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 understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in City of Roanoke fight back.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is built on an unwavering commitment to aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries and deaths. While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends nationwide, and we proudly serve families in City of Roanoke whose children have been victimized by hazing at universities and colleges across America. We bring the same dedication and legal firepower to City of Roanoke families that we apply to every case, including our current landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

No parent in City of Roanoke sends their child off to college expecting them to return bruised, broken, or hospitalized by the very organizations meant to foster community and growth. Yet, the brutal reality of hazing continues to plague campuses, turning college dreams into nightmares. In City of Roanoke, just like in any community across the country, families place their trust in educational institutions and Greek organizations to provide a safe environment. When that trust is shattered by acts of abuse and negligence, we believe in fighting back.

We know that hazing is not just a “boys will be boys” prank; it’s a dangerous, often criminal act that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars. Our firm’s attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are currently on the front lines, actively battling against powerful institutions in Houston, demonstrating precisely what kind of firm we are: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing justice for hazing victims. What happened in Houston is a stark warning, and we want families in City of Roanoke to know that if such a tragedy strikes their child, we are ready to stand with them.

We understand the specific concerns of City of Roanoke families. Your child might attend a local Virginia institution, or they might travel to a major university in Texas or across the country. Regardless of where your student studies, the national fraternities and universities that allow hazing to occur are often connected by similar policies, practices, and failures. Our expertise covers this complex landscape, ensuring that your child in City of Roanoke receives the expert legal representation they deserve.

The Hazing Crisis: Why City of Roanoke Families Need Advocates

The headlines often focus on hazing incidents that result in death, and tragically, these are far too common. However, for every death, there are countless incidents of severe injury, psychological trauma, and long-term suffering that go unreported and unaddressed. This is a crisis happening in plain sight, and too many institutions turn a blind eye until it’s too late.

Consider the alarming statistics: over half of all students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and tragically, since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. Many more suffer in silence, with 95% of students who are hazed never reporting the incidents. This culture of secrecy, fear, and misplaced loyalty allows hazing to fester and grow, impacting not just fraternities and sororities, but also sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student groups.

For families in City of Roanoke, this means that the risks are real, whether their child is attending Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, or closer institutions like Roanoke College in Salem or Hollins University right here in Roanoke. The same national fraternities that have made headlines for hazing controversies at major universities across the country also have chapters at institutions near City of Roanoke. The culture that cultivates these dangerous “traditions” is not confined by state lines or university size; it is a pervasive issue that demands uncompromising legal intervention.

We believe that parents in City of Roanoke deserve to know what hazing truly looks like today, and that there are attorneys willing to fight aggressively on their behalf. This isn’t about shaming; it’s about exposing the truth and demanding accountability from those who enable this abuse.

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

This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near City of Roanoke. The same fraternities operate near City of Roanoke. The same negligence exists at institutions attended by City of Roanoke students. And we will fight for City of Roanoke families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

There’s a new $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, that exemplifies our firm’s unwavering commitment to hazing victims. We are actively litigating Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., against powerful defendants including Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is not theoretical; it is fresh, ongoing, and a stark example of what hazing looks like and how we are fighting back.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he was subjected to unspeakable horrors. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet. This fact alone underscores the reckless disregard for student safety that permeates hazing culture.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

What Happened: A Timeline of Torture

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing begin, escalating in intensity.
• October 13, 2025: In a separate incident highlighting the chapter’s pattern of abuse, another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he recovers consciousness.
• November 3, 2025: The incident that finally broke Leonel. As punishment, he is forced to do over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel cannot move, his condition rapidly worsening.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital, where he is passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He is diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days in the hospital, undergoing intensive medical treatment.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu chapter at UH, acknowledging “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”
• November 21, 2025: Our firm files the $10 million lawsuit. Media outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11 (Link to KHOU 11’s coverage), and Houston Chronicle begin to report on the case.
• November 24, 2025: Houston Public Media further details the torture, stating: “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing are horrifying, shattering any illusion that “hazing” is benign.

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose during calisthenics, and threatened with waterboarding if they didn’t comply. This is not a harmless prank; it is torture. HPM notes: “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even after vomiting, he was made to continue running sprints and lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising until he could no longer stand. The lawsuit also alleges he was struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: He was made to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, and witnessed another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth. Threats of expulsion were constant.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

The extensive physical abuse led to rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, leading to acute kidney failure. Leonel’s passing brown urine, very high creatine kinase levels, and inability to stand were direct consequences of the hazing. He now faces potential long-term kidney damage. This is the same medical condition that Attorney911 has successfully litigated in prior hazing cases. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

Institutional Responses: Admissions Against Interest

The defendants’ own statements speak volumes:

• University of Houston: A spokesperson acknowledged the events were “deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” confirming an investigation “in coordination with law enforcement” and mentioning “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission they recognize the severity and criminality of the acts.
• Pi Kappa Phi National: In their statement on November 21, 2025 (Link to Pi Kappa Phi’s Statement), they confirmed the chapter’s closure effective November 14, 2025, due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They even stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a comment that shows a profound lack of remorse.

Why This Case Matters to City of Roanoke Families

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: This case lays bare the brutal reality of hazing. These aren’t just pranks; they are systematic assaults that happen at universities and colleges across the nation, including those attended by students from City of Roanoke.
2. Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing occurred. This highlights a critical avenue for liability: when universities own the property and fail to prevent such abuse, they are directly responsible. Institutions near City of Roanoke have the same power and the same liability.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s swift chapter closure demonstrates their awareness of the severity of the allegations. The same national organizations with their vast resources and insurance policies operate chapters near City of Roanoke, and they are fully aware of the dangers lurking within their “brotherhoods.”
4. Victims are Afraid: Leonel’s fear of retribution for speaking out is real and common among hazing victims. We protect our clients and provide a safe avenue for them to seek justice.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect City of Roanoke Students: As Attorney Peña 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.” Your City of Roanoke case could save lives.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit sends a clear message: the price for torturing our kids is incredibly high, and families in City of Roanoke have the power to send the same message when their children are harmed.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in City of Roanoke may still imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far more sinister. Hazing is calculated abuse, meant to break down individuals physically and psychologically, often mimicking torture tactics used in military interrogations.

It is NOT:

• “Boys being boys”: This dismisses violent and dangerous criminal acts.
• “Character building”: Torture does not build character; it destroys it.
• “Building brotherhood”: True brotherhood is built on respect, not degradation and fear.
• “Just harmless fun”: There is nothing harmless about physical assault, forced consumption, or simulated waterboarding.

IT IS:

• Assault and Battery: Direct physical harm, like being struck with wooden paddles.
• Torture: Simulated waterboarding, forced excessive exercise, psychological torment.
• Reckless Endangerment: Allowing dangerous conditions and activities to continue, knowing the risk of severe injury or death.
• Criminal Activity: Many hazing acts constitute criminal offenses under state laws, including those in Texas and Virginia.
• A Betrayal of Trust: Students and their families trust institutions to keep them safe, a trust that is systematically violated by hazing.

Common Hazing Tactics Unmasked:

• Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced calisthenics to exhaustion (like the 500 squats Leonel Bermudez endured), branding, burning, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, forced personal servitude, and denial of food or water.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking (a common cause of hazing deaths), eating repulsive or non-food items, or force-feeding until vomiting (as happened with Leonel).
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation (like being forced to carry sexually suggestive items), degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and intimidation designed to instill fear and subservience.
• Sexual Exploitation: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying objects of a sexual nature as a form of public humiliation.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences:

The physical injuries from hazing can be catastrophic, ranging from broken bones, burns, and internal organ damage to potentially fatal conditions like severe alcohol poisoning and rhabdomyolysis, which Leonel Bermudez suffered. Rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue, can quickly lead to acute kidney failure and permanent organ damage.

Beyond the visible wounds, the psychological trauma can be equally debilitating, manifesting as PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, academic decline, and a profound loss of trust in others. The long-term effects can alter a student’s life trajectory, impacting their careers, relationships, and overall well-being. This is why cases involving both physical and psychological suffering command significant compensation.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. Hazing thrives in environments where institutions, national organizations, and often alumni tacitly approve or, through negligence, allow it to continue. Our strategy targets every culpable party, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for City of Roanoke families.

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates our comprehensive approach to identifying and suing all responsible parties:

1. Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and executed the hazing. The chapter members, particularly the president and pledgemaster who directed the abuse, are directly liable.
2. National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national headquarters, is named as a defendant. National fraternities are responsible for supervising their local chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and ensuring member safety. Their failure to do so, especially given their historical knowledge of deadly hazing incidents (like the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter), constitutes a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference.
3. University: The University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where hazing took place. Universities have a fundamental duty to provide a safe learning environment and oversee student organizations. When they own the property where abuse occurs and have a history of prior hazing incidents (like the 2017 hospitalization of a student from another fraternity at UH), their liability for institutional negligence becomes undeniable. Furthermore, their Board of Regents, the governing body, is also named, underscoring the institutional scope of accountability.
4. Housing Corporation: Often, a separate Beta Nu Housing Corporation manages the fraternity’s property. These entities hold assets and have their own insurance, adding another layer of financial responsibility.
5. Individual Members: Critically, 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and others who actively participated or oversaw the hazing, are also named. This includes former members who hosted hazing sessions at their private residence, and even the spouse of one former member for allowing hazing on their property. This highlights our commitment to ensuring that individuals cannot evade responsibility by hiding behind the organization’s corporate structure. As the recent $6.5 million judgment against an individual fraternity president in the Stone Foltz case proves, personal liability is real and significant.
6. Insurance Carriers: Behind these entities are layers of insurance policies—national organization liability insurance, university institutional insurance, and even homeowners’ insurance for off-campus hazing locations. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, allowing us to strategically pursue maximum recovery.

For City of Roanoke families, this means that even if a local chapter closes or individual members claim they have no assets, our strategy encompasses all angles to ensure that deep-pocketed national organizations, universities, and their insurers are held fully accountable. This is not about suing broke college kids; it is about forcing systemic change by targeting every entity that either perpetrated the abuse or failed in their duty to prevent it.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for City of Roanoke Families

Families in City of Roanoke often wonder if pursuing legal action for hazing is truly impactful. The answer is a resounding yes. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is benchmarked against a growing list of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. These cases are not just about monetary compensation; they are about forcing systemic change, sending an unequivocal message that hazing will not be tolerated, and ultimately, saving lives.

Here are some of the landmark cases that pave the way for victims, showing what is possible:

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

  • What Happened: In 2021, Stone Foltz died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event at Bowling Green State University. His family settled with the national fraternity and individual members for $7.2 million, and the university settled for $2.9 million. This amounted to the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment for $6.5 million was issued against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his personal role in the hazing.
  • Relevance to Our Case: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with these substantial payouts. It proves that both universities and national fraternities are willing to pay millions when their negligence leads to severe hazing consequences. It also shows a clear precedent for holding individuals personally liable.

• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

  • What Happened: In 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event coined “Bible Study.” If pledges answered questions incorrectly, they were made to drink more.
  • Outcome: A jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict in favor of the Gruver family. The case also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide against a fraternity member, and spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This case powerfully demonstrates that juries will award millions for hazing deaths, underscoring the severity with which the legal system views such acts. It also highlights how civil litigation can drive legislative change.

• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

  • What Happened: In 2017, Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Penn State Beta Theta Pi “gauntlet” ritual. He fell down stairs repeatedly, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. The entire horrifying incident was captured on security cameras.
  • Outcome: The family reached a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million from numerous parties, including the university and the national fraternity. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with some convicted of involuntary manslaughter. This case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This demonstrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, settlements can reach nine figures. The security camera footage in Piazza’s case served as undeniable proof, much like the detailed allegations and timeline we have established in the Bermudez case.

• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

  • What Happened: Tragically, in 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Florida State University Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
  • Outcome: Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, and FSU’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This is the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, as in the Leonel Bermudez case. This means Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters as early as 2017. Their failure to implement effective changes over the next eight years directly led to the atrocities committed against Leonel Bermudez. This pattern of negligence strengthens our pursuit of punitive damages and highlights their deliberate indifference.

These cases, alongside others like the $4 million-plus settlement in the Adam Oakes (Delta Chi, VCU) death case and pending lawsuits like the one for a traumatic brain injury against Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Alabama (2023), establish a clear pattern: institutions and national organizations are being held financially and criminally accountable for hazing. For students and families in City of Roanoke, these precedents offer powerful proof that justice is attainable, and that our firm’s aggressive tactics align with the highest standards of hazing litigation nationwide.

Our firm is not just talking about these cases; we are actively using the strategies pioneered in them to fight for victims. The $10 million we seek for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary number; it is a meticulously calculated demand rooted in these precedents, reflecting his severe injuries, the egregious nature of the hazing, and the institutional failures involved.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For City of Roanoke families pursuing justice for hazing incidents, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for negligence, assault, and battery apply across the nation. Moreover, many states, including Texas, have specific anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Virginia, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Unit, also has anti-hazing laws.

Texas Hazing Laws (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation, and our litigation strategies are deeply rooted in these statutes.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act… that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into… an organization.” This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics that risk harm, and forced consumption of substances.

  • Relevance to Bermudez Case: Leonel’s experience meticulously fulfills multiple aspects of this definition: the physical brutality of wooden paddles, the sleep deprivation from forced driving, the dangerous calisthenics leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, and forced eating until vomiting.
  • City of Roanoke Context: Many states, including Virginia, have similar comprehensive definitions of hazing, ensuring that the type of abuse Leonel endured would be recognized as illegal wherever it occurs.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas, with penalties ranging from Class B Misdemeanors for simple participation to Class A Misdemeanors for hazing causing “serious bodily injury,” and even a State Jail Felony for hazing causing death.

  • Relevance: Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning the individuals involved could face Class A Misdemeanor charges carrying up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The University of Houston’s own statement acknowledges these “potential criminal charges.”

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations that condone, encourage, or whose members commit hazing are also criminally liable, facing fines and even being prohibited from operating on campus.

  • Relevance: Both the local Beta Nu chapter and the national Pi Kappa Phi organization are exposed to these penalties due to their role in the hazing.

• 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.”

  • Relevance: This provision utterly demolishes the common defense argument that victims “voluntarily participated” or “knew what they were signing up for.” Under Texas law, consent to hazing is legally meaningless.
  • City of Roanoke Context: While Virginia’s anti-hazing laws have different specifics, the principle that students cannot consent to criminal acts applies broadly, strengthening the hand of victims and their attorneys across the country.

• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, with failure to do so being a Class B Misdemeanor.

  • Relevance: This creates a paper trail and holds universities accountable for transparency, providing another avenue for discovery and demonstrating institutional knowledge.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal penalties punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits empower victims and families in City of Roanoke to recover financial compensation for their suffering. Our firm utilizes multiple civil liability theories, applicable in City of Roanoke and all states:

1. Negligence: This is the cornerstone of most personal injury claims. We establish that the university, national fraternity, and individual members had a “duty of care” to protect Leonel, that they “breached” this duty by allowing hazing, that this breach “caused” his injuries, and that he suffered “damages” as a result.
2. Premises Liability: Crucial in the Bermudez case because the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. When hazing occurs on university-owned property, the institution’s liability is significantly heightened. Similar principles would apply to any university near City of Roanoke that owns Greek housing.
3. Negligent Supervision: We argue that the national organization failed to adequately supervise its local chapter, and the university failed to adequately oversee Greek life on its campus, allowing dangerous hazing to flourish.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harmed Leonel (e.g., striking him with wooden paddles, waterboarding) can be held directly liable for intentional torts.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, especially acts like waterboarding, can lead to claims for severe psychological and emotional harm, including PTSD.

These legal avenues provide robust pathways to justice, ensuring that individuals and institutions alike face comprehensive accountability. For families in City of Roanoke, our firm’s deep understanding of both Texas law and national legal precedents ensures a strategic approach to litigation, regardless of where the hazing incident occurred.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in City of Roanoke Hazing Cases

When facing the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. For families in City of Roanoke, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise, but a unique, aggressive, and deeply compassionate approach that sets us apart. We are not just another personal injury firm; we are specialized hazing litigation experts, actively fighting the very battles you might be facing.

Here’s why City of Roanoke families choose Attorney911:

1. Active, Front-Line Experience: The $10 Million Bermudez Lawsuit

   • What it means: We aren’t hypothetically interested in hazing cases; we are currently locked in a major battle against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, demanding $10 million for a client who survived waterboarding and kidney failure. This is proof that we understand the complexities, the defendants, and the strategies required to win these cases.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: You get attorneys applying fresh, real-world litigation experience from this high-stakes case directly to your child’s situation.

2. Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

   • Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, and Lupe E. Peña, our associate attorney, both previously worked defending insurance companies and corporations. Ralph has 25+ years of courtroom experience, and Lupe brings over a decade of insight from national defense firm Litchfield Cavo LLP.
   • What it means: They know the defense playbook better than anyone. They understand how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts because they used to be on that side. They’ve seen every trick.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: This insider knowledge is a massive advantage, allowing us to anticipate defense tactics, dismantle counterarguments, and maximize your child’s recovery. We turn their former playbooks against them.

3. National Reach: Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions

   • What it means: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Ralph is also admitted to the New York State Bar. This federal authority allows us to pursue cases in federal courts, which often have jurisdiction over national fraternities. Dual-state licenses provide strategic flexibility for cases against national organizations headquartered in other states.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: Hazing incidents in City of Roanoke often involve national fraternities and universities with interstate operations. Our federal court admissions and multi-state licenses mean we are equipped to pursue claims against these powerful entities, regardless of their location, bringing justice to City of Roanoke.

4. Deep Hazing-Specific Expertise

   • What it means: We have direct experience with key aspects of hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis injury recovery (as suffered by Leonel Bermudez), cases involving specific fraternities and universities, and wrongful death claims stemming from hazing.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: Your child’s case is not a learning experience for us. We understand the unique medical, psychological, cultural, and legal nuances of hazing, ensuring expert handling of your case.

5. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants

   • What it means: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 180+. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against giant corporate defendants, a necessary skill when battling national fraternities and powerful universities.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: No institution is too large or too well-resourced for us. We bring the battle-tested strategies used against a global energy giant to your child’s hazing case.

6. Humanity-First Approach: “We Treat You Like Family”

   • What it means: Our Google reviews (4.9 stars, 250+ reviews) consistently praise our communication, compassion, and dedication. Clients say things like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” We know the profound emotional toll hazing takes.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: We understand that behind every case is a traumatized student and a heartbroken family. We are empathetic, warm, and engaging, guiding City of Roanoke families through the legal process with care and without cold legal jargon.

7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees

   • What it means: We take hazing cases on contingency. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: This eliminates financial barriers for City of Roanoke families seeking justice. You can afford the best legal representation without worrying about hourly fees or retainers. Learn more about how contingency fees work here.

8. Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español

   • What it means: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. We provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking families, ensuring no language barrier hinders access to justice.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: For the diverse families in City of Roanoke, especially the growing Hispanic community, this ensures clear communication and culturally sensitive representation.

9. Strategic Evidence & Digital Forensics

   • What it means: We leverage technology and a “document everything” philosophy to build ironclad cases. We understand that hazing often happens in the digital realm through texts, social media, and hidden camera footage.
   • City of Roanoke Benefit: We instruct families to preserve every piece of digital evidence, understanding that these can be smoking guns. Learn about using your phone to document evidence here.

10. Willingness to Travel to City of Roanoke

    • What it means: While our main offices are in Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. We conduct remote consultations via video and are prepared to travel to City of Roanoke for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
    • City of Roanoke Benefit: You gain access to top-tier national hazing litigation experts without needing to find a local City of Roanoke attorney who may lack the specialized experience these complex cases demand.

For families in City of Roanoke, especially those searching for help at 2 AM, exhausted and angry, we are the firm that stands ready to fight. We are not theoretical; we are actively in the trenches, making a difference in the lives of hazing victims. We will bring that same fight, expertise, and passion to your City of Roanoke hazing case.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for City of Roanoke Families

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it may feel overwhelming, taking swift action can significantly impact the strength of your case and your ability to secure justice. For families in City of Roanoke, these steps are crucial, and we are here to guide you through each one.

1. PRIORITY ONE: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

   • Why: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological distress is the primary concern, prompt medical evaluation is paramount. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis, which Leonel Bermudez suffered, can have delayed or subtle symptoms until they become life-threatening. Medical records are the backbone of any personal injury claim.
   • Action: Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. Clearly state that your injuries are a result of hazing or abuse. Document all symptoms, no matter how small. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Delays in seeking treatment are often used by defense attorneys to downplay the severity of injuries.
   • City of Roanoke Options: Utilize local hospitals like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital or LewisGale Medical Center, or connect with mental health professionals in the City of Roanoke area.

2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – IT CAN DISAPPEAR FAST

   • Why: Hazing often leaves a trail, especially in the digital age. This evidence is critical but can be quickly erased.
   • Action:
     • Photos & Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at every stage of healing. Photograph the hazing location if accessible, any objects used in the hazing, or uniforms/clothes related to the organization.
     • Communications: Crucially, save and screenshot EVERYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Instagram DMs, Snapchat stories, emails, and any social media posts related to the organization or the hazing. These are often smoking guns.
     • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any social media handles of other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
     • Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, recruitment materials, or codes of conduct given by the organization.
     • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel expenses for treatment, and any documentation of lost wages or academic fees due to the hazing.
   • NEVER DELETE ANYTHING: Deleting messages or posts can be seen as destruction of evidence and severely harm your case.
   • Resource: Watch our video on using your phone to document a legal case.

3. DO NOT TALK TO THE ORGANIZATION OR UNIVERSITY ALONE

   • Why: Universities and fraternities have legal teams and risk management departments whose primary goal is to protect the institution, not the victim. Any statements you make can be used against you.
   • Action: Decline to give recorded statements. Do not sign any documents without legal review. Direct all inquiries through your attorney.
   • Critical Warning: Learn about client mistakes that can ruin your injury case here.

4. DO NOT POST ABOUT THE INCIDENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

   • Why: Anything you post can and will be scrutinized by defense attorneys looking to discredit you or minimize your injuries. Posting about being “fine” or engaging in normal social activities can be twisted to suggest you weren’t truly harmed.
   • Action: Avoid discussing the incident, your injuries, or the legal process on any social media platform.
   • Resource: Watch our warning about posting on social media after an accident.

5. CONTACT A HAZING LITIGATION ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

   • Why: Timing is critical. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and memories fade. The sooner an attorney is involved, the stronger your case will be. An experienced attorney knows how to protect you from institutional pressure and preserve vital evidence before it’s lost.
   • Action: Call us for a free, confidential consultation. We can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss the best course of action without any obligation. Even if you’re in City of Roanoke, our remote consultation options make it easy to reach us.
   • Resource: Understand why statutes of limitations are critical.

6. REPORT TO AUTHORITIES (When Ready)

   • Why: Hazing is often a crime. Reporting to local law enforcement or university authorities (like Title IX offices) can initiate investigations that can aid your civil case.
   • Action: We can help you navigate these reports. It’s often best to consult with an attorney before making official statements to ensure your rights are protected.

We understand that for families in City of Roanoke, the aftermath of hazing can be a period of immense confusion, anger, and grief. We are here to bring clarity, provide unwavering support, and deliver aggressive legal representation to ensure that justice is served.

Contact Us: Your Advocates for Justice in City of Roanoke

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

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now — And We’ll Fight for City of Roanoke Victims Too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to win. City of Roanoke families deserve and will receive the same aggressive representation.

City of Roanoke Families — Call Now — Free Consultation

We understand that taking the first step after a traumatic hazing incident can be daunting. That’s why we make it as easy and safe as possible to contact us.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7. The consultation is always free and confidential.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for City of Roanoke families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This means you can pursue justice without any financial burden.

We Serve City of Roanoke Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national scourge. It occurs at colleges and universities in City of Roanoke and across Virginia, just as it does in Texas and every other state. We are uniquely positioned to serve hazing victims from City of Roanoke, regardless of where the hazing incident occurred, through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us the ability to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations and multi-state incidents.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York, providing a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities or universities that may have legal presence in different states.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience and comfort, we offer remote video consultations, allowing City of Roanoke families to meet with our attorneys safely and discreetly from anywhere.
• Travel Commitment: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys are prepared to travel to City of Roanoke for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring you have the expert representation you deserve on the ground.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in City of Roanoke. We represent victims of hazing in a wide array of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near City of Roanoke, such as Roanoke College, Hollins University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia.
• City of Roanoke sports teams, from high school to college levels.
• Marching bands and other musical ensembles.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and other student organizations.
• Military academies and traditional organizations.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you.

Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured waterboarding, forced eating, and the same terrifying physical and psychological abuse. We are actively fighting for Leonel, and we want you to know that you have rights too. You do not have to suffer in silence.

As Attorney Lupe Peña eloquently stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

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

Your call is the first step toward reclaiming your future and holding those responsible accountable.

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