If you’re reading this in Buchanan County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, full of hopes and dreams for new friendships and experiences. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Buchanan County, and across America, fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow this brutality to continue.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear – it’s overwhelming. You might be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could have happened and what you can possibly do. We want you to know that you are not alone, and you have powerful legal allies ready to stand with you. Attorney911 is a legal emergency law firm that aggressively represents hazing victims and their families, turning their pain and rage into real accountability.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Buchanan County

Just weeks ago, a nightmare unfolded in Houston, Texas. A young man, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was a systematic campaign of weeks-long abuse that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This wasn’t merely a prank; it was torture, and it’s precisely the kind of brutality that could be happening at universities where students from Buchanan County, Virginia attend.

Buchanan County families, this happened in our backyard, and the same risk exists for your children. Whether they attend Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Radford University, East Tennessee State University just across the border, or any other institution with Greek life, the threat of hazing is real and ever-present. The same national fraternities that have caused harm across the country have chapters active at universities near Buchanan County, and the cultural sickness that allows hazing flourishes everywhere.

Here’s Leonel’s story, not as a legal brief, but as a stark warning to every parent in Buchanan County about the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of campus life:

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush.” He wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, he was recruited into Pi Kappa Phi’s pledge process. From September 16 to November 3, 2025, he endured a relentless torrent of physical and psychological abuse.

Imagine this:

Simulated Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that mimics a form of torture.
Physical Beatings: He was struck with wooden paddles. This was not playful swatting; it was deliberate assault.
Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats, along with grueling “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to continue until his body literally broke down and he could no longer stand.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume copious amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue exercising, lying in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Psychological Torture: Made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, stripping to his underwear in cold weather, and constantly threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply.
Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and impacting his health.

The horrific climax came on November 3, 2025. After a brutal session of forced exercise, Leonel was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled home, his body aching beyond belief. The next day, he could barely move. The day after that, he was worse. By November 6, his urine turned brown—a terrifying sign of severe muscle breakdown. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life, with potential long-term kidney damage.

This isn’t a story from decades past. This is happening now, to someone who simply sought friendship and belonging. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of this abuse occurred, and the national Pi Kappa Phi organization has a history of similar incidents, including the tragic death of Andrew Coffey in 2017.

Buchanan County families, the reality is stark: These fraternities are not isolated incidents of bad actors. They are part of a broader, deeply entrenched culture that spans across campuses and state lines. We are aggressively pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members precisely because we believe in holding every responsible party accountable. This is our commitment to justice, and it’s the same commitment we bring to hazing victims and their families in Buchanan County, Virginia.

For a full understanding of the news reports surrounding this ongoing case, we encourage you to read the coverage:

This case, which is active and ongoing, is a testament to our firm’s aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to hazing litigation. We don’t just talk about hazing; we fight it, right now, in the courts.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the “Pranks” and “Tradition”

The images many parents from Buchanan County might have of hazing—silly costumes, scavenger hunts, or mild inconveniences—are dangerously outdated. Modern hazing, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, often involves physical assault, psychological torment, sleep deprivation, and forced consumption that can lead to severe injury, permanent damage, or even death. It is sophisticated torture masquerading as “tradition.”

This is not about “building character” or “team bonding.” It is about a heinous abuse of power, designed to degrade, humiliate, and control.
Let’s shatter the misconceptions about what hazing truly entails:

1. Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond anything remotely acceptable.
* Beatings and Paddling: As Leonel experienced, being struck with wooden paddles is a direct assault, leaving physical and emotional scars.
* Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: Endless push-ups, squats, sprints, and crawls pushed to the point of collapse, leading to medical emergencies like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
* Branding and Burning: In some cases, pledges are branded with hot irons or subjected to burns.
* Exposure: Forcing students into extreme cold or heat, confined spaces, or leaving them in remote locations.

2. Forced Consumption: A leading cause of hazing fatalities.
* Binge Drinking: Often seen as a rite of passage, forcing pledges to consume large quantities of alcohol in a short time can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, brain damage, coma, or death. Max Gruver’s and Andrew Coffey’s deaths are grim reminders of this.
* Eating Until Vomiting: Forced overeating of grotesque or excessive foods, often followed by more physical punishment, as seen in Leonel’s case.
* Non-Food Substances: Pledges compelled to eat or drink non-food items, leading to severe illness.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation: The injuries here may not be visible, but they are deeply damaging.
* Degradation: Acts designed to strip pledges of their dignity and self-respect, such as wearing humiliating outfits, carrying lewd objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack), or being forced to act like animals.
* Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, insults, and explicit threats of physical harm or social ostracism.
* Isolation and Intimidation: Being cut off from friends and family, subjected to interrogations, or public shaming. The fear of retribution, even after the hazing ends, is a profound psychological burden, as Leonel Bermudez continues to experience.
* Sleep Deprivation: Keeping pledges awake for extended periods, impacting their physical and mental health, and making them more susceptible to control and suggestion.

4. Sexual Abuse: A horrifying, yet documented, aspect of hazing.
* Forced Nudity: Stripping pledges naked, often in public or humiliating contexts.
* Sexual Acts: Being forced to perform or endure sexual acts, including sexual assault.
* Carrying Sexual Objects: As Leonel’s experience shows, this is designed to degrade and objectify.

The Medical Consequences are Real and Life-Altering:

Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: Muscle breakdown that floods the bloodstream with toxins, leading to kidney damage, a condition Leonel Bermudez is now recovering from.
Acute Alcohol Poisoning: Fatal in many cases, leading to respiratory arrest and brain damage.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, blows to the head, or extreme physical exertion. This was Timothy Piazza’s tragic fate after falling down stairs.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: From excessive physical exertion.
PTSD and Mental Health Crisis: Long-term psychological damage, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trust issues that can last a lifetime.
Lacerated Spleen: A severe internal injury, as seen in a past University of Houston hazing incident involving Jared Munoz.

For families in Buchanan County, these are not distant stories. These are potential realities for students attending universities nearby, where national fraternities and competitive organizations replicate the same dangerous behaviors we saw in Houston. The students involved are often your neighbors’ kids, or students attending the same institutions their Buchanan County peers flock to.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one or two individuals acting in isolation. It’s often a systemic failure, where multiple layers of individuals and institutions turn a blind eye, enable, or actively participate in dangerous activities. At Attorney911, we believe in holding every single responsible party accountable, from the individual students to the national organizations and universities that allow this culture to flourish. This is critical for getting justice for victims in Buchanan County and preventing future tragedies.

Our $10 million lawsuit in Texas against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a prime example of our comprehensive approach to identifying and suing all liable parties. Here’s who can be held responsible when hazing causes injury or death:

1. The Individual Perpetrators:
* Chapter Officers: The students who hold leadership positions within the fraternity or sorority, such as the president, pledgemaster, or risk manager. These individuals often orchestrate and oversee hazing activities. They are directly targeted in our Bermudez lawsuit.
* Individual Members: Any student who actively participates in, encourages, or fails to intervene in hazing activities can be held personally liable. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and other intentional torts.
* Former Members: In Leonel Bermudez’s case, hazing occurred at the residence of a former member and his spouse, making them liable for allowing dangerous activities on their property. This highlights that responsibility extends beyond active student members.

2. The Local Chapter / Greek Organization:
* The chapter itself can be sued as a legal entity. It is responsible for the collective actions of its members and for promoting a culture where hazing is tolerated. This includes the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in our ongoing case.
* Liability stems from direct participation in hazing, negligent supervision of its members, and maintaining a dangerous environment.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority:
* These are the “deep pockets” that often have millions in assets and comprehensive insurance policies.
* Failure to Supervise: National organizations have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail, as Pi Kappa Phi did despite already having a student death on their record (Andrew Coffey in 2017), they are liable. KHOU 11 reported that the Pi Kappa Phi national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
* Failure to Train or Educate: Inadequate training on hazing prevention, risk management, and emergency response contributes to their liability.
* Pattern of Negligence: If a national organization has a history of hazing incidents across multiple chapters, it establishes a pattern of negligence that strengthens claims for punitive damages.

4. The University or College:
* Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and provide a safe learning environment. This duty extends to campus organizations, especially those they recognize and house.
* Negligent Supervision: Failure to monitor Greek life activities, respond to prior hazing complaints, or enforce their own anti-hazing policies. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Jared Munoz) and still failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s injury.
* Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house owned by UH in our case, the university can be held liable for allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
* Failure to Warn: Not adequately warning students and parents about the dangers of hazing within their Greek system.
* Title IX Violations: In cases involving sexual assault or gender-based discrimination during hazing, universities may face liability under Title IX.

5. Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards:
* Many fraternities have separate housing corporations that own their chapter houses. These entities can be liable for premises liability if hazing occurs on their property.
* Alumni boards often maintain significant influence and financial control over local chapters and can be held responsible for oversight failures or enabling a dangerous culture. The Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a defendant in Leonel Bermudez’s case.

6. The Insurance Carriers:
* Ultimately, much of the financial compensation comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes even individuals. Having experienced attorneys who know how to navigate these policies is crucial. Our firm, with attorneys like Lupe Peña who previously worked as an insurance defense attorney, have an insider’s view of how these companies operate.

For families in Buchanan County, Virginia, it’s vital to remember that distance does not diminish accountability. The powerful, data-driven legal strategies we employ in Texas apply to cases nationwide. We will meticulously investigate every layer of responsibility to ensure that everyone who contributed to your child’s trauma is held to account.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Prevails

The fight against hazing is often portrayed as David vs. Goliath—individuals against powerful institutions. However, national precedent proves that justice can and does prevail, often resulting in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear message: hazing is not tolerated, and those responsible will pay. These cases are not just about compensation; they are about forcing change and saving lives. For families in Buchanan County, these stories offer hope and conviction that their pursuit of justice is not futile.

These significant awards demonstrate that our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is precisely in line with the financial consequences institutions face for their negligence.

Here are some of the landmark hazing cases that have reshaped the legal landscape and can directly inform cases for hazing victims in Buchanan County:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

What Happened: In March 2021, 20-year-old Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity, along with individuals, contributed to an additional settlement of $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in a personal judgment, including $4 million for the parents and $2 million for the siblings.
Relevance for Buchanan County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held financially liable, and individual perpetrators face severe personal consequences. The sheer scale of the award shows courts and juries are increasingly intolerant of hazing.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total Outcome: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual at Louisiana State University. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol when they answered questions incorrectly in a “Bible Study” event. His BAC was 0.495, more than six times the legal limit.
The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The hazing led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide against a fraternity member, and spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
Relevance for Buchanan County: This jury verdict underlines that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar damages for hazing deaths. It also shows a clear path from civil litigation to criminal prosecution and legislative change, offering multiple avenues for justice for Buchanan County families.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total Recovery: $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)

What Happened: In February 2017, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after falling down stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual at Penn State. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire horrific ordeal was captured on surveillance cameras.
The Outcome: The Piazza family secured substantial settlements, estimated to be over $110 million, from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi. Criminal charges were filed against 18 fraternity members, leading to multiple convictions, and Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
Relevance for Buchanan County: This case sets a benchmark for the highest potential awards in hazing cases, especially when clear evidence (like the extensive hazing documented in Leonel’s case) proves extreme negligence. It highlights the critical importance of preserving evidence and the willingness of families to fight for accountability and legislative reform.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Significance: Same Fraternity as Bermudez Case

What Happened: In November 2017, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. Pledges were forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
The Outcome: The chapter was permanently closed, and criminal charges were pursued. The family also reached a confidential civil settlement.
Relevance for Buchanan County: This is a devastating point for Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey’s death occurred 8 years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization, proving they had actual knowledge of their dangerous hazing culture and failed to act. This significantly strengthens claims for punitive damages for victims like Leonel, and for any future victims from Buchanan County.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Total Recovery: $4 Million+ Settlement

What Happened: In February 2021, 19-year-old Adam Oakes, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi fraternity hazing event where he was forced to consume a large bottle of bourbon.
The Outcome: The Oakes family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually settled for over $4 million in October 2024. Six fraternity members pleaded guilty or no contest to hazing charges. The family established the “Love Like Adam” Foundation and successfully advocated for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, mandating anti-hazing training for students.
Relevance for Buchanan County: Adam Oakes’ case is particularly relevant for Buchanan County as it occurred in Virginia, highlighting that hazing is a severe issue within the state. It shows the strong demand made by families who are seeking justice in the same state that Buchanan County lies in.

These cases are not just headlines; they are testaments to the power of aggressive legal action. They serve as a powerful warning to universities and national Greek organizations, and as a beacon of hope for families in Buchanan County seeking to hold perpetrators accountable. Whether it’s in Houston, Baton Rouge, Bowling Green, or a university your child attends near Buchanan County, the same legal principles apply, and the same tenacity will be brought to bear by Attorney911.

Texas Law Protects You: Challenging the “Consent” Myth

In the harrowing aftermath of hazing, phrases like “he knew what he was signing up for” or “he consented” are often used to deflect blame. But for families in Buchanan County, Virginia, and across the nation, it is crucial to understand that consent is NOT a defense to hazing, particularly under Texas law where our firm is based. This legal principle is a cornerstone of our hazing litigation strategy and provides powerful protection for victims.

Under Texas Education Code § 37.154, the law 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 is paramount. The very idea that a victim can “consent” to being assaulted, tortured, or subjected to dangerous activities is a dangerous myth perpetuated by a culture of abuse. The Texas Legislature, recognising the inherent coercion and power imbalances in hazing, removed this loophole to ensure perpetrators cannot escape accountability by blaming the victim. This robust legal framework, shared by many other states, ensures that the focus remains on the illegal and harmful acts of the hazers, not on the impossible choice forced upon the victim.

Let’s delve into relevant aspects of Texas anti-hazing laws that protect students like those from Buchanan County:

Texas Education Code § 37.151 – Definition of Hazing:

Hazing is broadly defined to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership, if the act:

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, striking, branding, or placing a harmful substance on the body (e.g., the wooden paddles Leonel Bermudez was struck with).
Involves unreasonable risk of harm: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics that endanger mental or physical health (e.g., the waterboarding, 500 squats to kidney failure, and cold-weather stripping Leonel endured).
Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, or alcohol that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm (e.g., Leonel being forced to eat until vomiting).
Involves criminal acts: Any activity requiring a student to violate the Penal Code.

Leonel Bermudez’s case perfectly illustrates how multiple elements of this definition can be met through one hazing experience, establishing a clear violation of the law. This comprehensive definition ensures that many forms of hazing – from physical abuse to psychological torment – are recognized as illegal.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

Texas law imposes serious criminal penalties for hazing:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or having firsthand knowledge and failing to report (up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine).
Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under this, placing the individual perpetrators at risk of significant jail time.
State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine).

The fact that the University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case underscores that this is not just a civil matter; lives are being put at risk, and criminal acts are being committed.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

The law holds organizations directly accountable:

A fraternity, sorority, or any organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing.
Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating privileges, and forfeiture of property.

This means that not only the individual students, but the entire chapter and even the national organization (if they condoned or enabled the behavior) face legal consequences.

Institutional Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):

University administrators are legally required to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision places a legal duty on universities to act, and their failure to do so can contribute to their liability.

Global Reach of Our Expertise for Buchanan County:
While our firm is rooted in Texas, our federal court admissions and dual bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims anywhere in the country, including Buchanan County, Virginia. Most states have similar anti-hazing statutes, and the underlying civil liability theories—negligence, assault, battery, premises liability—are universal. This means that if your child experienced hazing at Virginia Tech, Radford, or any other institution, our legal framework and aggressive strategies are fully applicable.

We understand that legal jargon can be confusing, especially during a time of crisis. Our commitment is to explain your rights in plain English, ensuring you fully grasp the legal power available to you and your child in Buchanan County.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage Against Hazing

When your child is suffering from hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the dark underbelly of Greek life and knows how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions. At Attorney911, we are not theoretical; we are actively on the front lines, fighting hazing in America, and we bring that same battle-tested expertise to families in Buchanan County, Virginia.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the unequivocal choice for hazing victims and their families in Buchanan County:

1. Actively Litigating the Landmark Bermudez $10 Million Hazing Case:
* We are in the fight RIGHT NOW. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez is our flagship case. This isn’t theoretical; it’s a live, aggressive battle where we are applying every strategy we preach. Buchanan County families receive representation informed by the very latest hazing litigation.
* Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are personally leading this case. Mr. Manginello has direct expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified for a case like Leonel’s.

2. Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook Because We Wrote It:
* Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. They spent years defending insurance companies and corporations against claims just like yours. They know precisely how the opposition thinks, strategizes, and attempts to suppress payouts.
* Lupe Peña’s experience at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, gave him an insider’s view of how large organizations evaluate claims and manipulate victims. He knows their tactics, their pressure points, and their weaknesses. Now, he uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for you.
* This “insurance counter-intelligence system” means we anticipate their moves, deflect their arguments, and push for maximum compensation for Buchanan County victims.

3. Battle-Tested Experience Against Goliaths:
* Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion Litigation demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. Hazing cases, especially against national fraternities and universities, require this level of aggressive, high-stakes litigation experience.
* Our attorneys have a combined 37+ years of courtroom experience, tackling complex personal injury cases that demand meticulous investigation and relentless advocacy.

4. Nationwide Reach & Federal Court Authority:
* While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, hazing knows no state boundaries. We serve victims in Buchanan County, Virginia, and across America.
* Our federal court admissions mean we can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or multi-state incidents.
* Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar license (Texas AND New York) provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities often headquartered outside of Texas. We can leverage legal avenues in multiple states.

5. Data-Driven Litigation & Intelligence:
* We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every potential defendant – from national headquarters to local housing corporations – ensuring no responsible party escapes accountability.
* We track precedent-setting verdicts and legislative changes nationwide, continuously refining our strategies to ensure we are always at the forefront of hazing litigation.

6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach (Se Habla Español):
* We understand the immense trauma hazing inflicts on victims and their families. Our tone is empathetic, warm, and parent-facing. We treat your family like our own.
* Our firm offers bilingual staff fluent in Spanish (Se Habla Español), removing language barriers and ensuring that Hispanic families in Buchanan County receive comprehensive legal guidance and support.

7. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost to Justice:
* We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden, allowing families in Buchanan County to access justice against powerful institutions without financial risk.
* Watch our video: How Contingency Fees Work

8. Proven Track Record & Social Proof:
* With a 4.9-star rating and over 250 Google reviews, our clients consistently praise our aggressive advocacy, consistent communication, and the exceptional results we achieve. Reviews highlight our firm’s ability to recover maximum settlements and our commitment to treating clients like family.
* From criminal defense dismissals to multi-million dollar personal injury settlements, our case results speak for themselves. This track record applies directly to our capacity to win monumental hazing cases.

For parents in Buchanan County who are wrestling with the devastating consequences of hazing, choosing Attorney911 means choosing an aggressive, experienced, and deeply committed legal team. We don’t just handle hazing cases; we are actively reshaping the landscape of hazing accountability across America, and we are ready to fight for your child.

What to Do Right Now: Empowering Buchanan County Families

If your child in Buchanan County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Fear, confusion, and humiliation can make it difficult to know what steps to take, but decisive action can profoundly impact your ability to seek justice. We understand that this is an incredibly stressful time, but there are concrete steps you can take right now to protect your child’s rights and build a strong legal case.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
* Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, seek professional medical and mental health evaluation immediately.
* Documentation is Key: This ensures that all injuries – physical, psychological, and emotional – are officially documented by medical professionals. This creates an undeniable record that will be crucial evidence in any legal action. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, his mother rushing him to the hospital on November 6 was a vital step in documenting his severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
* Watch our video: Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”:
* Every piece of information is a puzzle piece in your case. Hazing cases are often won or lost based on the evidence available.
* Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, and social media post related to the hazing. Do not delete anything from your child’s phone or accounts. These digital trails are often smoking guns.
* Photos/Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) immediately, and continue to document the healing process over time. If possible and safe, photograph any hazing locations or items used in the hazing.
* Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it – other pledges, current members, former members, and even bystanders.
* Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written communications your child received from the organization.
* Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages due to missed work, and any tuition/fees paid to the university or fraternity.
* Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, their enrollment status, or any lost scholarships due to the hazing trauma.
* Watch our video: Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? and Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case

3. Do NOT Communicate Without Legal Counsel:
* Silence is Your Shield: Do not speak to fraternity or sorority leadership, university administrators, their lawyers, or insurance adjusters without first consulting with your own attorney. They are not on your side; their primary goal is to protect the institution and minimize liability.
* No Recorded Statements: Absolutely refuse to give any recorded statements. These can be twisted and used against you later.
* No Signing Documents: Do not sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal review. You could unknowingly waive critical legal rights.
* Watch our video: Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident

4. STAY OFF Social Media:
* Crucial Rule: Anything your child posts, or that others tag your child in, can be used by the defense to undermine your case. Claims adjusters and defense attorneys meticulously scour social media for anything that suggests your child is not as injured or traumatized as claimed.
* Avoid Deletion (But Don’t Post!): While you should not delete anything relevant to the hazing incident itself (as this can be seen as spoliation of evidence), instruct your child to refrain from posting anything new about their activities or feelings.
* Watch our video: Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident

5. Call Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – TIME IS CRITICAL:
* Statute of Limitations: In many states, including Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of injury or death. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit, and evidence can disappear quickly.
* Rapid Response: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can launch our investigation, issue preservation letters to prevent spoliation of evidence, and begin building your case. Our client’s lawsuit in the Bermudez case was filed within weeks of his hospitalization – swift action is key.
* Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. There is no cost to understand your legal options.
* Watch our video: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?

Buchanan County Families, We Come To You:
While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Buchanan County, Virginia. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for your convenience, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Buchanan County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Our goal is to make the process as accessible and stress-free as possible during this difficult time.

Your child’s courage in coming forward can protect countless others. By acting now, you not only seek justice for your family but also contribute to a safer environment for all students at institutions relevant to Buchanan County families, such as Virginia Tech students or those at the University of Virginia.

Contact Attorney911 Today: Your Legal Emergency is Our Priority

If your child in Buchanan County, Virginia, has been a victim of hazing, don’t wait. Every moment that passes can make a difference in preserving critical evidence and protecting your legal rights. We understand the profound trauma and confusion your family is facing, and we are here to provide immediate, aggressive, and compassionate legal representation.

You have legal rights, and we are fighting this fight right now – just as we are for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win. Buchanan County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

Buchanan County Families – Call Now for a FREE Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

You can reach us 24/7 for hazing emergencies. We are here to listen, provide expert guidance, and explain your options without any pressure.

Our Fee Structure: No Upfront Cost. We Only Get Paid If You Win.
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

$0 Upfront: You pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
No Hourly Fees: We don’t bill by the hour.
We Take the Risk: We cover all litigation costs and expenses, and if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal fees.
Aligned Interests: Our success is directly tied to yours. We are fully invested in securing maximum compensation for your family.
- Learn about how contingency fees work

We Serve Hazing Victims Nationwide, Including Buchanan County

Hazing is a pervasive problem, affecting students at colleges and universities across the country, including institutions where students from Buchanan County attend. While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our legal reach extends far beyond state lines. We can take on your case regardless of where the hazing occurred, leveraging our:

Federal court authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
Dual-state bar licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages against national organizations.
Video consultations: We make it easy for Buchanan County families to meet with us remotely, offering convenient and secure virtual meetings.
Commitment to travel: If necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trials, our team will travel to Buchanan County, Virginia. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.

Hazing can occur in many forms and in many organizations, not just fraternities and sororities:

Fraternities and sororities at universities like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and the University of Virginia
Sports teams at local high schools or colleges
Marching bands and other musical ensembles
ROTC programs
Clubs and other student organizations
Military academies or any institutional setting where abuse is disguised as an “initiation”

To Other Victims of Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you are another student from the University of Houston, or from any other institution with a Pi Kappa Phi chapter, who has suffered hazing – whether physically or psychologically – we urge you to come forward. Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim; another pledge lost consciousness in October, and others endured the same torment. Lupe Peña’s words resonate: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your voice matters. Your story matters. Let us help you turn your pain into power.

Call us today. Your legal emergency is our priority.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Buchanan County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911