City of Virginia Beach Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’re reading this in City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to embrace new opportunities and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with physical and emotional scars that may last a lifetime. Our firm, Attorney911, is here to help families in City of Virginia Beach fight back against the insidious spread of hazing that plagues our college campuses and youth organizations.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – we see it in the eyes of every parent who calls us, often in the dead of night, searching for answers and for justice. Your child’s story may mirror that of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who just weeks ago in Houston, Texas, endured horrific hazing rituals at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What happened to Leonel is a stark warning to parents in City of Virginia Beach: this is not a distant problem; it is a present danger. And these are not mere pranks; they are acts of violence with devastating consequences.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals involved in the hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This case is the very embodiment of what we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and uncompromising accountability for every entity responsible for these heinous acts. Families in City of Virginia Beach deserve the same relentless pursuit of justice.

The Horrifying Reality of Hazing: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez and What It Means for City of Virginia Beach Families

Just weeks ago, in November 2025, a prospective fraternity member named Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the spring semester, was promised brotherhood and camaraderie. Instead, he was subjected to a systematic campaign of abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

His story is a chilling preview of the dangers that can lurk within Greek life and other organizations at universities where students from City of Virginia Beach often attend. Many young people from our community in City of Virginia Beach pursue higher education at institutions across Virginia like Old Dominion University, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and George Mason University, or even further afield at large state universities. These institutions, many with vibrant Greek life scenes, are not immune to the patterns of hazing we witnessed in Houston. The same national fraternities, including Pi Kappa Phi, have chapters at campuses where children from City of Virginia Beach could seek their education.

What Leonel endured was not a game; it was systematic degradation:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: He was sprayed in the face with a high-pressure hose while performing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning. This is a tactic considered torture when used against enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon a young man seeking acceptance.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be forced back into physical exertion while lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Days and nights were filled with forced physical exertion – over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This regimen was so brutal it pushed his body past its limits, damaging his muscles and kidneys.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with sexually suggestive objects. Other pledges were hog-tied with objects in their mouths for over an hour. He endured sleep deprivation, forced early morning drives, and threats of physical pain or expulsion if he failed to comply.

After a particularly brutal session on November 3, 2025 – exactly eight years to the day after another Pi Kappa Phi pledge, Andrew Coffey, died from hazing at Florida State University – Leonel collapsed. He could not stand without help and later crawled up the stairs to his bed. His mother, recognizing the severity of his condition, rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where doctors confirmed severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine was brown from muscle breakdown, a grave sign of the internal damage inflicted.

This incident is not unique. It is a terrifying example of a nationwide hazing crisis that our firm is committed to fighting. The University of Houston, which owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred, had a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. Despite this earlier warning, the university failed to implement adequate safeguards. Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization, which knew of a “hazing crisis” and had a pledge die under similar circumstances in 2017, also failed to act. Both institutions had eight years to address these systemic issues, and both failed.

This is why we fight for families in City of Virginia Beach: because history repeats itself, and negligent institutions fail to learn from their mistakes.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes for City of Virginia Beach Parents

When parents in City of Virginia Beach hear the word “hazing,” they might envision harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. However, as the case of Leonel Bermudez tragically illustrates, modern hazing is far from benign. It is a systematic process designed to break down individuals, establish dominance, and force conformity through abuse. This is not about building character; it is about inflicting trauma.

Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or a necessary part of “tradition.” It is:

• Assault and Battery: Forced physical contact, beatings, paddling, and forced exercise often constitute illegal assault and battery.
• Psychological Torture: The humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation, and constant threats create severe mental anguish that can lead to long-term psychological problems like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Reckless Endangerment: Forcing individuals to consume dangerous substances, engage in extreme physical activity, or endure harsh environmental conditions demonstrates a reckless disregard for their health and safety.
• Sometimes Manslaughter or Murder: Tragic cases across the country confirm that hazing can, and often does, lead to death.

Our work on the Bermudez case reveals a comprehensive catalog of hazing activities that highlight the severity of this problem:

• Physical Abuse: This includes acts like the “wooden paddles” Leonel endured, beatings, branding, forced calisthenics to exhaustion (causing rhabdomyolysis), and extreme endurance tests like long crawls and sprints.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves excessive alcohol consumption, but it also extends to non-alcoholic substances. Leonel was forced to ingest milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then compelled to remain in his vomit-soaked environment while continuing physical tasks. This is a common tactic to break down pledges.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform late-night tasks like driving members, or endure early morning workouts disrupts their natural sleep cycle, severely impairing their physical and mental state.
• Humiliation and Degradation: Requiring pledges to wear embarrassing clothing, carry degrading items like the fanny pack with sexual objects, or endure public mockery are psychological assaults that strip individuals of dignity and self-worth.
• Social Isolation and Control: Restricted communication, enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews are all tactics designed to control every aspect of a pledge’s life, isolating them from outside support and reinforcing the fraternity’s power.
• Simulated Waterboarding: This horrific tactic, inflicted upon Leonel, is a form of torture that simulates drowning. Its use demonstrates the extreme lengths hazers will go to terrorize and control pledges.

Medical Consequences of Hazing: The injuries sustained from hazing are far from minor:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: As seen in Leonel’s case, extreme physical exertion can break down muscle tissue, releasing toxins that flood the kidneys, leading to potential permanent kidney damage, dialysis, or even death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced binge drinking is a leading cause of hazing deaths, with victims often succumbing to dangerously high blood alcohol levels.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From falls, blows to the head, or repeated concussion, TBIs can result in lifelong cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Exposure to extreme cold or heat, common in hazing rituals, can be life-threatening.
• Internal Injuries: Forced consumption or physical beatings can damage internal organs.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, requiring extensive therapy and support.

These are not isolated incidents. The National Study of Hazing from 2008 revealed that 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. Ninety-five percent of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retribution, shame, or perceived loyalty to the organization. This creates a deeply entrenched culture of silence that allows abuse to flourish.

Parents in City of Virginia Beach send their children off to college expecting them to be safe, to thrive, and to pursue their dreams. It is an unfathomable betrayal when the institutions entrusted with their safety instead allow them to be subjected to such brutality. We want you to understand that if your child has experienced any of these acts while trying to join an organization, they are a victim of hazing, and they deserve justice.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Entity Accountable for Hazing in City of Virginia Beach

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying and holding every responsible party accountable. The common misconception is that only the individual students involved are to blame. However, our extensive experience, particularly with cases like Leonel Bermudez’, demonstrates that systemic failures often extend far beyond a few bad actors. We target every entity that enabled, encouraged, or deliberately ignored the hazing.

Here is who can be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit, and how we pursue accountability for families in City of Virginia Beach:

1. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Who they are: The chapter members, pledge masters, and other students who directly participated in, organized, or facilitated the hazing activities. This also includes former members who host hazing events at their residences, as seen in the Bermudez case where a former member and his spouse were named as defendants.
   • Why they are liable: They directly inflicted harm through assault, battery, and other illegal acts. Texas law allows for personal liability for intentional torts, meaning these individuals can be financially responsible for their actions. As demonstrated by the $6.5 million judgment against a single chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, individual liability can be substantial.
   • Our approach for City of Virginia Beach families: We identify every person involved, gathering evidence to prove their direct participation. We also seek to uncover any homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies that might provide coverage for their actions.

2. Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority:

   • Who they are: The specific undergraduate chapter that conducted the hazing, such as the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in the Bermudez case.
   • Why they are liable: The chapter, as an entity, is vicariously liable for the actions of its members, especially when hazing is a sanctioned or allowed activity. It benefits from the recruitment process that includes hazing.
   • Our approach for City of Virginia Beach families: We name the local chapter directly in the lawsuit, bringing its financial and organizational entity into the legal crosshairs.

3. National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

   • Who they are: The overarching national body that supervises over 150 local chapters across the country, as in the case of Pi Kappa Phi. These organizations often have substantial assets, endowments, and liability insurance.
   • Why they are liable: Nationals are often liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, and creating a culture where hazing is implicitly (or explicitly) tolerated. In the Bermudez case, the lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.” The death of Andrew Coffey at an FSU Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017 provided the national organization with clear notice of deadly hazing within its ranks, yet eight years later, no substantive change appears to have occurred. Your child’s local chapter in City of Virginia Beach is governed by the same national organizations.
   • Our approach for City of Virginia Beach families: We target the national organization because they often possess the “deep pockets” necessary for significant compensation. We expose their internal documents, policies, and knowledge of prior incidents to prove a pattern of systemic negligence. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority allow us to pursue these national organizations regardless of their headquarters location.

4. University or College:

   • Who they are: The institution where the hazing occurred, such as the University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents in our landmark case.
   • Why they are liable: Universities have a legal duty to protect their students and a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment. Liability can arise from:
     • Premises Liability: If the university owns or controls the property where hazing occurs (as UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house), they can be held responsible for dangerous conditions they allowed to exist.
     • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee Greek life organizations or respond to credible reports of hazing.
     • Institutional Knowledge: If the university knew or should have known about past hazing incidents (like UH’s 2017 case) and failed to implement effective preventative measures.
   • Our approach for City of Virginia Beach families: We scrutinize university policies, Greek life oversight, and their response to past incidents. We demand accountability from university administrators, showing that their negligence contributed to the harm suffered by students like your child.

5. Housing Corporations:

   • Who they are: Separate entities that often own and manage the physical fraternity or sorority houses, like the Beta Nu Housing Corporation in the Bermudez case.
   • Why they are liable: They can be held responsible under premises liability theories for failing to ensure a safe environment within the property they manage.
   • Our approach for City of Virginia Beach families: We identify these corporate entities, as they often have their own insurance and assets, providing another layer of financial accountability.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Who they are: The insurance companies that provide liability coverage to the national organizations, universities, local chapters, and sometimes even individual members (e.g., through homeowner’s policies).
   • Why they are liable: They are contractually obligated to cover valid claims arising from negligence or misconduct.
   • Our approach for City of Virginia Beach families: As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate. We know their tactics for devaluing claims, and we strategically leverage this insight to maximize recovery for our clients.

When hazing occurs, it is rarely due to one single failing. It is a complex web of individual choices, organizational complicity, and institutional negligence. We meticulously unravel this web, gathering all necessary evidence – from victim testimony and medical records to internal communications and witness statements – to ensure that every entity that contributed to your child’s trauma is brought to justice. We will pursue every available avenue for City of Virginia Beach families, just as we are for Leonel Bermudez.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for City of Virginia Beach Victims

The suffering caused by hazing is immeasurable, but justice demands that victims and their families receive full and fair compensation for their losses. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez’s injuries is not an arbitrary figure; it is grounded in a strong legal framework and supported by numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements from similar hazing cases across the nation. These landmark cases send a clear message: hazing costs millions, and responsible parties will pay.

Parents in City of Virginia Beach need to understand that substantial recovery is possible, even when facing powerful institutions. Here are some of the precedent-setting outcomes that demonstrate what can be achieved:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Totaling over $10.1 Million

  • The Story: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual. He died from alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: The Foltz family received nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and involved individuals. More recently, in December 2024, a criminal court ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay the Foltz family an additional $6.5 million in personal liability. This case set a record as the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Why it matters for City of Virginia Beach: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held financially accountable, and even individual members can face multi-million dollar judgments.

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

  • The Story: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event. Pledges who answered fraternity questions incorrectly were forced to drink heavily.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Furthermore, the tragic death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.
  • Why it matters for City of Virginia Beach: This jury verdict shows that when hazing cases proceed to trial, juries are willing to award millions, especially when egregious conduct leads to tragic outcomes. It highlights the potential for both significant financial recovery and legislative change—new laws and increased penalties that your child’s case could help inspire.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Estimated $110+ Million in Settlements

  • The Story: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi, was forced to participate in a rapid-fire drinking ritual known as “the gauntlet,” consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Highly intoxicated, he fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a catastrophic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling for help. He died two days later. Critically, security cameras within the fraternity house documented the entire horrific incident.
  • The Outcome: Although confidential, reports indicate that settlements in the Piazza case exceeded $110 million from various defendants. Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several receiving convictions, including for involuntary manslaughter. The tragedy also led to Pennsylvania’s landmark Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Why it matters for City of Virginia Beach: This case underscores that strong evidence, such as comprehensive documentation of hazing activity, can lead to monumental legal outcomes. It shows the devastating financial consequences for institutions that fail in their duty to protect students.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

  • The Story: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at FSU’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon during a “Big Brother Night.”
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family’s civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
  • Why it matters for City of Virginia Beach: This case is particularly damning for Pi Kappa Phi, the same national fraternity involved in our Bermudez lawsuit. It proves that the national organization had explicit knowledge and notice of deadly hazing practices within its chapters eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization. Despite this, they failed to enact effective change, directly contributing to the foreseeability of the tragedy in Houston.

These cases are not just statistics; they are human stories of immense loss and courageous legal battles for justice. For families in City of Virginia Beach whose children have suffered hazing injuries or death, these precedents offer powerful encouragement. They show that multi-million dollar recoveries are not only possible but increasingly common when victims are represented by aggressive, experienced attorneys. The same legal strategies, the same unwavering commitment to accountability, and the same pursuit of maximum compensation that won these cases will be brought to bear on your child’s hazing claim, whether the incident occurred in City of Virginia Beach or another university city.

Texas Law Protects You: A Clear Framework for Hazing Victims in City of Virginia Beach

While our firm is based in Texas, the legal principles that underpin successful hazing litigation are often applicable across state lines, especially with the federal court authority Ralph and Lupe possess. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for parents and victims in City of Virginia Beach to recognize their rights and the strength of their claims. Texas hazing law, like those in many other states, provides a clear pathway for accountability.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Victim Protection

The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151-37.157, explicitly defines hazing and outlines severe penalties. These statutes are incredibly powerful because they clearly define forbidden conduct and remove common defenses used by fraternities and universities.

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 joining or maintaining membership in an organization. Critically, it specifies categories of prohibited acts directly relevant to the Bermudez case:

• Physical Brutality: This includes “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.” Leonel’s experience of being struck with wooden paddles falls squarely into this category.
• Endangering Activities: “Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and repeated sprints, which led to kidney failure, are explicit violations. His forced exposure to cold while being sprayed with a hose also falls under “exposure to the elements.”
• Forced Consumption: “Consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” The forced ingestion of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a direct violation here.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps the most critical provision for hazing victims. The law states unequivocally:

“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 counters the common defense perpetuated by fraternities and universities: that a student “chose” to participate or “knew what they were getting into.” Virginia has a similar law stating that consent is not a defense if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death. This means that if hazing happened to your child in City of Virginia Beach, arguments of their “consent” are legally invalid. You cannot consent to criminal activity. Your child cannot consent to being tortured, beaten, or driven to kidney failure. This legislative clarity strengthens every hazing claim we pursue.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Texas law also holds organizations responsible:

“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.”

This means the local chapter, the national organization, and even the housing corporation (as in our Bermudez case with Beta Nu Housing Corporation) can face penalties and civil liability.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Institutions like the University of Houston are mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a criminal offense by the chief administrative officer. This requirement compels transparency and provides a paper trail for our investigations. Virginia also has reporting laws for institutions.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal penalties can hold individual perpetrators accountable, civil lawsuits are designed to provide monetary compensation for victims and their families. Our civil litigation against universities, national fraternities, and individuals leverages several key legal theories available to City of Virginia Beach victims:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that institutions like universities and national fraternities had a legal “duty of care” to protect students from hazing, that they “breached” that duty through their actions or inactions, that this breach “caused” the injuries, and that the victim suffered “damages” as a result.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as was the case with UH owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to properly oversee their chapters, or when universities fail to adequately supervise Greek life activities, especially when they know of a history of hazing.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual students who physically harm a victim can be sued directly for intentional acts of assault and battery.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim is particularly relevant in cases involving severe psychological hazing, where the conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes profound emotional suffering. The psychological impact of simulated waterboarding is a prime example.

For families in City of Virginia Beach, understanding these legal avenues is crucial. Even if local law enforcement declines to pursue criminal charges (though we often see criminal referrals initiated), a civil lawsuit for damages can proceed independently and often results in significant compensation and institutional change. We pursue every possible legal theory to maximize recovery and ensure justice for your child.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for City of Virginia Beach Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions your family will make. For families in City of Virginia Beach, Attorney911 offers a unique blend of aggressive advocacy, insider knowledge, and deep empathy that distinguishes us from other firms. We are not just lawyers; we are unapologetic champions for victims, and we are actively engaged in the fight against hazing right now.

Here’s why families in City of Virginia Beach should choose Attorney911:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re fighting it in court right now. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is our flagship battle, demonstrating our real-world, aggressive approach. This isn’t theoretical; it’s active warfare against the very institutions that enabled this abuse. The same strategies, dedication, and ferocity we bring to a Houston courtroom will be deployed for your child’s case in City of Virginia Beach.

2. Unbeatable Insight: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña come from the “other side.” Ralph has 25+ years of experience, and Lupe, with 12+ years, worked for a national insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, defending insurance companies and corporations. This means:

   • We know their playbook: We understand how insurance companies value claims, delay payouts, and strategize their defenses because we used to be them.
   • We dismantle their tactics: Every trick they use to minimize claims, we now use to maximize yours. This insider knowledge gives City of Virginia Beach families an unparalleled advantage.

3. Nationwide Reach with Federal Court Authority: While headquartered in Houston, our firm is not limited by geography. We serve hazing victims in City of Virginia Beach and across the nation through:

   • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue complex cases against national organizations and universities, regardless of state lines.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York. This is a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered in various states.
   • Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to City of Virginia Beach for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
   • Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations, making it easy for City of Virginia Beach families to access expert legal advice from the comfort of their home.

4. Deep Hazing-Specific Expertise: Our experience goes beyond general personal injury. We have a specialized focus on:

   • Rhabdomyolysis Litigation: Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing, a direct connection to Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries.
   • Fraternity/University Accountability: We understand the complex legal landscape that allows hazing to flourish and how to target every liable entity, including national organizations and educational institutions like the University of Houston.
   • Pattern Evidence: We leverage national hazing incident databases and prior cases (like Andrew Coffey’s death at Pi Kappa Phi) to demonstrate systemic negligence and foreseeability, crucial for winning large settlements and punitive damages.

5. Battle-Tested Against Massive Corporations: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates his capability to take on the largest corporate defendants. Universities and national fraternities, with their vast resources and legal teams, are no match for our aggressive approach.

6. Empathetic, Parent-Facing Approach: We understand that hazing victims and their families are often in profound distress. Our tone is warm, understanding, and supportive. We treat City of Virginia Beach families like our own, ensuring open communication and genuine compassion throughout the legal process.

7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

   • You pay $0 upfront: There are no hourly fees or retainer costs to start your case.
   • We only get paid if you win: Our fees (a percentage of the recovery) are deducted only after we secure a settlement or verdict for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. This structure levels the playing field, making expert legal representation accessible to every family in City of Virginia Beach, regardless of their financial situation.

8. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in City of Virginia Beach, ensuring no language barrier stands in the way of justice.

9. Relentless Pursuit of Justice and Accountability: Our mission is not just compensation; it’s to force meaningful change. By aggressively pursuing accountability, we aim to deter future hazing incidents and protect other students from suffering similar fates. As Lupe Peña stated regarding the Bermudez case, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Choosing Attorney911 means partnering with a firm that possesses the knowledge, the experience, the resources, and the fierce determination to fight for your child. For families in City of Virginia Beach, we offer not just legal representation, but a steadfast ally in your darkest hour.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Virginia Beach Hazing Victims and Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do – or don’t do – can significantly impact the strength of any future legal claim. We understand that this is an incredibly stressful and confusing time for families in City of Virginia Beach, but acting quickly and strategically is paramount.

Here are the essential steps you should take right now:

STEP 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Remove Your Child From Danger: If your child is still in a hazardous environment, ensure their immediate removal and safety.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor or are primarily psychological, seek professional medical attention immediately. Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or consult a doctor. This creates an official medical record, which is crucial evidence. Be explicit with medical providers that the injuries resulted from hazing or forced activities.
  • Why it’s critical: Your child’s health is paramount. Additionally, a gap between the incident and medical care allows defendants to argue the injuries weren’t severe or weren’t related to the hazing.

STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence – EVERYTHING

This is perhaps the most crucial step in building a strong hazing case. Hazing often occurs in secret, and vital evidence can disappear quickly. We cannot overstate this: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.

• Medical Records and Bills: Keep every single document from doctors, hospitals, specialists, therapy, and pharmacies. This includes initial assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and all billing statements.
• Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to:
  • Photograph any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear, and continue to document their healing process over time.
  • Capture photos or videos of the hazing location, if safe to do so.
  • Document any physical evidence related to the hazing, such as items used, alcohol containers, or remnants of forced activities.
• Digital Communications: This is a treasure trove of evidence in hazing cases.
  • SAVE EVERYTHING: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshots are essential for ephemeral content), emails, private Facebook messages, and any other social media or messaging app content related to the hazing. These often contain instructions, threats, derogatory comments, or even admissions of hazing.
  • DO NOT DELETE: Deleting anything could be considered spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case.
  • SCREENSHOTS ARE KEY: Especially for disappearing messages or stories.
• Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information (phone numbers, email, social media handles) of anyone who witnessed the hazing, participated in it, or expressed concern about it. Other pledges can be invaluable witnesses.
• Organizational Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the fraternity/sorority or university.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
• Financial Records: Keep track of any lost wages if your child missed work, or any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the hazing or recovery.

STEP 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel

This is a critical misstep many families make, inadvertently harming their own case.

• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not engage with individual members, chapter leadership, or national representatives. They are not on your side and will likely try to control the narrative, deny wrongdoing, or pressure your child into silence.
• DO NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: University officials, while seemingly helpful, ultimately represent the institution’s interests, not your child’s. Any statements given to them can be used against your child in later proceedings.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer reviewing them first. These documents often include waivers of rights or agreements that could jeopardize your legal claim.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting any details about the incident, your child’s injuries, or your legal plans on social media. The defense will monitor social media for anything that can be used to discredit your child or minimize their injuries.
• DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Absolutely refuse to give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster or representative from the fraternity/university without your attorney present. They are trained to elicit information that can harm your case.

STEP 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911: This is our dedicated Legal Emergency Hotline, available 24/7. The consultation is free, confidential, and can provide immediate guidance.
• Email Us: You can also reach us directly at ralph@atty911.com.
• Why Speed Matters:
  • Statute of Limitations: In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever. Given the trauma involved, every day counts, and evidence can disappear rapidly.
  • Evidence Preservation: The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can send preservation letters, demand surveillance footage (which is often deleted after a short period), subpoena digital records before they are purged, and secure witness statements while memories are fresh.
  • Expert Guidance: We can advise you on every step, ensuring you avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your case.
  • Level the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have vast resources and legal teams. You need aggressive, experienced advocates on your side from day one.

For families in City of Virginia Beach, distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to City of Virginia Beach for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Houston, we are ready to fight for your child in City of Virginia Beach.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for City of Virginia Beach Hazing Victims

If you’re reading this, it’s likely a moment of profound crisis for your family. The trauma of hazing can feel isolating, overwhelming, and utterly devastating. But you are not alone, and you have powerful legal rights. Our firm, Attorney911, stands ready to be your first responder to this legal emergency. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, and we are dedicated to securing justice and accountability for hazing victims in City of Virginia Beach and across the nation.

We are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the waterboarding and kidney failure suffered by Leonel Bermudez. This isn’t hypothetical; it’s an active battle that demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing litigation. We are bringing the same unwavering commitment to every family we represent, including yours in City of Virginia Beach.

City of Virginia Beach Families: Don’t wait. Call us now. The consultation is free.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. Whether it’s 2 AM or 2 PM, we are here to listen, to advise, and to begin building your case.

You can also reach us via email at ralph@atty911.com.

Here’s what you can expect when you contact Attorney911:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free of charge and completely confidential. We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment, and we will assess the viability of your case.
• No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront to hire us. We cover all the costs of litigation, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This removes any financial barrier to obtaining the aggressive legal representation your family deserves.
• Expert Guidance from Day One: Once hired, we immediately begin working to preserve crucial evidence, investigate the incident thoroughly, and identify all liable parties. We take the burden of dealing with the fraternities, universities, and insurance companies off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Focus for City of Virginia Beach: While our main offices are in Texas, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims in City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and wherever the incident occurred. We offer video consultations to make the process convenient for families who cannot travel to us.

We fight for victims of hazing in all its forms, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions like Old Dominion University, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and other colleges across Virginia and the nation.
• Sports teams (high school, college, and club teams)
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups
• ROTC programs and military organizations
• Academic clubs and student organizations
• Any group that uses abuse, humiliation, or endangerment as a form of initiation or membership.

To other victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout on October 15. Others were subjected to similar waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. If you or someone you know was part of those events, or any other hazing incident involving this chapter, you have rights too.

As Lupe Peña bravely 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 testimony and your case could be the catalyst that finally forces real change. Do not suffer in silence.

The choice you make now can determine the future of your child’s recovery and the accountability of those who caused harm. Let us be your champions. Let us fight for your child’s future, just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez.

Call Attorney911 today. Let’s bring them to justice.

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