If you are reading this, your family in the City of Franklin may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build character, and grow into a young adult. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and harmed. We hear your fear, your anger, and your desperate search for answers. At Attorney911, we are here to help families in the City of Franklin fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing that continues to plague our colleges and universities, often with devastating consequences.

We understand what you’re going through. The questions swirling in your mind: How could this happen? Who is responsible? What do we do now? We want you to know that you are not alone. Our dedicated team of legal emergency lawyers™ is actively involved in the fight against hazing, and we bring that same aggressive, compassionate, and unwavering representation to families in the City of Franklin and across the nation.

The nightmare of hazing is real, and it happens to students from the City of Franklin. Your child might attend a university in Virginia, or perhaps one of the major state universities that many City of Franklin families choose for their children, like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, or Old Dominion University. They might even be at a large institution further afield, in Texas or beyond. No matter where your child attends college, the risk of hazing is tragically present. The national fraternities and sororities with chapters at these institutions all too often harbor dangerous traditions that can turn a desire for belonging into a life-altering trauma.

This is not a theoretical problem; it’s a crisis. We are currently leading a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, fighting for a young man who was brutally hazed until his kidneys failed. The details of his story are graphic, disturbing, and critically important for every parent in the City of Franklin to understand. It’s a stark warning about what happened just weeks ago, and what could easily happen to your child if we do not hold these organizations accountable. We see your child as a person – not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for City of Franklin families, because we truly care.

The Hazing Crisis: Why City of Franklin Families Need Us

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, assault, and often, a crime. For generations, the insidious practice has been swept under the rug, dismissed as “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” But the truth, as revealed in countless tragic headlines and in the ongoing cases we fight, is far more sinister. Hazing today involves torture, extreme physical and psychological abuse, and forced consumption that can lead to severe injury, permanent damage, and even death.

From the City of Franklin, parents send their children to college with hopes and dreams, trusting that these institutions will provide a safe environment for learning and growth. That trust is being betrayed on campuses across America, including at institutions where students from the City of Franklin enroll. The sad reality is that hazing, especially within Greek letter organizations, remains a dangerous undercurrent in campus life.

Consider these sobering facts about hazing:

• Pervasive Problem: Over half of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a deeply ingrained culture that prioritizes “tradition” over safety and well-being.
• Silence is Deadly: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. They remain silent due to fear of retaliation, shame, loyalty to their organization, or simply not recognizing that what they endured was actual abuse. This culture of silence protects perpetrators and perpetuates the cycle of violence.
• Beyond Fraternities: While fraternities often dominate the headlines, hazing is not confined to Greek life. It occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, academic clubs, and other student organizations. If your child is joining any group that requires “initiation” or pledgeship, they could be at risk.
• Constant Threat: Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the United States every single year. These are not statistics; these are children, someone’s sons and daughters, whose lives were tragically cut short.

The institutions that host these organizations – the universities and colleges – are often complicit. They know hazing exists. National Greek organizations know their chapters engage in these dangerous activities. They have the power, the resources, and the responsibility to stop it. Yet, all too often, they choose not to act until a student is hospitalized or dies, at which point they scramble to “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters and claim they are “shocked” by the revelations. For families in the City of Franklin, this institutional failure is unacceptable.

We believe that every student, regardless of where they pledge or what organization they join, deserves to be safe. When that safety is compromised by the reckless actions of a fraternity, a university, or individual members, we are here to ensure that justice is served.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight You Need to Know About

For families in the City of Franklin, the tragic story of Leonel Bermudez is not just an isolated incident; it’s a stark warning and a call to action. It happened in Houston, Texas, at a major university, but the same patterns of abuse, the same national fraternities, and the same institutional negligence exist at colleges and universities that students from the City of Franklin attend. We are fighting this battle right now in a Harris County Civil District Court, and we will bring the same level of aggressive, data-driven representation to your family in the City of Franklin if your child becomes a victim of hazing.

This is not theoretical. We are in the fight right now.

On November 21, 2025, Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, filed a $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., on behalf of our client, Leonel Bermudez. The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (the local University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The University of Houston Board of Regents
• The fraternity’s President
• The fraternity’s Pledgemaster
• Multiple current and former individual fraternity members
• Even a former member and his spouse, as some of the hazing occurred at their private residence.

This comprehensive approach to identify and sue every responsible party is precisely what we offer to City of Franklin families enduring similar nightmares.

Leonel Bermudez’s Story: What Hazing Looks Like Today

Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet but planned to transfer for the upcoming semester, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was seven weeks of systematic, dehumanizing abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They subjected him to this even though he wasn’t officially their student.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit:

• Waterboarding as Torture: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” as reported by KHOU 11. Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under the threat of being waterboarded. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This isn’t a prank; it’s a war crime when done to enemy combatants, and it was inflicted on a college student.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. After vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and compelled to lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Our lawsuit details a regimen of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these exercises, and threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant. He continued until he could not stand without help, causing his muscles to break down. The Houston Chronicle also reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. In one horrifying incident on October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was repeatedly forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion.

The Medical Trauma: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

The extreme physical exertion caused Leonel to suffer rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream. This led to acute kidney failure. When his mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025, he was passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, undergoing intensive treatment. The long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains a serious concern for him. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, emphasized 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.”

Institutional Response: An Admission of Guilt

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the UH chapter. By November 14, just days before our lawsuit was filed, they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter permanently. Their own website stated the closure was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This is a clear admission of wrongdoing.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson, in an official statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” and confirmed that criminal referrals were initiated.

Why This Case Matters for City of Franklin Families:

1. Pi Kappa Phi’s National Reach: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including near the City of Franklin and at institutions where your children may attend. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are likely occurring nationwide.

2. University Complicity: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near the City of Franklin have similar oversight responsibilities and face the same liability when they fail to protect their students from known risks.

3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s swift chapter closure demonstrates they knew the conduct was wrong. They cannot claim ignorance. The same national organizations operating near the City of Franklin must be held accountable for the culture within their chapters.

4. Victim Fear is Real: Leonel Bermudez is fearful of speaking out due to retribution, a common and paralyzing factor for hazing victims, including those in the City of Franklin. We provide a safe space and protection for our clients.

5. A $10 Million Message: Our $10 million lawsuit sends an unmistakable message that torture and abuse will have severe financial consequences. City of Franklin families can send the same powerful message. Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, powerfully 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.”

The media coverage of our aggressive action in this case from ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media highlights our firm’s commitment to transparency and justice. This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a fight to protect students from the City of Franklin and across the country from these senseless acts of violence.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in the City of Franklin, the image of hazing might be limited to stereotypical scenes from movies: maybe a few silly pranks, some pushups, or an embarrassing scavenger hunt. The grim reality, as illustrated by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far more brutal and psychologically damaging. This is not about building brotherhood; it is about breaking down individuals through calculated abuse.

Hazing is Torture, Not Tradition:

When we talk about hazing, we are talking about:

• Assault and Battery: Physical beatings, paddling with wooden objects, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, and even intentional strikes. Our client was subjected to all of these.
• Medical Emergencies: Beyond visible injuries, hazing frequently involves activities that lead to severe, life-threatening medical conditions. Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, and hypothermia are common outcomes.
• Psychological Warfare: Hazing breaks down a student’s mental well-being through humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. These tactics can lead to lasting trauma, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
• Sexual Exploitation: Disturbingly, hazing often has a sexual component, from forced nudity to the carrying of sexually explicit objects, as Leonel Bermudez was forced to do. These acts are deeply humiliating and can constitute sexual assault.
• Coercion and Control: Pledges are often stripped of their autonomy, subjected to arbitrary rules, and forced into servitude. They are constantly monitored, judged, and threatened with expulsion for non-compliance, creating an environment of fear and absolute control.

The Deceptive Language of Hazing:

Fraternities and universities often use euphemisms to mask the true nature of hazing. They might call it “team building,” “character development,” “strengthening bonds,” or “tradition.” However, if any activity involves the intentional, knowing, or reckless endangerment of a student’s mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of joining an organization, it is hazing – and it is illegal in New York, Texas, Virginia, and most states.

Examples of Hazing Activities We See:

• Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, burning, branding, forced calisthenics, extreme workouts, running until collapse, being tied up, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (cold, heat), forced servitude (driving members, cleaning).
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking games, chugging alcohol, forced eating of disgusting or excessive amounts of food until vomiting, consumption of non-food substances.
• Water-Based Torture: Submersing heads in water, deliberate exposure to cold water, high-pressure water spraying to the face (as in Leonel’s waterboarding).
• Psychological Abuse: Verbal abuse, yelling, screaming, demeaning rituals, isolation, fake kidnappings, threats against family, social ostracization.
• Sexual Hazing: Forced nudity, sexually suggestive acts, carrying sexual items, sexual assault.

When a student from the City of Franklin experiences any of these acts, it’s not a prank; it’s a violation of their rights, their dignity, and their physical and mental health. We are here to bring these hidden horrors to light and to ensure that the individuals and institutions responsible are held accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

The tragic reality of hazing is that it’s rarely just one or two individuals acting alone. It is often a systemic issue, a dark undercurrent enabled by a hierarchy of individuals, organizations, and institutions. When your child from the City of Franklin is harmed by hazing, we make it our mission to identify and pursue every single party that bears responsibility. Our approach is comprehensive and relentless, ensuring that no responsible entity escapes accountability.

The Chain of Liability: Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Hazing Case

1. The Local Chapter: This is the most direct perpetrator. The specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved—whether at a Virginia university or elsewhere—directly organizes, plans, and executes the hazing activities. Their officers, such as the President, Vice President, and Pledgemaster (who often orchestrates the hazing program), bear direct responsibility for the actions taken. The individual members who actively participate in or even witness and fail to report hazing are also liable. In the Bermudez case, the UH Beta Nu Chapter and its officers are primary defendants.
2. The National Organization: Every fraternity and sorority chapter belongs to a larger national or international organization. These national bodies have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate training and resources. When they know (or should have known) about a pervasive hazing culture, either within a specific chapter or across their organization, and fail to act, they become liable. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a prime example. The organization’s history, like Pi Kappa Phi’s with the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey, demonstrates a pattern of negligence and a failure to address a “hazing crisis” they were aware of.
3. The University or College: Educational institutions, like those attended by students from the City of Franklin, have a fundamental duty to protect their students. This duty extends to regulating Greek life and ensuring the safety of all students, whether on or off campus, especially when university-owned property is involved. Universities can be held liable for:
   • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor Greek organizations.
   • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, as it did in the Bermudez case where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house.
   • Failure to Act: Ignoring previous hazing incidents or warnings, creating a foreseeable risk of harm. The University of Houston’s history with a 2017 hazing hospitalization directly implicates them in our ongoing case.
   • Institutional Indifference: Turning a blind eye to a known problem. The University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and other institutions attract students from the City of Franklin and must actively combat hazing dangers.
4. The Housing Corporation: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. These entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and can be held liable if hazing occurs on their property. The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation is a defendant in the Bermudez lawsuit.
5. Individual Perpetrators: Beyond chapter officers, any individual member who actively participates in hazing, facilitates it (e.g., by hosting it at their residence), or even witnesses it and fails to intervene or report can face civil and even criminal liability. The Stone Foltz case, where a chapter president was personally held liable for $6.5 million, underscores the severe personal consequences. In our lawsuit, former members and even the spouse of one who allowed hazing at their home are defendants.
6. Insurance Carriers: The “deep pockets” in hazing cases often belong to the insurance carriers for the national organizations, universities, and sometimes even individuals (homeowner’s or personal liability policies). These policies are designed to cover negligence claims, and identifying all applicable insurance is crucial for maximizing a victim’s recovery. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these complex insurance landscapes.

Why This Comprehensive Approach is Essential for City of Franklin Families:

Hazing cases are complex because the lines of responsibility are often blurred. Organizations will try to deflect blame onto individuals, individuals onto the chapter, the chapter onto the national, and the university onto everyone else. Our strategy is to leave no stone unturned, leveraging our in-depth understanding of corporate structures, university regulations, and insurance policies to connect every responsible party. We understand that parents in the City of Franklin are seeking justice, and that means ensuring everyone who contributed to their child’s harm is held accountable.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Accountability Is Possible

When tragedy strikes due to hazing, families in the City of Franklin aren’t just looking for sympathy; they’re looking for justice and accountability. And that often means significant financial compensation to cover immense medical bills, psychological trauma, lost educational opportunities, and the profound pain and suffering inflicted. We want City of Franklin families to know that multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases are not just possible; they are a demonstrated reality when families choose aggressive and experienced legal representation.

The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations is clear: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and the same aggressive legal strategies that led to these outcomes are available for City of Franklin victims.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements: They Will Pay

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021-2024)
   • Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+
   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual and died from alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million. Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals paid $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury issued a $6.5 million personal judgment against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, sending a clear message about individual accountability. This case remains the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
   • Relevance to City of Franklin: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability, and individual perpetrators cannot hide behind the organization.
2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
   • Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
   • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event.
   • Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Criminal charges led to convictions for negligent homicide. The tragedy also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Relevance to City of Franklin: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award substantial sums for hazing deaths. The outcome highlights the punitive nature of hazing litigation and the potential for new legislation spurred by these cases across states like Virginia.
3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
   • Total Settlements: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling down stairs during a hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras in the house captured the entire tragic sequence.
   • Outcome: The numerous settlements, though confidential, are estimated to exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several receiving convictions and prison sentences. Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in response.
   • Relevance to City of Franklin: This case sets the high-water mark for hazing damages, demonstrating that egregious conduct, especially when documented, can lead to astronomical recoveries. It also underscores the importance of evidence, as the security camera footage was crucial.
4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
   • Outcome: Confidential Settlement, Criminal Charges
   • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.
   • Relevance to City of Franklin: This is critically important to the Bermudez case, as Pi Kappa Phi is the SAME national organization. Andrew Coffey’s death means Pi Kappa Phi National KNEW their chapters engaged in deadly hazing. The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter just 8 years later is devastating pattern evidence, directly linking Pi Kappa Phi National to foreseeable harm.
5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021-2024)
   • Total Settlement: $4 Million+
   • What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a freshman pledge at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event.
   • Outcome: The Oakes family secured a settlement exceeding $4 million. The case led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, enacting tougher anti-hazing legislation.
   • Relevance to City of Franklin: This case is particularly relevant for students from the City of Franklin who attend colleges and universities in Virginia. It demonstrates that even within Virginia, significant settlements are obtained, and such tragedies lead to legislative reform.

What These Precedents Mean for City of Franklin Families:

• Your Child’s Life Has Value: These multi-million dollar outcomes affirm that the pain, suffering, medical costs, and loss of life caused by hazing have immense legal value. Your child’s future, once full of promise, has been irrevocably altered, and institutions will be made to pay.
• Both Institutions and Individuals Pay: Settlements and verdicts in hazing cases consistently show accountability extending to universities, national fraternity organizations, and individual perpetrators. This ensures all culpable parties contribute to justice.
• Egregious Conduct Leads to Higher Damages: When hazing involves extreme physical abuse, psychological torture, or simulated waterboarding—acts of pure malice and reckless disregard—juries and courts are inclined to award higher sums, including punitive damages.
• The Power of Pattern Evidence: Demonstrating a history of hazing within an organization or at a university significantly strengthens a victim’s case, proving that the harm was foreseeable and preventable.
• You Can Drive Change: Many of these landmark cases have resulted in new anti-hazing laws, creating a legacy of protection for future students. Your case from the City of Franklin could be the catalyst for similar change in Virginia or nationally.

Our firm is committed to empowering City of Franklin families by pursuing every available avenue for justice, drawing on the strength of these precedents to secure the compensation and accountability your child deserves. We are currently fighting for Leonel Bermudez, and we are ready to fight for you.

Virginia Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in the City of Franklin

For families in the City of Franklin, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability and the egregious nature of hazing crimes transcend state lines. Moreover, Virginia has its own specific laws designed to protect students, including “Adam’s Law,” which was passed following the tragic death of Adam Oakes at Virginia Commonwealth University. You have strong legal protections under Virginia law, and our federal court authority means we can pursue your case regardless of where the incident occurred in the United States.

Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Law: “Adam’s Law”

Following the inspiring advocacy of the Oakes family after their son Adam’s death, Virginia enacted “Adam’s Law” (Chapter 245 of the Virginia Acts of Assembly). This law significantly strengthens hazing prevention and penalties in the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions of “Adam’s Law” and Virginia Hazing Statutes:

1. Expanded Definition of Hazing: Virginia’s definition of hazing is broad, covering any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a student or causes either mental or physical discomfort, humiliation, or degradation for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continuation of membership in any organization. This includes physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
2. Increased Penalties: Under “Adam’s Law,” hazing that results in serious bodily injury is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Hazing that results in death is a Class 5 felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison or, at the discretion of the jury or court, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. These are significant criminal consequences for perpetrators.
3. Organizational Accountability: “Adam’s Law” also holds organizations accountable. Any organization that permits, approves, or condones hazing can lose its privileges at the educational institution, face fines, and potentially be disbanded. University administrations in Virginia are mandated to take swift action against hazing organizations.
4. Amnesty for Reporting: To encourage reporting, “Adam’s Law” includes provisions for immunity from prosecution for hazing participants who promptly report a hazing incident to law enforcement or campus officials and cooperate in the investigation. This is a critical tool to break the culture of silence.
5. Mandatory Education and Reporting: Virginia colleges and universities are required to provide comprehensive hazing prevention education and training to all students, faculty, and staff. They must also maintain publicly accessible records of all hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken. This transparency is vital for City of Franklin families to make informed decisions about their children’s safety.

“Consent is NOT a Defense” in Virginia:

Just like in Texas where our landmark Bermudez case is being litigated, Virginia law clearly states that a victim’s consent to participate in hazing activities is not a valid legal defense. This is paramount. Fraternities and universities often attempt to shift blame onto the victim by claiming they “voluntarily participated” or “knew what they were signing up for.” Virginia law specifically rejects this argument, recognizing the immense power imbalances, coercion, and peer pressure inherent in hazing. Your child cannot legally consent to be abused or tortured.

Civil Liability: How City of Franklin Victims Can Sue for Justice

Beyond criminal penalties, Virginia’s anti-hazing laws, coupled with broader civil legal theories, enable families in the City of Franklin to pursue substantial financial compensation for injuries and losses.

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common basis for a civil hazing lawsuit. It requires proving that the defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities) owed a duty of care to the student, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions (i.e., by hazing or failing to prevent it), this breach caused the student’s injuries, and the student suffered damages as a result.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the fraternity’s housing corporation, national organization, or the university, those entities can be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to adequately supervise their chapters and Greek life. Failure to do so, especially when they have knowledge of past hazing incidents, directly contributes to liability.
4. Assault and Battery: Any direct physical contact that causes harm or offense, such as paddling, forced hitting, or waterboarding, constitutes assault and battery. Individual perpetrators and organizations who condone such acts can be held directly liable.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often causes severe emotional and psychological trauma. Victims can seek compensation for the lasting mental anguish they endure.
6. Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a student’s death, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This allows them to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of companionship, loss of future earnings, and mental anguish.

For City of Franklin families, these civil claims are powerful tools to hold every responsible party accountable, secure much-needed financial resources for recovery and future care, and send a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated. Our firm’s expertise in navigating these complex legal territories, combined with our federal court admissions, means we can effectively represent your child and your family, even if the incident occurred far from our Texas base.

Why Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

When your family in the City of Franklin faces the unthinkable trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team. You need someone who understands the nuanced brutality of hazing, the insidious tactics of organizations trying to cover it up, and the deep pockets that need to be held accountable. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, we are precisely that team. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and our commitment is to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help when you need it most.

What Sets Attorney911 Apart for City of Franklin Hazing Victims:

1. Active, Front-Line Experience: The $10 Million Bermudez Lawsuit is Proof.
   We aren’t just talking about hypotheticals. We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston RIGHT NOW. This is a live case, garnering significant media attention, that demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing litigation. City of Franklin families get the exact same battle-tested legal strategy and fierce advocacy that we are applying in this landmark case. We don’t just hope to handle hazing cases; we are fighting them.
2. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on YOUR Side.
   Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena previously worked as insurance defense attorneys, defending the very types of organizations and individuals we now pursue. Ralph honed his skills fighting for insurance companies, and Lupe brings extensive experience from Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This unparalleled insider knowledge means we know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and attempt to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for City of Franklin victims. This is an unfair advantage for you.
3. 25+ Years of Courtroom Battle-Testing.
   Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of litigation experience to your case. He has a proven track record of fighting against massive corporate defendants, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves his capacity to take on any university or national fraternity, no matter how powerful. His background in journalism also equips him to investigate thoroughly and tell compelling stories that resonate with juries.
4. Nationwide Reach with Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions.
   While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in City of Franklin and across America. Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing federal litigation authority. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when pursuing cases against national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered or incorporated in other states. We travel to the City of Franklin for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed, and offer remote consultations for your convenience. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Comprehensive and Relentless.
   Our expertise includes specific types of hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, just like in the Bermudez case. We understand the complex interplay of individual members, chapter leadership, housing corporations, national organizations, and university liability. We track every major incident, every verdict, every settlement, and every piece of legislation to build the strongest possible case for our City of Franklin clients.
6. Compassionate and Bilingual (Se Habla Español).
   We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping. If you are a Spanish-speaking family in the City of Franklin, we eliminate language barriers to justice, ensuring clear communication every step of the way. We treat every City of Franklin family like our own.
7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees Make Justice Accessible.
   We know that the financial burden of a legal fight can be daunting, especially when dealing with the aftermath of trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means City of Franklin hazing victims pay $0 upfront. You don’t pay us unless and until we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures that powerful institutions cannot outspend you in the pursuit of justice.
8. Proven Track Record: 4.9 Stars, 250+ Reviews.
   Our firm maintains a 4.9-star rating with over 250 reviews across platforms like Google My Business. Our clients consistently praise our communication, dedication, and ability to secure favorable results. Testimonials like “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such” and “They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting” speak to our commitment and effectiveness.

For parents in the City of Franklin, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is literally in the fight right now, has insider knowledge of the defense, possesses decades of courtroom experience, and will fight relentlessly to achieve justice for your child.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Franklin Families

If your child in the City of Franklin has been the victim of hazing, the shock and pain can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel paralyzed, scared, or unsure of what to do next. But time is of the essence. Critical evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass. Taking immediate, decisive action can make all the difference in building a strong case and securing the justice your child deserves.

Here are the crucial steps we advise for City of Franklin families:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Preserve All Medical Records:
This is paramount. Even if your child’s injuries seem minor, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, ensure they receive professional medical and/or psychological evaluation as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe conditions (like rhabdomyolysis, as suffered by Leonel Bermudez) may have delayed or subtle symptoms.

• Documentation: Crucially, specify to all medical providers that the injuries resulted from hazing activities. Ask for copies of all hospital records, emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), discharge summaries, and therapy records. These documents will be vital evidence of the harm inflicted.

2. Preserve All Evidence – EVERYTHING:
In hazing cases, documentary evidence is often the smoking gun. Do not delete anything, and begin collecting now.

• Digital Communications: This is critical. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat record (screenshot immediately before they disappear!), Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages between pledges, from older members, or even internal discussions among fraternity officers. These often contain direct evidence of coordination, threats, coercion, and the hazing activities themselves.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos exist of the hazing activities, or of your child’s injuries at all stages of healing (bruises, cuts, swelling, recovery process), preserve them immediately.
• Pledge Materials: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, “rules” documents, or other materials given to your child by the organization.
• Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, former members, or anyone who might have observed the hazing or its effects. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Financial Records: Collect medical bills, receipts for therapy, records of lost wages if your child missed work, and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Alone:
This is a trap. Fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies have legal teams dedicated to minimizing their liability.

• No Statements: Do NOT allow your child to give any statements—written, verbal, or recorded—to the fraternity/sorority, university administration, or their lawyers without legal counsel present. They will try to twist your child’s words and get them to admit fault or downplay the severity of the hazing.
• No Signing: Do NOT sign any documents from the organization, university, or any party involved without having an attorney review them first. These documents often include waivers that could forfeit your child’s rights.
• No Social Media Posts: Advise your child to stay entirely off social media regarding the incident. Anything they post, or anything friends post that they are tagged in, can and will be used against them by the defense. This includes posts about future plans, unrelated activities, or even general complaints.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Act Quickly:
In Texas, where our firm is based, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the injury or death. While Virginia has a similar timeframe, waiting can be catastrophic.

• Lost Evidence: Memories fade, witnesses move, and critical digital evidence (like disappearing Snapchat messages or security camera footage that gets erased) can be permanently lost.
• Weakened Case: Delays can make it harder to prove a direct link between the hazing and your child’s injuries, allowing defendants to claim the injuries resulted from other causes.
• Your Rights Expire: If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to pursue legal action forever.
• Our Client’s Example: Leonel Bermudez’s family acted immediately: he was hospitalized on November 6, and our $10 million lawsuit was filed just weeks later. This rapid response is crucial for gathering fresh evidence and maintaining legal leverage.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately for a Free, Confidential Consultation:
This is the most critical step. We are your legal first responders.

• Free Evaluation: We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation. You will speak directly with experienced hazing litigation attorneys.
• Expert Guidance: We will answer your questions, explain your child’s rights under Virginia law, and outline the best course of action.
• No Upfront Fees: Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
• City of Franklin Families: Distance is not a barrier. We conduct video consultations and will travel to the City of Franklin for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Your location will not prevent you from accessing aggressive, expert representation.

Your child’s future, health, and peace of mind are too important to leave to chance. By following these steps and contacting Attorney911, you are taking a powerful stand for justice.

Contact Us: Your Ally in the Fight Against Hazing

If you’re a parent in the City of Franklin whose child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, don’t let fear or uncertainty paralyze you. This is an emergency, and you need legal assistance immediately. At Attorney911, we are your legal emergency lawyers™, standing ready to confront the individuals and institutions responsible for your child’s suffering.

We are actively fighting for hazing victims. We are currently embroiled in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, representing a young man savagely hazed until his kidneys failed. We bring the same level of aggressive, proven, and compassionate representation to families in the City of Franklin and across the nation.

City of Franklin Families, Call Now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

You can reach us 24/7. Our legal emergency hotline is always open for City of Franklin hazing emergencies.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Why Contact Us Now?

• No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. That means $0 upfront for City of Franklin families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that powerful fraternities and universities cannot financially bully you into silence.
• Time is Critical: Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Every day you wait can impact the strength of your case.
• Expert, Insider Knowledge: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how the other side thinks and strategizes to minimize payouts. We use that invaluable insider knowledge to your advantage.
• Comprehensive Representation: We will meticulously investigate the incident, identify every liable party—from individual perpetrators to the university and national organization—and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain, suffering, lost education, and other damages.
• Nationwide Reach: While our firm is based in Texas, our federal court authority, dual Texas and New York bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can represent City of Franklin hazing victims regardless of where the incident occurred. We offer video consultations for your convenience and will come to the City of Franklin for depositions and trials if needed. Distance is no barrier to justice.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the deep emotional toll hazing takes. Our team is dedicated to providing warm, empathetic support, treating your family with the respect and care you deserve. We are bilingual (“Se habla español”) to ensure effective communication for all families.

Whether your child was hazed in a fraternity or sorority at a Virginia university like the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech, on a sports team, in a marching band, or any other student organization, we are here to help. If you believe your child has been physically or psychologically harmed due to hazing, don’t hesitate.

Lupe Pena said it best:

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

Let our fight for Leonel Bermudez be an example of the relentless pursuit of justice we offer. Let us help your family in the City of Franklin turn your pain into powerful action against hazing.

Call us. Let’s make things right.