If you’re reading this in Arlington County, 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 prepare for a bright future. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured, and perhaps even their life was irrevocably altered or tragically cut short. We’re here to help families in Arlington County and across America fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion. The anger. The profound betrayal. The late-night searches for answers, for help, for a way to make sense of the senseless. We know because we are currently immersed in that fight, representing a young man in Houston who was brutalized by a fraternity just weeks ago. His name is Leonel Bermudez, and his story is a stark warning to every family in Arlington County. This isn’t just happening “somewhere else”; the same fraternities and the same dangers are present at universities your children attend.

We are Attorney 911. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When your child is subjected to hazing, it is an emergency that demands immediate, aggressive, and expert legal intervention. We represent victims of hazing and their families, tirelessly pursuing justice and holding every responsible party accountable. Distance is not a barrier to justice; though our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Arlington County and nationwide. We come to you, utilizing video consultations, and traveling for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Arlington County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide locally.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez and What It Means for Arlington County Families

Less than a month ago, a bright young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was a weeks-long nightmare of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and extreme physical punishment. His ordeal ended with him hospitalized for four days, battling severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, a horrifying sign of his muscles breaking down, his body literally attacking itself because of what he was forced to endure.

This isn’t a story from decades past. This is happening right now, in Texas, at universities just like those your children might attend near Arlington County.

What makes Leonel’s case particularly chilling is that he wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student planning to officially join the campus for the upcoming spring semester. They did this to someone who hadn’t even officially joined their academic community yet. It speaks volumes about the utter disregard for human dignity and the reckless abandonment of safety within this fraternity.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters was forced to suspend its University of Houston chapter. Members quickly voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. These actions, coming in the immediate aftermath of the hazing being reported, are a clear admission of wrongdoing on the part of the fraternity’s national leadership. They knew what was happening was unacceptable, and they acted to protect themselves even before our lawsuit was filed.

Our firm, Attorney 911, immediately filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court. We named not just the local chapter and the national fraternity, but also the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, the fraternity’s housing corporation, and no fewer than 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence. This aggressive, comprehensive approach is what we bring to every hazing case, and it’s certainly the standard we apply for families in Arlington County.

This landmark case is the centerpiece of everything we do. It demonstrates precisely what Attorney 911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries. We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting right now. We are demonstrating in real time our commitment to taking on powerful institutions and holding them responsible.

The pain and suffering Leonel endured, both physical and psychological, are immense. His mother, frantic, seeing her son passing brown urine, rushed him to the hospital, where he fought kidney failure for four agonizing days. As my partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

What Leonel experienced wasn’t an isolated incident; it was part of a systemic pattern of abuse documented throughout the pledge process. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Another lost consciousness during a forced workout. These acts are not “tradition”; they are acts of extreme violence and humiliation. As my partner Lupe Peña stated to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Arlington County families, hear us: this horrifying reality is not confined to one campus in Houston. The same national fraternities, operating under the same umbrella of secrecy and “tradition,” have chapters at universities throughout Virginia. If it happened in Houston, it can happen, and likely is happening, at institutions your children attend. Attorney 911 is here to protect your family and fight for justice with the same dedication and expertise that we bring to the Bermudez case.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Arlington County might have a dated idea of hazing—maybe some silly pranks, forced late-night cleaning, or inconvenient tasks. Today’s hazing is a brutal, often life-threatening, form of organized abuse. It’s not about “boys being boys” or “building character”; it’s about power, control, humiliation, and often, life-altering injury or death.

What Leonel Bermudez was forced to endure demonstrates the horrific reality of modern hazing:

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is a technique condemned internationally as torture when used on prisoners. Doing this to a college student is an egregious act of violence. He was also continually sprayed with a garden hose while minimally clothed, further escalating the humiliation and physical discomfort.
Forced Consumption until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, he was forced to run sprints while lying in vomit-soaked grass. This is not a prank; it’s a direct assault on a person’s body and dignity.
Extreme Physical Punishment to the Point of Collapse: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, and grueling endurance drills like “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to do these exercises while reciting the fraternity creed, under constant threat of expulsion if he stopped. This relentless physical abuse led to his muscles breaking down, culminating in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Notably, another pledge had already lost consciousness during these workouts just weeks before, indicating a known and ignored danger.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. The incident of another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour demonstrates the casual cruelty and dehumanization integral to this “pledge process.”
Sleep Deprivation and Servitude: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and affecting his ability to function. This systematic exhaustion is a common tactic to break down pledges and make them more susceptible to abuse.
Physical Beatings: The lawsuit alleges he was “struck with wooden paddles.” This crosses a clear line into criminal assault and battery.

The True Cost of Hazing in America: Statistics That Demand Action

The harrowing details of Leonel’s story are not isolated. Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous problem across America:

Pervasiveness: Over half (55%) of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t a fringe activity; it’s deeply embedded in the culture.
Annual Deaths: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These are preventable tragedies.
Underreporting: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. Shame, fear of retaliation, and loyalty to the group keep victims silent, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.
Beyond Fraternities: While fraternities are often spotlighted, hazing occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, academic clubs, and other student organizations across campuses, including those near Arlington County.

The Institutional Failure: Aiding and Abetting Abuse

The most troubling aspect of hazing is the institutional cover-up. Universities and national organizations possess the power to stop this abuse. They have policies, codes of conduct, and oversight mechanisms. Yet, time and again, they choose to turn a blind eye, to prioritize reputation and fundraising over student safety, until a tragedy forces their hand. Then, they issue carefully worded statements, suspend chapters, and claim “shock” and “disturbances.”

The Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters immediately suspended and dissolved the UH chapter when Leonel’s hazing came to light. This swift action proves they knew the conduct was wrong and indefensible. Their prompt closure, however, was coupled with a statement on their website planning their “return to campus at the appropriate time,” rather than a genuine expression of sorrow or a commitment to preventing future harm. This callous approach sends a clear message: they are focused on damage control and eventual re-establishment, not fundamental cultural change.

The University of Houston’s response was equally telling. While their spokesperson told Houston Public Media that “the events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” the fact remains that UH owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred. They had direct oversight and could have intervened long before Leonel was hospitalized. Their “concern” rings hollow when juxtaposed with the reality of previous hazing incidents on their campus.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is a systematic failure of leadership, oversight, and a betrayal of trust by institutions that are supposed to protect young people. For families in Arlington County, understanding this harsh reality is the first step toward seeking justice. We are ready to expose these failures and fight for the accountability your child deserves.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Arlington County Hazing Cases

When hazing occurs, it’s never just one person or one entity to blame. The web of responsibility often extends far beyond the immediate perpetrators. At Attorney 911, we are experts at identifying every single liable party – from the individual student to the powerful national organization and the university itself – and holding them all accountable. This comprehensive approach is crucial for securing the maximum compensation and ensuring justice for hazing victims in Arlington County.

In the landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we have sued a multitude of defendants, demonstrating our commitment to casting a wide net to ensure full accountability:

The Local Fraternity Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is where the hazing originated. The chapter, as an entity, directly organized and carried out the abusive activities. Its treasury and any assets it holds can be targeted.
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager): These individuals hold leadership positions and are directly responsible for the conduct within the chapter. Their negligence, active participation, or failure to stop hazing makes them personally liable. The specific roles of the chapter president and pledgemaster are central, as they often orchestrate or condone the activities.
Individual Fraternity Members: Any member who actively participated in, encouraged, or stood by while hazing occurred can be held personally responsible. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and other intentional torts. We do not shy away from pursuing individual accountability.
Former Members and Their Spouses: In the Bermudez case, hazing occurred at the residence of a former member and his spouse. This expands liability to include those who facilitate hazing by providing a venue, often with homeowners’ insurance policies that can contribute to a settlement.
The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): This is often where the “deep pockets” lie. We target national organizations because they have:
- Actual or Constructive Knowledge: They often know that hazing is a pervasive issue within their chapters. Pi Kappa Phi, for instance, had documented knowledge of “a hazing crisis” and had experienced a death from hazing (Andrew Coffey in 2017) years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Despite this, they failed to implement effective safeguards.
- Failure to Supervise: They have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and intervene when violations occur. Their failure to do so is a direct cause of harm.
- Vast Resources: National organizations typically possess significant assets, large insurance policies, and endowments, making them crucial targets for meaningful compensation.
The University (University of Houston): Universities are increasingly held accountable for hazing that occurs on or off their campuses. Their liability stems from:
- Failure of Oversight: They have a duty to protect their students and provide a safe learning environment. When they fail to adequately supervise Greek life, investigate complaints, or enforce anti-hazing policies, they are negligent.
- Premises Liability: In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. As landlords, they have a responsibility to ensure premises are safe and not used for illegal activities. Knowing that hazing occurs on their property makes them directly liable.
- Failure to Act on Prior Knowledge: As detailed below, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017. Their failure to implement comprehensive changes after that incident makes their negligence in Leonel’s case even more egregious.
- “Deep Pockets”: Universities often have substantial endowments, extensive insurance coverage, and significant financial resources.
University Board of Regents: As the governing body, the Board of Regents holds ultimate responsibility for institutional oversight and policy. They are named defendants to ensure accountability at the highest level of university leadership.
Insurance Carriers: Behind every individual, chapter, national organization, and university there are insurance policies designed to cover precisely these types of liabilities. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, how they value claims, and the tactics they employ to minimize payouts. We leverage this knowledge to aggressively pursue maximum compensation from every available policy.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle: It’s important for Arlington County families to understand that pursuing a hazing lawsuit is not about bankrupting individual college students. While individual accountability is essential, the significant financial compensation typically comes from the “deep pockets” of national organizations and universities, which carry substantial liability insurance and assets. We strategically target these entities to ensure that victims receive full restitution for their medical bills, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and long-term damages.

When we take a hazing case in Arlington County, we conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify every potential defendant. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database, which tracks over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across the state, helps us understand the corporate structures, real estate holdings, and national affiliations of these groups. We know exactly who to sue and how to find them.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For Arlington County families reeling from the trauma of hazing, understanding what is possible is crucial. These are not small claims; they are often multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated, and institutions that allow it will pay a steep price. These precedent-setting cases form the bedrock of our strategy, proving that aggressive, data-driven litigation achieves justice.

Here are some of the landmark cases that demonstrate the significant compensation hazing victims and their families have received:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

The Tragedy: Stone Foltz tragically died of alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event at Bowling Green State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol.
The Outcome: His family received over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was handed down against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, holding him personally liable.
Significance for Arlington County: This case sets a high precedent for compensation, with a total payout exceeding $10 million. It shows that universities and national fraternities face significant liability. Furthermore, the personal judgment against a chapter officer proves that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s corporate structure. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

The Tragedy: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning at a Phi Delta Theta pledge event at Louisiana State University. He was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol in a ritual called “Bible Study,” where incorrect answers to questions resulted in more drinking. His BAC was 0.495—six times the legal limit.
The Outcome: His family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide. The tragedy also led to the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
Significance for Arlington County: This jury verdict unequivocally demonstrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths. It underscores the severity of punishment for fraternities and the lasting impact these cases have on state law.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated in Settlements)

The Tragedy: Timothy Piazza attended a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance event at Penn State, where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He suffered multiple falls, including down a flight of stairs, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
The Outcome: The Piazza family received an estimated $110 million+ through various settlements. Numerous fraternity members faced and received convictions, including for involuntary manslaughter. The case led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” significantly strengthening anti-hazing legislation.
Significance for Arlington County: This case highlights the magnitude of compensation possible when evidence is strong and the misconduct particularly egregious. The long delay in seeking medical help, and its capture on video, underscores the depravity of the hazing culture and the institutional cover-up. Our case, with its allegations of waterboarding and extreme physical abuse, shares a similar level of egregious conduct.

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

Significance: Same Fraternity as Bermudez!

The Tragedy: Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi at Florida State University, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit filed by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
Significance for Arlington County (and Leonel Bermudez): This is a critical precedent because it involved the same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) as our current case. Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 means Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice—they knew about deadly hazing within their organization. Our lawsuit will leverage this pattern of negligence to demonstrate their deliberate indifference to student safety, which persisted for eight years until Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized.

These cases, and many others, are not just legal victories; they are a beacon of hope for Arlington County families. They prove that institutions and individuals can be held accountable, and that significant compensation can be recovered for the unimaginable pain and suffering caused by hazing. The same legal strategies, the same aggressive pursuit of justice, and the same commitment to victims that secured these outcomes are precisely what Attorney 911 offers to families in Arlington County.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Arlington County Hazing Cases

For families in Arlington County, it’s crucial to understand the robust legal framework designed to protect victims of hazing. While our firm is based in Texas, where hazing laws are particularly strong, these principles extend nationwide. Similar anti-hazing statutes exist in most states, and federal civil rights claims, coupled with general negligence claims, allow us to pursue justice for Arlington County victims no matter where the hazing occurred, utilizing our federal court authority.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Shield

Texas has some of the most explicit and far-reaching anti-hazing laws in the nation, codified under the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These statutes are a powerful weapon in the fight for accountability:

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):

Texas law broadly defines 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. Critically, this definition includes a wide array of behaviors directly applicable to Leonel Bermudez’s case:

Physical Brutality: “Whipping, beating, striking, branding…or similar activity.” Being “struck with wooden paddles” (as in Leonel’s case) falls squarely within this.
Unreasonable Risk to Health or Safety: This includes “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel’s enforced 500 squats, 100+ push-ups, bear crawls, constant hose spraying, stripping to underwear in cold weather, and sleep deprivation all meet this definition, leading directly to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Forced Consumption: “Consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance…that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” The forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by compelled exercise, is a clear violation.
Violation of Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to commit a crime (e.g., vandalism, theft) is also defined as hazing.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):

Texas law doesn’t just recognize hazing; it penalizes it severely:

Class B Misdemeanor: Merely “engaging in hazing,” “soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding” hazing, or having “firsthand knowledge” and failing to report it can result in up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (like Leonel’s acute kidney failure), the penalty escalates to up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, the perpetrators face 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in their statement following Leonel’s hospitalization, indicating the criminal severity of the actions.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

The law extends beyond individuals, holding organizations accountable. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni…commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property. This means both the local chapter and the national organization can be held liable.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):

This is perhaps the most critical component of Texas hazing law. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He knew what he signed up for,” or “He could have just left.” Texas law firmly rejects this notion, recognizing the coercive nature of hazing and the immense pressure placed on young people to conform. For Arlington County families, this means the focus remains on the illegal acts of hazing, not on the victim’s perceived “consent.”

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):

Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision ensures that universities cannot simply conceal hazing incidents.

Beyond Texas: Civil Liability Theories for Arlington County Victims

While these specific Texas statutes are powerful, similar laws exist across the country. More broadly, several civil liability theories can be applied to hazing cases, regardless of the state, allowing our firm to represent Arlington County victims whose hazing occurred in Virginia or any other state:

Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. It involves proving that the responsible parties (individual members, the chapter, the national organization, or the university) had a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (i.e., allowing hazing), and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house) or another individual (like the former member’s residence), property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment and prevent foreseeable dangers.
Negligent Supervision: National organizations have a duty to supervise their local chapters, and universities have a duty to oversee Greek life. A failure in this supervision can directly contribute to hazing and lead to liability.
Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically hurt a student (e.g., striking with paddles, forced physical exertion, intentional spraying with a hose) are directly liable for assault and battery.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): If the hazing involves conduct so “extreme and outrageous” that it causes severe emotional distress (as waterboarding undoubtedly would), victims can pursue IIED claims.
Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that hazing leads to a student’s death, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one’s companionship, future earnings, and other damages.

These comprehensive legal avenues underscore that victims of hazing in Arlington County have powerful tools at their disposal to seek justice. The law is on the side of the victim, and Attorney 911 is expert at navigating these complex legal waters to ensure every liable party is held accountable.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Obvious Choice for Arlington County Hazing Victims

When your family in Arlington County is facing the aftermath of a hazing tragedy, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates with a proven track record, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Attorney 911 offers a unique set of advantages that make us the definitive choice for hazing victims.

1. Actively Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case Right Now

This isn’t theoretical expertise. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases.” We are currently in Harris County Civil District Court, fighting aggressively on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual defendants in a $10 million lawsuit. This is real-time, aggressive hazing litigation, and we bring that same intensity and strategic approach to every Arlington County family we represent. Our live litigation proves our capabilities and our dedication.

2. Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Experience

My partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. He is an aggressive, battle-tested trial attorney who knows how to win complex lawsuits.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph began his career working for insurance companies. He sat on the other side of the table, learning their strategies, their tactics for minimizing payouts, and their weaknesses. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims. For Arlington County families, this means we know exactly how the powerful insurance lawyers for fraternities and universities will try to fight your case, and we know how to counter them.
Federal Court Authority: Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and has experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal court admission is critical because it allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential advantage when dealing with national fraternities/sororities and universities that often cross state lines. This means we can effectively serve Arlington County families regardless of where the incident occurred.
Dual-State Bar License: Ralph is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New York. This dual-state admission provides a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternity and sorority organizations, many of which have chapters across the country and may be headquartered in states like New York.
Mass Tort Experience (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic 2005 refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience demonstrates his capacity to successfully take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources, a skill directly applicable to litigating against powerful national fraternities and universities.
Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories. This is invaluable in hazing cases, where institutions often try to suppress information and control the narrative.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience litigating rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and has previously handled Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation and Texas A&M University hazing cases. He deeply understands the medical and institutional complexities involved.
Father of Three: Beyond his professional credentials, Ralph is a father. He understands the profound anguish and betrayal families in Arlington County experience when their child is harmed by hazing, fueling his aggressive advocacy.

3. Lupe Peña: Insider Knowledge from National Insurance Defense

Lupe Peña, my esteemed partner, brings over 12 years of litigation experience, with a strategic background that provides immediate “insurance counter-intelligence.”

Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, before joining our team. He spent years on the inside, defending insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims. He knows their “playbook” – how they value claims, strategize defenses, employ delay tactics, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.
Leveraging Insider Knowledge: Now, Lupe utilizes this specialized intelligence to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Every tactic they taught him to use against victims, he now uses for victims. This is not theoretical; it’s battlefield intelligence directly from within the powerful insurance industry. For Arlington County families, this means your legal team truly understands the other side’s weaknesses.
Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Lupe has extensive experience representing families in wrongful death cases and cases involving catastrophic injuries. This is precisely the type of expertise needed in hazing litigation, where injuries are often severe and, tragically, sometimes fatal.
Dram Shop Experience: Lupe’s experience in dram shop liability cases (holding establishments accountable for over-serving alcohol) is directly applicable to hazing incidents involving forced alcohol consumption, a common factor in many hazing tragedies.
Bilingual (Fluent in Spanish): Lupe is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Arlington County who may need legal assistance after a hazing incident. Se habla español.
Aggressive Philosophy: Lupe’s litigation philosophy is to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the other side. This relentless advocacy is precisely what’s needed to take on powerful fraternities, universities, and their insurers.

4. Our “Insurance Counter-Intelligence System”

At Attorney 911, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is a deliberate strategy. Together, with over 37 years of combined experience, they form an unparalleled “insurance counter-intelligence system.” When an Arlington County family hires us, they don’t just get lawyers; they get insiders who know exactly how the opposing side thinks and operates, providing an unfair advantage for our clients.

5. Data-Driven Litigation: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Database

We don’t guess; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, a data backbone we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database. This includes details like EINs, legal names, addresses, housing corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures for over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. This intelligence allows us to:

Identify Every Liable Party: We know the corporate structure behind the Greek letters. When hazing happens, we know exactly who the national organization, the housing corporation, and other affiliated entities are, ensuring we can sue every responsible party.
Track Patterns and Connections: Our database allows us to identify how national brands appear across undergraduate chapters, alumni groups, and other affiliates, giving us unparalleled insight into their organizational reach and history.
Build Bulletproof Cases: This data allows us to build cases that demonstrate foreknowledge, systemic issues, and a pattern of negligence, all crucial for securing significant settlements and deterring future hazing.

6. Client-Centered Approach

We understand that choosing an attorney in Arlington County after a hazing incident is a deeply personal and difficult decision. We prioritize:

Empathy and Compassion: We treat your family like our own. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping victims.
Contingency Fees: Cost is never a barrier to justice. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours.
Exceptional Communication: We are committed to keeping you informed at every step. As one client, Dame Haskett, put it, “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case. Ralph reached out personally and Leonor walked me through the entire process.”
Willingness to Travel: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we don’t let geography limit justice. We offer remote video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Arlington County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.

For families in Arlington County, Attorney 911 represents the ultimate advocate. We combine decades of experience, insider knowledge, data-driven strategy, and deep compassion to stand up to the powerful institutions that enable hazing. We are not afraid to fight, and we are fighting right now.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Arlington County Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in Arlington County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While panic and anger are natural, taking swift and deliberate action can significantly impact the strength and outcome of your legal case. Here is urgent, actionable guidance for families in Arlington County:

1. Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Remove Your Child From Harm: If your child is still in a dangerous situation, ensure their immediate safety. This might mean physically removing them from the fraternity house, campus, or any environment where hazing is occurring.
Seek Medical Care IMMEDIATELY: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional medical attention. Trauma, adrenaline, and fear can mask serious injuries. Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or your family doctor. For severe incidents, call 911.
- Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, however small, are documented by medical professionals. This creates an official record that is invaluable for your case. Tell the doctors explicitly that the injuries are from hazing.
- For Leonel Bermudez, this was critical. His mother rushing him to the hospital, documenting his symptoms like passing brown urine, and receiving the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, formed the medical backbone of our lawsuit. Do not delay, as any gap in treatment will be exploited by opposing counsel.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Digital, Physical, and Testimonial

Evidence can disappear quickly, especially when perpetrators realize they are in trouble. You must act decisively to preserve anything that could support your case.

Digital Communications (CRITICAL!): Hazing often happens through digital channels.
- Text Messages: Save every text message, especially those from fraternity members, new members, or anyone involved in the hazing. These can include instructions, threats, derogatory comments, or even admissions.
- Group Chats: Screenshot entire group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, etc.). Do not just save snippets; try to capture the full context.
- Social Media: Take screenshots or download posts, stories, or messages related to the fraternity, the hazing, or even posts from other members.
- Emails: Save any emails from the fraternity, university, or other members.
Photos and Videos (If Available):
- Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of all injuries, bruises, cuts, or other physical marks immediately. Continue taking photos as the injuries heal over time (as my partner Ralph Manginello advises: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”).
- Hazing Scenes: If safe to do so, discreetly photograph or video record the location where hazing occurred, or any items used in hazing (e.g., alcohol containers, degrading objects, specific equipment).
- Witnesses: Get contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it. This includes other pledges, former members, or even bystanders.
Documents: Collect any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or other physical documents provided by the organization. These often contain veiled instructions for hazing activities.
Academic and Financial Records: Keep records of tuition, fees, lost wages from missed work, and any other financial costs incurred due to the hazing. Document any impact on grades or academic standing.

3. DO NOT Communicate Without Legal Counsel

This is perhaps the most important instruction. The university, the fraternity, and their representatives are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect their institution and mitigate their liability.

NO Statements to Fraternity/Sorority: Do not talk to fraternity or sorority leadership, current members, or alumni without legal counsel. They will try to get you to minimize what happened, shift blame, or even sign documents that waive your rights.
NO Statements to University Administration Alone: Do not give a statement to university officials (Dean of Students, Greek Life Office, Title IX office) without first consulting with an attorney. While reporting is important, your statements can be used against you. Have your attorney present or guide you.
NO Speaking to Their Lawyers or Insurance: If legal representatives or insurance adjusters for the fraternity or university contact you, politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney. They are trained to extract information that can damage your case.
NO Social Media Posts: Do not post anything about the incident or your experiences on social media. Avoid general posts about your well-being that can be misconstrued. Anything you post can and will be used against you by defense attorneys. Furthermore, do not delete old posts retrospectively, as that can be construed as evidence spoliation. Just stay quiet online.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their legal/insurance representatives without first having your own attorney review them.

4. CONTACT Attorney 911 IMMEDIATELY

Time is of the essence. There are critical deadlines, such as the statute of limitations (typically two years in states like Virginia and Texas), which dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade.

FREE Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing upfront. This allows us to assess your case, explain your rights, and outline your options. For Arlington County families, we offer video consultations to make the process as easy as possible.
We Work on Contingency: You do not pay us a dime unless and until we win your case. This removes any financial barrier to seeking justice.
Immediate Action: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can send out preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally compelling them to retain all relevant evidence, including text messages, internal communications, and video footage. This prevents the intentional destruction of evidence that often occurs when hazing incidents come to light.

Your child did not deserve this. You are not alone. And we are here to fight for you.

Final Call to Action for Arlington County Hazing Victims

Arlington County Communities: This Is Your Opportunity to Demand Justice.

The harrowing story of Leonel Bermudez is not a distant problem; it’s a stark reminder that hazing can happen anywhere, including in communities like Arlington County. Your children attend competitive schools, join prestigious organizations, and become part of Greek life with the hope of building futures, not enduring trauma. When that trust is shattered by a culture of abuse, you have the right to fight back.

We are Attorney 911, and we are not merely legal advisors – we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We respond to the urgent crisis you face with aggressive, experienced, and compassionate advocacy. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against major institutions and countless individuals, proving our active commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. We bring this same level of expertise, dedication, and righteous fury to every hazing case we take on, regardless of whether it happened here in Texas or in your community in Arlington County.

Don’t Let Them Win. Don’t Let Them Silence You.

The universities and national fraternities have vast resources, legal teams, and PR departments designed to minimize their blame and protect their brands. You need an equally formidable team on your side, one that knows their tactics because we used to be them. Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys who have spent decades understanding the strategies of the opposition. We turn that insider knowledge into an unfair advantage for you.

We understand the unique challenges facing families in Arlington County. Your child may have left for college expecting safety and camaraderie, only to find themselves ensnared in a web of abuse. You may feel geographically removed from legal help, but we assure you, distance is not an obstacle to justice. We offer seamless video consultations, communicate updates regularly, and are prepared to travel to Arlington County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

Your Call to Action: Take the First Step Towards Healing and Accountability

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing – whether physically injured, psychologically traumatized, or subjected to dehumanizing abuse – do not suffer in silence. Do not let fear, shame, or loyalty to an abusive “brotherhood” prevent you from seeking justice. The law is on your side, and we are here to enforce it.

We are available 24/7. Your consultation is free. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Arlington County Families, Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us 24/7: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

What You Should Do Right Now:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Document every injury, physical symptom, and psychological distress with a medical doctor, therapist, or emergency room. This is non-negotiable proof.
Preserve EVERYTHING: Save every text, every group chat, every social media message, every photo, every video related to the hazing. Do not delete anything.
DO NOT Talk to Anyone: Do not speak with fraternity members, university administrators, or their lawyers/insurance adjusters without our guidance. Anything you say can be used against you.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Keep all details of the incident off public platforms. Social media is a weapon in the hands of defense attorneys.
Call Attorney 911: The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can secure critical evidence and protect your rights before deadlines expire.

This isn’t just about your child. It’s about protecting every student in Arlington County and beyond from the same fate. Let us help you send a powerful message that hazing will no longer be tolerated.

Enough is enough.