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 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated, abused, and injured, perhaps even to the point of hospitalization or worse. We’re here to help families in Harrisonburg fight back.

At Attorney911, we understand the nightmare unfolding in your home. Our hearts go out to you, and we want you to know that you are not alone. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and when crisis strikes, we move first, fast, and decisively. For families in Harrisonburg, Virginia, grappling with the devastating aftermath of hazing, we are your unwavering advocates, ready to bring aggressive, data-driven legal action against every responsible party. We are based in Texas, but our reach is nationwide, and we are fully equipped to represent victims and families in Harrisonburg and throughout Virginia.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Can Happen in Harrisonburg, Virginia

The harrowing events that unfolded in Houston, Texas, at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter serve as a stark, urgent warning to every parent and student in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Just weeks ago, in November 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just a lawsuit; it’s a public outcry against the barbaric traditions that continue to plague college campuses, from major metropolitan areas to close-knit communities like Harrisonburg.

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet – a “ghost rush” planning to transfer – endured weeks of unimaginable torment. His only desire was to find a brotherhood, a place to belong. Instead, he was subjected to what can only be described as systematic torture. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, a method of simulated drowning that the United States government itself recognizes as torture. He was hog-tied face down with an object in his mouth. He was forced to eat until he vomited, then made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass before being forced into more grueling physical activity. He endured sleep deprivation and psychological torment, constantly threatened and humiliated. He was struck with wooden paddles, beaten simply for wanting to join an organization.

The hazing climaxed one horrific night in early November 2025. Leonel was forced to perform more than 100 push-ups and 500 squats, along with high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed as his body broke down. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. When he finally made it home, he crawled upstairs to bed. The next day, he was so sore he could barely move. The next day, it was worse. His mother, seeing his condition rapidly deteriorating, including the horrifying symptom of passing brown urine – a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown – rushed him to the hospital.

Leonel Bermudez spent three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys. The swift intervention of his mother likely saved his life, but he still faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Within weeks of our client bravely reporting this hazing, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The national organization then confirmed the chapter’s permanent closure on November 14, 2025, before our lawsuit was even filed – a clear admission of guilt and an attempt at damage control. They called the conduct “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” The University of Houston, which owned the fraternity house where some of this hazing occurred, issued a statement calling the events “deeply disturbing” and highlighting “potential criminal charges” for those involved.

As Lupe Pena, one of our lead attorneys on the Bermudez case, told ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Harrisonburg, like any other college town, is not immune to these dangers. James Madison University, Blue Ridge Community College, and Eastern Mennonite University are all located in or near Harrisonburg, Virginia. National Greek letter organizations, many with histories of hazing incidents and deaths across the country, have chapters at these and surrounding universities. The kind of aggressive, secretive hazing that nearly killed Leonel Bermudez can, and does, happen anywhere. We are actively fighting this battle in Texas, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive fight to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and any other institution that allows such abuse to continue.

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

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “boys being boys,” harmless initiation rituals, or just a part of “tradition.” Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality of modern hazing, as tragically illustrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience and countless others across the nation, is far more sinister. This isn’t about silly pranks; it’s about systematic abuse that inflicts severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, often with lifelong consequences or even death.

In Harrisonburg, Virginia, parents send their children to James Madison University, Blue Ridge Community College, Eastern Mennonite University, or other nearby institutions, trusting that they will be safe. They expect their children to foster friendships, to grow, and to learn in a nurturing environment. The thought of them being subjected to waterboarding or forced to drink until their kidneys fail is unimaginable.

Hazing, in its modern and brutal forms, often includes:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond light calisthenics. It involves beatings, paddling, forced physical exertion to the point of collapse, sleep deprivation, and extreme workouts that lead to severe medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen with Leonel Bermudez. It can include branding, burning, or being forced into painful positions for extended periods. The use of wooden paddles, as alleged in our Houston case, transforms “initiation” into outright assault.
• Forced Consumption: This is a deadly aspect of hazing. Pledges are often made to drink dangerous quantities of alcohol, sometimes entire bottles, leading to alcohol poisoning, permanent brain damage, or death. Other forced consumption can include eating until vomiting, or consuming non-food substances. Leonel Bermudez was forced to eat specific foods until he vomited. This isn’t a game; it’s a dangerous act that can lead to choking, aspiration, and severe internal damage.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This aspect of hazing leaves deep, invisible scars. It involves sustained humiliation, verbal abuse, intentional isolation, constant threats, and degrading acts. Being forced to carry sexually explicit objects, as alleged in our lawsuit, is a deeply humiliating act designed to break a person’s spirit. The fear of retribution, common among hazing victims like Leonel Bermudez, is itself a form of ongoing psychological distress.
• Simulated Waterboarding and Drowning: This horrific act, experienced by our client, is a form of torture. It instills primal fear and can lead to severe trauma, including PTSD, beyond the immediate physical danger. That college students are performing acts considered war crimes on their peers is an outrage that demands immediate accountability.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges into late-night activities, early-morning responsibilities, or constant errands for older members leads to chronic exhaustion. This not only makes them vulnerable but can also impair judgment, leading to accidents and further physical and mental breakdown.
• Sexual Harassment and Assault: This is a tragically underreported aspect of hazing. It can involve forced nudity, inappropriate sexual acts, or carrying sexually suggestive items in public. The shame and trauma associated with these acts can be immense and long-lasting.

We want parents in Harrisonburg to understand that this is not a relic of the past; it is happening right now, in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other organizations across the country. Our $10 million lawsuit in Houston against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof that this is what hazing looks like today, and it’s why we fight so relentlessly.

Who Is Responsible: More Than Just the Students Involved

When hazing severely injures or kills a student in Harrisonburg, the blame extends far beyond just the individual students who participated. These devastating incidents are almost always the result of a systemic failure, implicating multiple layers of accountability. At Attorney911, we are experts at identifying every entity responsible and holding them accountable. We don’t just sue the “kids”; we sue the institutions with the power and resources to prevent this abuse.

In our landmark $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez, we named a comprehensive list of defendants, demonstrating our commitment to full accountability. The same approach applies if your child is hazed in Harrisonburg:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority: These groups directly organize and conduct the hazing activities. Their officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, are typically at the forefront of the abuse. In the Bermudez case, specific chapter officers and members are named defendants because they actively directed, participated in, or stood by while the hazing occurred.
2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: These are the “deep pockets” of Greek life. National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, which has over 150 chapters across America, including those potentially recruiting from Harrisonburg-area schools like James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, or Blue Ridge Community College, have a fundamental duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. In Leonel’s case, we allege that the national organization failed to enforce its own policies despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis,” enabling the harmful environment. They knew their chapters had a problem – they learned from Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 – and did nothing to prevent the next tragedy.
3. The University or College: Educational institutions have a paramount duty to protect their students, whether they are in a large state university like James Madison University or a smaller institution like Eastern Mennonite University. This duty extends to monitoring student organizations, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and creating a safe campus environment. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston is a defendant because, among other failures, it owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. This establishes clear premises liability. If a university near Harrisonburg fails to oversee Greek life, ignores warning signs, or permits hazing on its property, it can and will be held liable.
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 safe premises and ensure that illegal activities like hazing do not occur on their property. The Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a defendant in the Bermudez case. We understand the corporate structures behind the Greek letters, and we track them meticulously.
5. Individual Members (Current and Former): Every individual who actively participates in hazing, encourages it, or even stands by and allows it to happen without intervention can be held personally liable. This includes officers, older members, and even alumni who condone or facilitate hazing, such as those who allow hazing to occur in their private residences, as alleged in our lawsuit against a former member and his spouse. As demonstrated by the $6.5 million judgment against a former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, individual accountability is real, and it can be financially devastating for those responsible.

For families in Harrisonburg, Virginia, your legal options are powerful. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue these multi-layered cases wherever they occur. We will meticulously investigate every aspect of the hazing incident to ensure that every culpable party, from the college student to the national organization and the university itself, faces justice.

What These Cases Win: Justice Measured in Millions for Hazing Victims

When your child is brutally hazed, when their physical and psychological well-being is shattered, or when their life is tragically cut short, a civil lawsuit becomes a crucial avenue for justice. These cases are not just about money; they are about holding powerful institutions accountable, forcing change, and preventing future tragedies. Families across the country have successfully recovered millions of dollars, establishing precedents that empower victims like Leonel Bermudez and families in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to seek their own justice.

Here are some of the landmark hazing settlements and verdicts that demonstrate the serious financial consequences for those who permit such abuse:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total over $10.1 Million.
  Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Alpha event. The civil settlements included nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and some individuals. Critically, in December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in a separate civil judgment. This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit and demonstrates that colleges, national fraternities, and individuals are all on the hook.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict.
  18-year-old Max Gruver died from extreme alcohol poisoning (BAC of 0.495) after being forced to drink massive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case was so impactful it led Louisiana to pass the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony. This jury verdict proves that when juries hear the horrific details of hazing, they are willing to award substantial damages.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Estimated $110+ Million (Multiple Settlements).
  Timothy Piazza died after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling for help. The civil settlements, though confidential, are estimated to exceed $110 million. This monumental recovery, aided by security camera footage, highlights the potential for massive accountability when gross negligence and egregious conduct are undeniable. Pennsylvania also passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in response.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement.
  Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event. Pi Kappa Phi is the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. This incident unequivocally demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters years before Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. This pattern of negligence strengthens claims for punitive damages.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement.
  Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old freshman at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi bid initiation event. Despite his parents originally seeking $28 million, the case settled for over $4 million, including a cash settlement of $2.5 million and a $425,000 donation to the family’s “Love Like Adam” Foundation. This case, closer to home for Harrisonburg, Virginia, families, further underscores the significant financial recoveries possible in hazing cases and led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

These cases send a clear message: the insidious culture of hazing will not be tolerated, and institutions that enable it will pay a heavy price. Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is built on these powerful precedents. If your child has been subjected to hazing in Harrisonburg, Virginia, or attends nearby James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, or Blue Ridge Community College, we are prepared to leverage these national legal victories to fight for the maximum possible compensation for your family. We are aggressive, and we are effective.

Virginia Law Protects You: Aggressive Hazing Laws and Civil Recourse

While our firm is rooted in Texas, our expertise extends nationwide. We regularly handle cases in states outside of Texas, leveraging federal laws and the principles of negligence that apply across the United States. Furthermore, Virginia, like Texas, has robust anti-hazing laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable.

For families in Harrisonburg, Virginia, here’s what you need to know about your rights under Virginia law and general civil legal recourse:

Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Laws: “Adam’s Law” and Beyond

Virginia has significantly strengthened its anti-hazing laws in recent years, largely in response to the tragic death of Adam Oakes at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. “Adam’s Law” (Code of Virginia § 18.2-56 and § 23.1-801.1), signed into law in 2022, carries serious consequences for hazing:

• Felony Hazing: If hazing results in injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. This means that individuals who participate in hazing that causes significant harm, similar to Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, could face felony charges in Virginia.
• Misdemeanor Hazing: Hazing that does not result in serious injury is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Institutional Reporting & Transparency: “Adam’s Law” also requires higher education institutions, including James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Blue Ridge Community College, to report hazing violations publicly semesterly. This transparency helps bring hazing incidents to light and holds universities accountable for addressing the problem.
• Amnesty for Reporting: To encourage reporting, the law provides amnesty from university disciplinary action for students who report hazing in good faith.

Crucially, similar to Texas law (Texas Education Code § 37.154), Virginia’s law also states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. This means that perpetrators cannot claim the victim “agreed” to the activities. Whether your child attends James Madison University or another institution in Harrisonburg, Virginia, they cannot legally consent to be physically or psychologically abused as part of an initiation, just as Leonel Bermudez could not consent to waterboarding.

Civil Liability in Virginia: Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not pursued, or if the penalties are deemed insufficient, families in Harrisonburg, Virginia, have strong grounds for civil lawsuits to obtain compensation for injuries and losses. We apply similar civil liability theories across all states, including Virginia:

1. Negligence: This is often the cornerstone of hazing lawsuits. We argue that individuals, the fraternity chapter, the national organization, and the university owed a “duty of care” to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing hazing), directly caused the student’s injuries, and this resulted in damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like a fraternity house) or by a housing corporation or even an individual member, those property owners can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This was a direct claim in our Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston, which owned the house where hazing occurred.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory holds institutions responsible for failing to adequately supervise their chapters or student organizations. If the national fraternity fails to properly oversee its chapters in Harrisonburg, or if a Harrisonburg university neglects its duty to monitor Greek life, they can be held liable.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be directly sued for intentional harmful contact (battery) or the threat of it (assault). Waterboarding, paddling, and forced exercise often fall squarely into these categories.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For acts of extreme and outrageous hazing that cause severe emotional suffering, such as waterboarding or prolonged psychological abuse, this claim allows for compensation for the deep psychological wounds inflicted.
6. Wrongful Death: If hazing tragically leads to a student’s death, as in the cases of Max Gruver, Timothy Piazza, or Adam Oakes, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and profound grief and suffering.

Our team has dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority, enabling us to pursue complex litigation in any state, including Virginia. If your child has been a victim of hazing in Harrisonburg, Virginia, or at any institution in the Commonwealth, we have the legal framework and the aggressive approach to fight for your rights.

Why Attorney911: Your Unwavering Advocates Against Hazing in Harrisonburg, Virginia

When your child is harmed by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the complex landscape of hazing litigation and is prepared to fight powerful institutions. Attorney911 is that firm. Our unique combination of expertise, experience, and deep financial understanding makes us the definitive choice for families in Harrisonburg, Virginia, seeking justice.

Here’s why Attorney911 stands apart as your legal emergency responders for hazing cases:

1. We Are Actively Fighting the Hazing Battle RIGHT NOW: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are making headlines with it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is ongoing. This is real-time litigation, demonstrating our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing accountability. This means we are keenly aware of the latest tactics used by fraternities and universities, and we are prepared to counter them. For Harrisonburg families, this is proof that we don’t just aspire to take on these cases—we are doing it, and doing it fearlessly.

2. Unparalleled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is an unfair advantage for our clients. We know how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities think because we used to work for them.

   • Ralph P. Manginello, our founder, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. He has seen the defense playbook from the inside and now uses that knowledge to dismantle their strategies and maximize recovery for victims. His experience in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation, like the BP Texas City Explosion, demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a skill directly applicable to confronting national fraternities and large universities.
   • Lupe Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Now, he applies that intelligence to benefit our clients, ensuring that every tactic they used against victims is used to secure maximum recovery for you. For Harrisonburg parents, this means we anticipate and neutralize the strategies employed by the defense long before they enact them.

3. Nationwide Reach with Local Agility for Harrisonburg: While headquartered in Houston, our capabilities extend across the country, including Harrisonburg, Virginia.

   • Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing us with the authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when dealing with national organizations or interstate issues.
   • Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities or universities that may have legal presence across state lines.
   • Willingness to Travel: We will come to Harrisonburg, Virginia, for depositions, crucial meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
   • Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations for Harrisonburg families, allowing you to connect with our dedicated team from the comfort and privacy of your home.

4. Deep Experience with Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death: Hazing often leads to severe injuries or fatalities. We have extensive experience representing families in wrongful death claims and cases involving catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and organ failure, similar to Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We understand the long-term medical and financial implications of these devastating outcomes and fight to secure comprehensive compensation.

5. Bilingual Support – Se Habla Español: We proudly offer bilingual services, with fluent Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist our clients. This ensures that language barriers never prevent Harrisonburg’s diverse families from accessing the justice they deserve.

6. No Upfront Costs: We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis: We understand that the financial burden of hazing-related medical bills, lost tuition, or funeral expenses can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and ensures that financial concerns never prevent you from pursuing justice.

7. Real People, Real Empathy: Our firm’s culture is built on compassion and genuine care. We treat our clients like family. Ralph Manginello, a father of three, understands personally what’s at stake when a child is harmed. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan, brings a deep-rooted commitment to justice. As one satisfied client expressed, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” That same dedication will be brought to your family in Harrisonburg.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team that has already faced down the very institutions that enabled this tragedy, armed with insider knowledge, a proven track record, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. We are ready to bring that fight to Harrisonburg, Virginia.

What to Do Right Now if Your Child Has Been Hazed in Harrisonburg, Virginia

The moments immediately following a hazing incident can be chaotic, frightening, and confusing. As a parent in Harrisonburg, Virginia, you might feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of your next steps. The legal clock is ticking, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. We are here to provide clear, actionable guidance. This isn’t just advice; this is your family’s first response plan to secure justice.

Your Immediate Action Plan:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Everything:

   • PRIORITY ONE: If your child has physical injuries, seek medical evaluation immediately at a hospital like Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, or any local urgent care. Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked. Some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis (that afflicted Leonel Bermudez) or concussion, may have delayed symptoms.
   • DOCUMENT EVERYTHING: Ensure medical professionals meticulously document all injuries, symptoms, and your child’s account of how they occurred. This creates an objective record the defense cannot easily dispute. Preserve all hospital records, doctor’s notes, medical bills, and any prescriptions or treatment plans.
   • MENTAL HEALTH: Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is a common and severe consequence of hazing. Seek counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional. Their notes and diagnoses will be crucial evidence of emotional damages.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – EVERYTHING Is Crucial:

   • PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If possible and safe, photograph or video the location where the hazing occurred, or any items used in the hazing (e.g., alcohol bottles, restraints).
   • COMMUNICATIONS: This is often the most damning evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save ALL text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communications related to the hazing. Screenshot group chats, individual messages, and social media posts. The defense will try to argue nothing happened; these communications prove otherwise.
   • WITNESS INFORMATION: Obtain the names and contact details of any other pledges, active members who witnessed the hazing but did not participate, or anyone else who might have seen or heard about the abuse. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • FRATERNITY/UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTS: Secure copies of any pledge manuals, organizational rules, schedules, or communications your child received from the fraternity, sorority, or university. These may show internal contradictions or failures.
   • ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL RECORDS: Document any impact on your child’s academic performance (grades, lost scholarships) or financial losses (tuition, fees for interrupted semesters). Keep records of lost wages if your child missed work due to injuries.
   • AVOID SOCIAL MEDIA: Until instructed otherwise by your attorney, your child should NOT post about the incident on social media. The defense will comb social media for anything that minimizes the injuries or portrays them as fine after the event. Advise them not to delete old posts either, as this can be seen as spoliation of evidence.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers:

   • DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING: Fraternities, national organizations, and universities will often try to get victims or parents to sign documents. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first consulting an attorney. These documents may waive your child’s legal rights or prevent them from seeking full compensation.
   • NO STATEMENTS: Your child should NOT give any statements (written or verbal, recorded or unrecorded) to fraternity leadership, university administrators (including Title IX officers or Greek life advisors), or their legal representatives without an attorney present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institution.
   • SEEK LEGAL COUNSEL FIRST: The information you provide immediately after an incident can significantly impact your legal strategy. It is always best to speak with your own attorney first.

4. Understand the Legal Deadlines: The Statute of Limitations:

   • In Virginia, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing, is typically two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death, it’s generally two years from the date of death. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit.
   • The clock starts ticking immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Do not delay. Leonel Bermudez’s case was filed within weeks of his hospitalization, demonstrating the urgency required.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately:

   • This is the most crucial step. Our firm offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. Even if you’re unsure if you have a case, call us. We will evaluate your situation, explain your legal rights under Virginia and federal law, and outline the best path forward.
   • We understand that Harrisonburg is some distance from our Texas offices. However, our capabilities, including remote consultations, federal court authority, and willingness to travel, ensure that location is never a barrier to justice.

Harrisonburg Parents: Your child deserves justice. You did everything right raising them; now let us do everything right fighting for them.

Call us now. Do not wait.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7. Your consultation is free. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Responders for Hazing in Harrisonburg, Virginia

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Harrisonburg, Virginia, or anywhere across the nation, time is of the essence. You are facing a legal emergency, and Attorney911 is here to be your first responder. We understand the profound fear, anger, and betrayal you feel. We are dedicated to transforming that pain into powerful legal action and securing the justice your family deserves.

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez is not just a case; it’s a mission. It exemplifies our commitment to holding every responsible party – from individual members to national organizations and educational institutions – fully accountable. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation to every hazing case we take, regardless of location. This means Harrisonburg families can expect the same caliber of advocacy we deliver in Texas.

Hazing is not just a problem in distant cities; it is a pervasive crisis that affects students at institutions like James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Blue Ridge Community College, as well as high schools, sports teams, and other organizations in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The same national fraternities and sororities with documented histories of hazing deaths and multi-million dollar settlements operate with chapters near Harrisonburg. The strategies we employ to target these organizations and negligent universities are universally applicable, bolstered by federal law and our broad litigation experience.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Harrisonburg Hazing Case:

• Proven Results: We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, demonstrating our active and aggressive stance.
• Insider Knowledge: Both Attorney Ralph Manginello and Attorney Lupe Peña are former insurance defense lawyers. We know the opposition’s playbook and use it to your advantage.
• Nationwide Reach: Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to represent victims and families throughout the country, including Harrisonburg, Virginia. We offer remote consultations and are prepared to travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the trauma caused by hazing. We treat our clients like family, providing empathetic support alongside fierce legal representation. Your child is not just a case number to us.
• Bilingual Support: We have Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist our diverse community, ensuring language is never a barrier to justice for Harrisonburg families.

Harrisonburg Families: Don’t let distance be a barrier to justice.

Your child’s future, their well-being, and potentially their life, depends on holding these perpetrators and enablers accountable. You do not have to fight this battle alone. We are here to help you navigate this complex legal landscape and secure the compensation and accountability your family deserves.

📞 CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE NOW:

1-888-ATTY-911

This line is answered 24/7, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

You can also:

• Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com
• Visit our website for more information: attorney911.com
• Schedule a remote video consultation from Harrisonburg, Virginia, at your convenience.

Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. There is no obligation, only the opportunity to understand your rights and explore your options.

The window for pursuing justice is limited. Evidence fades, memories dim, and legal deadlines approach. Act now to protect your child’s rights and ensure that what happened to them never happens to another student in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Let us be your voice, your strength, and your unwavering advocate.

We will fight for you. Enough is enough.