If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in City of Poquoson fight back.

Hazing is a shadow across universities and colleges in City of Poquoson and across America, turning what should be a time of growth and discovery into a nightmare of abuse and trauma. As parents, we send our children off to institutions with the expectation that they will be safe, nurtured, and educated. The insidious reality of hazing shatters that trust, leaving victims with lasting physical and psychological scars, and families heartbroken. In City of Poquoson, where our community values safety, respect, and the well-being of our young people, the thought of a child enduring such degradation is horrifying.

At Attorney911, we are committed to confronting this crisis head-on. We are not just a law firm; we are advocates, protectors, and relentless fighters for hazing victims. We operate from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but our reach extends nationwide, bringing aggressive, data-driven litigation to families in City of Poquoson and every corner of the country. This isn’t theoretical for us; we are actively engaged in landmark hazing litigation right now, fighting for justice and accountability.

The Problem: Hazing in America

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys” or “building character.” Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous form of abuse that inflicts severe physical and psychological harm on its victims. It transcends fraternities and sororities, infiltrating sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various other student organizations. What begins as a desire to belong can quickly devolve into a cycle of humiliation, degradation, and sometimes, tragic injury or death.

The Harsh Truths About Hazing:

Pervasive: Studies show that over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and a significant percentage of student-athletes report similar incidents.
Hidden: A shocking 95% of hazing incidents go unreported. Victims often fear retaliation, social ostracization, or further abuse. In City of Poquoson, this silence allows the problem to fester, leaving our children vulnerable.
Dangerous: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These are not mere accidents; they are preventable tragedies stemming from reckless and often criminal behavior.
Systemic: Universities and national organizations often know about hazing, or at least have enough historical data to be aware of the pervasive risk. Yet, systemic failures in oversight, prevention, and response persist, allowing these dangerous practices to continue.

When hazing comes to light, institutions are quick to “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, offering carefully worded statements expressing shock and dismay. But what about proactive measures? What about the accountability that prevents the next victim? In City of Poquoson, and indeed across the nation, parents deserve to know that universities and fraternities are doing everything in their power to protect students, not just cover up incidents after they occur.

We understand that for an injured student or a grieving family in City of Poquoson, confronting powerful institutions can feel impossible. But you are not alone. We are here to show you what hazing truly looks like in today’s collegiate world and how aggressively we fight back.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Our fight against hazing is not theoretical. It’s happening right now in Harris County Civil District Court. We have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals involved in the horrific hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. This case is a stark warning to fraternities, universities, and parents in City of Poquoson: hazing is dangerous, it is pervasive, and we will hold every responsible party accountable.

Media Coverage – Multiple Outlets Confirm Our Fight

The severity and impact of this case are reflected in the widespread media attention it has garnered:

ABC13 Houston: On November 21-22, 2025, ABC13 (KTRK) reported extensively on the lawsuit, detailing the alleged abuse. You can read their coverage here: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.
KHOU 11: KHOU 11 also broke the news on November 21, 2025, highlighting the $10 million demand. Their report is available here: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.
Houston Chronicle: The Houston Chronicle provided their summary on November 22, 2025, further solidifying the public awareness of this critical case: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.
Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, Houston Public Media delved deeper into the allegations, emphasizing the devastating medical consequences: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, one of the defendants, released a carefully worded statement on November 21, 2025 confirming the closure of the chapter. You can find their statement here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. This statement, issued just days before our lawsuit became public, speaks volumes about their internal knowledge and hasty efforts to mitigate damage.

The Defendants: Everyone Who Played a Part

Our $10 million lawsuit, filed on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court, targets every entity and individual responsible for Leonel’s suffering:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): The local chapter that directly orchestrated and carried out the hazing.
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The parent organization responsible for overseeing its local chapters and ensuring compliance with anti-hazing policies, which they clearly failed to do.
Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity that owned or controlled the fraternity property where some of the hazing took place.
University of Houston: The institution that owned the fraternity house and had a responsibility to protect its students – a responsibility they thoroughly neglected.
UH Board of Regents: The governing body of the University of Houston, bearing institutional oversight for the failures on campus.
Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, and 13 Individual Fraternity Members: Including current members who participated, former members who hosted hazing at their residence, and even a former member’s spouse who allowed hazing to occur on their property.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez – A Ghost Rush

Leonel Bermudez was not even a full-fledged University of Houston student when this nightmare unfolded. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025, intending to enroll at UH in the Spring 2026 semester. He was a young man eager to find a place, to build connections, and to experience college life. What he found instead was weeks of escalating abuse.

As Attorney Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Attorney Lupe Pena 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.” This sentiment drives our dedication to every hazing victim, including those in City of Poquoson.

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Terror

Leonel’s ordeal began on September 16, 2025, and continued for weeks, marked by systematic and brutal hazing activities:

September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston.
September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of 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; it was a culture of abuse.
October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered, yet the hazing continued.
November 3, 2025 (The Incident): Leonel was subjected to extreme physical punishment designed to break him. He performed over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and numerous other grueling exercises. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion, pushed until he could not stand without help.
November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened dramatically. He was too sore to move, his body breaking down.
November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to be passing brown urine, a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown.
November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National (per their own website) officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. This pre-emptive closure, just days before our lawsuit, signals an admission of guilt and an attempt to control the narrative.
November 21, 2025: We filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court, making their internal damage control public. News outlets like ABC13 and KHOU 11 immediately covered the story.

The Hazing Activities: Explicit and Brutal

The activities Leonel endured are not pranks. They are acts of violence and psychological torment:

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face during calisthenics, and forced to run repeatedly under the constant threat of this horrific act. This is torture, a practice deemed a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. After lying in his own vomit-soaked grass, he was then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress.
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother drills.” He was forced to perform “two-mile warmups” followed by “repeated 100-yard crawls” while reciting the fraternity creed. He was also reportedly struck with wooden paddles. This relentless exertion led to his body breaking down.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. The incident of another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour demonstrates the systemic psychological torment. Threats of punishment and expulsion kept pledges in line.
Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to sustained exhaustion that impaired his health and daily life.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s body literally broke down from the abuse. He was diagnosed with:

Rhabdomyolysis: A severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream, which can harm the kidneys.
Acute Kidney Failure: His kidneys, overwhelmed by the muscle breakdown products, began to fail.
Visible Symptoms: His passage of brown urine was a classic and alarming sign of myoglobinuria, critical for diagnosing rhabdomyolysis.
Hospitalization: He required intensive medical care, spending three nights and four days in the hospital.

Institutional Responses: Admissions and Attempts at Damage Control

University of Houston Spokesperson: Publicly stated that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They acknowledged an investigation with law enforcement and the cooperation of the fraternity, hinting at “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission they knew something deeply wrong had happened.
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: On their website, they announced the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, citing “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This pre-emptive closure, before the lawsuit became widely known, is a clear act of damage control, confirming their knowledge of severe wrongdoing. Their statement also claimed, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a stark indication of their lack of genuine remorse.

Why This Case Matters to City of Poquoson Families

This harrowing story, unfolding just within Texas, is not an isolated incident. Here’s why every family in City of Poquoson should pay close attention:

“Tradition” is Torture: This case demonstrates that hazing is not benign. It is systematic abuse. The same torturous “traditions” can occur, and likely do occur, at universities and colleges where students from City of Poquoson attend.
Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred. Universities where City of Poquoson students go to college have the same power to stop hazing and bear the same liability when they fail to do so.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended and dissolved the UH chapter instantly upon Leonel’s hospitalization, proving they knew the severity of the alleged conduct. These same national fraternities and sororities have chapters near City of Poquoson. They have a duty to ensure their local chapters comply with their rules.
Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez’s attorneys explicitly stated he fears retribution. This fear is a common tactic used by hazers to maintain silence, and it affects victims everywhere, including in City of Poquoson. We protect our clients from such threats.
One Brave Student Can Make a Difference: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” By bravely coming forward, Leonel is fighting not just for himself, but for every other student at risk. A hazing lawsuit brought by a City of Poquoson family can likewise create powerful change and save lives.
$10 Million Sends a Message: The demand for $10 million in damages is meant to hit where it hurts—the financial bottom line of these institutions. This is the price of torturing our kids, and families in City of Poquoson have the right to send the same message when their children are victimized.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in City of Poquoson may have an outdated view of hazing, imagining harmless pranks or forced calisthenics. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by the Bermudez case, is far more sinister. Hazing today often involves systematic torture, psychological manipulation, and extreme physical abuse that can lead to severe injury, permanent trauma, and death.

It IS NOT:

Harmless pranks: The activities Leonel endured were not funny or innocent.
Initiation games: They were acts of terror and physical battery.
“Character building”: No character is built through degradation and forced consumption of vomit-inducing food.
“Just a little tough love”: Waterboarding is not love; it is a violation of basic human decency.

IT IS:

Assault and Battery: Direct physical harm, often with intent.
Psychological Torture: Designed to break down a person’s will and instill fear.
Reckless Endangerment: Placing individuals at severe risk of harm or death.
Kidnapping or False Imprisonment: Forcing individuals to stay in a location against their will, sometimes hog-tied.
Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, and other degrading acts.
Sometimes Manslaughter or Murder: When hazing leads to death, the legal consequences can escalate to criminal charges.

Common Categories of Hazing Incidents Witnessed Today:

Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to exhaustion, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme temperatures, physical restraints, simulated drowning (waterboarding).
Forced Consumption: Binge drinking (often to near-lethal blood alcohol levels), forced consumption of vile foods, non-food substances, or massive quantities of certain foods/liquids leading to vomiting. This often includes deliberate dehydration or over-hydration.
Psychological Torture: Verbal abuse, humiliation, public degradation, forced servitude, isolation, psychological games, threats of physical harm, social ostracization, or damage to reputation. This can include controlling communication, social media, or personal belongings.
Sexual Hazing: Forced nudity, sexual acts, sexual assault, or carrying objects of a sexual nature.
Academic & Financial Harassment: Forced to miss classes, neglect studies, or spend excessive amounts on fraternity-related expenses.

Medical Consequences Beyond the Physical:

Beyond the immediate injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning, hazing inflicts profound and lasting trauma:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashing back to the abuse, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, emotional numbness.
Anxiety and Depression: Chronic feelings of worry, sadness, hopelessness, and panic attacks.
Eating Disorders: Especially after forced eating incidents.
Substance Abuse: Self-medication to cope with trauma.
Suicidal Ideation: A chilling reality for many victims who see no other escape.
Academic Decline: Inability to focus, leading to failing grades or dropping out of school.
Trust Issues: Difficulty forming healthy relationships, impacting social development.
Permanent Physical Disabilities: Brain damage, organ failure, life-long pain.
Death: The ultimate, irreversible consequence.

The emotional and psychological scars from hazing often last far longer than the physical injuries. For students in City of Poquoson, the college years are meant to be a foundation for their future. Hazing can shatter that foundation, leaving them to rebuild their lives from scratch. Our legal team understands these multifaceted damages and fights to ensure comprehensive compensation for every aspect of a victim’s suffering.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When a hazing incident like Leonel Bermudez’s occurs, the responsibility typically extends far beyond the few individuals directly involved. At Attorney911, we meticulously identify and pursue every party whose negligence or direct action contributed to the harm, ensuring that victims in City of Poquoson receive full and complete justice. We don’t just sue the “pledgemaster”; we sue the entire ecosystem that enabled the abuse.

Based on our active litigation and extensive experience, the most common liable parties include:

The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter):
- Liability: Directly organizing and conducting the hazing activities. The chapter, as an entity, is responsible for the actions of its collective members, especially when these actions are part of sanctioned (or unsanctioned but known) “traditions.”
- Reasoning: They created the environment where the hazing occurred and actively participated in or facilitated the abuse.
Chapter Officers & Individual Members:
- Liability: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other leaders have a heightened responsibility due to their positions of authority and their direct role in planning and overseeing pledge activities. Any individual member who participated in, encouraged, or failed to intervene in hazing can be held personally liable for assault, battery, and negligence.
- Reasoning: Direct participation in harmful acts, or failure to prevent harm despite having the authority or ability to do so. In Leonel’s case, we’ve identified 13 individual defendants. This reflects our thorough approach to accountability.
Former Members & Their Spouses:
- Liability: Hazing often occurs at off-campus residences, sometimes those of alumni or former members. If a former member (or their spouse, if they own the property) allows or facilitates hazing on their premises, they can be held liable for premises liability, negligent supervision, or even conspiracy.
- Reasoning: They provided the venue and implicitly condoned the activity. This expands the scope of liable parties, often bringing in individuals with more assets or homeowner’s insurance.
The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):
- Liability: National organizations often have comprehensive anti-hazing policies, but their failure to enforce these policies, provide adequate oversight, or respond to prior incidents creates a direct line of liability. They have a duty to supervise their local chapters.
- Reasoning: Nationals typically provide charters, insurance, and guidance to local chapters. When they are aware of a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in the Bermudez case) or a pattern of past incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death), yet fail to act effectively, they become responsible. They possess the “deep pockets” necessary for significant compensation.
The University or College (e.g., University of Houston & UH Board of Regents):
- Liability: Universities have a duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on university-owned property (as was the case with UH) or within organizations they sanction. Their negligence can include failure to supervise Greek life, failure to investigate complaints, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, and allowing a dangerous culture to persist.
- Reasoning: Universities hold immense power over their recognized student organizations. When they own the very property where students are being brutalized, or when they have a history of prior hazing incidents (like the 2017 UH hazing case), their claims of ignorance are untenable.
Housing Corporations:
- Liability: Separate legal entities that own and manage fraternity or sorority houses. Similar to a landlord, they can be held liable for creating or allowing unsafe conditions on their property.
- Reasoning: They have a legal responsibility for the physical spaces where hazing can occur.
Insurance Carriers:
- Liability: Each of the above entities typically carries various forms of liability insurance (general liability, directors and officers liability, homeowner’s policies) that are designed to cover claims arising from such incidents.
- Reasoning: These are the ultimate “deep pockets” that fund settlements and verdicts. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys, particularly Mr. Peña’s background with a national insurance defense firm, gives us invaluable insight into how these companies operate and how to maximize recovery from them.

We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing. We Know How to Sue Them.

We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including their EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we already know precisely who to sue. For families in City of Poquoson, this means we come to your case with an unparalleled level of preparedness and strategic insight. We don’t guess; we know. And we sue every responsible party.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in City of Poquoson grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the potential for substantial compensation is not just about financial recovery; it is about accountability. It’s about sending a clear, unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that hazing will not be tolerated and will carry devastating financial consequences. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case stands firmly on the foundation of numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. These same results are possible for hazing victims in City of Poquoson.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements – The Proof is in the Payouts

These cases demonstrate that juries and institutions are increasingly willing to award significant damages for hazing incidents, especially when institutions show negligence or deliberate indifference.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
- What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He died of alcohol poisoning.
- Payout: The family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. This marks the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Most recently, in December 2024, a criminal court ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability.
- Relevance to Our Case: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case directly aligns with the significant recovery in the Foltz case. It demonstrates that when hazing causes severe injury or death, the price of negligence is measured in millions. The personal liability judgment against Dunson is a stark warning to individual hazers, including those involved in the events against Leonel Bermudez.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking ritual known as “Bible Study” at LSU’s Phi Delta Theta chapter. Pledges were forced to drink if they answered questions incorrectly. His BAC was 0.495—six times the legal limit.
- Payout: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Relevance to Our Case: This verdict underscores that juries are willing to award substantial amounts for hazing deaths. It also shows the broader impact of such cases, driving legislative change to make hazing a felony, a legal framework that exists in many states, including Texas.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
- What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual. He subsequently fell down stairs multiple times, suffered a traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from his injuries. Security cameras captured the entire horrific ordeal.
- Payout: While confidential, settlements related to the Piazza case are estimated to exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members were also charged, and some convicted, of involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The incident prompted legislative change, resulting in Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
- Relevance to Our Case: The sheer magnitude of the Piazza settlement demonstrates the incredible financial liability faced by universities and national fraternities when hazing results in death and clear evidence of negligence exists. Our Bermudez case, detailed with similar clarity in allegations and medical outcomes, aims for similar accountability.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)
- What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.
- Payout: The family settled with Pi Kappa Phi (amount confidential), and nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges.
- Crucial Relevance to Our Case: This is the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in Leonel Bermudez’s hazing. Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 proved to Pi Kappa Phi National that their chapters engaged in deadly hazing. The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 by another Pi Kappa Phi chapter eight years later demonstrates a horrifying pattern of negligence and a fundamental failure to learn from past tragedies. This is evidence of deliberate indifference, which strengthens claims for punitive damages.
Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
- What Happened: In October 2024, it was reported that the family of Adam Oakes, who died from hazing in February 2021 at VCU, settled their lawsuit for over $4 million. Oakes was forced to drink a liter of whiskey, resulting in alcohol poisoning.
- Payout: The settlement included a significant cash payment to the parents and a donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation.
- Relevance to Our Case: This recent settlement further solidifies the multi-million dollar precedent for hazing deaths and severe injuries, reinforcing the value of our ongoing litigation.

Hazing Costs Millions. We Have the Receipts.

The consistency with which hazing incidents lead to multi-million dollar payouts sends a resounding message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing is a financially ruinous practice. These settlements and verdicts serve as powerful proof that when institutions and individuals choose to perpetuate or ignore hazing, they will pay a severe price.

For families in City of Poquoson, this means that pursuing legal action is not just a moral quest for justice; it is a financially viable path to recover expenses, compensate for suffering, and secure future care for their child. The same legal strategies, the same aggressive pursuit of accountability, and the same potential for multi-million dollar outcomes apply directly to hazing cases originating from colleges and universities where City of Poquoson students attend. We are dedicated to delivering these results.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in City of Poquoson

For families in City of Poquoson whose children have been victimized by hazing, understanding the legal framework that protects them is crucial. While our firm operates from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, the comprehensive anti-hazing laws in Texas, combined with federal protections and the ability to litigate in federal courts nationwide, empower us to fight for you wherever your child was harmed.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Legal Foundation

Texas has robust anti-hazing legislation, outlined in the Texas Education Code, which includes criminal penalties, institutional liability, and—critically—eliminates “consent” as a defense.

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:
- (1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
  This directly covers the wooden paddles, severe physical exertion, and simulated waterboarding Leonel endured.
- (2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
  This covers Leonel’s forced early-morning drives, cold outdoor exposure, and the extreme calisthenics that led to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
- (3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
  This directly applies to the forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.
The hazing Leonel Bermudez suffered, and indeed the hazing that causes harm to students in City of Poquoson, clearly falls under multiple categories of this comprehensive definition.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law assigns criminal charges based on the severity of the hazing:
- Class B Misdemeanor: For basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). This applies directly to Leonel’s injuries (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure).
- State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).
  This means that individuals involved in hazing in City of Poquoson can face severe criminal charges, not just internal university discipline.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations “commit an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing,” or if officers or members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property. This provision is vital for holding local chapters and national organizations accountable.
Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas anti-hazing law. 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 arguments like “he agreed to participate,” or “he could have left at any time” are legally invalid. The Texas Legislature recognized that true consent cannot exist in coercive hazing environments. We will emphatically use this defense on behalf of any City of Poquoson client facing such arguments.
University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): University chief administrative officers are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a duty for institutions to act transparently and can reveal patterns of university cover-ups.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges address individual wrongdoing, civil lawsuits allow victims in City of Poquoson to seek comprehensive financial compensation for their injuries and losses. We pursue multiple legal theories to hold all liable parties accountable:

Negligence Claims: This is a foundational element in nearly all personal injury lawsuits. We demonstrate that universities, national fraternities, and individuals owed a “duty of care” to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), which “caused” the injuries, resulting in “damages.” This applies universally across all states and under federal common law.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the UH case) or a housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition on their premises. This is a critical angle for cases involving fraternity houses.
Negligent Supervision: National organizations have a duty to supervise their local chapters, and universities have a duty to oversee Greek life and other student organizations. Failure to adequately supervise, especially with prior knowledge of hazing risks, constitutes negligence.
Assault and Battery: The direct application of force, such as paddling, striking, or waterboarding, constitutes civil assault and battery, for which individual perpetrators and, in some cases, the organizations they represent can be held liable.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing acts, designed to cause severe emotional distress, forms the basis for IIED claims. This acknowledges the profound psychological trauma hazing inflicts, leading to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Wrongful Death Claims: In tragic cases where hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for their immense loss, including loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.

For families in City of Poquoson, these civil claims are your pathway to justice, allowing you to seek both financial recovery and accountability that can drive systemic change.

The Power of Federal Law

Our firm’s attorneys are admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph Manginello is also licensed in New York. This dual-state and federal court admission gives us the strategic advantage to pursue hazing cases against national fraternities and universities across state lines. Federal civil rights claims, especially under Title IX when applicable, can also be pursued irrespective of state-specific hazing laws. This national reach ensures that no matter where in City of Poquoson or America your child was hazed, we have the legal authority and expertise to represent you.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocate in City of Poquoson

When faced with the nightmare of hazing, families in City of Poquoson need more than just a lawyer; they need a powerhouse legal team that understands the gravity of their situation, possesses unparalleled expertise, and will fight relentlessly for justice. Attorney911 is that team. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and when your child is the victim of hazing, it is an emergency we are uniquely equipped to handle.

Unmatched Experience & Insider Knowledge for City of Poquoson Families

Our firm is led by Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, two attorneys with battle-tested courtroom experience and critical insider knowledge that sets us apart.

25+ Years of Courtroom Experience (Ralph Manginello): Ralph has dedicated over two decades to high-stakes litigation, with direct experience in complex mass tort cases like the BP Texas City Explosion. This background proves our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – exactly the kind of adversaries we face in hazing litigation against national fraternities and multi-billion-dollar universities. For City of Poquoson families, this means having a seasoned litigator who is not intimidated by large institutions.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña): This is our “unfair advantage.” Both Ralph and Lupe began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. They learned the opposition’s playbook from the inside: how they value claims, how they strategize defenses, and how they try to minimize payouts. Now, they use that invaluable intelligence to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for our hazing victims. Lupe Peña, in particular, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, providing him with a profound understanding of how national organizations assess and defend against liability.
Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing us with the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal court. This is crucial when dealing with national fraternities or when federal civil rights claims are involved, allowing us to represent City of Poquoson clients nationwide.
Dual-State Bar Admission (Ralph Manginello – Texas and New York): This unique advantage is strategic for confronting national fraternities, whose headquarters or operations may be based in states like New York. It provides added leverage and flexibility in multi-state litigation, directly benefiting City of Poquoson families whose children may attend out-of-state universities.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: We are not general personal injury lawyers dabbling in hazing cases. We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. We have specific experience with cases involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, just like Leonel Bermudez’s injuries. Ralph Manginello has handled previous Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation and Texas A&M hazing cases. This direct, recent experience is invaluable for City of Poquoson victims.
Bilingual Services (Lupe Peña – Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in City of Poquoson, who may face language barriers, receive comprehensive and compassionate legal services. We believe justice should be accessible to everyone.

Our Approach: Immediate, Aggressive, and Compassionate for City of Poquoson Families

We Move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY: Hazing cases require immediate action to preserve critical evidence. We don’t wait. We secure medical records, communication logs, and witness statements rapidly. Our team is responsive 24/7 to legal emergencies that impact City of Poquoson.
Expert Witness Network: We collaborate with top medical experts (neurologists, nephrologists), Greek life culture experts, and institutional negligence specialists to build an unassailable case for City of Poquoson families.
Data-Driven Litigation: We maintain a powerful “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine,” a comprehensive database of over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations, including their EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every liable entity behind the Greek letters, from house corporations to alumni chapters, ensuring we know exactly who to sue. This data-driven approach means we are always a step ahead.
No Upfront Cost for City of Poquoson Families: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates the financial barrier that often prevents families from seeking justice against powerful institutions. We invest our resources, time, and expertise into your case, aligning our success directly with yours.
We Travel to City of Poquoson: While headquartered in Houston, we are committed to serving hazing victims wherever they are. For depositions, critical meetings, or trials, our attorneys will travel to City of Poquoson as needed. Distance will never be a barrier to justice. We also offer convenient remote consultations via video to expedite our initial discussions with City of Poquoson families.
“We See Your Child as a Person, Not a Paycheck”: This isn’t just a business for us; it’s a mission. Ralph Manginello is a father of three and deeply understands what’s at stake. Lupe Peña believes passionately in advocating for victims. We invest emotionally in every hazing case, fighting not just for compensation, but for accountability and systemic change that protects future students in City of Poquoson.

Client Testimonials: Trust Built on Results

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews. Families consistently praise our aggressive advocacy, consistent communication, and the personal care they receive.

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“After an 18 wheeler hit me, I was hurt, scared, and didn’t know what to do. After one phone call with Ralph, I knew everything was going to be OK.” — Mary F.
“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez

These testimonials highlight our dedication to providing exceptional legal service with a personal touch, ensuring City of Poquoson clients feel supported and confident throughout their legal journey.

When your child has been subjected to the egregious abuse of hazing, you need a firm that is fearless, experienced, and genuinely cares. Attorney911 is ready to be that firm for you, bringing the same aggressive representation to City of Poquoson that we bring to every hazing victim nationwide.

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

If your child has been the victim of hazing in City of Poquoson or at any university, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses, but quick and decisive action can dramatically impact the strength of your legal case. We empower families in City of Poquoson with clear, actionable steps to protect their child’s rights and future.

Here’s exactly what you need to do, starting now:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

Remove Your Child from Harm: Ensure they are immediately out of any dangerous or intimidating environment. Safety first.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, it is crucial to see a doctor or go to the emergency room. Some injuries, like internal damage or the onset of rhabdomyolysis, may not be immediately apparent. Document every symptom, no matter how small. Medical records are foundational evidence for your case.
Document Everything Medically: Insist that all observed injuries, physical symptoms (e.g., brown urine, muscle pain, exhaustion), and psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, fear) are thoroughly documented in medical records. Follow all doctor’s recommendations for follow-up care, specialists, or therapy. Delaying treatment can be used by the defense to argue that injuries weren’t severe.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases rely heavily on hard evidence, much of which can easily disappear if not secured quickly.

Photos and Videos: Use your cellphone to document everything. Take photos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) immediately and at different stages of healing. Photograph the hazing location, if safe and accessible (e.g., fraternity house, field, basement). Record videos if possible.
Communications: This is CRITICAL. Screenshot and save every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity/sorority members, pledges, or witnesses. These can provide direct proof of coercion, threats, or the details of the hazing itself.
Written Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the organization.
Witness Information: If your child has knowledge of other pledges or witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if applicable), and any academic expenses related to the disruption.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

Defense teams and insurance companies will exploit any misstep to minimize your claim.

Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Officials Alone: Their priority is protecting the institution, not your child. Any statements given without legal counsel can be twisted and used against you. Direct all communications through your attorney.
Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: Never agree to a recorded statement for anyone – not the university, not the national organization, not an insurance adjuster – without your attorney present.
Do NOT Delete Anything (Especially from Social Media): Deleting digital evidence can be seen as “spoliation” and severely harm your case. Conversely, anything posted on social media and photos or videos shared online can and will be used against your child. Instruct your child to immediately cease all social media activity related to the incident and to generally limit their posting overall until advised by counsel.
Do NOT Sign Any Documents: Do not sign any “waivers,” “agreements,” or “releases” from the university or the organization. These documents often include clauses that waive your right to sue.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

The Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (including hazing) is typically two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever. While City of Poquoson may have different state-specific deadlines, the principle remains: do not delay.
Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the greater the chance that crucial evidence (texts, photos, witness memories) will disappear or be destroyed.
Organizations Go on the Defensive: The moment hazing is reported, institutions go into damage control. Having legal representation immediately shows you are serious about fighting for justice.

How We Help City of Poquoson Families Right Now:

Free Consultation: We offer a 24/7 free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us any time, day or night, at 1-888-ATTY-911. We will listen to your story with empathy and provide an immediate assessment of your legal options.
Remote Consultations: For families in City of Poquoson or across the country, we offer convenient video consultations to discuss your case without requiring travel.
We Come to You: If your case requires it, our attorneys will travel to City of Poquoson for depositions, meetings, or trial. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice.
Immediate Legal Protection: The moment you retain us, we take over all communication with the involved parties, shielding your child from further intimidation and ensuring their rights are protected.

Your child’s experience was not their fault. It was a violation. Let us help you turn that violation into accountability.

Contact Us: Your Fight Starts Now in City of Poquoson

The pain and fear caused by hazing can feel isolating, especially for families in City of Poquoson confronting powerful institutions. But you are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by yourself. At Attorney911, we are not just legal advocates; we are your dedicated partners in pursuing justice and accountability. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to City of Poquoson families that we bring to every hazing victim nationwide.

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

Hazing is a serious crime that demands serious legal action. The horrific experience of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, which includes waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical abuse resulting in kidney failure, is happening right now. Our firm is actively litigating this $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases, how to expose institutional negligence, and how to hold every responsible party—from individual perpetrators to national organizations and universities—accountable.

For families in City of Poquoson, this means you can access the same expert legal representation, the same aggressive strategy, and the same commitment to justice that we are currently bringing to a landmark hazing case.

Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

The time to act is now. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines rapidly approach. Do not let fear, shame, or uncertainty prevent you from seeking justice for your child.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for City of Poquoson hazing emergencies. You can speak directly with our team, share your story, and receive an immediate, no-obligation assessment of your case.

Our Commitment to City of Poquoson Families:

$0 Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket for our services. We cover all litigation costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. Your financial situation should never be a barrier to justice.
Nationwide Reach, Local Focus: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to represent hazing victims from City of Poquoson and across the country. We offer video consultations for convenience and will travel to City of Poquoson for depositions, meetings, or trial when necessary.
Compassion and Expertise: We treat every client like family, especially during such a traumatic time. We combine our deep legal knowledge with genuine empathy, guiding you through every step of the complex legal process with care and clarity.
No Placeholder Promises: Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our active commitment to fighting hazing. We don’t just talk about it; we execute.

What You Can Expect When You Call Us:

A Listening Ear: We understand the trauma you and your child have experienced. We will listen to your story with respect and empathy.
Immediate Case Evaluation: We will quickly assess the facts of your case, identify potential liable parties, and explain your legal options in clear, understandable language.
Protection Against Further Harm: We will immediately implement strategies to protect your child from further intimidation, handling all communications with the fraternity, university, and their legal teams.
A Clear Path Forward: We will outline the steps involved in pursuing a hazing lawsuit, setting realistic expectations for the process and potential damages.

Hazing is not confined to any single campus or city. It impacts students from City of Poquoson who attend colleges both near and far. We represent victims of hazing in fraternities and sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and any other student organization where abuse is masked as initiation.

To any other victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We know Leonel was not alone. Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15. Others endured the waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical torment. You have rights, and we can represent you too. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “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 ensure everyone responsible faces justice.

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless others, depends on holding these institutions accountable. Choose Attorney911. Choose justice.

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

Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™ – Fighting for City of Poquoson Hazing Victims.