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City of Norton Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

City of Norton, Earth, North America, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this, your family in City of Norton may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, pursue academic goals, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in City of Norton fight back.

We know the fear, the anger, the confusion, and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness that washes over you when you discover your child has been subjected to such cruelty. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in City of Norton.

This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a fight for justice, for accountability, and for a safer future for all students. We are actively engaged in this fight right now, armed with deep legal knowledge, proven strategies, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.

The Hazing Crisis: Why City of Norton Families Need Us

Hazing in America is not a relic of the past; it’s a pervasive, dangerous, and often deadly reality that impacts students at universities across the nation, including those your children might attend from City of Norton. It’s happening in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and countless other student organizations. What begins as a desire for belonging can quickly devolve into a nightmare of physical, psychological, and even sexual abuse.

Statistics paint a sobering picture:

  • Over half of all students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing.
  • A staggering 40% of student-athletes endure hazing rituals.
  • Tragically, since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States.
  • The most disturbing statistic of all: 95% of students who are hazed never report it. Shame, fear of retribution, and a misguided sense of loyalty often silence victims, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue.

This isn’t about “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. These are acts of assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and sometimes, manslaughter or murder. Institutions – from local chapters to national organizations and universities themselves – often know this is happening. They possess the power to stop it. Yet, they frequently choose reputation over safety, tradition over humanity, and their institution over your child, until it’s too late. It’s a systemic failure that has profound, life-altering consequences for victims and their families.

We are here to tell families in City of Norton that this silence must end. We are here to offer a pathway to justice, to ensure that the institutions and individuals responsible for such atrocities are held accountable. We have seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing, and we refuse to stand idly by while another student is subjected to its horrors. Our fight is your fight.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Battle We’re Fighting Right Now

This isn’t theoretical. This isn’t just about promises. We are actively fighting this battle right now, demonstrating precisely the kind of aggressive, data-driven representation we bring to every hazing case, including those from City of Norton. The case is Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court. It represents everything we stand for: relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims.

City of Norton families: This case happened just down the road in Houston. The painful reality is that the same hazing tactics, involving the same national fraternities, are happening at universities near City of Norton. The same institutional negligence that allowed Leonel Bermudez to be tortured exists at colleges and universities that students from City of Norton attend. We are prepared to bring the same aggressive fight to your community.

Media Coverage: Our Fight in the News

The severity and egregious nature of this case have garnered significant attention from major news outlets:

Even Pi Kappa Phi National recognized the severity, posting on their own website on November 21, 2025, that they closed the Beta Nu Chapter. https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/

The Victims: Our Client, Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a University of Houston student when he endured weeks of brutal hazing. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to UH the following semester. Despite not being fully enrolled, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025, seeking friendship and belonging. What he found instead was systematic abuse that landed him in the hospital for four days with life-threatening injuries.

Our firm is fighting for Leonel, pursuing:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
  • Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
  • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
  • The University of Houston
  • The UH Board of Regents
  • The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other individual fraternity members
  • Even a former member and his spouse, who allowed hazing at their private residence.

This extensive list of defendants underscores our strategy: we identify and pursue every single entity responsible for the harm caused. As our founding partner, Ralph Manginello, told ABC13, describing Leonel’s condition: “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.”

His mother’s swift action saved his life. Our lawsuit aims to save others. As our attorney Lupe Pena 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.”

What Happened: A Timeline of Torture

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
  • September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic abuse begin.
  • October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
  • October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs to revive him. This was a clear warning, yet the hazing continued.
  • November 3, 2025: The climax of the abuse. Leonel is forced into extreme physical exertion – over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He is compelled to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
  • November 4-5, 2025: Leonel is severely ill, unable to move.
  • November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital after he starts passing brown urine, a critical sign of muscle breakdown.
  • November 6-10, 2025: Leonel is hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter, just days before our lawsuit is filed.
  • November 21, 2025: We file the $10 million lawsuit, attracting immediate media attention.

The Hazing Activities Exposed: This is Not “Tradition”

The lawsuit details harrowing acts of physical and psychological abuse that go far beyond any acceptable boundary. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a systematic pattern of cruelty:

  • Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics. Pledges were forced to run repeatedly under the threat of this torture. The Houston Public Media rightly characterized this as: “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited. Afterward, they were “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass.”
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling sessions, which continued until they could not stand. Worse still, the lawsuit alleges the use of “wooden paddles.”
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.” Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather. All of this was done under the constant threat of physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity.
  • Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, intentionally leading to exhaustion, which affects physical health and academic performance.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The severe physical abuse resulted in Leonel developing rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream. This surge of proteins, particularly myoglobin, can overwhelm and severely damage the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure.

Leonel’s symptoms were classic and terrifying:

  • He passed “brown urine”, a clear indicator of myoglobin in the urine.
  • Tests revealed “very high creatine kinase levels”, confirming extensive muscle damage.
  • He suffered acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication.
  • He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment.
  • For days, he “could not stand or walk”—a profound personal injury stemming directly from the hazing.

This is the same medical condition that our firm has successfully litigated in prior hazing cases. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in handling rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understanding the complex medical and legal aspects involved. The long-term implications for Leonel could be severe, including chronic kidney disease, the need for dialysis, or even a kidney transplant in the future.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters expose a disturbing pattern of institutional knowledge and a failure to act:

  • University of Houston’s Statement (via Houston Public Media): “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This statement, while condemning the acts, admits to a “clear violation” on their campus and acknowledges “potential criminal charges” – a tacit admission of gross negligence and failure of oversight.
  • Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters’ Statement (on their website): “Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members…We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership…and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.” This carefully worded statement, while admitting “violations,” demonstrates a profound lack of remorse. They closed the chapter before our lawsuit was filed, showcasing “consciousness of liability” and an attempt at damage control. Their assertion of “prioritizing the well-being of our members” rings hollow when a member has just been hospitalized due to their organization’s actions. Most chillingly, their statement about “looking forward to returning to campus” indicates a clear intent to resume operations as if such an egregious event had not occurred. This is a business-as-usual mentality that only punitive damages can truly disrupt.

KHOU 11 reported that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical allegation, demonstrating that they had actual knowledge of a pervasive problem yet chose not to address it effectively. Furthermore, the Pi Kappa Phi National boasts of chapters on “more than 150 campuses across America.” This broad reach signals a systemic problem, not an isolated incident, and means that if this was happening at UH, it is likely happening elsewhere.

Why This Case Matters to City of Norton Families

  1. Proof that “Tradition” is Torture: Leonel Bermudez’s story shatters any illusion that hazing is harmless. These acts are pure torture, and they are occurring at universities students from City of Norton might attend.
  2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred. Universities near City of Norton have the same power and duty to control student organizations and protect students. When they fail, they are just as liable.
  3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s quick action to dissolve the chapter before the lawsuit proves they knew the actions were indefensible. The same national organizations operate at colleges and universities near City of Norton, and they are fully aware of what occurs within their chapters.
  4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez “is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This highlights the culture of intimidation that silences victims. We protect our clients, allowing them to seek justice without fear.
  5. One Brave Victim Can Protect City of Norton Students: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your child’s case, like Leonel’s, can be the catalyst for meaningful change, saving countless other students from similar suffering.
  6. $10 Million Sends a Message: A lawsuit of this magnitude is not merely about financial compensation; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable and sending an undeniable message that such behavior will not be tolerated. City of Norton families have the power to send the same message when their children are victims of hazing.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in City of Norton might imagine hazing as outdated, harmless rituals. The truth is far more sinister. Hazing today is sophisticated and often intentionally designed to break down a victim’s will, physically and psychologically. It is insidious, performed under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood,” and leaves deep, lasting scars, if not worse.

Based on cases we’ve handled and countless others across America, here’s what hazing activities can entail:

  • Physical Abuse: This is direct, intentional harm. It includes beatings, paddling with objects (as alleged in the Bermudez case with wooden paddles), branding, burning, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and exercises pushed to the point of collapse, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury.
  • Forced Consumption: Often involving alcohol, this can lead to life-threatening alcohol poisoning. But it also includes forced eating of massive quantities of food, bizarre or disgusting substances, or consumption until vomiting, as Leonel Bermudez was forced to do.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally kept awake for extended periods, forced to perform tasks late into the night or early in the morning, leading to extreme fatigue, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability to accidents.
  • Psychological Torture: This category is often overlooked but can be the most damaging. It involves humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, social isolation, threats (of physical harm, expulsion, or social ostracization), and mind games designed to break down a person’s self-esteem and identity. The “fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature” and the hog-tying incident against another pledge in the Bermudez case fall squarely into this category.
  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel experienced, this is a particularly egregious form of torture that simulates the sensation of drowning. It is internationally recognized as a severe human rights violation.
  • Servitude and Exploitation: Pledges are often forced to perform menial, demeaning tasks for fraternity members, acting as unpaid servants, driving them around, or attending to their needs, leading to exhaustion and a complete loss of personal time.

The medical consequences of these acts are severe and can include:

  • Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: as seen in our current UH case.
  • Alcohol Poisoning: a leading cause of hazing deaths.
  • Hypothermia or Hyperthermia: from forced exposure.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury: from physical beatings, falls, or repeated head trauma.
  • Cardiac Arrest: from extreme physical exertion.
  • Internal Injuries: from forced consumption or physical strikes.
  • Psychological Disorders: including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can plague victims for years or a lifetime.
  • Death: the ultimate tragic outcome, as highlighted by multiple precedent cases.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just the actions of a few individuals. It’s often enabled by a culture of silence, a failure of oversight, and a systemic negligence that extends far beyond the four walls of a fraternity house. Our goal is to hold everyone responsible accountable, from the individuals who directly inflict harm to the institutions that allowed it to happen.

Drawing from our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, here’s a breakdown of who we often pursue and why:

  • Local Chapter: This is the immediate entity that organized and executed the hazing. The chapter, through its leadership (president, pledgemaster) and active members, is directly liable for the illegal and harmful activities.
  • Chapter Officers: Individuals like the fraternity president, pledgemaster, risk management officer, and other leaders bear a heightened responsibility. They are typically the ones directing, planning, and overseeing pledge activities. Their active participation or gross negligence in allowing hazing to occur makes them personally liable.
  • Individual Members: Every member who actively participated in, condoned, witnessed and failed to stop, or benefited from the hazing can be held accountable. This includes those who might claim they were “just following orders” or “part of the tradition.” As a recent $6.5 million judgment against a former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case shows, individual officers cannot hide behind the organization.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: In the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse were named because hazing occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who provides a venue or facilitates hazing, demonstrating how the culture can permeate beyond the active student body. Premises liability can apply even in private homes.
  • National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These are often the “deep pockets” in hazing litigation. National organizations have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure the safety of prospective members. When they fail to do so, especially after previous incidents at their chapters (like Pi Kappa Phi’s history with Andrew Coffey’s death), they are liable for negligent supervision, failure to train, and institutional negligence. They possess millions in assets and comprehensive liability insurance.
  • Universities & Colleges: Educational institutions have a profound responsibility to protect their students. When hazing occurs on university property (as it did in a university-owned fraternity house in the Bermudez case), or when the university fails to adequately oversee Greek life, enforce anti-hazing policies, or respond to prior incidents, they can be held liable. Universities have substantial endowments and insurance policies. The University of Houston’s prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 underscores their institutional knowledge and subsequent failure to protect Leonel.
  • Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds to compensate victims often come from various insurance policies: the national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, homeowner’s policies (for off-campus hazing), and even individual personal liability coverage. Our attorneys, particularly Lupe Pena with his background as a former insurance defense attorney, have an insider’s understanding of how these companies operate, allowing us to strategically pursue maximum compensation from these sources.

This multi-pronged approach ensures that every responsible party is brought before the court. We don’t just sue the “college kids”; we target the entire network of individuals and organizations that enable hazing culture.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Prevails

For City of Norton families reeling from a hazing tragedy, there’s a critical question: Can we actually win a case like this? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Across America, families have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, holding powerful fraternities and universities accountable and sending a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated. These precedent cases prove that justice can and does prevail, and the same aggressive legal strategies that led to these victories apply to hazing cases originating from City of Norton.

Notable Precedent Cases:

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
    • Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event and died from alcohol poisoning. The university (Bowling Green State) settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha National, along with other individuals, settled for an additional $7.2 million. This case alone directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. In a subsequent development in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability. This demonstrates that individual leaders cannot escape accountability.
  • Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
    • Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual called “Bible Study.” A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and the case led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict shows that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to deliver substantial awards.
  • Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
    • Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing event. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and died after fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911. While confidential, settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million, making it one of the largest hazing payouts in U.S. history. The comprehensive evidence, including security camera footage, contributed to this massive outcome, showcasing that meticulously documented cases can achieve monumental results. This case also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)
    • Crucially, this case involved Pi Kappa Phi – the exact same national fraternity as our current Bermudez case. Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident provides smoking gun evidence that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing practices within its chapters years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, yet failed to implement sufficient changes, demonstrating a pattern of negligence and foreseeability.
  • Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement (October 2024)
    • Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event, leading to a $28 million lawsuit that recently settled for over $4 million, including a substantial donation to the family’s anti-hazing foundation. This again shows serious injuries or death result in multi-million dollar recoveries and often lead to legislative change.
  • University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017): $1 Million Lawsuit (Settled Confidentially)
    • This is a crucial precedent for our Bermudez case, as it involved the same university. In 2017, a University of Houston student, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. A $1 million lawsuit was filed. This demonstrates that the University of Houston had actual knowledge of severe hazing on its campus years before Leonel Bermudez’s incident, highlighting a clear failure of institutional oversight.

What These Precedents Mean for the Bermudez Case and City of Norton Victims:

  1. Our $10 Million Demand is Well-Supported: The Stone Foltz case alone sets a direct precedent of over $10 million for hazing-related injuries and death. Leonel’s profound injuries, coupled with the egregious nature of the hazing, justify a similar demand.
  2. Pi Kappa Phi’s Documented History of Death: The Andrew Coffey case is a stark reminder that Pi Kappa Phi National has a history of deadly hazing. They cannot claim ignorance; they had eight years to change, and Leonel Bermudez’s case proves they failed. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and supports an argument for significant punitive damages.
  3. University of Houston’s Prior Knowledge and Failure to Act: The 2017 Jared Munoz case at UH proves the university knew about severe hazing incidents on its campus. Their subsequent failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s injuries demonstrates a profound lack of institutional responsibility and foreseeable harm.
  4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case signals that juries are deeply disturbed by hazing and are willing to punish fraternities and individuals severely. The sheer brutality of the waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse in the Bermudez case will evoke similar outrage.
  5. Criminal Charges and Legislative Change: These civil lawsuits often run parallel to criminal investigations and frequently inspire new anti-hazing laws. Leonel’s case, like many before it, may lead to criminal charges against individuals and drive further legislative reform to protect students across Texas.

These stories underscore a fundamental truth: powerful institutions and individuals can be held accountable, and victims can achieve significant compensation. The same legal framework and the same aggressive pursuit of justice are available to families in City of Norton.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is NOT a Defense Against Hazing

For families in City of Norton, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for negligence and federal civil rights claims apply across state lines, meaning our federal court authority allows us to pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.

In Texas, anti-hazing laws are detailed under Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157, known as the Anti-Hazing Law. This statute provides a powerful foundation for both criminal prosecution and civil claims.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization. The definition is comprehensive, covering:

  • Physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding).
  • Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities causing unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affecting health.
  • Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances causing unreasonable risk.
  • Activities violating the Penal Code.
  • Coercing the student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Our Bermudez case clearly satisfies multiple elements of this definition, including physical brutality (paddles, extreme exercise), sleep deprivation, exposure (stripping in cold, hose spraying), calisthenics creating unreasonable risk (leading to rhabdomyolysis), and forced consumption (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns). The waterboarding, while not explicitly listed, would undoubtedly fall under physical brutality and activities creating an unreasonable risk of harm.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law imposes serious criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from Class B Misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) for simply engaging in hazing, to Class A Misdemeanors (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine) if hazing causes serious bodily injury. If hazing causes death, it becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine). Given Leonel Bermudez’s acute kidney failure, the perpetrators in our case face Class A Misdemeanor charges. The University of Houston spokesperson has already mentioned “potential criminal charges,” underscoring the severity.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): This is critical. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if an officer, member, pledge, or alumni assists in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, or forfeiture of property. Both the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization face this liability.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most vital provisions for hazing victims and their families in City of Norton. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means that any argument by fraternities or universities that “he agreed to participate,” “they knew the risks,” or “they could have left” are legally irrelevant in Texas. The legislature recognized that the power dynamics and coercion inherent in hazing negate true consent, making this a powerful tool for victim advocacy.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is also a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision provides further avenues for accountability and uncovers institutional cover-ups.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Beyond the specific criminal laws, City of Norton victims can pursue substantial civil lawsuits based on various legal theories:

  • Negligence Claims: These are applicable in City of Norton and all states. We argue that the university, national organization, and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect the student, breached that duty through hazing, which directly caused the injuries, resulting in provable “damages.”
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case), the institution has a “landlord’s duty” to maintain a safe environment. Failing to prevent dangerous conditions like hazing on its property can lead to premises liability.
  • Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise local chapters, or when universities fail to monitor Greek life or other student organizations, especially after previous incidents or warnings.
  • Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be pursued against individual perpetrators. Acts like paddling, forced physical abuse, or simulated waterboarding unequivocally constitute assault (threat of harm) and battery (unwanted harmful contact).
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing often involves extreme and outrageous conduct designed to inflict severe emotional suffering. This can justify claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, addressing the profound psychological trauma many victims endure.
  • Vicarious Liability: This legal principle holds that a party can be responsible for the actions of another. For instance, a national fraternity can be vicariously liable for the actions of its chapter members, or a university for its approved student organizations.

These civil claims allow City of Norton victims to seek comprehensive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages well beyond what criminal penalties can provide. The flexibility of these legal theories allows us to build powerful cases tailored to each victim’s experience, regardless of where they attend college or which organization was involved.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in City of Norton’s Hour of Need

When your family in City of Norton faces the unimaginable horror of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer. You need tenacious advocates who understand the intricate legal landscape, the cunning tactics of powerful defendants, and the profound emotional toll such an experience takes. You need Attorney911.

We are headquartered in Houston, deeply rooted in Texas, but our reach and capabilities extend to City of Norton and across the nation. We bring a unique blend of experience, insight, and aggressive dedication to every case, setting us apart from other firms.

1. Unmatched Experience (25+ Years in the Courtroom):
Ralph P. Manginello, our founding partner, brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience. A seasoned trial attorney, he’s faced down some of the largest corporate defendants in the country, including in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves our capacity to take on major institutional defendants like national fraternities and universities, and it’s the exact expertise we bring to hazing cases for City of Norton families. His journalism background also makes him adept at investigation and storytelling, crucial for exposing what institutions want to hide. Ralph is a father of three, and this personal connection fuels his passion for protecting young people. He understands the pressures in environments like those he experienced as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth golf coach, where hazing can unfortunately take root.

2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: We Know Their Playbook:
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, our associate attorney, are former insurance defense lawyers. This is a critical advantage. They have seen the internal playbook of insurance companies, universities’ risk management departments, and national fraternities’ legal teams. They know how the “other side” thinks, what strategies they employ to minimize payouts, and what tactics they use to delay or deny claims. Now, they use that insider knowledge to deconstruct those defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Lupe Peña, in particular, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, giving him invaluable insight into multi-practice litigation defense strategies that are directly applicable to complex hazing cases.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions:
We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph is a member of the New York State Bar. This federal court admission is crucial when national fraternities (which often have corporate headquarters in different states) claim that state courts lack jurisdiction. Our dual-state bar licenses provide a strategic advantage when pursuing national organizations, allowing us to engage them on multiple legal fronts. For City of Norton families, this means we can pursue justice whether the incident occurred at a local institution or involves a national entity whose headquarters are far away.

4. Hazing-Specific Expertise (Currently Litigating a $10M Case):
This isn’t just one of many practice areas for us; hazing litigation is a core focus. We are currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, which involves rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure due to extreme hazing. We have direct experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and university accountability. This active, ongoing battle ensures we are always at the forefront of hazing litigation strategies and legal precedents. When you choose Attorney911, City of Norton families get attorneys who are in the fight right now, not just talking about it.

5. Compassionate and Bilingual Service (Se Habla Español):
We understand that navigating legal challenges, especially after a traumatic hazing event, can be overwhelming. Our staff is bilingual and genuinely passionate about helping our clients. Lupe Peña is a third-generation Texan, fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in City of Norton receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We treat City of Norton families like family, providing clear communication and unwavering support through every step of the legal process.

6. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost for City of Norton Families:
We believe that access to justice should not be limited by financial constraints. Hazing victims and their families in City of Norton pay absolutely nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if and when we win your case. This eliminates financial risk for our clients and aligns our interests directly with yours: we are fully invested in securing the maximum possible compensation for your suffering. We take the risk, not you. Link to our video “How Contingency Fees Work” for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

7. “We Come to You”: Nationwide Reach:
Although our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in City of Norton and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations, making it easy for City of Norton families to connect with us. Our commitment to aggressive representation means we are willing to travel to City of Norton for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our nationwide federal court authority, combined with our dual-state bar admissions, allows us to pursue justice wherever hazing occurs, irrespective of state lines.

What truly sets us apart for City of Norton victims is our commitment: We don’t just see a case; we see a person, a family, and a profound injustice. We are emotionally invested in fighting hazing, driven by the belief that every student deserves to be safe and treated with dignity. We turn pain and rage into concrete accountability.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Norton Families and Victims

If you or your child in City of Norton has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, taking swift, decisive action can make a profound difference in the strength of your case and your ability to secure justice.

Here are the immediate steps we advise:

  1. Prioritize Medical Attention: Your health and safety are paramount. If there are any physical injuries, no matter how minor they seem, seek immediate medical care. Go to the emergency room or see a doctor. This not only addresses your well-being but also creates a crucial medical record linking your injuries to the hazing incident. Do not delay, as insurance companies or defendants will later argue that a delay means your injuries were not serious.
  2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything: Hazing incidents, particularly those intended to be secretive, rely on lack of documented evidence. You must become your own investigator, safely and discreetly:
    • Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, ER visits, doctor’s notes, diagnoses (especially for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, concussion, etc.), and therapy records.
    • Photos/Videos: Take clear pictures of any injuries at all stages of healing (bruising, cuts, burns, scrapes, extreme swelling, dark urine). If you safely have photos or videos of hazing activities or the location, preserve them. Our video, “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), offers vital tips.
    • Communications: This is arguably the most critical evidence. Preserve all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes threats, instructions, plans, or discussions about the events.
    • Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or individuals who might have seen or heard elements of the hazing.
    • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or fraternity/sorority documents given to you.
    • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for expenses related to your injuries, and any documentation of lost wages or academic fees incurred due to the hazing.
    • Academic Records: Document any impact on your grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
  3. DO NOT Delete Anything: Under no circumstances should you delete any text messages, social media posts, or communication records. Deleting evidence can damage your case. The opposing side’s lawyers will paint it as you trying to hide something.
  4. DO NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone: Do not communicate with fraternity/sorority leaders, alumni boards, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect themselves and their institution. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
  5. DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, university, or any insurance representative without your attorney reviewing it first. You could be unknowingly waiving your legal rights or agreeing to a settlement far below what you deserve.
  6. DO NOT Post on Social Media About the Incident: Social media is a minefield for personal injury cases. Anything you post, including seemingly innocuous photos or comments about your recovery, can be twisted and used by defense attorneys to discredit your claims. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” emphasizes this point.
  7. Contact an Attorney IMMEDIATELY: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or death. While this may seem like ample time, evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Call us for a free, confidential consultation. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) explains these critical deadlines.

For City of Norton families and victims, we are here to provide immediate guidance and aggressive representation. Distance is not an issue. We offer remote consultations via phone or video conferencing, and our commitment to justice means we are prepared to travel to City of Norton for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Your journey to justice starts with a single, courageous step: reaching out for help.

Contact Us: Your Advocates in City of Norton’s Hour of Need

If your child attending college from City of Norton has suffered the trauma of hazing, you are likely experiencing one of the most frightening and confusing times of your life. We want you to know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team at Attorney911 is here to provide the immediate, aggressive, and compassionate help you desperately need.

We are not just legal professionals; we are fierce advocates for hazing victims and their families. Our experience in currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university means we are uniquely positioned to understand the complexities, anticipate the defenses, and fight relentlessly for the justice your family deserves. The same determination and expertise we apply to our live cases will be brought to bear on your case, no matter where you are in City of Norton.

City of Norton families: It’s time to act. Every moment that passes can jeopardize critical evidence and weaken your claim. There is a limited window to seek justice, and delay only benefits those who caused the harm.

Your Direct Line to Justice:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We are available 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.
Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com
Visit our website: attorney911.com

Why You Should Call Us Right Now:

  1. Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial consultation with us is completely free. There is no obligation, and everything you share is kept confidential. This is your opportunity to understand your legal options and how we can help.
  2. No Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without the burden of legal fees, even when fighting powerful institutions.
  3. Hazing Expertise: We are not general personal injury lawyers dabbling in hazing. This is a core focus of our practice, backed by real, ongoing high-stakes hazing litigation. We know the specific hazing tactics, the medical consequences like rhabdomyolysis, and the legal strategies against fraternities and universities.
  4. Nationwide Reach, Local Service for City of Norton: While based in Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses allow us to represent hazing victims across the country. We routinely offer video consultations and are prepared to travel to City of Norton for depositions, client meetings, or trial, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to pursuing your case.
  5. Former Insurance Insiders: Our attorneys understand the defense playbook because they used to write it. This insider knowledge gives us an unparalleled advantage in negotiating with insurance companies and confronting institutional legal teams.
  6. Empathetic & Aggressive: We combine deep compassion for what your family has endured with an aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to holding wrongdoers accountable. We fight for you as if you were our own family.

For Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one subjected to this brutal hazing. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others were waterboarded, forced to eat until they vomited, and made to endure extreme physical abuse. If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi pledge class at the University of Houston in Fall 2025, or if you witnessed these horrifying events, you also have rights.

Your silence protects the perpetrators. Your voice can make a difference. As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Reach out to us. Let’s work together to ensure that every individual and institution responsible for this cruelty faces the full force of justice. Your courage can prevent another student from suffering the same fate.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Your call can change everything.