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, to explore new horizons, and to find their place in the world. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured. We understand you are scared and angry, searching for help. We are here to help families in City of Colonial Heights fight back.

We are Attorney 911, and we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now in court. Just three weeks ago, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities in America, Pi Kappa Phi, along with the University of Houston and numerous individuals, for the horrific hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. This happened in our backyard, in Houston, and it is a stark warning to families in City of Colonial Heights about what hazing truly looks like in our state and across the nation.

Your child’s safety is sacred. When that trust is violated by a fraternity, a sorority, a sports team, or any organization, the institutions and individuals responsible must be held accountable. No parent in City of Colonial Heights should have to endure the nightmare of a child suffering from hazing injuries or worse. We are here to fight for justice, to protect your family, and to send a clear message: enough is enough.

The Haunting Echoes of Houston: Our $10 Million Fight for Leonel Bermudez

The details of our ongoing case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., are a chilling illustration of modern hazing. This is not some tale from the distant past; this is happening today, in Texas, at universities just like those that many students from City of Colonial Heights attend.

Leonel Bermudez was just a prospective member, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester, full of hope for his college experience. What he encountered instead was a systematic campaign of abuse, torture, and degradation at the hands of the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter.

For weeks, Leonel endured horrors that defy belief. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, a tactic widely recognized as torture. He was forced to eat until he vomited, then made to continue running sprints across vomit-soaked grass. He was hog-tied, struck with wooden paddles, and subjected to extreme physical punishments like 500 squats, 100 push-ups, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was exposed to cold weather in his underwear and deprived of sleep, forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours.

The physical toll was devastating. On November 3, 2025, after one particularly brutal session, Leonel was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled home, and in the following days, his condition rapidly deteriorated. His urine turned brown – a horrifying sign that his muscles were breaking down. On November 6, 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 in the hospital, fighting for his life, and now faces the frightening prospect of permanent kidney damage. As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

This immediate, aggressive action taken by Attorney 911, and widely covered by ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, demonstrates exactly what kind of firm we are. We fight for victims and their families with relentless determination, utilizing every tool at our disposal.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, our lawsuit was filed. We named not only the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter members and their housing corporation but also the national Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and, critically, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents. We demanded $10 million in damages.

This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it’s a testament to our firm’s commitment. It shows parents in City of Colonial Heights that this is not a theoretical battle for us; we are actively in the trenches, seeking justice for families whose children have been victimized by hazing practices. The same aggressive, data-driven approach we are employing in the Harris County Civil District Court for Leonel Bermudez, we will bring to your child’s case in City of Colonial Heights.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond Pranks and Jokes for City of Colonial Heights Students

When parents in City of Colonial Heights think of hazing, they might envision silly stunts or embarrassing scavenger hunts. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far darker. Modern hazing rituals are often exercises in systematic psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and outright torture. It is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is assault, battery, reckless endangerment, and in too many instances, manslaughter or murder.

For students from City of Colonial Heights entering college, whether at institutions nearby like Virginia State University in Petersburg or Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, or farther afield, the threat of hazing is real. These young adults are often eager to fit in, to make new friends, and to be part of a community. Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other university organizations exploit this desire, trapping pledges in cycles of abuse from which escape seems impossible due to fear of social ostracization, academic repercussions, or even physical retaliation.

Our client Leonel Bermudez was not merely subjected to “pranks.” He endured:

• Waterboarding: Being sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning. Houston Public Media explicitly called it out: “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Consumption: Eating large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass before continuing physical exertion.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Weeks of grueling workouts including 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Another pledge even lost consciousness during these forced exercises.
• Physical Assault: Being struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Being forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carrying a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, and witnessing another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced early morning drives for fraternity members that led to dangerous exhaustion.

These are not isolated incidents performed by a few bad apples. This is the calculated, systematic infliction of pain and degradation designed to break down a person’s will. This level of abuse leads to severe medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, just as seen in Leonel’s case. It also leaves deep psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

While our case unfolded in Houston, the same national fraternities operate at universities that draw students from City of Colonial Heights. Pi Kappa Phi, is recognized on over 150 campuses across America, including those in Virginia. This means the dangers Leonel faced could easily be inflicted upon a student from City of Colonial Heights. We want parents in City of Colonial Heights to understand that this threat is real, insidious, and often hidden behind a veneer of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It is a crisis that demands aggressive legal intervention.

Who Is Responsible When Hazing Harms Students from City of Colonial Heights?

When a student from City of Colonial Heights is harmed by hazing, it’s natural for parents to wonder who can be held accountable. The answer is usually multiple parties, from individual perpetrators to powerful institutions designed to protect students. Our comprehensive approach, exemplified by the Bermudez case, targets every entity that contributed to the harm. We don’t guess who might be responsible; we know, and we pursue them relentlessly.

In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we cast a wide net, holding all culpable parties accountable:

• The Local Fraternity Chapter: The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. The leaders, such as the chapter president and pledgemaster, were instrumental in directing the illegal abuse. Individual members who participated in, or stood by and allowed, the hazing are also directly liable.
• The National Fraternity Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national body, is a central defendant. National fraternities often claim ignorance or distance from local chapters, but they grant charters, provide resources, and are responsible for enforcing anti-hazing policies. In our case, KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They knew, or should have known, that their policies were inadequate or unenforced. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National quickly moved to close the UH chapter just days after Leonel’s hospitalization, as detailed on their own website, is a clear admission of wrongdoing and an attempt to distance themselves, but it underscores their ultimate responsibility. This is the same national organization whose Florida State chapter tragically caused the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017. They had eight years to learn from that tragedy and implement effective change; they failed.
• The University: The University of Houston itself is a primary target. As KHOU 11 pointed out, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This establish clear premises liability. Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, enforce conduct codes, and oversee student organizations. The University of Houston’s spokesperson confirmed to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” Their awareness of the problem, combined with their failure to prevent it, makes them liable. It’s critical to note that an earlier hazing incident in 2017 at the University of Houston hospitalized another student from Pi Kappa Alpha, proving the university had prior knowledge of hazing dangers on its campus and failed to take adequate preventative measures.
• The Housing Corporation: The Beta Nu Housing Corporation, which owned or controlled the property where some hazing took place, is also a defendant. These entities often provide the physical locations for illegal hazing, making them complicit.
• Individual Student Members: The lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and others. We also named former members and even the spouse of one former member because hazing occurred at their private residence. This demonstrates our commitment to pursuing every single person who played a role in the abuse, even if they are not directly associated with the university or national chapter. These individuals often have personal assets and/or homeowner’s insurance policies that can contribute to a settlement.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that we pursue every responsible party, from those directly perpetrating the abuse to the institutions that allowed it to happen. For families in City of Colonial Heights, this means we will meticulously investigate the incident, identify all potential defendants, and hold every individual and institution accountable for the harm inflicted upon their child. It is not about simply suing “the fraternity”; it is about suing everyone with a hand in the abuse or the negligence that allowed it to occur.

Million-Dollar Justice: What Hazing Cases Win for Families Like Yours in City of Colonial Heights

The pursuit of justice in hazing cases is not an abstract concept; it often results in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing will not be tolerated, and it comes at an enormous cost. For families in City of Colonial Heights, these precedent-setting cases offer a glimmer of hope and demonstrate the potential for substantial recovery. Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez aligns perfectly with a growing trend of significant financial accountability.

We have the receipts. Here are some of the landmark cases that prove hazing is a multi-million dollar liability:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. The comprehensive settlements secured by his family included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and its members. Just recently in December 2024, a judge ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay a personal judgment of $6.5 million. This case is a direct parallel to our $10 million demand, demonstrating that such figures are not only achievable but necessary. It underscores that both universities and national fraternities, along with individual perpetrators, bear significant financial responsibility.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” where pledges were forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million in a powerful verdict. This case proved that juries respond with outrage to hazing, especially when it results in death. It also led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating how these cases drive legal reform.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza died after a brutal Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, then fell down stairs and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling for help, with security cameras capturing their horrific inaction. While the exact settlement amount remains confidential, it is estimated to be over $110 million. This monumental case, with its strong evidence from video footage, set a new standard for institutional accountability and led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” This case is particularly relevant because it involves the exact same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that we are suing for Leonel Bermudez. The death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 should have been a wake-up call for Pi Kappa Phi. The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under similar circumstances just eight years later speaks volumes about the national organization’s failure to address its deadly hazing culture. This pattern of negligence strengthens our argument for punitive damages.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement
  Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently secured a settlement estimated at over $4 million after initially suing for $28 million. This case further reinforces the multi-million dollar payouts in hazing incidents and demonstrates that even non-death cases (like our rhabdomyolysis case) can achieve significant settlements.

These cases are not isolated tragedies but rather part of a national pattern of institutional failure and victim suffering. They represent a collective outcry against the violence of hazing, forcing universities and national Greek organizations to finally confront the deadly consequences of their inaction. For families in City of Colonial Heights, this means justice is within reach. The same legal strategies, the same aggressive advocacy, and the same pursuit of maximum compensation that won these landmark cases will be applied to your child’s hazing injury case. We will not rest until every responsible party is held accountable.

Texas Law Protects You, City of Colonial Heights Families

When hazing occurs, parents in City of Colonial Heights might feel powerless against large universities and national fraternities. However, the law, particularly in Texas where our firm operates, provides a robust framework for holding these institutions and individuals accountable. While our Bermudez case is rooted in Texas law, many states, including Virginia where City of Colonial Heights is located, have similar anti-hazing statutes and civil liability theories. Furthermore, our firm’s federal court authority allows us to pursue these cases regardless of state lines.

Understanding Texas Hazing Laws: The Education Code

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151-37.157, clearly defines and criminalizes hazing. This legislation is crucial for our fight against hazing because it sets a legal standard that the perpetrators and institutions violated:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus…directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation…if the act…endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.” This includes physical brutality (like beating, striking, or placing harmful substances on the body), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics that cause unreasonable risk, forced consumption of food or alcohol to excess, or any act that violates the Penal Code.
  • Application to Leonel Bermudez: As detailed in our lawsuit and media reports, Leonel’s experiences with waterboarding, forced extreme exercise leading to kidney failure, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting, sleep deprivation, and exposure to cold elements clearly fall under multiple provisions of this definition. Each act was intentional, knowing, or reckless, and undeniably endangered his physical health and safety.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law carries stiff criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing to a State Jail Felony if hazing causes death. In cases like Leonel’s, which resulted in “serious bodily injury” (severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure), the perpetrators could face Class A Misdemeanor charges, carrying up to one year in jail. The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly noted the “potential criminal charges” in relation to our case, acknowledging the severity of the conduct.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, the law also states that an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means local chapters, and by extension, national organizations that fail to properly supervise or enforce policies, can be held criminally responsible, facing fines and even denial of the right to operate.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal provision in fighting hazing. 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.” Fraternities and universities consistently try to blame victims by arguing “they chose to participate” or “they could have left.” Texas law shatters this defense, recognizing the coercive nature of hazing and the immense pressure students face. For families in City of Colonial Heights, this means your child’s initial “willingness” to participate cannot be used to absolve their tormentors or the institutions that allowed it.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not pursued, civil lawsuits, like the one we’ve filed for Leonel Bermudez, offer victims and their families the means to recover substantial compensation. These claims allow us to pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and often punitive damages. The key civil liability theories we employ include:

1. Negligence Claims: We argue that the university, national fraternity, and local chapter owed a “duty of care” to the student, which they “breached” by allowing hazing to occur. This breach “caused” the student’s injuries, resulting in “damages.” This principle applies to institutions everywhere, including universities that draw students from City of Colonial Heights.
2. Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, as it did in Leonel’s case, the property owner (the university) can be held liable for maintaining a dangerous condition.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory holds national organizations responsible for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters, and universities responsible for failing to ensure a safe environment for their students, particularly within Greek life.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual participants who physically harm a student can be sued for intentional torts like assault (threatening harm) and battery (inflicting harm).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing that is “extreme and outrageous,” such as waterboarding or forced humiliation, can lead to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, addressing the severe psychological trauma inflicted.
6. Vicarious Liability: This doctrine holds an organization responsible for the actions of its members or employees. For example, a national fraternity may be vicariously liable for the hazing conduct of its chapter members.

For families in City of Colonial Heights, understanding this legal framework is the first step toward reclaiming power. While the geographical distance might seem daunting, our federal court admissions and deep understanding of multi-state hazing litigation mean we are perfectly positioned to leverage these laws on your behalf, ensuring that justice is served regardless of where the incident occurred.

Why Attorney 911 is the Clear Choice for City of Colonial Heights Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, the thought of navigating a complex legal battle against powerful fraternities and universities can be overwhelming. You need not just a lawyer, but a formidable advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, the tactics of the opposition, and possesses an unwavering commitment to justice. For families in City of Colonial Heights, Attorney 911 is that advocate. Here’s why we are uniquely positioned to represent you:

1. Active, Aggressive Representation: We’re Fighting this Battle Right Now

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, filed in November 2025, is a testament to our aggressive approach. This isn’t a theoretical exercise for us; it’s a live, ongoing $10 million lawsuit where we are holding a national fraternity, a major university, and numerous individuals accountable for horrific hazing that caused acute kidney failure.

This means:

• No Learning Curve: We are immersed in the most current strategies, defenses, and legal precedent in hazing litigation.
• Proven Aggression: Our actions in the Bermudez case demonstrate our willingness to take on powerful defendants and demand substantial justice.
• Commitment to Justice: Lupe Pena encapsulated our firm’s mission, stating, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We bring this same passion to every case, including those for families in City of Colonial Heights.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, and Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, are former insurance defense lawyers. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage we leverage for our clients. Ralph worked on the defense side for insurance companies before switching to represent injured victims, and Lupe spent years at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm.

This gives us unparalleled insight into:

• Their Strategies: We know how insurance companies evaluate claims, how they negotiate, and their internal processes for minimizing payouts.
• Their Weaknesses: We understand their “red flags,” their pressure points, and how to dismantle their defenses because we helped build them.
• Maximum Leverage: This insider knowledge allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring City of Colonial Heights families receive the maximum compensation possible.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Nationwide Reach for City of Colonial Heights

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including those in City of Colonial Heights, through:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is critical when national organizations are involved, as many hazing lawsuits can be filed in federal court.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This gives us a strategic advantage in cases against national fraternities, many of which have ties or headquarters in states where we are licensed, allowing for broader legal strategies.
• Willingness to Travel: We will travel to City of Colonial Heights for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• Remote Consultation Technology: We offer video consultations, making it easy for City of Colonial Heights families to connect with us from the comfort and privacy of their homes.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: David vs. Goliath

Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a catastrophic refinery accident that killed 15 workers, demonstrates our firm’s capacity to take on and win against the largest corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases, where we often face multi-million dollar national fraternities and universities with vast resources. We are not intimidated by “deep pockets”; we thrive on holding them accountable.

5. Dedicated to Hazing-Specific Expertise: We Understand the Nuances

Hazing litigation is not like a typical car accident case. It involves unique dynamics, cultural elements, and institutional factors. Our firm has specific expertise in:

• Rhabdomyolysis Litigation: We understand the medical and legal complexities of injuries like the one Leonel Bermudez suffered.
• Greek Life Culture: Ralph’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach gives him an understanding of team dynamics and the pressures that lead to hazing.
• Institutional Negligence: We know how to expose a university’s and national organization’s failures to supervise, investigate, and protect students.
• Pattern Evidence: We meticulously track and leverage prior incidents, like the Andrew Coffey death or the 2017 UH hazing case, to establish a pattern of negligence and foreseeability.

6. Empathetic, Client-Focused Approach for City of Colonial Heights Families

We are not a cold, clinical legal factory. Our Google My Business ratings boast 4.9 stars across 250+ reviews, with testimonials emphasizing that we treat clients “like family” and communicate consistently. We understand the profound emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. When a parent in City of Colonial Heights calls us at 2 AM, they’re not just getting legal advice; they’re getting compassion, understanding, and aggressive representation from a team that genuinely cares. As a father of three, Ralph Manginello knows what’s at stake when a family’s child is harmed.

7. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost for City of Colonial Heights Families

We believe that financial constraints should never prevent a family from pursuing justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• $0 Upfront: You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes the financial barrier to justice for City of Colonial Heights families.

For parents in City of Colonial Heights, choosing Attorney 911 means choosing a firm that understands your fear, validates your anger, and has the proven experience, legal acumen, and genuine determination to turn that pain into powerful accountability. We are your legal emergency responders, ready to fight for your child with the same unwavering aggression we bring to every case.

What to Do Right Now for City of Colonial Heights Hazing Victims

The moments immediately following a hazing incident can be chaotic, frightening, and confusing. However, the steps you take (or fail to take) in the initial hours and days can profoundly impact your ability to seek justice. For parents in City of Colonial Heights whose child has been harmed, we offer clear, actionable guidance. We understand you are reeling, but acting quickly is paramount.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental health is the absolute priority.

• Remove Your Child from the Immediate Threat: If your child is still in an environment where hazing is occurring, get them out immediately. Safety first.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, it is critical to see a doctor. As Leonel Bermudez’s case shows, seemingly minor pain can mask severe internal damage like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Delays in seeking medical care can be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries were not severe or not related to the haz incident.
  • Go to the Emergency Room: If there’s any doubt about the severity of the injury, go to the nearest ER in City of Colonial Heights or a trusted medical facility.
  • Document Everything Medically: Ensure all symptoms, injuries, and the suspected cause (hazing) are clearly documented in medical records. Tell every medical professional the full truth about what happened.
  • Keep All Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, and bills. This will form the foundation of your claim.

Step 2: Document Everything – Preserve All Evidence

Evidence disappears quickly. Fraternities and universities will instruct members to delete communications, alter records, and coordinate stories. You must act faster. As Ralph Manginello continuously emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”

• Take Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Photograph all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear, and continue documenting their healing process. Show the severity.
  • Location: If safe to do so, photograph the hazing location (room, house, field, basement).
  • Physical Evidence: Take pictures of any objects used in the hazing (paddles, specific drinks, fanny packs, etc.).
• Preserve All Communications:
  • Screenshots: Take screenshots of ALL relevant digital communications. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, emails, and any other platform where hazing instructions, discussions, or threats occurred.
  • Do NOT Delete Anything: Never delete messages, photos, or posts related to the incident or the organization, even if they seem innocuous. Deleting evidence can severely harm your case.
• Identify Witnesses:
  • Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone with knowledge of the organization’s hazing practices. Their testimony can be crucial.
• Collect Documents:
  • Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “big/little family trees,” or other documents provided by the fraternity/sorority or university.
  • Keep records of payments for dues, fees, or anything related to the organization.
• Financial and Academic Records:
  • Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any academic records that show the impact of the hazing on grades or enrollment.

Step 3: Avoid Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case (Critical Warnings)

Hazing victims, often due to fear or loyalty, make critical mistakes that can severely damage their legal claims. Learn from our experience:

• Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, national representatives, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions and will try to get you to admit fault, minimize your injuries, or sign away your rights.
• Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: You are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement to anyone (including insurance adjusters) before consulting with an attorney.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Stay off social media until your case is resolved. Anything you post – even a seemingly innocent photo of you “looking fine” – can be used by the defense to discredit your injuries or claims of emotional distress.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority, university, or their representatives without having your attorney review them first.
• Do NOT Delay: Time is critical. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in most states, including Virginia, is typically two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities for justice dim with time.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 IMMEDIATELY – FREE CONSULTATION

The single most important step you can take is to call an experienced hazing litigation attorney.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now: Our legal emergency hotline is available 24/7 for City of Colonial Heights families. The initial consultation is completely free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
• We Come to You / Remote Consultations: While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we offer video consultations for families in City of Colonial Heights and nationwide. If necessary, our attorneys will travel to City of Colonial Heights for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows you to focus on your child’s recovery.

We understand the fear and anger you’re experiencing. Your child’s trust was betrayed, and their well-being shattered. By following these steps and contacting our firm, you are taking powerful action to protect your child, seek justice, and hold the responsible parties accountable. Let us fight this battle for you, just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez and so many others.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We are your legal emergency responders, and we are ready to help.

Need Help Now? Call Us.

City of Colonial Heights Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You are not alone. What happened to your child was not a harmless prank; it was abuse, and it might even be a crime. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them. We are actively involved in ongoing hazing litigation, including a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know what it takes to bring these powerful institutions to justice, and we are ready to bring that fight to City of Colonial Heights.

Parents in City of Colonial Heights, whether your child attends Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, or any other university, the threat of hazing is real. These institutions often host chapters of the very same fraternities that have caused so much harm nationwide. We will fight for your family with the same ferocity and dedication that we bring to every case.

Call Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for City of Colonial Heights hazing emergencies.

No Upfront Cost – We Work on Contingency

We understand that the last thing you need right now is another financial burden. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• You only pay us if we win your case.
• Our fees come as a percentage of the compensation we secure for you, ensuring our goals are perfectly aligned with yours.

Distance Is Not a Barrier to Justice for City of Colonial Heights Families

While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to represent hazing victims extends nationwide, including City of Colonial Heights, Virginia.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, regardless of state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages in cases against national fraternities.
• Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing families in City of Colonial Heights to speak directly with our attorneys from the comfort of their homes.
• We Will Travel to You: For depositions, critical meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to City of Colonial Heights to provide aggressive, in-person representation.

Attorney 911: Your Legal Emergency Responders for Hazing Victims

We represent victims of hazing in all contexts, not just fraternities and sororities near City of Colonial Heights:

• Fraternities and Sororities at colleges and universities that draw students from City of Colonial Heights.
• Sports teams in high schools and colleges in or near City of Colonial Heights.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations at institutions serving City of Colonial Heights.
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation” or “team building.”

Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston proves our capacity and commitment. We are fighting for a family whose child was waterboarded, forced to extreme physical exertion, and hospitalized with acute kidney failure. We want to prevent this from happening to another family, whether they live in City of Colonial Heights, Virginia, or anywhere else in the country.

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

If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, don’t face it alone. Contact Attorney 911 today. We are here to listen, to empower you, and to fight for the justice your family deserves.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or another student were a victim of the same hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, we urge you to come forward. We believe there are more victims, and we know your stories are essential to holding every responsible party accountable. You have rights too, and we can represent you. Call us now. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Don’t wait. The time to act is now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com