If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hospitalized, or worse, taken from you forever, all in the name of a so-called “tradition” that has no place in our society. We’re here to help families in Sussex County, New Jersey, fight back.

We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that washes over you when your child becomes a victim of hazing. You are not alone. And you do not have to fight this battle by yourself. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this fight right now. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major fraternity and a large university for hazing that resulted in a student’s kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical – we are in the trenches, aggressively pursuing justice for hazing victims and their families across the nation, including those in Sussex County.

Just weeks ago, a brave young man like your child was waterboarded, hog-tied, and forced into extreme physical exertion until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four agonizing days in a hospital, battling severe rhabdomyolysis. This happened in Houston, Texas, but the same fraternities, the same dangerous “traditions,” and the same institutional failures exist at universities across America, including those that students from Sussex County attend. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of accountability that we’re demonstrating in this landmark case to every family we represent, no matter where they are located.

The Nightmare Unfolds: Our Landmark $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the cornerstone of our firm’s mission to eradicate hazing. This ongoing $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, represents everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester, eager to start a new chapter in his life. Instead, his dreams were shattered by weeks of systematic abuse at the hands of the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter.

What Happened: A Timeline of Torture

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture begin.
• October 13, 2025: Chillingly, another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: During a forced workout, a pledge loses consciousness and collapses, requiring others to elevate his legs until he recovers. These were clear warnings, yet the hazing continued.
• November 3, 2025: The climax of the abuse. Leonel is punished for missing an event. He is forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and numerous other grueling exercises while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He pushes himself until he is so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates. He can barely move, his muscles screaming in protest.
• November 6, 2025: His mother, horrified, rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life against severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. This action was taken before our lawsuit was filed, a clear sign they knew the gravity of the situation and the liability they faced.
• November 21, 2025: We file the $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. News outlets like ABC13 Houston and KHOU 11 immediately pick up the story.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Parents in Sussex County, you might imagine hazing as innocent pranks or harmless initiation ceremonies. Leonel’s story, sadly, shatters that misconception. This is not “boys being boys” or team-building exercises. This is systematic brutality designed to break down a person’s spirit and body. When it happens at universities your children attend, it becomes a severe threat. Here’s what Leonel and others endured:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed repeatedly in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, simulating a terrifying drowning sensation. This is a form of torture, reminiscent of interrogation techniques. As Houston Public Media reported, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, and then forced to continue running in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Beyond the pushups and squats that caused his kidneys to fail, pledges were subjected to “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Leonel was also struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with 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 made to strip to their underwear in cold weather.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion.

This is the grim reality of hazing today, and it’s happening at colleges across the country. It is not confined to any one region, state, or university. The same type of activities that happened to Leonel could tragically happen at institutions students from Sussex County attend, potentially even at universities like Rutgers University, Montclair State University, or even local community colleges if Greek life organizations or other groups engage in such behavior.

The Grave Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical toll on Leonel was catastrophic. His extreme physical exertion led to rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This caused acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that required four days of intensive hospitalization. He passed brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. Even after discharge, the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage looms.

Ralph Manginello, speaking to ABC13, encapsulated the terrifying progression: “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 precisely the type of medical crisis that demands aggressive legal intervention. We have direct, specific expertise in handling rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing, using medical experts to meticulously document the injuries and their long-term impact.

Institutional Responses: Denials, Disturbances, and Damage Control

The responses of the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters reveal a familiar pattern of institutional negligence and frantic damage control.

• University of Houston’s Statement: A UH spokesperson told Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” While acknowledging the severity, the university’s statement also mentioned “coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity.” This “collaboration” often signifies an attempt to control the narrative and minimize liability. The fact that the university highlighted “potential criminal charges” reveals their own assessment of the severity of the hazing. Crucially, the hazing occurred in a University-owned fraternity house, which makes the university’s negligence undeniable in failing to ensure student safety on its own property.
• Pi Kappa Phi National’s Statement: Published on their website the same day our lawsuit was filed, Pi Kappa Phi stated they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Notice the timing: they closed the chapter seven days before our lawsuit was made public. This is a clear attempt to claim they acted responsibly before being sued, demonstrating a consciousness of guilt and an effort to mitigate the impending legal and public relations fallout. Their statement also cynically concluded, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership… we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This lack of remorse, this immediate focus on returning to campus while a student recovers from their chapter’s abuse, highlights the need for substantial punitive damages to truly send a message.

As 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.” These cases are about much more than compensation; they are about forcing institutions to change and protecting future students.

Who Is Responsible? Holding All Parties Accountable

When hazing occurs, multiple entities often share responsibility. Our strategy is to identify and pursue every single party that contributed to the harm, ensuring that accountability is comprehensive and justice is far-reaching. In the Bermudez case, we are targeting:

• The Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and carried out the hazing. This includes chapter officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, who orchestrated the abuse, and individual members who participated in or failed to stop the hazing.
• The National Fraternity Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national body, is responsible for overseeing its chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and ensuring member safety. Their failure to do so, despite previous deadly incidents, makes them liable. As KHOU 11 reported, the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
• The University: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities have a duty to protect their students, a responsibility that extends to the Greek organizations operating on their campus and on university-owned property. Their failure to supervise, intervene, and create a safe environment makes them directly liable. The University of Houston Board of Regents is also named, representing the governing body with ultimate responsibility.
• The Housing Corporation: This entity is responsible for the physical premises where the hazing occurred.
• Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the chapter leadership, we are suing other individual members who actively participated, as well as former members and even a spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence, demonstrating that personal liability extends to anyone who enables or facilitates such abuse.

It’s crucial for families in Sussex County to understand that while fraternities may seem like just “college kids,” behind those Greek letters are often nationally recognized, tax-exempt corporations with substantial assets, real estate holdings, and insurance policies. Universities are multi-million or even billion-dollar institutions with significant endowments and robust insurance coverage. Our firm, being adept at navigating complex litigation against powerful entities, knows how to pursue these “deep pockets” to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedent: Hazing Cases Do Win

For families seeking justice in Sussex County, it’s vital to know that winning hazing cases against powerful institutions is not only possible but has resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country. These precedents demonstrate the legal viability and financial stakes involved, sending a clear message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. We bring the full weight of these precedents to every case we handle, including those for victims in Sussex County.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – $10.1 Million+ Total

Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event at Bowling Green State University. The outcome was a combined $10.1 million+ in settlements and judgments, including $2.9 million paid by the university and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and individual members. A former chapter president was personally hit with a $6.5 million judgment.

Why this matters for Leonel’s case and Sussex County families: Our $10 million demand is directly aligned with this significant precedent, especially given the severity of Leonel’s injuries (kidney failure) and the egregious nature of the hazing. It clearly shows that both universities and national fraternities face massive financial liability.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Verdict

Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC over six times the legal limit after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event at LSU. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. One fraternity member was also convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. This case was so impactful it led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Why this matters: The jury’s substantial verdict demonstrates that courts are willing to hold individuals and organizations accountable, especially when the hazing is as depraved as forced alcohol consumption. The criminal convictions highlight the personal responsibility of those involved.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – $110 Million+ (Estimated)

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old student, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi pledge event at Penn State. He fell down stairs multiple times, and fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call for help. Settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million. The incident led to criminal charges against 18 fraternity members and the creation of Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

Why this matters: This case exemplifies the immense financial and legal consequences when hazing is coupled with institutional negligence and clear evidence (like the security camera footage that documented Piazza’s suffering). Our case, with its documented trauma and clear negligence, aligns with the gravity of cases that lead to such record-breaking outcomes.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement

Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event at Florida State University. Following this incident, Pi Kappa Phi’s chapter was permanently closed, and nine fraternity members faced criminal charges. This is the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.

Why this matters: This is the ultimate “smoking gun” for Pi Kappa Phi National. The fact that another student died in a hazing incident within the same national fraternity just eight years prior to Leonel’s hospitalization proves a devastating pattern of negligence. Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years since Andrew Coffey’s death to fix their deadly hazing culture, yet they failed, directly leading to Leonel’s injuries. This establishes a clear pattern of knowing disregard for student safety, critical for pursuing punitive damages.

These precedent cases are not just statistics; they are stories of families who fought for justice and, through their courage, forced powerful institutions to acknowledge their failures. Your family in Sussex County, facing a similar nightmare, deserves the same dedicated fight for accountability.

Legal Framework: Sussex County Victims’ Rights

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for families in Sussex County seeking justice for hazing. While states have varying specific laws, the core principles of civil liability for hazing are universal. Our firm, with its federal court authority and dual Texas and New York bar licenses, is uniquely positioned to pursue these claims across state lines, ensuring that hazing victims in Sussex County benefit from every available legal avenue.

Hazing is Illegal: Understanding State Laws

Most states, including New Jersey where Sussex County is located, have laws that explicitly prohibit hazing. While our primary expertise is rooted in Texas law and its comprehensive Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157), the protections and criminal penalties outlined here are representative of an increasing nationwide trend to combat hazing.

Key Aspects of Anti-Hazing Laws (based on Texas framework, applicable principles in most states):

• Definition of Hazing: Laws broadly define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The specific acts Leonel endured—physical brutality, sleep deprivation, forced consumption, calisthenics creating unreasonable risk, and activities violating penal code—are almost universally recognized as hazing.
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing can result in severe criminal charges for individuals and organizations. Depending on the outcome, from simple engagement in hazing to causing serious bodily injury or death, perpetrators can face misdemeanors, felonies, jail time, and significant fines. In Leonel’s case, his severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure clearly constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning those involved face felony-level charges in many states.
• Organizational Liability: Beyond individuals, organizations themselves can face severe penalties, including fines, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This is a critical avenue for accountability, demonstrating that the entire group, not just a few “bad apples,” can be held responsible.
• University Reporting Requirements: Many states mandate that educational institutions report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can also carry penalties for university officials.
• Crucially: Consent is NOT a Defense: This is a cornerstone of anti-hazing legislation. Perpetrators often claim the victim “consented” or “knew what they were signing up for.” However, state laws, like Texas Education Code § 37.154, explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure that make true consent impossible in a hazing context. This legal principle is vital for hazing victims in Sussex County, just as it is in Texas.

Civil Liability: Suing for Damages

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek monetary compensation for the immense physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by hazing. These are the key legal theories we pursue:

• Negligence Claims: This is the most common foundation for hazing lawsuits. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individual members owed a “duty of care” to the victim, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), and this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and resulting damages. This pathway is applicable for hazing victims and their families in Sussex County.
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or fraternity (like the University-owned house in Leonel’s case), the property owners can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment and allowing dangerous conditions (hazing) to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: This theory holds national organizations and universities accountable for failing to adequately supervise their chapters or Greek life programs, especially when they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who physically harmed the victim (through actions like waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion) can be sued directly for intentional acts of assault and battery.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly egregious conduct, IIED claims allow compensation for severe emotional suffering caused by extreme and outrageous behavior, a description that tragically fits many hazing incidents.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to death, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover compensation for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and pain and suffering.

These civil claims operate independently of any criminal prosecution and are critical for securing financial relief and holding all responsible parties accountable. Whether the hazing occurred at a university in Sussex County or elsewhere, our firm has the expertise to navigate these complex legal frameworks.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Sussex County and Beyond

When your family faces the profound trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, who is not afraid to take on powerful institutions, and who genuinely cares about your child’s well-being. Attorney911 offers precisely that level of dedicated, expert representation to families in Sussex County and nationwide.

25+ Years of Battle-Tested Experience

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. He is a seasoned trial attorney who has navigated complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants, as demonstrated by his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience translates directly to hazing cases, where we face off against well-funded national fraternities and universities. His track record of hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence, including successful DUI defenses, shows an aggressive, evidence-challenging approach that is vital in hazing investigations where institutions try to hide or minimize evidence.

Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This unique background provides an invaluable strategic advantage. They have literally fought on the “other side,” learning firsthand how insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize, evaluate claims, delay payouts, and attempt to minimize or deny compensation. Lupe Peña’s experience at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, gave him an intimate understanding of their tactics across product liability, personal injury defense, construction law, and more. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle those very defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. For hazing victims in Sussex County, this means we anticipate the defense’s moves before they make them, turning their strategies against them.

Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Licenses: Nationwide Reach for Sussex County Families

While headquartered in Houston, our firm is built for national impact. Ralph and Lupe are both admitted to the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving them federal court authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions, crucial for cases involving national organizations. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello is admitted to both the Texas AND New York State Bars. This dual-state licensure provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered in New York or have significant operations there, allowing us to pursue every avenue for justice no matter where the hazing happened or where the national organization is based. This means that if your child was hazed at a university in Sussex County, New Jersey, or anywhere else in the country, we are equipped to represent you.

Hazing-Specific Expertise: Fighting the Fight Right Now

Our firm isn’t just saying we handle hazing cases; we are actively fighting one of the most significant hazing lawsuits in the country right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates our concrete, real-time commitment and expertise in hazing litigation, including specific knowledge of rhabdomyolysis injury recovery. This deep, current experience means we are intimately familiar with the tactics, defenses, and complexities unique to these types of cases.

Compassion and Communication: We Treat You Like Family

We understand that legal emergencies, especially hazing incidents, are deeply personal and terrifying. Our firm is founded on the principle of providing immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone you can trust. We prioritize warm, empathetic, and direct communication. As client Chad Harris put it, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” We know that families in Sussex County seek a firm that puts their child first, and we commit to treating every client with respect, transparency, and genuine care.

No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fee Basis

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to justice, especially for families grappling with the emotional and financial fallout of hazing. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and allows you to fight powerful institutions without worrying about hourly fees.

Bilingual Services: Se Habla Español

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice. We are equipped to provide comprehensive legal services, including initial consultations and ongoing communication, in Spanish, serving Hispanic families in Sussex County and across America with the sensitivity and understanding they deserve.

We Come to You: Distance Is Not a Barrier to Justice

Although our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims extends nationwide. We regularly offer video consultations for families in Sussex County and will travel wherever necessary for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We are committed to ensuring that families everywhere, including those sending their children to schools near Sussex County like Sussex County Community College, Drew University, or Seton Hall, receive the same high-caliber representation.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Sussex County Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses, but swift, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving your child’s rights and building a strong legal case. This is what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s health and safety are paramount. If they are injured, unconscious, or experiencing any severe symptoms (like Leonel’s dark urine or inability to move), call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room immediately. A medical professional should assess all injuries, even those that seem minor, as some symptoms (like those of rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury) can manifest days later. This also creates vital medical documentation. Make sure to tell medical staff that the injuries resulted from hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence

This is perhaps the most crucial step after ensuring your child’s safety. Evidence disappears quickly, and you need to document everything.

• Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), discharge summaries, and therapy records.
• Photos and Videos: Use your phone to take pictures of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at every stage of healing. Document the hazing location if safely possible (fraternity house, off-campus residence, field). If any hazing activity was captured on video (rare, but incredibly valuable), save it immediately.
• Communications: Crucially, preserve all digital communications. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other social media posts related to the hazing. Screenshot everything. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING, even messages that seem irrelevant or embarrassing. These communications often contain direct evidence of hazing, threats, or instructions.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or any individuals who might have knowledge of the incident. Their statements can be vital.
• Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the organization.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel expenses to appointments, and any lost wages if your child missed work or internships.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, their ability to attend classes, or any scholarships lost due to the hazing.

3. Do NOT Engage with the Organization, University, or Their Representatives Alone

This is a critical warning. Once hazing is reported, the fraternity, the national organization, and the university will immediately initiate their crisis management protocols. Their priority is to minimize their liability, not to protect your child.

• Do NOT give statements: Never give a recorded statement or provide any information to fraternity leadership, university officials, or their attorneys without legal counsel present. They are trained to elicit information that can be used against you.
• Do NOT sign anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, the university, or their insurance companies. You could inadvertently waive your child’s rights.
• Do NOT delete anything: Deleting messages or posts can be construed as spoliation of evidence, harming your case.
• Do NOT post on social media: Anything your child posts—or you post—about the incident or even about their recovery can be used by the defense to argue they aren’t as injured as claimed, or to discredit their story. Stay off social media regarding the incident.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

The moments after a hazing incident are a legal emergency. Time is of the essence.

• Statute of Limitations: In most states, including New Jersey, personal injury cases like hazing lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. If you wait beyond this deadline, you forfeit your right to seek justice. For wrongful death cases, the clock also typically starts from the date of death.
• Evidence Disappearance: Memories fade, witnesses move on, and crucial evidence like text messages or surveillance footage can be deleted or overwritten.
• Complex Legalities: Hazing cases are notoriously complex, involving multiple defendants, intricate insurance policies, and aggressive defense strategies. You need an attorney who specializes in this niche area of law.

Call us immediately. Our consultation is free. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a lawsuit, understanding your rights and options is vital. We will listen empathetically, evaluate your case without judgment, and provide clear guidance on the next steps.

Sussex County Families: We Are Here for You

Distance is not a barrier to justice. While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment extend to hazing victims across the United States, including those in Sussex County, New Jersey. We understand that students from Sussex County attend a variety of institutions, from local community colleges to major state universities like Rutgers, The College of New Jersey, or Stockton University, many of which have active Greek life organizations and other student groups where hazing can tragically occur.

We communicate efficiently through video consultations, phone calls, and email, allowing us to serve you effectively regardless of location. We are prepared to travel to Sussex County, New Jersey, for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our firm’s federal court authority and dual Texas and New York bar licenses grant us the flexibility and robust legal standing to confront national organizations wherever they are located.

Contact Us: Your First Responders to a Hazing Emergency

If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you are experiencing a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and our mission is to be your first call, your immediate support, and your fiercest advocate. We pledge to fight for your child’s rights with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to the $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez. We will work tirelessly to hold every responsible party accountable—from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that enabled such abuse.

Sussex County families, if your child has been harmed by hazing, reach out immediately:

📞 CALL OUR 24/7 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

No geographical boundaries define our commitment to justice. We represent victims of hazing in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.” We offer free, confidential consultations, and because we operate on a contingency fee basis, you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in the courts right now. If this prevents harm to another student, if your case can be the catalyst for change, then we have done our part. In the words of Lupe Peña, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Let us help you bring that light to the darkness of hazing. Don’t let your child’s suffering be in vain. Call us today.