If you’re reading this in Somerset County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, expecting to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially suffered life-altering injuries or worse. Hazing isn’t a rite of passage; it’s a criminal act that can devastate families. We are here to help families in Somerset County and across the nation fight back.

We understand what you’re going through. The shame, the anger, the fear – these emotions are overwhelming. You may feel alone, wondering how to combat powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities. But you are not alone. Our team at Attorney911 is actively fighting this battle right now in a courthouse just like yours, making national headlines with a $10 million lawsuit against a fraternity and a major university. The same aggressive, data-driven approach we bring to that case, we bring to every family in Somerset County whose child has been tormented by hazing.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights for Leonel Bermudez and for Somerset County Families

This isn’t theory; this is real. This is happening right now. In November 2025, our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, filed a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is the epicenter of our fight against hazing, and it sends a clear message to every fraternity, university, and individual in Somerset County: we will hold you accountable.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member who wasn’t even fully enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that led to him being hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Somerset County families, pay close attention: This happened in our backyard, in Houston. But the same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are happening at universities near Somerset County. The same national fraternities operate there. The same negligence exists at institutions hoping to turn a blind eye. If your child attends a university with Greek life in or near Somerset County, they face these exact risks. And we are here to fight for them with the same ferocity we are bringing to the Bermudez case.

What Really Happened: The Hazing Timeline from Our Lawsuit

The timeline of Leonel Bermudez’s hazing ordeal paints a chilling picture of calculated abuse:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. The weeks of torture begin shortly thereafter.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: For nearly seven weeks, Leonel and other pledges were subjected to a barrage of sadistic “initiation” rituals. This included:
  • Stripteases and Hose Sprays: Forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a garden hose, all while doing calisthenics. This was specifically described as “simulated waterboarding” in media reports like KHOU 11. Imagine your child being systematically drowned with a garden hose as part of a “brotherhood” ritual.
  • Forced Eating and Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume massive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a truly grotesque display, they were forced to continue running sprints through their own vomit-soaked grass while clearly in physical distress.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: This wasn’t a workout; it was physical torture. Leonel was compelled to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was even forced to recite the fraternity creed while being physically brutalized.
  • Wooden Paddles: In a barbaric echo of historical fraternity abuse, pledges were “struck with wooden paddles,” as reported by the Houston Chronicle. This is physical assault, plain and simple.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. He faced constant threats of physical punishment or immediate expulsion from the fraternity if he failed to comply. The suit even details another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive fraternity members during early morning hours contributed to severe exhaustion.
• October 15, 2025: During one of these forced physical conditioning sessions, a fellow pledge lost consciousness and collapsed. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This incident should have been a wake-up call, a clear warning sign of dangerous conduct. Instead, the hazing not only continued but escalated.
• November 3, 2025: Leonel, punished for missing an event, was subjected to a final, brutal session of forced exercises. He performed hundreds of pushups, squats, and other drills until he was so utterly exhausted he could not stand without help. Attorney Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13 that Leonel “crawled up the stairs” to his room that night.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened dramatically. He was too sore to move, and severe muscle pain set in. As Ralph Manginello described, “the next day was worse.”
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother, witnessing his alarming state, rushed him to the hospital. He was “passing brown urine,” a critical symptom of severe muscle breakdown. He was immediately diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, undergoing intensive medical treatment to save his kidneys.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, clearly realizing the magnitude of the misconduct. This significant action was taken before our lawsuit was filed.
• November 21, 2025: We filed our $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court, making immediate national news.

The True Cost of Hazing: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

Leonel’s injuries were not minor. Rhabdomyolysis is a terrifying condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm and destroy the kidneys. It’s life-threatening and can lead to permanent organ damage or even death. The brown urine Leonel passed was a classic, unmistakable sign of this condition. He required intensive medical care to prevent his kidneys from completely failing.

This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated before. Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in handling rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing. We know the medical science, the long-term prognosis, and how to prove to a jury the lasting impact these injuries have on a young person’s life.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence, Not Remorse

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters following the incident confirm a pattern of negligence and an attempt to control the narrative.

A University of Houston spokesperson told Houston Public Media:

“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.”

While seemingly contrite, this statement is an admission of institutional failure. They acknowledge the “deeply disturbing” nature of the hazing and that it violates their own standards. Most tellingly, their mention of “potential criminal charges” reveals their own assessment of the severity of the acts.

Pi Kappa Phi National’s statement on their website, published the same day our lawsuit was filed, attempted to preemptively spin the situation:

“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 thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership. Pi Kappa Phi has a proud history… and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”

This is not an apology. It’s a calculated, corporate response. They admitted “violations” of their own policies, yet they refuse to acknowledge the human cost. And the most egregious detail? They concluded by stating they “look forward to returning to campus.” While Leonel was recovering from kidney failure caused by their organization, Pi Kappa Phi was already planning its comeback. This demonstrates a chilling lack of remorse and a systemic failure to grasp the gravity of their actions.

Why the Bermudez Case Echoes in Somerset County

This case is not an isolated incident. It is a stark warning reflecting patterns of hazing in Greek life across America, including at colleges and universities near Somerset County.

1. “Tradition” is Torture: These were not harmless pranks; they were criminal acts of abuse. The same perverted definition of “tradition” exists in Greek organizations near Somerset County.
2. Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. Universities near Somerset County have the same power and duty to oversee Greek life and prevent such atrocities. When they fail, they are liable.
3. National Organizations Are Responsible: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership knew about deadly hazing within its chapters, yet failed to prevent this. These national organizations, including Pi Kappa Phi, operate chapters at institutions that students from Somerset County attend.
4. Victims Are Silenced: Leonel fears retribution, a common tactic used by fraternities to keep victims quiet. We protect our clients and ensure their voices are heard.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your case in Somerset County could be the one that forces real change and prevents future tragedies.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial demand is what it takes to get the attention of powerful institutions and force them to reassess their priorities, from alumni donations to student safety.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” The Bermudez case reveals the horrific reality of modern hazing. This is not about building camaraderie; it’s about systematically breaking individuals down through physical, psychological, and often sexual abuse.

In Somerset County, parents and students might believe hazing only involves mild discomfort or silly rituals. The truth is far more sinister. Hazing today, whether at a large public university or a smaller college closer to home, often involves:

• Physical Abuse: This can range from constant calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups leading to kidney failure), sleep deprivation, forced strenuous activity in extreme weather, paddling, branding, and even violent beatings.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking is rampant and deadly. Pledges are often forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol, food (like Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting), or even vile substances.
• Simulated Waterboarding: As seen in Leonel’s case, this extreme form of abuse mimics drowning and is internationally recognized as torture.
• Psychological Torment: Humiliation, degradation, isolation, verbal abuse, constant threats, and even sexual degradation are used to break down a pledge’s will. The fanny pack incident in Leonel’s case is a disturbing example of this.
• Servitude and Deprivation: Pledges are often treated as slaves, forced to perform demeaning tasks, drive members around at all hours, clean, and run errands, all while being deprived of sleep, proper nutrition, and academic focus.
• Sexual Abuse and Harassment: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or exposure to sexually explicit materials are tragically common in hazing incidents, inflicting deep and lasting trauma.

The Medical Consequences Are Real: From alcohol poisoning and traumatic brain injuries to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, severe hazing can lead to lifelong health complications, permanent disabilities, or death. Beyond the physical, the psychological scars can be profound: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and deep mistrust. Leonel’s fear of retribution, even after his ordeal, is a testament to this psychological control.

Who is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Somerset County

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, we believe everyone who had a part in it or the power to stop it must be held accountable. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is comprehensive, naming multiple entities and individuals, because we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for Somerset County families.

1. The Local Chapter and Individual Perpetrators

The immediate actors—the students directly involved in the hazing—are always primary targets. In Leonel’s case, we named the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity president, the pledgemaster, other current members, and shockingly, even a former member and his spouse because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This is not about suing broke college kids alone; it’s about holding every single person who participated, directed, or enabled the abuse personally liable. As the Stone Foltz case proved, an individual chapter president can be ordered to pay millions.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

These are often the “deep pockets.” National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, including those near Somerset County. They have vast endowments, assets, and substantial liability insurance policies. They establish rules, provide training, and are supposed to ensure compliance. When deadly hazing occurs, it’s a direct failure of national oversight. Pi Kappa Phi National’s immediate decision to close the UH chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization is a direct admission that they knew the conduct was wrong. Their long history, including the death of Andrew Coffey at their FSU chapter in 2017, clearly establishes a pattern of knowing disregard for student safety.

3. The University or College

Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned and controlled the fraternity house where part of the hazing took place. Furthermore, UH had a documented history of hazing incidents, including a student hospitalized in 2017 from hazing at another fraternity. They knew the risks, had the power to act, and failed to do so. Institutions of higher learning near Somerset County must create a safe environment for all students, including those participating in Greek life. Their failure to supervise, intervene, or prevent hazing makes them legally responsible.

4. Housing Corporations

Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the actual fraternity houses. These entities have responsibilities as property owners. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is named, highlighting their role in providing the venue for hazardous activities.

5. Insurance Carriers

The real financial recovery in these cases often comes from the various insurance carriers involved: the national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, the housing corporation’s property insurance, and individual homeowners/renters insurance policies. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are both former insurance defense attorneys. They know precisely how these companies operate, how they value claims, and, most importantly, how to dismantle their defenses to maximize recovery for victims.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Somerset County Families

Hazing litigation is not merely symbolic; it drives real change and secures substantial compensation for victims and their families. The multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in recent years demonstrate that courts and juries will not tolerate institutions that enable this abuse. These precedents pave the way for families in Somerset County to achieve justice.

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha – $10.1 Million+ Total

In 2021, Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. The Foltz family secured over $10.1 million in settlements. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, while the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and individual members contributed another $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, personally. This case proves that both universities and national fraternities are held responsible, and individual perpetrators face severe personal liability. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly in line with this precedent.

Maxwell Gruver: Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta – $6.1 Million Verdict

In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual at Louisiana State University. Pledges were forced to chug alcohol as punishment for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495. The Gruver family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict, and the case led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict signals that juries are outraged by hazing and will not hesitate to award significant damages.

Timothy Piazza: Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi – $110 Million+ Estimated

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State student, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. He was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, and was left without medical attention for 12 crucial hours. The Piazza family’s settlements are estimated to exceed $110 million, marking one of the largest hazing recoveries in U.S. history. The incident was extensively captured on security cameras, showcasing the power of irrefutable evidence. This case resulted in Pennsylvania’s tough Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. It’s a clear message: when powerful evidence of egregious conduct exists, accountability will be severe.

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi – Confidential Settlement

In a case hauntingly similar to Leonel’s, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died in November 2017 after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon and died from acute alcohol poisoning. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, the key takeaway for Leonel’s case is critical: this is the same Pi Kappa Phi national organization. They had a student die in 2017 from hazing. Eight years later, Leonel was hospitalized under shockingly similar circumstances of forced consumption and extreme physical duress. Pi Kappa Phi National knew the dangers within its own chapters and failed to act.

Other Significant Cases:

• Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi): In October 2024, a $4 million-plus settlement was reached after Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual.
• University of Alabama (SAE): A lawsuit for traumatic brain injury (TBI) was filed in 2023 against Sigma Alpha Epsilon and individuals for severe hazing. This demonstrates that non-fatal, but serious, injuries also garner massive lawsuits.
• UT Austin (Sigma Chi): Just weeks before our Bermudez lawsuit, a new wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Texas against Sigma Chi at UT Austin, alleging “horrific abuse” leading to a student’s death by suicide. This signals a heightened focus on hazing accountability within Texas itself.

These multi-million dollar payouts are not just numbers; they represent comprehensive recoveries for medical expenses, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and the profound emotional anguish endured by victims and their families. For Somerset County families, these cases prove that justice is achievable, and powerful institutions can be held accountable, particularly with aggressive, experienced legal representation.

Legislation Born from Tragedy: A Call for Change in Somerset County

The tragic cases of Maxwell Gruver and Timothy Piazza led directly to new, tougher anti-hazing laws in Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Here in Texas, our existing hazing laws provide a strong foundation, but public pressure from cases like Leonel Bermudez’s can still push for even stronger protections.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Somerset County Victims’ Rights

For Somerset County families dealing with the aftermath of hazing, understanding your legal rights is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing law, civil liability, and our federal court authority mean we can fight for victims in Somerset County as aggressively as we do in Houston.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Foundation

The Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157) clearly defines and prohibits hazing, making it a criminal offense. This law is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, and many other states have similar statutes.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of maintaining membership in an organization, if that act:

• Involves physical brutality (like whipping, beating, striking, branding).
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or calisthenics that subject the student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect their health or safety. Leonel’s 500 squats, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and exposure clearly fall under this.
• Involves the forced consumption of food, liquid (including alcohol), or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or adverse health effects. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is a direct violation.
• Involves any activity that induces a violation of the Penal Code.
• Involves coercing the student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in or fail to report hazing can face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days in jail) to Class A misdemeanors (up to a year in jail for serious bodily injury). If hazing causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony, carrying up to two years in state jail. Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning those involved face Class A misdemeanor charges, at minimum. This is precisely why the University of Houston acknowledged “potential criminal charges.”

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): This is key. The law makes organizations themselves liable if they condone, encourage, or if any officer, member, pledge, or alumni participates or assists in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating privileges, and forfeiture of property. This means local chapters, national organizations, and even housing corporations are directly exposed to liability.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical component for hazing victims. The law states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This provision directly counters the common defense we hear from fraternities: “He agreed to it,” or “He knew what he was signing up for.” Under Texas law, your child cannot legally consent to being hazed. The law recognizes the immense power imbalance, peer pressure, and psychological manipulation inherent in hazing. Any arguments of consent from defendants simply fail under Texas law, and similar laws are gaining traction in other states.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the wrongdoers, civil lawsuits are how hazing victims in Somerset County recover compensation for their immense suffering and losses. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston employs multiple civil liability theories that are applicable to hazing cases across the country:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that institutions and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” that duty by allowing or participating in hazing, that this breach “caused” injuries, and that the victim suffered “damages.”
• Premises Liability: Because the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of Leonel’s hazing occurred, they are liable as property owners who failed to maintain a safe environment and allowed a dangerous condition (hazing) to exist on their property. This applies to any university or property owner that fails to act in similar situations.
• Negligent Supervision: We allege that the national fraternity failed to properly supervise its local chapter, and the University failed to adequately supervise its Greek life organizations and campus property.
• Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts directly applicable to physical hazing acts like the waterboarding and paddling Leonel endured. Every student who participated can be held personally liable for their actions.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, especially the psychological torture, can lead to severe emotional distress, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. This claim seeks compensation for that profound suffering.
• Wrongful Death: When hazing tragically claims a life, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their profound loss, including grief, emotional suffering, loss of financial support, and funeral expenses.

These civil claims ensure that victims in Somerset County and their families can recover not only economic damages (medical bills, lost income) but also non-economic damages (pain, suffering, mental anguish) and, crucially, punitive damages to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Somerset County Families

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need a legal team that is not only experienced and aggressive but also deeply empathetic and understands the unique complexities of these cases. Attorney911 is that team. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates relentlessly fighting for victims like Leonel Bermudez right now.

Though our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Somerset County and nationwide. Our commitment to justice knows no geographic boundaries.

Our Unmatched Credentials and Approach:

1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings decades of experience as a battle-tested trial attorney with a proven track record of fighting powerful defendants and securing favorable outcomes. He has the expertise to navigate complex litigation against major institutions.
2. Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent years working for insurance companies, defending them against claims. This invaluable “insider knowledge” means we understand their strategies, their weaknesses, and exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims. We leverage this rare perspective to anticipate their moves and build stronger cases for our clients in Somerset County.
3. Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal civil rights litigation. This federal jurisdiction allows us to pursue cases against national organizations and universities regardless of state lines, making us uniquely equipped to serve Somerset County victims whose college may be out of state, or whose national fraternity is headquartered beyond Texas.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered outside of Texas, ensuring we have the legal reach necessary to pursue accountability wherever it leads.
5. Direct Hazing Litigation Experience: We are actively litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case right now. This isn’t theoretical practice; we are currently in the trenches, developing new strategies, and fighting for a hazing victim. This means Somerset County families benefit directly from our real-time experience and cutting-edge litigation tactics. Ralph also has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel’s.
6. Mass Tort Experience: Ralph’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a mass tort case involving 15 deaths and 180+ injuries against a major corporation, demonstrates our capacity to take on massive institutional defendants with vast resources – the same kind of defendants you encounter in hazing cases (large universities, national fraternities).
7. Journalism Background: Ralph’s background in journalism gives him a unique ability to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories – essential skills when hazing cases often involve cover-ups and a need to expose the truth to a jury.
8. Se Habla Español: Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Somerset County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultation to court proceedings.
9. Contingency Fee Basis: We understand that finances are a major concern for families reeling from a hazing incident. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our interests are completely aligned with yours.
10. Warm, Empathetic Approach: We treat every Somerset County family like our own. We know the emotional toll hazing takes. Our friendly, bilingual staff provides consistent communication, keeping you informed at every step. We focus on your well-being so you can focus on healing. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” And from Ambur Hamilton, “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”
11. Willingness to Travel: Although we are headquartered in Houston, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote video consultations for Somerset County families, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Somerset County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Somerset County Hazing Victims

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Somerset County, at an institution they attend, or anywhere in the country, the immediate steps you take can be crucial for preserving their legal rights and building a strong case. Time is of the essence.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, prompt medical evaluation is vital. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed or subtle symptoms. Always go to the emergency room or a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records are foundational evidence for your case.
2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!
   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), and psychological therapy records.
   • Photos/Videos: Take pictures of any injuries (bruises, burns, cuts, swelling) immediately and as they heal. Photograph the hazing location if possible. If there are videos of hazing activities, secure them immediately.
   • Communications: This is critical. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, and social media post related to the hazing. Pledges are often given instructions or threatened via these channels. Take screenshots and back up everything. As Ralph Manginello says, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for other pledges, witnesses, or anyone who might have observed the hazing or its aftermath.
   • Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
   • Financial Records: Compile all medical bills, receipts for medications, and documentation of lost wages or academic fees if applicable.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
3. DO NOT Engage with the Organization or University Alone:
   • Do NOT delete any messages, posts, photos, or videos. This can be considered destruction of evidence.
   • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, advisors, alumni, or members about the incident without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will likely try to control the narrative or intimidate you.
   • Do NOT give any statements to university administrators, Greek life advisors, or their legal counsel without your attorney present. They represent the institution’s interests, not yours.
   • Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything your child posts can and will be used against them by the defense.
   • Do NOT sign any documents from the organization or university without having your attorney review them. You could unwittingly waive your rights.
4. Protect Your Privacy: Be discreet about discussing the hazing. Shame and fear often prevent victims from coming forward, but speaking only with trusted medical professionals and legal counsel ensures your privacy while pursuing justice.
5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or death. However, waiting jeopardizes your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. Our Bermudez case was filed within weeks of Leonel’s hospitalization precisely because acting quickly is paramount. We are available 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation. As we always say, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Contact Attorney911: Your First Responder to a Legal Emergency in Somerset County

If you are a family in Somerset County grappling with the trauma of hazing, you have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for you too. Our attorneys are currently making national headlines with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these complex cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to win. Somerset County families will receive the same aggressive, empathetic, and expert representation.

Somerset County Families, Don’t Wait – Call Now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for Somerset County hazing emergencies. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid until you get paid.

Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice for Somerset County Victims

While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Somerset County and hazing victims nationwide. Through our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands, we ensure that every family seeking justice receives our full support. We offer video consultations, allowing Somerset County families to meet with our attorneys remotely and comfortably from their home.

Hazing is a crisis that extends beyond Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Somerset County
• Sports teams in Somerset County
• Marching bands at universities in or around Somerset County
• ROTC programs
• Clubs and organizations at schools in Somerset County
• Military academies, and any organization that uses abuse as an “initiation”

To Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know You Are Out There.

Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. If you are another victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or if you witnessed it, you have rights. Your testimony is critical. Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Let us be your first call, your first responder in this legal emergency. We are ready to listen, ready to fight, and dedicated to achieving the justice your family deserves.

We know who they are. We know where they are. We know their corporate structure. We know their national organization’s hazing death record. We know how much they have paid in settlements. And when they haze students in Somerset County, we will use every piece of this intelligence to hold them accountable. The Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.