If you’re reading this in City of Radford, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to find community and friendship at college, perhaps at nearby universities like Radford University, Virginia Tech, or the esteemed Virginia Military Institute. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially grave physical harm, all under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” We want you to know that we are here to help families in City of Radford fight back.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is actively engaged in the battle against hazing right now, representing a victim in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t just a legal fight for us; it’s a moral imperative. We understand the fear, the anger, and the profound sense of betrayal you feel. Your child’s dreams were exploited, and their safety was disregarded. We are here to turn that pain and rage into justice and accountability, for families in City of Radford and across the nation.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning for City of Radford Families

What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston, Texas, just weeks ago, serves as a chilling testament to the brutal reality of hazing in modern Greek life. While our firm is based in Texas, the lessons and the dangers of this case resonate deeply with families in City of Radford. National fraternities operate at colleges and universities that students from City of Radford attend. The same aggressive hazing tactics we’re fighting in Houston can and do occur at institutions serving families in the City of Radford area, including Radford University, Virginia Tech, and others throughout Virginia.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a common term for a prospective member who wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet but planned to transfer. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that pushed his body to its absolute limits.

On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Leonel was subjected to an extreme gauntlet of physical exercises. This included over 100 push-ups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprint drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite fraternity creeds while exercising, threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped, and continued until he could no longer stand without help.

He crawled back to his room. The next day, he was so sore he could barely move. The day after, he was worse. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, horrified to see him passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases toxins that shut down the kidneys. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, fighting for his life, with the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage.

This horrific incident wasn’t isolated. The lawsuit alleges that Leonel was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, having large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns forced upon him until he vomited—then forced to continue running sprints through his own vomit. He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather, enduring physical abuse, and even struck with wooden paddles. An ABC13 report detailed another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, and a different pledge collapsing unconscious from forced exercise just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization.

Within days of these events, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the chapter. By November 14, just eight days after Leonel was hospitalized and a week before our lawsuit was filed, Pi Kappa Phi officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, stating it was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This swift action, taken before our legal action went public, speaks volumes: they knew what happened was gravely wrong and they acted to distance themselves.

Our $10 million lawsuit, filed on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court, names extensive defendants: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (both local chapter and national headquarters), the Beta Nu Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and even former members and a spouse who hosted hazing at their residence. This is not just a demand for compensation; it is a demand for justice and a promise to dismantle the culture that allowed such abuses to occur.

This case is a stark warning for City of Radford families. Pi Kappa Phi alone has over 150 chapters across America, including at universities where students from City of Radford and the surrounding communities in Montgomery, Pulaski, and Floyd counties may attend. The fact that Leonel was a “ghost rush” and not even an enrolled student yet highlights the pervasive reach and reckless disregard of these organizations. What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston could happen to your child at an institution right here in Virginia. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven approach to fight for City of Radford hazing victims.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in City of Radford, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences—something lighthearted, even traditional. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often characterized by systematic and deliberate abuse designed to break down a pledge’s physical and psychological well-being. It is rarely about “building character” or “team bonding”; it is about establishing dominance, control, and absolute obedience through fear and pain.

It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not benign “tradition” on campuses like Radford University, Virginia Tech, or smaller colleges in the region. It is institutionalized torture, assault, battery, and reckless endangerment that can, and often does, lead to severe injury, permanent trauma, or even death.

Consider these devastating categories of hazing activities, all of which were present in Leonel Bermudez’s case:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond a few push-ups. It includes forced, excessive exercise to the point of collapse and organ failure, as Leonel Bermudez experienced with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. It involves beatings with paddles, as documented in our lawsuit. It can also include branding, burning, or repeated physical assaults designed to inflict pain. In City of Radford, parents must understand that these are not isolated incidents but a systemic pattern of violence.
• Forced Consumption: This is a deadly tactic. It involves making pledges consume vast quantities of alcohol to the point of blacking out, alcohol poisoning, and even death, as seen in the tragic cases of Andrew Coffey and Max Gruver. It also includes forcing pledges to eat until they vomit, as Leonel was compelled to do, or consume non-food substances. This is designed to break down a victim’s dignity and control their most basic bodily functions.
• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This is an act of torture, plain and simple. Leonel Bermudez was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose. This tactic, deemed a war crime in other contexts, inflicts extreme psychological terror and physical distress, creating the fear of imminent death. To think this occurs at colleges that students from City of Radford attend is horrifying, but it is happening.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing aims to strip individuals of their self-worth. This can involve forced sexual acts or carrying humiliating objects, as Leonel was forced to do with a fanny pack containing sexual items. It includes verbal abuse, threats of expulsion or physical harm if rules are not followed, isolation, sleep deprivation, and extreme public degradation. The goal is to instill fear and absolute submission. Our client fears retribution for speaking out, a testament to the lasting psychological damage.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges are often forced to engage in activities late into the night and early morning, like driving members around for hours on end, leading to chronic exhaustion. This impairs judgment, reduces physical resilience, and makes victims more susceptible to further abuse, contributing to injuries like Leonel’s.
• Exposure: This involves forcing pledges into harsh environmental conditions without proper clothing, such as being stripped to underwear in cold weather or sprayed with hoses in freezing temperatures, leading to hypothermia or other health crises.

The medical consequences of these acts are severe and often life-altering. Rhabdomyolysis, observed in Leonel’s case, is a painful and potentially fatal condition. Alcohol poisoning is a leading cause of hazing deaths. Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns, internal injuries, hypothermia, and cardiac arrest are all tragically common outcomes. Beyond the physical, victims frequently suffer from severe psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation, forever altering their academic performance, social relationships, and future well-being.

Hazing is deeply insidious because it operates under a veil of secrecy, loyalty tests, and fear. Many victims from cities like City of Radford are pressured into silence, believing they “chose” to participate, or fearing social ostracization or retaliation from a powerful organization. But as the law makes clear, and as we will explain, consent can never be a defense to criminal acts or outright torture. This is why we fight. The stories of victims from City of Radford must be heard and honored, and the institutions responsible must be held accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the actions of a few “bad apples.” The truth is, a web of individuals and institutions often bears responsibility for creating, enabling, or failing to prevent the abuse. Our strategy at Attorney911, exemplified by the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, is to identify and pursue every single entity that holds any culpability, ensuring comprehensive accountability. This is the same aggressive approach we would bring to a hazing case originating in City of Radford, Virginia.

Here are the key parties that can be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

1. The Local Chapter or Student Organization: This is the most direct defendant. The chapter itself, whether a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any other group, is directly liable for the activities it organizes and condones. In the Bermudez case, the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the systematic torture of Leonel.
2. Chapter Officers and Leaders: Individuals in leadership positions within the chapter, such as the President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager, or other executive board members, bear significant responsibility. They direct and oversee activities, often initiating or enabling the hazing. The personal liability of these individuals is a critical component of our strategy, as demonstrated by the $6.5 million judgment against a former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case. Every person who actively participated in, directed, or failed to prevent the hazing can be held personally liable.
3. Individual Members: Even if not in a leadership role, any member who actively participates in hazing, facilitates it, or witnesses it and fails to intervene can be held liable. This extends to members who keep secrets or intimidate pledges into silence.
4. Alumni and Former Members: Hazing culture often extends beyond current students. Alumni who advise, financially support, or host hazing activities, as in the Bermudez case where hazing occurred at a former member’s residence, can be named as defendants. Their long-term influence can perpetuate dangerous traditions.
5. Spouse of Former Member (Premises Liability): In a unique aspect of the Bermudez case, even the spouse of a former member was named as a defendant because they allowed hazing to occur at their residence. This highlights how premises liability extends to anyone owning or controlling property where hazing takes place.
6. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: National organizations are often large, well-funded corporations with millions in assets and extensive insurance policies. They have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail in these duties, especially after previous hazing incidents at other chapters (like Pi Kappa Phi’s history of Andrew Coffey’s death), they are liable. Their swift closure of the UH chapter before our lawsuit, after a public statement acknowledging “violations,” is a strong admission of their culpability and organizational responsibility.
7. The College or University: Educational institutions have a fundamental responsibility to provide a safe environment for their students, whether at large public universities like Virginia Tech or smaller, more intimate campuses like Radford University. When universities own or control property where hazing occurs (as the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house), they bear direct premises liability. Beyond ownership, universities can be held liable for negligent supervision of Greek life, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, failure to investigate complaints, or even actively covering up incidents. The fact that the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 makes their failure to prevent Leonel’s injuries even more damning.
8. Insurance Carriers: This is where the real money often comes from. National organizations, universities, and individuals typically carry extensive liability insurance policies. Our firm, with attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both former insurance defense lawyers, possesses invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and ultimately minimize payouts. We know how to navigate these complexities to maximize recovery for our clients.

Our unwavering commitment is to hold all responsible parties accountable, from the individual perpetrators to the highest echelons of national organizations and university administrations. We do not allow them to hide behind corporate veils or claim ignorance. If your child attends a college or university in Virginia, or is involved in Greek life, the entities responsible for their safety must answer for their failures.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For families in City of Radford facing the unimaginable aftermath of hazing, the question of “what can we do?” often comes with a financial concern. Beyond the emotional devastation, hazing incidents can lead to astronomical medical bills, lost academic opportunities, and long-term psychological and physical therapy needs. We want to assure you that seeking justice through a civil lawsuit can result in significant financial recovery, and we have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar outcomes in similar cases across the country.

The $10 million lawsuit we filed in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is not an arbitrary number. It is firmly rooted in the substantial verdicts, judgments, and settlements achieved in hazing cases nationwide. These precedents demonstrate that juries and institutions are increasingly willing to impose severe financial penalties on those responsible for hazing.

Here are just a few landmark cases that illustrate the financial accountability we pursue:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. The subsequent civil actions resulted in a monumental payout. Bowling Green State University settled with his family for $2.9 million, while the national fraternity, local chapter, and individual members contributed to a further $7.2 million in settlements. This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case, showing that complex, multi-defendant hazing cases, even those not involving death, can command significant compensation. Furthermore, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was handed down against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating the personal liability individuals face.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol. An LSU jury later awarded his family $6.1 million in a civil lawsuit. This verdict was a powerful statement from a jury that hazing cannot be tolerated. The criminal conviction of a fraternity member for negligent homicide and the subsequent passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, highlight the societal shift in treating hazing as a serious crime with severe consequences.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110+ Million (Estimated in Settlements)
  Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling repeatedly during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State, during which he was grossly intoxicated. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call for help, and security cameras captured the entire horrific ordeal. While highly confidential, settlements in the Piazza case are estimated to exceed $110 million. This monumental figure demonstrates the potential for recovery when there is egregious conduct, clear evidence, and multiple culpable parties. The tragedy also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, a model for legislation nationwide.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  In another tragic case involving the same national fraternity as the Bermudez lawsuit, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at FSU. Although the settlement amount was confidential, multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident, just eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, proves Pi Kappa Phi National had clear, actual notice of deadly hazing practices within its organization and failed to adequately act.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement
  In October 2024, the family of Adam Oakes, who died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU, settled their lawsuit for over $4 million. This case hit close to home for many in Virginia, including families in City of Radford, reinforcing that these tragedies occur at universities across the state. The initial lawsuit sought $28 million, again showcasing the scale of demands appropriate for such severe incidents.

These cases are not mere statistics; they are stories of families, much like yours in City of Radford, who turned immense grief into powerful action. They demonstrate that when we pursue justice for hazing victims, we are not just seeking compensation; we are demanding systemic change. Our firm uses these precedents to negotiate aggressively on behalf of our clients, ensuring that national fraternities, universities, and individuals alike face the full financial consequences of their negligence and abuse. We are confident that the egregious nature of Leonel Bermudez’s hazing and the compelling evidence in his case will lead to a recovery commensurate with these landmark outcomes. The message is clear: hazing costs millions, and we are not afraid to make those responsible pay.

Texas Law Protects You: Why Consent Is Not a Defense

For families in City of Radford and across Virginia, understanding the law is a crucial step in seeking justice for hazing. While every state has its own specific anti-hazing statutes, Texas law provides a strong framework for accountability, and its principles often resonate in national litigation. Importantly, our federal court authority means we can pursue hazing cases no matter where in the United States, including Virginia, the incident occurred.

The heart of Texas anti-hazing legislation, found in the Texas Education Code Sections 37.151 through 37.157, clearly defines hazing and outlines significant penalties.

The Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Broad and Comprehensive

Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, 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…” The statute then lists specific activities that constitute hazing, many of which mirror the abuse Leonel Bermudez suffered:

• Physical Brutality: This includes whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity. Leonel was struck with wooden paddles and forced into extreme physical exertion.
• Endangering Health or Safety: This covers sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in small spaces, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health and safety. Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 push-ups, bear crawls, and “suicides” directly led to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, falling squarely within this definition. His sleep deprivation from forced driving and exposure to cold while minimally clothed also apply.
• Consumption of Harmful Substances: This includes forcing students to consume food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or affect health. Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. This section is vital for cases involving forced alcohol consumption, which is tragically common.
• Coercing Criminal Acts: Hazing also includes any activity that induces or requires a student to commit a violation of the Penal Code.

Importantly, while not explicitly listed, acts like waterboarding, which simulate drowning and are considered torture, unequivocally fall under the “physical brutality” or “endangering health or safety” categories due to their extreme nature and inherent risk. For families in City of Radford, while your state’s definition might have slight variations, the core components of physical and mental abuse, forced consumption, and endangerment are universally recognized as unlawful hazing.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152): Not Just a Violation, It’s a Crime

Texas law imposes serious criminal penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undoubtedly constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning those responsible could face charges.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson acknowledging “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case underscores this serious legal implication. For City of Radford, understanding that hazing is a criminal offense, not merely a university policy violation, is crucial for seeking justice.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Holding Groups Accountable

Texas law specifically states that an organization commits an offense “if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Penalties can include fines, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means local chapters and, by extension, national organizations that fail to prevent hazing can be held liable.

Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): An Unambiguous Shield for Victims

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas anti-hazing law, and a principle often echoed in strong hazing statutes across the country. The statute unequivocally 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 provision directly confronts the common defense tactic used by defendants who claim: “He voluntarily participated,” “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left at any time.” The Texas Legislature explicitly removed this loophole. When parents in City of Radford learn their child was hazed, they may hear these excuses, but the law is clear: you cannot consent to being a victim of a crime, nor can participation negate the legal responsibility of those who inflicted harm. This principle is vital in dismantling the power dynamics of hazing where explicit coercion may be absent, yet implicit pressure is overwhelming.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Beyond criminal charges and university sanctions, civil lawsuits provide the most direct path for victims and their families in City of Radford to recover substantial compensation. These claims are based on legal theories applicable in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Florida, and indeed all states, meaning our expertise extends nationwide:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that institutions (universities, national fraternities) and individuals had a duty of care to protect students, they breached that duty by allowing hazing, and this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university (as with the University of Houston in our case) or a housing corporation, these entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and prevent dangerous activities.
3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities can be held liable for failing to adequately supervise local chapters or Greek life programs, especially when they have prior knowledge of hazing risks.
4. Assault and Battery: Any direct physical contact intended to cause harm, or offensive contact, can lead to claims of assault and battery against individual perpetrators and potentially the organizations that enabled them. Wooden paddles, forced physical acts, and waterboarding all qualify.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological harm resulting from “extreme and outrageous” conduct. Waterboarding, hog-tying, and forced humiliation are prime examples of conduct supporting an IIED claim.
6. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover damages for loss of companionship, future earnings, and other profound losses.

For families in City of Radford, whether the hazing occurred at Radford University, Virginia Tech, or another institution in Virginia or beyond, these civil legal avenues allow us to seek justice and secure the compensation necessary for recovery. Our firm is uniquely positioned to interpret and apply these laws aggressively, turning statutory language into tangible accountability for the perpetrators and institutions that failed your child.

Why Attorney911: Your Trusted Advocate in City of Radford, Virginia

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal team is not just about finding a lawyer; it’s about finding fierce, empathetic advocates who truly understand what you’re up against. At Attorney911, we are precisely those advocates, bringing unparalleled experience and a deep commitment to justice for families in City of Radford, Virginia. While our home base is in Texas, our reach and expertise know no geographic boundaries, especially in the complex landscape of hazing litigation.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice for City of Radford hazing victims:

1. Actively Fighting Now – The Bermudez Case: We aren’t just theoretically interested in hazing cases; we are engaged in the fight right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our aggressive, data-driven approach. This is not just legal strategy; it’s a real-time battle against the same forces that threaten students from City of Radford, whether they attend Radford University, Virginia Tech, or other colleges. We are building these cases, gathering evidence, and holding powerful institutions accountable, and we will apply the exact same energy and expertise to your child’s case.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant portions of their careers working for insurance companies, defending the very types of organizations we now sue. Ralph worked on the defense side for insurers, while Lupe honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. This means we have an invaluable insider’s perspective. We know how insurance companies evaluate claims, what tactics they use to deny or minimize payouts, and precisely how they strategize their defenses. This intimate knowledge is an “unfair advantage” for our clients in City of Radford, allowing us to anticipate their moves and dismantle their arguments effectively.
3. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience – Battle-Tested for City of Radford: Ralph brings over 25 years of litigation experience to every case. This isn’t just experience in a law office; it’s experience in courtrooms, challenging major corporate defendants, and fighting for justice in complex, high-stakes scenarios like the BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This battle-tested expertise means we are prepared for any challenge, whether a hazing case in Houston or one that requires us to travel to City of Radford.
4. Federal Court Authority – Nationwide Reach: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph has experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal court admission is critical because many hazing cases, particularly those involving national organizations and multi-state issues, can be litigated in federal courts. This allows us to represent victims from City of Radford and anywhere else in the country, ensuring that geographical distance is never a barrier to justice.
5. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Strategic Advantage: Ralph’s dual bar admissions in Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in the Northeast. This allows us to pursue these powerful entities effectively, no matter where they are incorporated, and ensures our flexibility in addressing complex multi-jurisdictional hazing cases relevant to City of Radford.
6. Hazing-Specific Expertise – Focused and Deep: We don’t just handle hazing cases; we specialize in them. Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases, exactly the type of severe injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. We understand the unique cultural dynamics of Greek life, the institutional failures of universities, and the intricate legal framework required to succeed in these cases. We actively track multi-million dollar hazing precedents, the strategies used by national fraternities, and the evolving regulatory landscape, making us true experts in this niche and crucial area of law for City of Radford.
7. Aggressive Evidence-Challenging Approach: Ralph’s background in criminal defense, where he successfully challenged everything from improperly maintained breathalyzers to inconsistent police reports, instilled an aggressive approach to evidence scrutiny. This same meticulousness is applied to hazing investigations, where institutions often attempt to hide, minimize, or destroy evidence. We will proactively identify, preserve, and leverage every piece of evidence to build the strongest possible case for City of Radford victims.
8. “Se Habla Español” – Serving City of Radford’s Diverse Community: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Pena who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that language barriers never stand in the way of justice. We are dedicated to serving Spanish-speaking families in City of Radford and other diverse communities, providing clear communication and empathetic support throughout the legal process.
9. Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Costs for City of Radford Families: We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we win your case. This removes financial barriers and aligns our interests directly with yours, allowing families in City of Radford to pursue justice without added financial stress.
10. A Father’s Dedication – Understanding What’s at Stake: Ralph, as a father of three children, personally understands the profound fear and anger parents feel when a child is harmed. This deep empathy fuels our commitment to relentlessly fight for every hazing victim, treating each client from City of Radford like family.
11. Comprehensive Investigative Capabilities: From requesting sensitive medical records to analyzing social media and internal communications, we have the resources and network of experts to conduct thorough investigations. Our firm’s intelligence database on Texas Greek organizations, for example, allows us to immediately identify responsible entities, including alumni chapters, housing corporations, and national organizations, making us precise and powerful in litigation.

For City of Radford families contemplating legal action after a hazing incident, know that we offer complimentary, confidential consultations 24/7. Distance is not an obstacle; we conduct remote consultations, and our team is prepared to travel to City of Radford for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Your child is not just another case to us; they are a person who deserves justice, and we are here to fight for them, just as we did for Leonel Bermudez.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Radford Hazing Victims

If your child has been involved in a hazing incident in City of Radford, or at a university where students from the area attend, you are facing a legal emergency. The immediate aftermath of such an event can be chaotic and emotionally overwhelming, but critical actions taken now can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. We understand you’re scared and angry, possibly searching for answers at 2 AM. Here are the crucial, actionable steps you can and should take right away.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

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

• Remove Your Child from the Situation: If they are still in harm’s way, get them out immediately.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, it is critical to get them evaluated by a medical professional. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries from forced consumption, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
  • Go to the Emergency Room: If there’s any doubt about the severity, or if symptoms like severe pain, brown urine, vomiting, dizziness, or confusion are present, go immediately. Emergency room records are crucial evidence.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms, complaints, and explanations of how they occurred are thoroughly documented in medical records.
  • Follow Doctor’s Orders: Adhere to all treatment plans, specialist referrals, and follow-up appointments. Inconsistent medical care can severely undermine your claim.
• Seek Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Connect your child with a therapist or counselor specializing in trauma. Mental health records are vital evidence of non-economic damages.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – Do NOT Delete Anything

Evidence is the lifeblood of any legal case. Hazing often occurs in secrecy, which makes every trace of evidence invaluable.

• Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Social Media: Your child’s phone is a treasure trove of evidence. Do NOT delete anything. Screenshots of text messages, GroupMe chats, Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, or any other digital communications related to the hazing are critical. These can show instructions, threats, dates, times, locations, and the identities of perpetrators and witnesses.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear photos of all injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, or any physical marks—as soon as they are visible. Continue taking photos as they heal over time. If your child was hospitalized, obtain photos of them in the hospital.
  • Hazing Locations: If safe, discreetly photograph or video relevant locations—the fraternity house, basement, park, off-campus residence, or any other place where hazing occurred.
  • Items: Document any items used in the hazing, such as paddles, buckets, specific clothing, or containers related to forced consumption.
  • Ralph Manginello consistently says: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
• Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and contact details of any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, students, friends, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or have relevant information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rulebooks, event invitations, or communications distributed by the organization.
• Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any other expenses incurred due to the hazing.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes and Protect Your Child’s Rights

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are fraught with traps designed by institutions and perpetrators to minimize their liability.

• Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers: Anything your child says can and will be used against them. Institutions are legally advised to protect themselves first. Let your legal team handle all communications.
• Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters and university representatives may push for recorded statements. Politely decline. These are designed to elicit information that can harm your case.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted about the incident, or even seemingly innocent posts showing your child “doing fine,” can be used by the defense to argue against the severity of their injuries or emotional distress. Stay off social media completely regarding the incident and their recovery.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer’s review. You could inadvertently sign away crucial legal rights.
• Do NOT Delete Any Messages or Social Media: Even if uncomfortable, deleting digital evidence can be seen as spoliation of evidence and severely damage your case.
• Report to Authorities (Optional, but Recommended): Consider filing a police report. Hazing is a crime in Virginia. Additionally, if the incident occurred at a university, file an official hazing report with the institution’s designated office or Title IX office. Be aware that these institutional investigations are often distinct from legal action.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is a critical factor in hazing cases.

• Statute of Limitations: In Virginia, personal injury claims generally have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have a limited window from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock may start from the date of death. Do not delay.
• Evidence Disappears: Digital trails vanish, memories fade, and physical evidence can be destroyed or removed. The sooner we are involved, the better we can preserve crucial information.
• Expert Guidance: Our attorneys can immediately initiate preservation letters to all relevant parties, legally obligating them to retain evidence. We can guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and the strongest possible case is built.

We offer a free, confidential consultation 24/7 for families in City of Radford. Distance is not an issue; we serve hazing victims nationwide, offering remote consultations and traveling to Virginia as needed for depositions, client meetings, or trials. Your call is the first step toward reclaiming justice and accountability.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in City of Radford

If you or your child in City of Radford has been trapped in the dark world of hazing, whether at Radford University, Virginia Tech, another college in Virginia, or any institution across the country, we want you to know: you are not alone. And you do not have to fight this battle by yourself. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is proof that these are not isolated incidents; they are systemic failures by universities and national organizations that allow abuse to flourish under the guise of tradition.

Your family deserves justice. Your child deserves to heal, to have their voice heard, and to prevent others from enduring the same torment. We are Attorney911, and we are fighting this fight every single day. We understand the emotional toll, the financial strain, and the profound sense of betrayal you feel. We are here to transform that pain into powerful accountability.

We are currently representing hazing victims in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This is not theoretical; it is our mission, right now. We leverage this aggressive, data-driven approach for every client, including the families we serve in City of Radford and throughout Virginia.

City of Radford Families: Your Legal Emergency Hotline is Open 24/7

Do not wait. The clock starts ticking from the moment the hazing incident occurs. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines can expire. A free consultation could be the first step towards healing and justice.

📞 Call Us Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Visit our website: attorney911.com

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is absolutely free. There’s no obligation, and everything you share is kept in strict confidence. We’ll listen to your story with empathy and respect, and help you understand your legal options.
• No Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us. Our fees are paid only if, and when, we successfully secure compensation for you. We invest our resources, time, and expertise into your case, taking on the financial risk so you don’t have to. For families in City of Radford, this means access to top-tier legal representation regardless of your current financial situation.
• Remote & In-Person Options: Though our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, physical distance is not a barrier to justice. We regularly conduct video consultations with clients across the country, including City of Radford. We also travel to meet clients, conduct depositions, and attend trials wherever your case takes us.
• Aggressive, Empathetic Representation: You will have attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena fighting for you – experienced litigators who know the insurance companies’ playbooks from their time on the defense side, and who handle every case with genuine care and fierce determination.

We Represent Hazing Victims Nationwide, Including City of Radford:

Hazing is a pervasive problem that transcends state lines. We are equipped to represent victims of hazing in a variety of settings, wherever students from City of Radford may attend college or join organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: The most common perpetrators, from national organizations with chapters at Radford University or Virginia Tech to local chapters in every state.
• Sports Teams: High school, college, and club sports teams often fall prey to dangerous hazing rituals.
• Marching Bands and Other Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous student organizations can become environments for abuse.
• ROTC Programs and Military Academies: Hazing is a serious issue within military-affiliated groups.
• Clubs and Other Student Organizations: Any group demanding initiation rites can be a ripe breeding ground for hazing.

If you have been subjected to abuse in any organization, under any circumstances, categorized as hazing that endangered your mental or physical health, we are here to help.

To Other Victims of University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. The lawsuit details that another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15, and another was hog-tied on October 13. Many more were subjected to waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme exercise, and humiliation. We understand the fear of retribution is immense, as our client expressed. But your voice matters. Your story can contribute to the comprehensive accountability this fraternity, this university, and these individuals deserve.

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.”

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice. Your bravery can prevent future tragedies for other City of Radford families.

Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers. Fighting for Justice for Hazing Victims in City of Radford and Across America. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.