If you’re reading this in City of Staunton, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a network, and focus on their future. Instead, they were tortured. They were hazed. They were abused. We’re here to help families in City of Staunton and beyond fight back. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that grips a parent searching for answers at 2 AM. You are not alone, and we are here to help.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, and it is a crime. What these fraternities and other student organizations do in the name of “tradition” is nothing short of assault, battery, and often, torture. We speak directly to you, the worried parent in City of Staunton whose son or daughter has been victimized. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact hazing has on students and their families, and we are actively fighting these battles in court right now.

The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning for City of Staunton Families

Just weeks ago, a nightmare unfolded in Houston, Texas, that serves as a stark warning to families in City of Staunton and across America. Our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical scenario; this is a live, ongoing case that demonstrates the ruthless aggression with which we pursue justice for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez: He Wasn’t Even a Student Yet

Imagine your child, excited about college, looking forward to transferring to a new university, only to be subjected to weeks of horrific abuse. This is the story of Leonel Bermudez. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even officially their student.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of hazing that ended with him spending three nights and four days in the hospital with life-threatening injuries: severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This Is What Modern Hazing Looks Like

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not isolated incidents of “boys being boys” or innocent pranks. They are acts of deliberate torture, meticulously documented in our lawsuit and reported by major news outlets like Click2Houston, ABC13 (KTRK), and Hoodline. We encourage you to read their coverage to understand the gravity of these incidents:

Here’s a glimpse into the horrors Leonel endured:

Waterboarding: He was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while performing calisthenics. This is a form of torture, widely condemned as a war crime.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue running sprints while visibly distressed, lying in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed while exercising, under threat of expulsion. This continued until his body failed, and he could not stand without help.
Paddling: The lawsuit details him “being struck with wooden paddles,” a clear act of physical assault.
Psychological Torture: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, and was subjected to psychological intimidation and sleep deprivation. Another pledge was even hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

The Medical Emergency: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

This brutal hazing led to a severe medical condition called rhabdomyolysis. This occurs when muscle tissue breaks down, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream. Leonel’s urine turned brown, a classic sign of myoglobin in the urine from muscle damage. His creatine kinase levels, a marker for muscle destruction, were dangerously high. This culminated in acute kidney failure, requiring urgent medical intervention and his prolonged hospital stay.

His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with these life-threatening conditions. He spent four agonizing days hospitalized, battling for his health. The long-term implications, including potential permanent kidney damage, are still a terrifying reality.

The Aftermath: Accountability Begins

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. University officials called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” and criminal referrals were initiated.

Our lawsuit names not just the local chapter, but the national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi), its housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster, as responsible parties. This is the aggressive, comprehensive approach Attorney911 takes to ensure all liable parties are held accountable. Attorney Lupe Pena put it best when he 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.”

Hazing is Everywhere: City of Staunton is No Exception

While the Bermudez case unfolded in Houston, the grim reality is that hazing is a pervasive problem affecting colleges and universities across the nation, including those where students from City of Staunton matriculate. Virginia, like many states, has its own challenges with hazing in higher education. Students from City of Staunton frequently pursue higher education within the Commonwealth at institutions such as James Madison University, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and Radford University. Many also venture to schools across the country. All of these institutions, and the fraternities and sororities that operate within them, contain the same risks that tragically impacted Leonel Bermudez.

Pi Kappa Phi National: This national organization has over 150 chapters across America. If their chapter in Houston was waterboarding a student, how many other chapters, potentially near City of Staunton, are engaging in similar practices?
National Fraternities and Sororities: Organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi, all implicated in multi-million dollar hazing cases nationwide, have active chapters at universities that City of Staunton students attend. The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez are replicated in Greek life everywhere.
University Liability: Universities in Virginia, like the University of Houston, have a responsibility to protect their students from harm. When they own or oversee properties where hazing occurs, their negligence creates liability. The same institutional failures we are fighting in Houston exist at campuses where City of Staunton students are enrolled.

We understand that you send your children to these colleges expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to thrive. The strong sense of community and family values in City of Staunton makes these hazing incidents particularly devastating. Whether your child attends a major university in Virginia or a smaller regional college, Greek life carries significant risks if not properly managed and monitored.

The Bermudez case is proof that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting to hold these institutions accountable. And we are ready to bring that same fight to City of Staunton families whose children have been victimized.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents believe hazing is limited to harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far more sinister. Hazing today is illegal, dangerous, and often torturous. It’s not about “building brotherhood”; it’s about power, control, humiliation, and abuse.

Based on our current litigation and years of experience, hazing can manifest in various horrific forms:

Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, sleep deprivation, and extreme physical exertion leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis and organ failure.
Forced Consumption: This often involves excessive alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning, forced eating of repugnant or dangerous substances, or consuming food until vomiting. Cases like Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey tragically highlight the fatal consequences of forced drinking.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and forced adherence to demeaning rules are common tactics designed to break down a pledge’s will and instill absolute loyalty.
Sexual Exploitation: This can range from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to sexual assault. The fanny pack with sexual objects Leonel Bermudez was forced to carry is an example of sexual humiliation.
Exposure: Pledges may be forced into dangerous environments, exposed to extreme weather conditions, or confined in small spaces, leading to hypothermia, heatstroke, or physical injury.
Servitude: Forced to perform menial tasks, errands, or drive members for extended periods, contributing to sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion.

These aren’t just “incidents”; they are criminal acts that inflict lasting physical, emotional, and psychological damage. We want City of Staunton parents to understand that this is the harsh reality their children can face when they join these organizations. It’s not about simple pranks; it’s about practices that can lead to hospitalization, permanent injury, or even death.

Who is Responsible? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

One of the most insidious aspects of hazing is the widespread network of individuals and organizations that enable it, often claiming ignorance or shifting blame. Our firm, Attorney911, specializes in identifying every single entity that bears responsibility, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we are pursuing liability against a broad spectrum of defendants, a strategy we will deploy for City of Staunton families:

The Local Chapter: The immediate perpetrators are the members of the local fraternity or sorority chapter who actively organize and participate in the hazing activities. This includes the chapter’s executive officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, who directly orchestrate the abuse.
Individual Members: Every member who participates in hazing, facilitates it, or possesses firsthand knowledge and fails to report it can be held individually liable. This extends to former members who might host hazing events at their residences, as seen in the Bermudez case where a former member and his spouse are named defendants for allowing hazing at their home.
The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities, despite having “anti-hazing” policies, are often critically negligent in supervising their local chapters. They routinely fail to enforce their own rules, ignore warning signs, and perpetuate a culture where dangerous traditions thrive. Pi Kappa Phi National’s immediate closure of the Houston chapter after Bermudez’s hospitalization is an admission that they knew the conduct was wrong. National organizations have deep pockets and ample insurance, making them prime targets for accountability.
The University or College: Educational institutions bear a significant responsibility for the safety of their students. This liability can arise from:
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor Greek life activities or respond to reports of hazing.
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, the institution can be held accountable for maintaining an unsafe environment. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. Universities like the University of Virginia, James Madison University, and Virginia Tech — where City of Staunton students often attend — all own vast amounts of property and house or oversee numerous Greek life organizations.
- Failure to Act: Ignoring prior hazing incidents or failing to implement effective preventative measures. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017, demonstrating a pattern of institutional failure.
Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often individuals, are insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. As former insurance defense attorneys, Attorney Ralph Manginello and Attorney Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate. We know their strategies, their weaknesses, and how to aggressively pursue the maximum payout from these policies.
Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards: These entities often own fraternity houses, provide financial support, and exert influence over undergraduate chapters. Their role in enabling or allowing hazing can also lead to liability.

We prioritize cutting through the layers of corporate structure and legal defense to identify every party that should be held accountable. This approach ensures that we target the “deepest pockets” and secure comprehensive compensation for our clients. It also sends a resounding message: if you participate in, enable, or fail to prevent hazing, we will find you, and we will sue you.

Multi-Million Dollar Proof: These Cases Win

For families in City of Staunton seeking justice, it’s vital to see that these horrific hazing incidents don’t just lead to criminal charges; they also result in multi-million dollar civil verdicts and settlements. These precedent cases prove that accountability is possible, and they underscore the severity with which the legal system views hazing. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is aligned with these landmark victories.

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total: $10.1 MILLION+
Stone Foltz died in 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event at Bowling Green State University. His family secured over $10.1 million in settlements, with $2.9 million from the university and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and individuals. This case is a direct parallel to our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez and shows both universities and national fraternities pay significant sums for hazing. The former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was also personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability in December 2024.

Maxwell Gruver: Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total: $6.1 MILLION Jury Verdict
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual in 2017. His family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict. This case demonstrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, and it also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Timothy Piazza: Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total: $110 MILLION+ (Estimated Settlements)
Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State, died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes and subsequently fell repeatedly. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Civil settlements in the case are estimated to exceed $110 million, and the incident led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case, extensively documented by security cameras, shows that when evidence is strong, the financial repercussions are immense.

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

The Same Fraternity That Hazed Leonel Bermudez
Andrew Coffey died in 2017 from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event at Florida State University. This is a critical precedent for our Bermudez case because it involves the exact same national fraternity. Eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure at Pi Kappa Phi, Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident. This establishes an undeniable pattern of negligence and a failure by the national organization to address its deadly hazing culture.

Adam Oakes: Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Total: $4 Million+ Settlement
Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old freshman at VCU, died in 2021 after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently reached a $4 million-plus settlement in October 2024. This case, occurring within Virginia, demonstrates the local relevance of hazing tragedies and the significant compensation families can achieve against negligent fraternities and universities in the region that City of Staunton residents might send their children to.

These cases send a clear message: the days of fraternities, sororities, and universities hiding behind “tradition” are over. Juries, judges, and legislators are recognizing the devastating impact of hazing and holding every party responsible. Your family in City of Staunton can pursue the same justice.

Texas Law Protects You: Beyond Consent

For City of Staunton families, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are similar across most states. And with our federal court authority, we can pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.

In Texas, where Leonel Bermudez’s case is being litigated, the law is unequivocally on the side of victims. The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151-37.157, explicitly defines and criminalizes hazing, outlining severe penalties for individuals and organizations.

Consent is NOT a Defense

One of the most critical aspects of Texas law, and increasingly in other states, is its stance on consent. Texas Education Code § 37.154 states definitively: “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 single legal provision dismantles the primary defense most fraternities and universities attempt to use: “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left at any time.” The law understands that coercion, peer pressure, and the power imbalance inherent in hazing negate any true consent. If your child from City of Staunton was hazed, their “consent” is irrelevant in the eyes of the law.

Who Can Be Held Responsible Under the Law?

Individuals: Anyone who participates in, plans, solicits, or aids in hazing can be charged with a criminal offense, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail) to a State Jail Felony (up to 2 years prison) if serious bodily injury or death occurs. Leonel Bermudez’s acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis constitute “serious bodily injury,” elevating the potential charges.
Organizations: Fraternities, sororities, and other student groups can be fined, denied the right to operate, or have their property forfeited if they condone or encourage hazing.
Universities: While not directly named in the criminal code, universities have reporting requirements. Their failure to report or act on hazing incidents can lead to civil liability for negligent supervision, premises liability, and institutional negligence.

Civil Liability: Your Path to Compensation

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families from City of Staunton to seek substantial financial compensation for their suffering. We will pursue various civil liability theories:

Negligence: Did the university or national fraternity have a duty to keep your child safe? Did they breach that duty by allowing hazing? Did that breach cause your child’s injuries? This is a fundamental claim.
Premises Liability: If the hazing happened on university property, or at a fraternity house owned by a housing corporation, these entities can be held responsible for maintaining an unsafe environment.
Negligent Supervision: When a national organization fails to oversee its chapters, or a university fails to monitor Greek life, they are liable for the foreseeable consequences.
Assault and Battery: Individual hazers can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often causes severe emotional and psychological trauma, a compensable injury.

For City of Staunton families, these laws provide a powerful framework for seeking justice. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) mean we can handle complex cases against national organizations and universities regardless of their location, bringing the full weight of the legal system to bear on your behalf.

Why Attorney911: Your Fighters for Justice in City of Staunton

When your child is suffering from the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team of relentless advocates who understand the unique complexities of hazing litigation. Attorney911 is built for this fight. We combine unparalleled legal expertise with a deep commitment to our clients in City of Staunton and nationwide.

25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph P. Manginello

Mr. Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience to every case. He is an attorney who thrives in the fight for justice. For City of Staunton families, his background offers unique advantages:

Former Insurance Defense Attorney expertise: Ralph understands the strategies and tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims because he used to work for them. He knows their playbook inside and out, now turning that knowledge against them to maximize client recovery. This is a critical advantage when facing multi-million dollar corporate defendants.
Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Ralph was involved in the BP Texas City Explosion mass tort litigation, a case involving 15 deaths and over 180 injuries. This experience demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with limitless resources, a direct parallel to battling national fraternities and large universities.
Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Ralph can litigate cases in federal courts, providing a strategic advantage against national organizations.
Dual-State Bar Admission: Licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph is exceptionally positioned to challenge national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or incorporated outside Texas. This dual licensure provides strategic flexibility for complex multi-state litigation.
Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and construct compelling narratives—skills essential for exposing the hidden world of hazing.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely equipped to handle the severe medical aspects of cases like Leonel Bermudez’s.
Father of Three: Ralph understands the profound impact hazing has on children and families, bringing a personal commitment to every case.

Insider Knowledge from the Defense: Lupe Eleno Peña

Associate attorney Lupe Eleno Peña, a third-generation Texan and Sugar Land native, is a formidable force in hazing litigation, and he is male. His background is invaluable to City of Staunton families:

Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He possesses an insider’s view of how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to lowball victims. This firsthand knowledge—an “unfair advantage” for our clients—allows us to dismantle their internal strategies.
Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Lupe has recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, directly applicable to the severe outcomes of hazing incidents.
Dram Shop Experience: His experience holding establishments accountable for alcohol-related injuries is crucial in hazing cases involving forced alcohol consumption, a common cause of death and injury.
Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe’s fluency in Spanish ensures comprehensive legal services for Hispanic families in City of Staunton and beyond, eliminating language barriers to justice.
“Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight” Philosophy: Lupe’s litigation approach emphasizes thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and relentless advocacy—exactly what’s needed to take on powerful fraternities and universities.

Our Unfair Advantage: Two Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

At Attorney911, we don’t just have one former insurance defense attorney; we have two. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña combine for 37+ years of legal experience, providing an unparalleled “insurance counter-intelligence system.” They’ve seen every tactic, every loophole, and every strategy used by the defense. This means we anticipate their moves, build stronger cases, and relentlessly pursue the maximum compensation for our clients. For City of Staunton families facing complex hazing cases, this insider knowledge is your ultimate advantage.

We Come to City of Staunton: Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice for hazing victims extends nationwide, including City of Staunton, Virginia. We are prepared to:

Travel to City of Staunton: For depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
Offer Remote Consultations: City of Staunton families can consult with us via phone or video at their convenience.
Leverage Federal Court Authority: Allowing us to litigate cases across state lines in federal jurisdiction.
Utilize Dual-State Bar Licenses: Providing strategic flexibility for cases against national organizations.

Your location in City of Staunton will never prevent us from delivering the aggressive, expert representation your family deserves.

What To Do Right Now: Action for City of Staunton Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While panic and emotional distress are natural, swift and strategic action can significantly impact the strength of your case. We provide clear, actionable guidance for families in City of Staunton:

1. Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Remove Your Child From Danger: Ensure your child is immediately removed from the hazing environment and is physically safe.
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get immediate medical attention. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage) may not be immediately apparent. Documenting injuries early connects them directly to the hazing incident. If an ambulance is offered, take it. Insist on a full medical evaluation and ensure all symptoms are recorded.
Follow Doctor’s Orders: Adhere strictly to all medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and participate in any recommended therapies. Failure to do so can be used by the defense to claim your injuries weren’t severe.

2. Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

As Ralph Manginello always emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.” This is crucial for hazing cases:

Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), and therapy records.
Photographs and Videos:
- Injuries: Document any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as soon as they appear, and continue to photograph them through the healing process.
- Hazing Locations: If safe to do so, photograph the physical locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, etc.).
- Hazing Paraphernalia: Capture images of any items used in the hazing (bottles, paddles, degrading objects).
Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun” in hazing cases.
- Text Messages: Preserve all text messages, especially group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), on your child’s phone. These often contain direct instructions, threats, or discussions of hazing activities.
- Social Media: Take screenshots of any relevant posts, DMs, or event invitations on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook. Do NOT delete anything.
- Emails: Save any emails related to pledging, events, or communications with fraternity members or university staff.
Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have observed parts of the hazing.
Documents: Keep all pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or any written materials provided by the fraternity, sorority, or university Greek life office.
Financial Records: Maintain records of medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees incurred during periods of academic disruption.
Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. Critical “Do Not” List: Protect Your Case

DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, social media posts, or any other digital evidence, even if it seems irrelevant. Spoliation (destruction of evidence) can severely harm your case.
DO NOT Communicate with Them: Avoid speaking to fraternity/sorority leaders, national representatives, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will try to collect information to use against you. Let your attorney handle all communications.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident, your injuries, or the lawsuit on any social media platform. Anything you post can be taken out of context and used by the defense to undermine your credibility or claim your injuries are not severe.
DO NOT Apologize or Admit Fault: Never admit fault or apologize for anything related to the hazing. Your child is the victim.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. While Virginia has similar timelines, delaying can lead to critical evidence disappearing and memories fading. Call us immediately.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step. You need legal experts who know how to navigate the complex world of hazing litigation. Our free consultation is available 24/7. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in City of Staunton

If you’re reading this, your family may have just experienced one of the most violating, devastating acts imaginable. Your child, whether they are attending college in City of Staunton, elsewhere in Virginia, or across the country, deserved friendship and growth, not torture and trauma. We want City of Staunton families to know that we are here for you, ready to fight with every resource at our disposal.

Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Attorney911 Now.

We are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. This isn’t just a practice area for us; it’s a battle we are actively waging. We know how to build these cases, we know how to identify every liable party, and we know how to hold powerful institutions accountable. We will bring that same aggressive, data-driven fight to City of Staunton victims and their families.

City of Staunton Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for City of Staunton hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak directly with our team who understands what you’re going through. Your call is confidential, and the consultation is absolutely free.

No Upfront Costs: We Work on Contingency

We understand that the last thing your family needs to worry about is legal fees. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

You pay us absolutely $0 upfront.
You don’t pay us unless and until WE WIN your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
This aligns our interests perfectly with yours: we are wholly invested in securing the maximum possible compensation for your family.

Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice for City of Staunton Families

Although our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to hazing victims extend far beyond. Hazing is a national scourge, and we are national fighters.

Federal Court Authority: With attorneys admitted to federal courts, we can pursue cases across state lines, allowing us to take on national fraternities and universities wherever they operate.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Attorney Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing additional strategic advantages when dealing with national organizations based elsewhere.
Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing City of Staunton families to connect with us from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
We Travel to You: For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to City of Staunton or wherever your case demands. Justice should not be limited by geography.

We Represent All Hazing Victims in City of Staunton and Beyond

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. We are here for victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities near City of Staunton (such as James Madison University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Radford University).
Sports teams, college and high school.
Marching bands and other student organizations.
ROTC programs.
Any group, club, or association that uses abuse as a twisted form of “initiation.”

If your child, friend, or loved one in City of Staunton has been harmed by hazing, reach out immediately.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know You Are Out There.

Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical torment. We know there are more victims of the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. You have rights too. We can represent you, protect you, and ensure your story is heard. 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, City of Staunton. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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

We treat every City of Staunton family like our own. You are not a number; you are a victim deserving of fierce advocacy. Don’t let your child’s suffering be in vain. Let us fight for the accountability and compensation you rightfully deserve.