If you’re reading this in Martinsville, your family may be navigating one of the most terrifying moments of your lives. Your child went to college, expecting to find community and friends, but instead, they were subjected to abuse. This isn’t just about fraternity pranks or harmless initiations; it’s about life-altering trauma, physical injuries, and psychological scars. We are Attorney911, and we are here to help families in Martinsville fight back against the insidious problem of hazing. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can drive a parent to search for answers in the dead of night. We are your ally, your advocate, and your unwavering voice against powerful institutions.

Hazing exists on college campuses across the nation, and it impacts students just like yours who attend universities in Virginia and beyond. Whether your child attends Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, or closer to home at Ferrum College, fraternities and sororities, and even sports teams and clubs, can become environments where so-called “traditions” turn into torture. We want you to know that you are not alone, and there is a path to justice. Our firm is actively engaged in this battle right now, fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Houston, Texas, that bears striking similarities to what might be happening at institutions your children attend. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to Martinsville families.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez Shows What Can Happen Anywhere

Just weeks ago, in November 2025, a landmark $10 million lawsuit was filed in Harris County, Texas, by our firm, Attorney911. The plaintiff, Leonel Bermudez, faced weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing at the University of Houston’s (UH) Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter. He ended up hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Leonel wasn’t even an enrolled student at UH; he was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer in the spring. This case is not just a headline; it’s a stark warning to every parent in Martinsville about the reality of hazing today, and it shows the relentless fight we are prepared to wage on behalf of victims.

Local Virginia News Coverage of Hazing

While the Bermudez case just happened in Texas, Martinsville families know the concerns. Your local Fox 8 News, WSET ABC 13, or WDBJ7 CBS may report on incidents at Virginia universities, just as Houston news channels covered Leonel’s story. Martinsville parents are familiar with stories out of Virginia’s universities, including Virginia Tech, UVA, James Madison University, and Radford University. The patterns of abuse, institutional negligence, and national fraternity failures are universal, crossing state lines and university campuses.

The Media is Watching: Our Case in the Spotlight

Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members has garnered significant media attention across Texas. Here’s a glimpse of the coverage that highlights the severity of hazing and our firm’s commitment:

ABC13 (KTRK) Houston, published their report on November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
Click2Houston (KPRC 2) also covered it on November 21, 2025: “Only on 2: Lawsuit alleges severe hazing at University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter fraternity”
Hoodline provided a summary on November 22, 2025: “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
Houston Public Media detailed the case on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”

These reports confirm the horrifying details of Leonel’s ordeal and our aggressive pursuit of justice. Pi Kappa Phi National even issued their own statement on November 21, 2025, confirming they had closed their Beta Nu Chapter, stating, “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston”. This statement, issued immediately after the incident became public and days before our lawsuit, only serves to underscore their awareness of the serious violations that occurred.

A Timeline of Torture: What Leonel Endured

Leonel Bermudez accepted his bid to Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long nightmare that highlights the dark side of “Greek life”:

September 16 – November 3, 2025: Leonel was subjected to systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t an isolated incident affecting just one student.
October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he revived. This critical event, occurring weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization, tragically demonstrates the fraternity’s willful disregard for human safety.
November 3, 2025: The climax of Leonel’s hazing. He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed. He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He became so utterly exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
November 4-5, 2025: Leonel couldn’t move; his condition worsened.
November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine—a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent four days in the hospital, fighting for his life.
November 14, 2025: Recognizing the severity, Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter.
November 21, 2025: Our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit, bringing the truth to light.

The Unthinkable Acts: Hazing Methods Uncovered

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not mere pranks; they are acts of torture:

Simulated Waterboarding: Pledges were sprayed in the face with a garden hose, mimicking a technique considered torture by international law when done to enemy combatants.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was made to run sprints while in distress and lie in his own vomit.
Extreme Physical Exertion: Beyond the 100+ pushups and 500 squats, he endured “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This included being forced to strip to his underwear in the cold, carry a fanny pack with sexually explicit items, and participate in degrading rituals. Threats of punishment for non-compliance were constant.
Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members in the early morning hours contributed to his severe exhaustion.

The Devastating Medical Cost: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s medical diagnosis, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, is a direct consequence of brutal physical hazing. Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that destroy the kidneys. His brown urine, a tell-tale sign of this condition, indicated that his muscles were literally dissolving. He faced permanent kidney damage and the risk of lifelong complications. This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated in prior hazing cases. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified to understand and fight for victims facing similar injuries in Martinsville.

Attorney Ralph Manginello shared the harrowing account with 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.” And Attorney Lupe Pena emphasized our mission: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

This case is a testament to our firm’s commitment: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability. We are actively fighting in court right now for Leonel. We will bring this same level of dedication and expertise to Martinsville families whose children have suffered from the horrors of hazing.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”

Martinsville parents, it’s crucial to understand that hazing is not the harmless fun or “tradition” that universities and fraternities often portray. It’s a dangerous, often criminal, act of abuse that can lead to severe injury, psychological trauma, and even death. Many universities near Martinsville, like those in North Carolina, West Virginia, or across Virginia, are not immune to this crisis.

The Alarming Truth About Hazing

55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t a fringe activity; it’s deeply embedded in the culture of many fraternities and sororities.
95% of students who are hazed never report it. Fear of retaliation, shame, loyalty, and pressure from peers keep victims silent.
Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. This alarming statistic underscores the deadly reality of these practices.
Hazing occurs in various organizations, including fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, military groups, and other student clubs – not just Greek life.
The psychological impact is profound, leading to severe mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. These scars often last far longer than physical injuries.

The case of Leonel Bermudez unequivocally demonstrates that hazing is not “fun” or “brotherhood.” It is assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment. For Martinsville parents, the message is clear: if it can happen in Houston, it can happen at Virginia Tech, James Madison University, or any other institution your child attends.

Common Hazing Tactics that Endanger Martinsville Students

Through our extensive experience and the horrific details of cases like Leonel’s, we have identified prevalent hazing tactics designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and create absolute obedience:

Physical Abuse: This includes forced, excessive exercise (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups), sleep deprivation, forced walks or runs (such as two-mile warmups and repeated 100-yard crawls), and direct physical violence like beatings or paddling. The lawsuit in Leonel’s case described him being struck with wooden paddles.
Forced Consumption: This often involves large quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and death, but can also include forcing students to eat until they vomit, or consume non-food substances. Leonel was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then run in his own vomit.
Simulated Waterboarding / Forced Drowning: As seen in Leonel’s case, pledges are sprayed in the face with hoses, creating the terrifying sensation of drowning. This is a form of torture.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Degrading acts designed to dehumanize and break down self-esteem, such as forced nudity, carrying sexually explicit items, isolation, and threats. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature.
Exposure: Leaving pledges outside in extreme weather conditions, or in confined, unsanitary spaces. Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with water.
Servitude and Control: Pledges are forced to perform demeaning tasks, drive members around at all hours, or adhere to strict codes of conduct and interviews. These activities lead to severe exhaustion, directly contributing to incidents like Leonel’s kidney failure.

Medical Consequences: A Wake-Up Call for Martinsville

The physical and psychological toll of hazing is severe:

Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure, as Leonel Bermudez endured. This can result in permanent organ damage or death.
Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, often resulting from forced binge drinking.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or violent acts.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or pre-existing conditions exacerbated by hazing.
PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological damage requiring extensive therapy.

These are not isolated incidents. The statistics and case studies confirm a disturbing pattern across the United States, including at universities that draw students from Martinsville. Families must be aware that the threats their children face are very real and can have devastating, irreversible consequences.

Who is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the fault of a few bad actors. Instead, it’s a systemic failure, and we believe that every entity that contributed to or allowed the abuse must be held accountable. In our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, we are aggressively pursuing every responsible party, and we will do the same for Martinsville families.

The Interconnected Web of Liability

Our comprehensive litigation strategy targets all entities that enable hazing:

The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: This includes the chapter as an entity, whose members directly organize and execute the hazing activities. They are at the forefront of the abuse.
Chapter Officers and Individual Members: The president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other leaders bear direct responsibility for directing or condoning hazing. Individual participants are also liable for their actions. In Leonel’s case, we have named 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and former members who provided their residence for hazing activities, along with a spouse who allowed it to occur on their property.
The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These national bodies oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, including those near Martinsville at colleges like Virginia Tech or Radford. They are responsible for setting and enforcing anti-hazing policies, providing training, and ensuring effective oversight. Too often, they turn a blind eye until tragedy strikes. In Leonel’s case, our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.” Their decision to close the UH chapter days before our lawsuit suggests a clear recognition of their failure.
The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When hazing occurs on university property, or when the university fails to monitor Greek life activities, they are liable. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where some hazing occurred and failed to act despite having the authority to regulate and stop hazing. Universities draw students from Martinsville and have a responsibility to keep them safe.
The Housing Corporation: Often a separate entity that owns or manages fraternity or sorority houses. If hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Insurance Carriers: These are the “deep pockets” that often ultimately pay for damages. National organizations, universities, and housing corporations carry significant liability insurance policies. Our firm, with attorneys like Lupe Peña and Ralph Manginello, who both worked as insurance defense lawyers, possesses invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. We leverage this expertise to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

It’s Not About Ruining a Kid’s Life—It’s About Accountability

Let’s be clear: this is not about “suing college kids.” It’s about holding powerful corporations, national organizations with multi-million dollar endowments, and wealthy universities accountable for their negligence and deliberate indifference. When a student in Martinsville is brutalized, and an institution knew or should have known and did nothing, those institutions must pay. The financial weight often falls on large insurance policies, compelling these entities to finally change their dangerous practices.

What These Hazing Cases Win: Setting a Precedent for Martinsville Families

Hazing victims and their families often face significant medical bills, lost educational opportunities, severe psychological trauma, and, tragically, wrongful death. While no amount of money can truly compensate for these losses, multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements send a powerful message of accountability and can fund the lifelong care or lost future of a victim. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is aligned with significant precedents set across the nation.

Martinsville families deserve to know that justice is possible, and these cases provide a roadmap for holding negligent entities accountable.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements that Shaped Hazing Litigation

The national landscape of hazing litigation is marked by several high-profile cases where families courageously fought for justice and achieved monumental results. These cases serve as powerful reminders that institutions can and will be held accountable.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
- Total Payout: Over $10.1 Million. This case involved a pledge who died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor. The university settled for $2.9 million, and additional settlements from the national fraternity and individuals brought the total to over $10.1 million. Just recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, emphasizing that individual officers bear personal liability.
- Relevance for Martinsville: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with these figures. It proves that even when the victim survives but suffers severe injuries, the damages sought are substantial and justifiable. The fact that an individual officer was recently held personally liable for millions directly applies to the 13 individual defendants in Leonel’s case.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
- Total Payout: $6.1 Million Verdict. Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC over six times the legal limit after a coercive drinking ritual. A jury held the fraternity and its leaders accountable with a $6.1 million verdict.
- Relevance for Martinsville: This jury verdict demonstrates that courts are willing to award multi-million dollar judgments in hazing cases. The case also directly led to the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony—a testament to the power of civil litigation to drive legislative change.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
- Total Payout: Over $110 Million (Estimated). Timothy Piazza died after a brutal hazing event where he consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell repeatedly down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours to call for help. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event. The various settlements from the university and fraternity have been estimated to exceed $110 million.
- Relevance for Martinsville: This case illustrates the immense financial consequences when universities and national fraternities are found grossly negligent. The compelling evidence, much like the detailed allegations in Leonel’s lawsuit, leads to significant accountability. It also resulted in Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” further strengthening anti-hazing legislation.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
- Total Payout: Confidential Settlement. Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” ritual involving forced drinking. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged.
- Relevance for Martinsville: This case is a “smoking gun” against Pi Kappa Phi National. It proves they had actual knowledge of a deadly hazing culture within their organization in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence demonstrates deliberate indifference and strengthens the argument for substantial punitive damages.
Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) / Delta Chi (2021)
- Total Payout: Over $4 Million Settlement. Adam Oakes died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing ritual at VCU. His family received a multi-million dollar settlement, and six fraternity members faced criminal charges. This case directly led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
- Relevance for Martinsville: This is a local Virginia case that directly impacts Martinsville families. It proves that even within your home state, hazing has fatal consequences, and families are winning significant settlements against institutions and fraternities operating nearby.

The Power of Precedent: How These Cases Strengthen Ours

These cases, and our ongoing $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, demonstrate several critical points for Martinsville families:

Universities and National Organizations Pay: These powerful institutions have the deepest pockets, and they are repeatedly held financially responsible.
High Value for Severe Injuries and Death: While Leonel survived, his near-fatal injuries and lifelong risks are valued comparably to wrongful death cases, especially when egregious conduct is present.
Criminal and Civil Accountability: Hazing often leads to criminal charges against individuals alongside civil lawsuits, creating dual paths to justice.
Legislative Change: These lawsuits often spark new laws and stricter penalties, proving that taking action can protect future generations of students.

Our firm is committed to ensuring that Greek life and university administrators in Martinsville and across Virginia understand these precedents. Hazing is a calculated risk for these organizations, and we are dedicated to making that risk prohibitively expensive.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Martinsville

While our firm is based in Texas, and Leonel Bermudez’s case is being fought under Texas law, the fundamental principles of anti-hazing statutes and civil liability extend nationwide. Martinsville families dealing with hazing incidents at institutions in Virginia or elsewhere benefit from similar legal protections and our federal court authority. We understand that navigating legal complexities can be overwhelming, especially after trauma. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, simplified in plain English.

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws, outlined in the Texas Education Code, that protect students. These laws are a strong foundation for civil litigation:

What Constitutes Hazing? (Texas Education Code § 37.151)

Texas defines hazing broadly, encompassing any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

Involves Physical Brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, electric shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body.
Causes Unreasonable Risk or Harm: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like Leonel being stripped to his underwear and sprayed with a hose), confinement, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and other extreme exercises leading to kidney failure), or any activity adversely affecting mental or physical health.
Involves Forced Consumption: Of food (like Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting), liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk or harm.
Requires Criminal Acts: Any activity that forces a student to violate the Penal Code.
Involves Coercion to Consume Drugs or Alcohol: In amounts that would lead a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated.

As clearly demonstrated, the horrific acts perpetrated against Leonel Bermudez violate multiple provisions of this statute. Similar detailed definitions of hazing exist in Virginia law – for instance, Virginia’s Code § 18.2-56 provides for criminal penalties for hazing that causes injury or death.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.152)

Hazing is a crime, not just a university policy violation. The penalties in Texas can be severe:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in, soliciting, or failing to report hazing.
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, leading to up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute serious bodily injury.
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, carrying 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston spokesperson even alluded to “potential criminal charges” in their statement regarding Leonel’s case, confirming a belief that criminal conduct occurred.

Organizational Responsibility (Texas Education Code § 37.153)

Organizations themselves (like the local chapter and national fraternity) can be penalized if they condone, encourage, or have officers/members who commit hazing. Penalties include fines, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property. Pi Kappa Phi National’s decision to close the Beta Nu chapter acknowledges this organizational liability.

Crucial Point: Consent is NOT a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154)

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of anti-hazing law. Texas statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This provision directly counters the common defense argument: “He knew what he was signing up for” or “He participated voluntarily.” In Texas, the law recognizes the inherent coercion and power imbalances in hazing. No student can legally consent to being brutalized, force-fed, waterboarded, or otherwise harmed. Other states, like Virginia with its “Adam’s Law,” have similarly robust provisions.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges aren’t pursued, Martinsville families can fight for justice through civil lawsuits. These actions allow victims to recover vital compensation:

Negligence Claims: Holding individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities accountable for failing in their duty of care to protect students, leading directly to injury.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or fraternity-owned property (as in Leonel’s case at UH), the property owner can be liable for dangerous conditions.
Negligent Supervision: When national organizations and universities fail to properly oversee chapters, allowing hazing to flourish.
Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals for intentional harmful contact.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct causing severe emotional harm, particularly relevant with psychological hazing like simulated waterboarding.

For Martinsville families, these civil claims are the path to recovering damages for medical expenses, lost education, pain, suffering, and the psychological trauma inflicted by hazing. Our firm’s expertise in federal court and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) mean we can pursue justice for victims across state lines, including those in Martinsville, regardless of where the hazing occurred. We will travel to Martinsville, or utilize remote consultations, to ensure distance is never a barrier to justice.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Martinsville Hazing Victims

When your family in Martinsville faces the nightmare of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only compassionate but also fiercely aggressive and expertly equipped to take on powerful university systems and national Greek organizations. Attorney911 stands out as the definitive choice because we are actively fighting this battle right now, with a proven track record against institutional defendants. We bring that same fierce advocacy and tactical intelligence to Martinsville families.

Our Unmatched Advantages for Your Hazing Case

Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re in the trenches right now. The Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston case is not theoretical; it’s a live, ongoing fight. This direct, recent experience is invaluable and ensures we are at the cutting edge of hazing litigation.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña previously worked for insurance companies, including a national defense firm. This means we possess intimate, insider knowledge of how insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize, evaluate claims, and attempt to minimize payouts. We know their playbook because we helped write it, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
Federal Court Admissions: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us the authority to pursue nationwide cases in federal jurisdiction. This is critical when national fraternities or universities span multiple states.
Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas and New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternity organizations often headquartered or incorporated in other states. This expands our reach and legal flexibility.
Extensive Litigation Experience (25+ Years): Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion mass tort litigation. This demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants—the same skills directly applicable to hazing cases involving powerful national organizations and universities.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: We have direct experience with rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel’s, and Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, as well as cases involving Texas A&M University. This specialized knowledge means we understand the unique medical, cultural, and legal nuances of hazing incidents.
Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain an extensive “Texas Hazing Intelligence Database” of over 1,400 Greek organizations, housing corporations, and alumni chapters, complete with EINs and legal names. We know who to sue and how to find their financial backing. For Martinsville cases, this means we can quickly identify the responsible entities behind national chapters operating near you.
Willingness to Travel: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are committed to traveling to Martinsville for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We also offer secure remote consultations via video conference, allowing Martinsville families to connect with us immediately.
Contingency Fee Basis: We understand the financial strain that hazing incidents place on families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means Martinsville families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This aligns our financial incentives directly with your success and removes the burden of legal fees during a challenging time.
Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Our staff is bilingual, providing comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients. This ensures that language barriers never prevent Martinsville’s diverse communities from accessing justice.
Empathetic and Aggressive Approach: We balance a warm, parent-facing empathy with aggressive, unyielding legal advocacy. We understand the trauma you’re experiencing, and we translate that into fierce advocacy in the courtroom. As Ralph Manginello states, “I started Attorney911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.”

Our Team: Your Advocates

Ralph P. Manginello: Our managing partner, with 25+ years of litigation experience. A former insurance defense attorney, he knows the strategies the opposition will deploy. His background includes high-profile mass tort litigation and a deep understanding of complex injury cases. Ralph’s journalism background trains him to investigate thoroughly and tell compelling stories, which is crucial for exposing what institutions try to hide in Martinsville hazing cases. A father of three, he understands first-hand what’s at stake for families.
Lupe Eleno Peña: An associate attorney (he/him/his) and a third-generation Texan who also began his career on the insurance defense side with a national law firm. His insider knowledge of how large corporations and insurance carriers value claims and strategize their defenses is a unique advantage. With Lupe, Martinsville families get an attorney “willing to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.” His finance background helps analyze economic losses, crucial for maximizing damages. He is fully fluent in Spanish.

We are not just lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We move first, fast, and decisively for hazing victims in Martinsville. Our 4.9-star rating on Google from over 250 reviews reflects our commitment to our clients, who often describe us as treating them “like family.”

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Martinsville Hazing Victims

If your child in Martinsville has been victimized by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Taking the right steps can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and secure the compensation your family deserves. We understand that this is a terrifying and confusing time, but acting quickly is paramount.

Phase 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Ensure Immediate Safety: Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately. If they are still in harm’s way, prioritize their physical safety above all else.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is non-negotiable. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological distress is the primary concern, a medical evaluation is crucial. For physical injuries, this creates a vital medical record. For psychological trauma, it establishes a professional diagnosis.
- Call 911 for emergencies.
- Go to the nearest emergency room in Martinsville, such as Sovah Health – Martinsville, or a local urgent care center.
- Ensure all injuries, no matter how small, are documented and described in detail to medical staff.
- For hazing involving alcohol, check for signs of alcohol poisoning (unconsciousness, pale skin, vomiting).
- For physical overexertion, look for dark urine, muscle pain, and swelling, which can indicate rhabdomyolysis, as Leonel Bermudez suffered.

Phase 2: Preserve All Evidence

Evidence is the backbone of any successful legal claim. Hazing organizations often try to cover their tracks, so immediate preservation is key.

Document Injuries: Take clear, specific photos and videos of all physical injuries as soon as possible. Continue to photograph the healing process over time.
Collect Communications: Gather all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. These often contain direct evidence of instruction, threats, and degrading demands from perpetrators.
Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Secure Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written instructions given to your child. These can reveal the systematic nature of the hazing.
Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work or internships, and any educational expenses (e.g., tuition for a semester disrupted).
Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
The Hazing Location: If safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred with photos or videos. For instance, if the hazing occurred near Martinsville at Virginia Tech or Radford, photos of the fraternity house or off-campus locations are crucial.
Physical Evidence: If there are any objects used in the hazing (e.g., particular clothing, items mentioned in rituals), preserve them if safely possible.

Phase 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Case

Many well-intentioned actions can inadvertently jeopardize your legal claim.

DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, social media posts, or any other digital evidence, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. This can be considered spoliation of evidence.
DO NOT Talk to the Organization or University (Alone): Fraternity members, chapter advisors, and university administrators are not on your side. They are trained to protect the institution, not the victim. Do not give any statements, sign any documents, or discuss the incident with them without legal counsel.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you or your child posts on social media can and will be used against you by the defense. Avoid discussing the incident, your feelings about it, or even posting photos that suggest you are “fine.”
DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters will try to get a recorded statement from your child. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Virginia is generally two years from the date of injury or death. While this may seem like a long time, evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities for investigation diminish rapidly. Contacting an attorney immediately is crucial.

Phase 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

The single most important step you can take after ensuring your child’s safety is to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney. We offer free, confidential consultations 24/7.

Why Call Us Now?

Time is of the Essence: Our legal team can immediately issue “preservation letters” to all responsible parties, legally compelling them to retain all evidence, preventing deletion of messages or destruction of chapter records.
Expert Guidance: We will guide you through every step, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and strategically gather the necessary evidence.
Level the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have vast legal resources. You need an equally powerful advocate.
Contingency Fee: Remember, you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Nationwide Reach: Even though we are based in Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions, and commitment to travel mean we can represent Martinsville families, no matter where the hazing occurred in Virginia or nationwide. We offer convenient video consultations for families who cannot travel.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Martinsville Hazing Victims

If your child in Martinsville has been harmed by hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and we are prepared to bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless fight to your case that we are currently waging in our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

Martinsville Families: You Have Rights. We Are Here to Fight For Them.

We understand the anguish and confusion you might be feeling. Your child was supposed to learn and grow, not be broken by abusive rituals. We are ready to listen, to act, and to hold every single responsible party accountable.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now for A FREE Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7 for Martinsville hazing emergencies.

No Upfront Costs. We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid.

We take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means:

$0 upfront for Martinsville families.
You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket for our legal fees.
We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

We Serve Martinsville Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond. Hazing is a national crisis, and we represent victims from Martinsville and all across America.

Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, granting us the power to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when dealing with national fraternities operating across state lines.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing strategic flexibility for complex, multi-state litigation against national organizations.
Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing Martinsville families to connect with our legal team without the need for immediate travel.
Commitment to Travel: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trials, our attorneys will travel to Martinsville to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.

We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, not just fraternities and sororities:

Greek life organizations at universities in Virginia and beyond, including Virginia Tech, UVA, James Madison University, and Radford University.
Martinsville sports teams.
Marching bands and other student organizations.
ROTC programs.
Any group that substitutes abuse for legitimate initiation.

The cultural fabric and strong community ties in Martinsville mean that tragedies like hazing deeply impact many. Families often send their children to beloved Virginia universities with trust and hope. When that trust is betrayed, and a child is harmed, the entire community feels the ripple effect. We are here to stand with Martinsville, ensuring that local families can access the same high-caliber legal representation available in larger metropolitan areas.

To Other Victims of Hazing: You Are Not Alone. We Can Help.

Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. The lawsuit details how another pledge lost consciousness weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization, and another was hog-tied. Many others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and brutal physical abuse.

If you or your loved one were part of the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, or any other organization where hazing occurred, please call us. You have rights, and your voice deserves to be heard. As Lupe Peña powerfully stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.