we are prepared to do for families right here in Essex County.

Media Coverage – Multiple Outlets Highlight Our Fight

This isn’t a hidden fight. Reputable news organizations like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media have all covered our lawsuit, bringing to light the horrific details of hazing and our determination to secure justice.

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

These news reports confirm the severity of the hazing, the institutional failures, and our aggressive stance. Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, one of the defendants, issued a public statement on November 21, 2025, confirming the chapter’s closure due to “violations.”

The Multi-Million Dollar Fight

Our lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, seeks $10 million in damages. We’ve named an extensive list of defendants:

• 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 and Pledgemaster
• Multiple current and former fraternity members
• Even a former member and his spouse, as hazing occurred at their private residence.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every responsible party, from the students who inflict the abuse to the institutions that enable it, is held accountable.

The Case That Shows Essex County Families Why We Fight

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who hadn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student.

On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. For weeks, he endured systematic abuse and torture. On November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital, his young life irrevocably altered.

As our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, told 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.”

This is why this case matters deeply to families in Essex County. Pi Kappa Phi, like many national fraternities, has over 150 chapters across America, including near universities where students from Essex County might attend. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are likely happening in chapter houses and off-campus locations across the country. Universities, whether in New Jersey or Texas, face the same patterns of liability and failure to protect students. If your child is being hazed in Essex County, we will fight for you with the same unwavering aggression we are currently bringing to this case in Houston.

As Attorney Lupe Pena succinctly put it for 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.” Your Essex County case could be the one that saves lives.

What Happened: The Horrific Details of the Hazing

The hazing Leonel endured was not a game. It was a calculated campaign of abuse:

• Simulated Waterboarding: He was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, and forced to run under the threat of being waterboarded again. This is torture.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then ordered to continue running sprints while in physical distress, often lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. On October 15, another pledge lost consciousness during these forced workouts.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were stripped to their underwear in cold weather and threatened with expulsion for non-compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s body bore the brunt of this abuse. He developed rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream. This led to acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication. His urine became brown – a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He required intensive medical treatment and spent four days hospitalized, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated before, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in these severe hazing injuries.

Institutional Responses – A Glimpse into Cover-ups

The University of Houston spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… Any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission they didn’t stop it and are now attempting to limit liability.

Meanwhile, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters announced on their website that they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They closed the chapter a full seven days before our lawsuit was filed, a clear act of damage control. Their statement even claimed they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a chilling lack of remorse. KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This establishes a clear pattern of institutional knowledge and deliberate indifference.

Why This Case Matters to Essex County Families

1. Proof that “Tradition” is Torture: Hazing today is not innocent fun. It is systematic abuse. It is assault. It is torture. It happens at universities frequented by students from Essex County, and it requires aggressive legal action.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near Essex County, such as Rutgers University-Newark, Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology, have the same power to stop hazing and the same liability when they fail to do so.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters was aware of their chapter’s violations before our lawsuit. These national organizations, with chapters throughout New Jersey and beyond, have a duty to supervise effectively.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez fears retribution. This fear is a common and powerful tool hazers use to maintain silence. We protect our clients, ensuring their voices are heard safely.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Essex County Students: As Lupe Pena emphasized, your case could prevent similar harm to others.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial demand is what it takes to get institutions to listen. Essex County families can send the same message when their children are victimized.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

When we talk about “hazing,” many parents still envision harmless initiations. But hazing today is often life-threatening and traumatizing. It is not “boys being boys”; it is assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and sometimes manslaughter or murder.

The Reality of Hazing:

• Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances.
• Sleep Deprivation: Extended periods without sleep, often combined with physical tasks.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and manipulative tactics designed to break down a victim’s mental and emotional state.
• Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, coerced sexual acts, carrying sexually explicit objects.
• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As seen in Leonel’s case, a horrifying and illegal form of torture.
• Exposure: Forced exposure to extreme heat or cold, leading to serious medical conditions.
• Servitude: Being forced to perform demeaning chores, errands, or driving duties for members.

Medical and Psychological Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure, as experienced by Leonel Bermudez.
• Acute Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From assaults or falls.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to elements.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Severe, long-lasting mental health impacts.
• Death: The ultimate, tragic consequence that devastates families.

The statistics are grim: 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S. Horrifyingly, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. Hazing occurs not just in fraternities and sororities but also in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations. This is not just a “Greek life” problem; it’s a systemic failure.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. Our approach, demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is to pursue every single entity that enabled, condoned, or participated in the abuse. We target the deep pockets and the decision-makers, not just the students involved.

The Defendants We Pursue:

• Local Chapters: Directly responsible for organizing and conducting hazing. This includes chapter officers like the president, pledgemaster, and individual members who participated.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These powerful entities oversee hundreds of chapters. They have a duty to create and enforce anti-hazing policies, conduct regular inspections, and intervene when hazing occurs. When they fail, as Pi Kappa Phi National did despite knowing about a “hazing crisis” and the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, they are liable for their negligence.
• Universities and Colleges: Institutions like the University of Houston, Rutgers University-Newark, Seton Hall University, and Montclair State University have a profound responsibility to protect their students. When they own the property where hazing occurs, fail to supervise Greek life, ignore warning signs (like prior hazing incidents), or have inadequate policies, they are complicit in the abuse.
• Individual Perpetrators: Every student who actively participates in hazing, directs it, or even turns a blind eye when they have the power to stop it, can be held personally liable. This extends to former members and their families who allow hazing to occur on their property.
• Insurance Carriers: These are the ultimate “deep pockets.” National organizations, universities, and individuals often carry various forms of liability insurance that can cover hazing-related damages. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these policies and ensure maximum compensation.

We are not simply suing “broke college kids”; we are going after tax-exempt corporations, multi-million dollar institutions, and their insurance providers. We ensure that your child’s trauma results in meaningful accountability.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Is Possible

The $10 million lawsuit we filed in the Bermudez case is not an anomaly. It is deeply rooted in precedent-setting verdicts and settlements from across the nation, demonstrating that when hazing causes injury or death, the responsible parties pay millions. These cases serve as a powerful warning to national fraternities, universities, and local chapters throughout Essex County: hazing costs millions, and we have the receipts.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total Recovery $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing event and died from alcohol poisoning. The Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million, while Pi Kappa Alpha and individuals paid over $7.2 million. This case confirms that a $10 million demand is firmly in line with established precedent, with both universities and fraternities bearing significant financial responsibility.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink heavily during a “Bible Study” hazing event. An 18-year-old freshman, his death led to a $6.1 million jury verdict and inspired Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony. This case underscores a jury’s willingness to award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a hazing event, fell down stairs, and was left untreated for 12 hours before help was summoned. He died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. The confidential settlement was estimated at over $110 million, and the tragedy also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. This case demonstrates the massive financial consequences when institutional negligence and egregious conduct combine, especially when evidence is strong.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE
  Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident is critically relevant to Leonel Bermudez’s case as it reveals a documented history of deadly hazing within Pi Kappa Phi, showing a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization. They had eight years to fix it, and they failed.

These examples are not isolated incidents; they are part of a national pattern of institutional failure and tragic outcomes. Each case serves as a sober reminder that hazing is a serious, life-altering threat, and that justice, though hard-won, is attainable. The same legal strategies, the same commitment to accountability, and the same pursuit of multi-million dollar outcomes apply to victims of hazing in Essex County.

Legal Framework: Protecting Essex County Victims Under the Law

Families in Essex County deserve to know that the law is on their side when an unthinkable hazing incident occurs. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability and the anti-hazing statutes present in most states provide a powerful framework for pursuing justice for your child, regardless of where the hazing took place.

Understanding Anti-Hazing Laws

Many states, including New Jersey, have anti-hazing laws. These laws generally define hazing broadly, covering any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in an organization. The conduct Leonel Bermudez endured, including physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, and extreme physical exertion, would constitute criminal hazing in most jurisdictions.

Crucially, in many states, including Texas, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.” This means that defense arguments claiming your child “agreed” to participate have no legal standing. The law recognizes the immense power dynamics and coercion inherent in hazing rituals.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims to seek financial compensation for their suffering. We typically pursue several legal theories:

• Negligence Claims: Holding universities and national organizations accountable for their failure to exercise reasonable care in supervising their students and chapters.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), the institution can be held liable for allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: When national organizations fail to properly supervise local chapters, or universities fail to adequately oversee Greek life, they can be found negligent.
• Assault and Battery: Individual participants who inflict physical harm can be sued directly.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For conduct that is so outrageous it causes severe emotional distress, such as the waterboarding and psychological torture Leonel experienced.

These civil claims ensure that victims receive compensation for medical bills, lost academic time, pain and suffering, and other damages, while also holding responsible parties accountable financially. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue these claims across state lines, offering comprehensive representation to Essex County families wherever the hazing incident occurred.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Choice for Essex County Hazing Victims

When your child is harmed by hazing, you need legal representation that is not only experienced but also deeply committed and strategically positioned to win. Attorney911 is exactly that firm. We understand that families in Essex County have choices, and we believe our unique approach and proven track record make us the definitive choice for hazing litigation.

Our Unfair Advantage: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. This is a strategic advantage for our clients. They both spent years working for the other side, defending insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims. They know every tactic, every strategy, and every loophole the defense will attempt to use. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle the defense’s case and maximize recovery for victims.

Ralph P. Manginello – Partner and Strategist

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case.

• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph saw the defense playbook from the inside, and now he uses it to benefit hazing victims. “I started Attorney911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.”
• Mass Tort Expertise: His involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, directly applicable to battling national fraternities and universities.
• Dual-State Bar License: Licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph has a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities headquartered across the country.
• Federal Court Admissions: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with federal appellate experience, he can navigate federal court systems, which means we can pursue cases anywhere national organizations operate.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: With direct experience in fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability, Ralph is actively leading the $10 million Bermudez lawsuit.
• Journalism Background: His Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin equipped him with a keen investigative sense and the ability to craft compelling narratives for juries. In hazing cases, uncovering and presenting hidden truths is paramount.
• Father of Three: He understands what’s at stake when a family’s child is harmed by hazing, bringing an unparalleled level of empathy and drive to his work.
• Community Involvement: Recognized as a donor to Crime Stoppers of Houston and involved in youth sports, Ralph is deeply committed to community safety and standing up for victims.

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney and Insider

Lupe Pena, a male attorney, further strengthens our team with over 12 years of litigation experience, including invaluable time at a national insurance defense firm.

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for the nationwide firm Litchfield Cavo LLP, where he defended insurance companies and corporations across various practice areas. He learned firsthand how large insurers value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. Now, he uses this “battlefield intelligence” to benefit our clients.
• Dram Shop and Catastrophic Injury Expertise: His experience in these areas is crucial for hazing cases involving forced alcohol consumption or life-altering injuries.
• Finance Background: A Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and a pre-law career in finance give Lupe a deep understanding of economic damages, essential for calculating victims’ long-term losses.
• Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe ensures that Hispanic families in Essex County can communicate effectively and receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.
• Aggressive Philosophy: His “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight” philosophy is exactly what’s needed to take on powerful fraternities and universities.

Together, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena represent a combined 37+ years of legal experience, creating an “insurance counter-intelligence system” that gives our clients an unfair advantage.

How We Serve Essex County Hazing Victims:

• Immediate, Aggressive Legal Support: We move first, fast, and decisively, bringing our full resources to bear on your case.
• Expert Network: We build cases with medical experts, Greek life culture specialists, and institutional negligence experts.
• Evidence Preservation: We act immediately to secure critical evidence—texts, photos, medical records, witness statements. (Watch our video: Using Your Phone to Document Evidence)
• Contingency Fees: Essex County hazing victims pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. (Learn more: How Contingency Fees Work)
• Nationwide Reach: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is no barrier. We offer video consultations for Essex County families and travel as needed for depositions, meetings, and trials.
• Empathetic Approach: We treat every Essex County family like our own. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we are genuinely passionate about helping hazing victims. Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business, with over 250 reviews, reflects our commitment to client care.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Essex County Families

If your child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do, and don’t do, can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. We provide clear, actionable steps for families in Essex County.

Your Immediate Action Plan:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, may not present fully until days later. Documenting injuries from day one is crucial for your case.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence:
   • Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like Leonel Bermudez’s creatine kinase levels), and therapy records.
   • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns), the hazing location if possible, and any objects used. Also, capture screenshots of all relevant digital communications. (See our advice: Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?)
   • Digital Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This often provides the most direct evidence of what occurred.
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it, including other pledges, fraternity members (even those who kept quiet), and bystanders.
   • Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications received from the organization.
   • Financial Records: Document all medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for academic periods disrupted by the hazing.
   • Academic Records: Note any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
3. Do NOT Communicate with Defendants:
   • NO Deleting: Absolutely do not delete any messages, photos, or posts related to the incident, even if they seem irrelevant. This could be considered spoliation of evidence.
   • NO Contact: Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting with us first. They are not on your side and are trained to protect their institutions.
   • NO Signing: Do not sign any documents provided by the organization or university without legal review. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
   • NO Social Media Posts: Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Anything you post can be used by the defense to undermine your case. (Learn more: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case)
4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY: The statute of limitations (the time limit to file a lawsuit) for personal injury and wrongful death cases in New Jersey, like in Texas, is generally two years from the date of the injury or death. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Every day you wait is a day that could jeopardize your case. (Understand deadlines: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?)

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Essex County

If you are a parent in Essex County whose child has been harmed by hazing, or if you are a student who has experienced abuse, you are not alone. And you do not have to fight this battle by yourself. Attorney911 is ready to stand by your side, bring our aggressive, data-driven approach, and hold every responsible party accountable. We are fighting this fight right now in Houston, and we will bring the same relentless pursuit of justice to your case in Essex County.

Essex County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. The consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if we win your case. Our goal is to make sure financial concerns never prevent an Essex County family from seeking justice.

How We Serve Hazing Victims in Essex County and Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach extends to Essex County and across the nation:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experience with federal appellate courts means we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction nationwide against national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello’s licenses in both Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and universities.
• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations for Essex County families, allowing us to connect with you quickly and efficiently.
• Travel Commitment: We will travel to Essex County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Hazing is Not Limited to Greek Life

We represent victims of hazing in all student organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities near Essex County (e.g., Rutgers University-Newark, Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Caldwell University, Bloomfield College).
• Sports teams at local high schools and universities.
• Marching bands and other student clubs.
• ROTC programs and military academies.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Others were subjected to the same abuse. If you were involved in the Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at the University of Houston, or any other hazing incident, you have rights. Call us. Let’s bring all responsible parties to justice.

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

Your courage can make a difference. Let us fight for you.