If you’re reading this in Craig County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, or was preparing to, seeking friendship and a sense of belonging. Instead, they were subjected to brutal and humiliating acts, leaving them physically or psychologically broken. We understand the profound fear, anger, and betrayal you must be feeling. At Attorney911, we are here to help families in Craig County fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing. Our team, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is relentlessly pursuing justice for hazing victims nationwide, and we will bring the same aggressive and experienced representation to your family right here in Craig County.

We are not just a law firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When a legal crisis strikes, especially one as devastating as hazing, we act first, fast, and decisively. We know the pressure, confusion, and fear that engulf families in these moments. We understand that parents in Craig County send their children to institutions of higher learning, whether it’s out of state, to a university in Virginia, or even within the broader region, with the expectation that they will be safe, grow, and thrive. When that trust is shattered by a hazing incident, we stand ready to advocate for your child and for your family, seeking true accountability from every responsible party.

The Haunting Echoes of Abuse: Lessons from University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi

What we are fighting right now, in Harris County Civil District Court in Texas, is Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, et al. This is not some abstract legal debate; this is a live, active $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 that embodies everything we stand for. This case serves as a stark warning to parents in every community, including Craig County, about the brutal reality of hazing today. It reveals the depths of depravity these organizations can reach and the courage it takes to stand up against them. And it shows the exact kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer in the spring. He simply sought brotherhood. What he found instead were weeks of systematic torture. On November 3, 2025, during a hazing ritual at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house – a property actually owned by the University of Houston – Leonel endured an ordeal that could have cost him his life.

The Unthinkable Acts: A Glimpse into Modern Hazing

What Leonel Bermudez suffered exposes the grim truth of hazing far beyond what many parents in Craig County might imagine. This wasn’t harmless pranks or mild discomfort; it was deliberate, calculated abuse designed to break a young man down:

• Simulated Waterboarding: As reported by KHOU 11, Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is a technique recognized internationally as a war crime when used on enemy combatants. Yet, members of Pi Kappa Phi inflicted it on a prospective member. Imagine your child, trying to breathe, sprayed in the face with a high-pressure hose, under duress, struggling for air.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: The lawsuit details how Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even then, ABC13 reports he was “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass.” This isn’t brotherhood; it’s cruel, dehumanizing abuse.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: On November 3, 2025, Leonel was forced through a grueling regimen because he missed an event. This included over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. The Houston Chronicle even reported he was “struck with wooden paddles.” He was pushed so far that he “could not stand without help.”
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Beyond the physical torment, Leonel endured profound psychological abuse. He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour” as members prepared for a meeting. Threats, humiliation, sleep deprivation from forced early-morning drives – these were all part of the systematic degradation.

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The severe physical exertion and trauma Leonel suffered led to a life-threatening medical emergency. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025, after noticing he was “passing brown urine” – a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure and spent three nights and four days hospitalized. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys. This could lead to permanent kidney damage or even death. Our firm has specific expertise in these rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

The Institutions’ Response: Too Little, Too Late

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended and then permanently closed its University of Houston chapter. Their own website stated the closure was “effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” While they claimed to take “all allegations of hazing seriously,” their statement also noted they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” revealing a troubling lack of genuine remorse.

The University of Houston, despite owning the fraternity house where much of this occurred, only publicly condemned the acts after our lawsuit was filed. A UH spokesperson told Houston Public Media, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and mentioned “potential criminal charges.” These statements are admissions that the university was aware of severe violations on its property.

Why This Case Resonates in Craig County

The Bermudez case is not merely a Texas story; it is a national cautionary tale that echoes into every community, including Craig County.

• National Fraternities, International Reach: Pi Kappa Phi boasts over 150 chapters across America. The same national organization, with its systemic failures and dangerous “traditions,” operates at universities near Craig County. Whether your child attends Virginia Tech, Radford University, Roanoke College, Washington and Lee University, or any other institution across the Commonwealth or the nation, they are exposed to the same Greek life culture.
• Institutional Complicity: Universities, like the University of Houston, often exercise significant control over Greek life organizations on their campuses. When they own property, enable operations, and fail to intervene, they are complicit. Universities throughout Virginia, from major state institutions to smaller liberal arts colleges, have a duty to protect their students from hazing and they face the same liability when they fail.
• Aggressive Representation: This ongoing $10 million lawsuit demonstrates that Attorney911 isn’t theoretical. We are actively fighting these battles. If your family in Craig County is facing a similar nightmare, we will bring the same aggressive, thorough, and data-driven litigation strategy to bear on your case, no matter where your child attends college.
• No Place to Hide: We don’t just talk about hazing; we dismantle the corporate structures that enable it. The week Leonel’s hospitalization was reported, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against the national fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and former members who even hosted hazing at their residence. We leverage our extensive intelligence database to ensure every responsible entity is held accountable.

Understanding the Grim Reality: What Hazing Really Looks Like

Many parents in Craig County, Virginia, may still picture hazing as something out of a comedy film – harmless pranks, silly rituals, or mild embarrassments. The truth, revealed through cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far darker. Hazing today is often systematic abuse, psychological torture, and physical brutality that routinely endangers young lives. It is assault, battery, false imprisonment, and sometimes manslaughter or murder, disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

Our current experience fighting for Leonel Bermudez has shown us that this isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a deep-seated pathology within many organizations. We believe parents in every community, including Craig County, deserve to know the full, unvarnished truth about what hazing really involves:

Categories of Hazing: Beyond the Stereotypes

• Physical Abuse: This is the most visible and often most dangerous form. It includes beatings, paddling (as with Leonel Bermudez), branding, forced calisthenics to exhaustion (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 push-ups), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (forcing students to strip in cold weather and be sprayed with water), and even more extreme acts like waterboarding and simulated drowning. The objective is often to break the individual physically and mentally, under the guise of “building toughness.”
• Forced Consumption: This category encompasses forced alcohol consumption, which tragically results in most hazing deaths, as well as forced eating of unusual or unappetizing substances, often to the point of vomiting. Leonel’s experience of being forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he became violently ill, and then being forced to continue exercising in his own vomit, is a horrifying example. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Psychological Torture: This insidious form of hazing aims to break down self-esteem and exert complete control. It often involves humiliation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and forced servitude. Leonel was compelled to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, a deeply humiliating act. The October 13 incident in his case, where another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour, demonstrates the extreme psychological and physical degradation involved. The fear of retribution that prevents victims like Leonel from speaking out is a direct result of this psychological torment.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, running errands at all hours, or engaging in late-night “activities” is a common hazing tactic. This compromises judgment, impairs physical and mental function, and isolates the individual further, making them more susceptible to control and abuse.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Often accompanied by humiliation, sexual hazing involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault, or carrying sexually explicit objects. This is deeply traumatizing and often goes unreported due to shame and fear.
• Servitude and Humiliation: While seemingly less severe, forced servitude and constant humiliation erode self-worth. This can include driving members, cleaning their rooms, performing demeaning tasks, or following arbitrary and demeaning rules.

The Far-Reaching Consequences

The result of hazing extends far beyond the immediate physical injury. For victims like Leonel Bermudez, the impact is profound and multifaceted:

• Severe Physical Injuries: From rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, to broken bones, internal organ damage, chemical burns, or brain injuries due to falls or blows. Tragically, hazing is a leading cause of preventable college student deaths.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Hazing leaves deep scars, manifesting as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, and long-term trust issues. Many victims struggle with academic performance, social withdrawal, and self-medication through substance abuse.
• Academic and Career Derailment: The trauma and physical recovery can force students to withdraw from courses, lose scholarships, fail semesters, or even drop out of college entirely, derailing their academic and future career aspirations.
• Wrongful Death: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. These are preventable tragedies that devastate families and leave an indelible stain on the institutions that allow them to occur.

The Pervasive Nature of the Problem

Hazing is not confined to fraternities; it permeates many student organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: These remain primary sites for hazing, with 55% of students in Greek life experiencing it.
• Sports Teams: From high school to college, 40% of student-athletes report hazing.
• Marching Bands, ROTC, and Clubs: The desire for belonging makes these groups vulnerable to similar abuses.

While hazing is a hidden epidemic (95% of students who are hazed do not report it), it is a known problem to universities and national organizations. They have the power, the resources, and the responsibility to stop it, but too often choose inaction until a student is brutally injured or dies. This deliberate indifference forms the basis of our aggressive legal strategy for Craig County hazing victims.

Holding Everyone Accountable: Who Is Responsible for Hazing?

One of the most crucial aspects of our work at Attorney911 for Craig County families whose children have been victimized by hazing is identifying and pursuing every single entity accountable for the harm. Hazing is rarely the act of just a few rogue individuals. It is a systemic breakdown that almost always involves multiple layers of negligence and complicity. In the Leonel Bermudez case, we cast a wide net, suing not only the individual perpetrators but also the powerful institutions that enabled their actions. This same multi-faceted approach applies to hazing incidents near Craig County.

Here’s who we typically hold responsible:

1. The Local Chapter and Its Leadership

• Who they are: This includes the specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved, its president, pledgemaster, internal officers (like risk managers), and the individual members who participate in, organize, or turn a blind eye to hazing.
• Why they are liable: The chapter directly organizes and conducts the hazing activities. Their officers, especially the president and pledgemaster, hold positions of authority and are directly responsible for the safe operation of the chapter. Individual members who actively participate in or condone hazing can be held accountable for assault, battery, and other intentional torts. Every person who was present and failed to intervene to stop the abuse also bears responsibility. In the Bermudez case, we sued the Chapter President, Pledgemaster, and other active members, including some who hosted hazing at their private residences.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

• Who they are: These are the large, often multi-million dollar corporations that charter, oversee, and claim to regulate their local chapters. Pi Kappa Phi, for example, has over 150 chapters nationally. These organizations have national councils, executive staff, and extensive resources.
• Why they are liable: National organizations often fail in their duty to supervise their local chapters. They are typically aware of the pervasive hazing culture within their system (as Pi Kappa Phi was allegedly aware of a “hazing crisis” before Leonel’s incident). They collect dues, provide branding, and often set risk management policies that are then routinely ignored. When a critical incident occurs, they often try to quickly suspend or close chapters to distance themselves from liability, but this action often serves as an admission of their responsibility. Our legal team leverages Attorney911’s deep knowledge of fraternity corporate structures, tracking over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas alone, including house corporations and alumni chapters, to identify every entity with the same Greek letters nationwide.
• The “Deep Pockets”: National fraternities and sororities possess significant assets and robust insurance policies, making them primary targets for substantial damage awards.

3. The University or College

• Who they are: This includes the institution itself (e.g., University of Houston), its Board of Regents, and specific administrators (including the Greek Life office, Dean of Students, or Department of Student Affairs).
• Why they are liable: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students’ safety. They grant recognition to Greek organizations, control on-campus housing (like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel was waterboarded), and have the power to regulate, suspend, or permanently ban organizations. When universities know about a pattern of hazing (as UH did, following a 2017 hazing hospitalization from a different fraternity), yet fail to implement adequate safeguards or enforce their own policies, they are guilty of institutional negligence and deliberate indifference.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, the institution may also be liable under premises liability laws for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• The “Deep Pockets”: Universities, especially large public institutions or wealthy private ones, have substantial endowments, state funding, and comprehensive insurance coverage, positioning them as significant defendants.

4. Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards

• Who they are: These are often separate legal entities (like the Beta Nu Housing Corporation in Leonel’s case) that own and manage fraternity or sorority houses. Alumni boards or foundations often exert significant influence and provide financial support to chapters.
• Why they are liable: Housing corporations are responsible for the safety of the properties they oversee. If they knowingly allow hazing to occur on their premises, or fail to investigate reports of it, they can be held liable. Alumni groups, by virtue of their influence and financial backing, can also be held responsible if they enable hazing culture. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database tracks these entities, including Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, to ensure we identify all responsible parties.

5. Individual Alumni and Other Facilitators

• Who they are: This includes former fraternity members who continue to be involved and may host or encourage hazing activities. In the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse were named as defendants because hazing sessions occurred at their private residence.
• Why they are liable: Anyone who actively facilitates or hosts hazing activities, regardless of their current student status, can be held personally liable. This extends to property owners who knowingly allow their premises to be used for illegal and harmful acts.

6. Insurance Companies

• Who they are: The various carriers providing liability insurance to the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s policies).
• Why they are involved: Ultimately, it is these insurance policies that fund the multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Our team, with attorneys like Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, who are both former insurance defense attorneys, understand the nuances of these complex policies and how to navigate the claims process from an insider’s perspective. They know the insurance companies’ playbooks because they helped write them.

For families in Craig County, the message is clear: when hazing occurs, we investigate every angle, identify every culpable party, and pursue every available avenue for justice and compensation. We don’t guess who might be responsible; we know, and we sue everyone responsible.

The Cost of Hazing: What These Cases Win

When families in Craig County face the unimaginable horror of a hazing injury or death, one of the most pressing questions, after the immediate safety of their child, is “What happens now? Can anything truly make this right?” While no amount of money can ever erase the trauma or bring back a lost loved one, civil litigation against responsible parties serves a critical dual purpose: it provides essential financial resources for victims’ recovery and future needs, and it holds powerful institutions accountable, forcing changes that prevent future tragedies.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary number; it is firmly rooted in the substantial verdicts and settlements achieved in hazing cases across the nation. These landmark cases send a powerful message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Craig County victims.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Setting the Bar for Accountability

These cases prove that juries and courts are increasingly willing to impose massive financial penalties on those responsible for hazing.

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
  • What happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event and died from alcohol poisoning. The tragic death led to the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • The Breakdown: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national organization, along with individual members, settled for an additional $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally.
  • Relevance: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liabilities, and individual perpetrators can be held personally responsible for devastating amounts.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  • What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was punished for wrong answers.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance: This verdict proves that juries are outraged by hazing and will not hesitate to award millions. The subsequent felony legislation highlights the public demand for increased accountability for these barbaric acts.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  • What happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi event. He fell down stairs repeatedly, suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died shortly after. The entire horrifying incident was captured on security camera footage.
  • The Outcome: This case resulted in criminal charges against 18 fraternity members, numerous convictions (including involuntary manslaughter), and a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million, one of the largest hazing settlements ever. It also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
  • Relevance: The Piazza case demonstrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious (like Leonel Bermudez’s waterboarding), settlements can reach astronomical figures. This case also shows how powerful the story of a victim, backed by irrefutable evidence, can be.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  • What happened: Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.
  • The Outcome: This resulted in criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. The family also reached a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance: This is the SAME national fraternity as our Bermudez case. Pi Kappa Phi knew over eight years ago that its hazing could cause death. They failed to act effectively, and now Leonel Bermudez has been hospitalized. This establishes a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference that strongly supports significant punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi National.
• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
  • What happened: Adam Oakes died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi pledging event.
  • The Outcome: A multi-million dollar settlement (reportedly over $4 million) was reached, and the incident led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring hazing prevention training and incident reporting.
  • Relevance: This case is particularly relevant for Craig County families whose children might attend Virginia Commonwealth University or other Virginia institutions, showing that hazing settlements are significant within the Commonwealth and drive legislative change.

The Message to Craig County: Why These Precedents Matter

These cases are not mere statistics; they are human tragedies that transformed into powerful legal victories. For families in Craig County, they mean several vital things:

1. Your Child’s Suffering Has Value: These multi-million dollar awards demonstrate that the immense physical and psychological suffering caused by hazing, and the profound loss in wrongful death cases, are recognized and compensated by our legal system.
2. Accountability for All: The settlements consistently include not just individual perpetrators but also the deep-pocketed national fraternities and universities. This means that if your child is hazed at a university attended by students from Craig County, such as Virginia Tech or Radford University, you can pursue justice against all levels of responsibility.
3. Pattern Evidence is Powerful: Our ability to link the Pi Kappa Phi national organization to both Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025 demonstrates a dangerous pattern of negligence. This kind of pattern evidence dramatically strengthens our argument for punitive damages, designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
4. Legislative Change Follows Litigation: Many of these landmark cases directly spurred new state laws making hazing a felony and increasing accountability. By pursuing civil action for Craig County victims, we contribute to a national movement to end hazing.
5. Our Firm is Ready: The $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is carefully calculated based on these precedents, knowing what it costs for institutions to act with such callous disregard for human life. We bring this proven strategy to every case we accept, including those in Craig County.

Hazing is a preventable crime. By aggressively pursuing justice for victims, we force institutions to confront their roles in perpetuating a dangerous culture and ensure that the immense cost of hazing is borne by those truly responsible, not by the innocent victims and their families in Craig County.

Your Rights Under Virginia Law: A Shield Against Hazing

For families in Craig County, Virginia, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our offices are based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for hazing are broadly consistent across states, and we are adept at navigating the specific laws of any jurisdiction where a hazing incident occurs. Your Virginia hazing case will be evaluated against and benefit from the precedent set by these national cases, just as Leonel Bermudez’s case does.

Virginia, like many states, has enacted specific laws to combat hazing. These laws provide avenues for criminal prosecution and lay the groundwork for civil claims that can provide much-needed compensation and accountability.

Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Laws (Virginia Code § 18.2-56)

Virginia’s hazing statute, like Texas’s, broadly defines hazing and outlines the potential criminal consequences. The most critical takeaway for Craig County families is this: consent is not a defense to hazing in Virginia.

Definition of Hazing:
Virginia Code § 18.2-56 (Unlawful Hazing) defines hazing very broadly, recognizing that hazing activities come in many forms. It typically includes “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or to cause a student to suffer humiliation, intimidation, or ridicule.” This aligns closely with the definition under Texas law and includes any action occurring on or off campus for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization.

Criminal Penalties:
Historically, hazing was often treated as a misdemeanor. However, reflecting the national trend driven by cases like Adam Oakes at Virginia Commonwealth University (which led to “Adam’s Law”), Virginia has strengthened its penalties significantly:

• Misdemeanor Hazing: If hazing results in actual bodily injury without permanent injury, it can be prosecuted as a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
• Felony Hazing: If hazing results in permanent injury or death, it is now a Class 5 Felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. This is a significant step that reflects the gravity with which the Commonwealth now views these devastating acts.
• Organizational Liability: Beyond individuals, organizations can also face severe penalties, including suspension, loss of recognition, and administrative fines.

Crucially, Consent is NOT a Defense:
Virginia Code § 18.2-56 explicitly states that “the express or implied consent of a student to hazing shall not be a defense to any civil or criminal action brought pursuant to this section.” This is a cornerstone of anti-hazing legislation and mirrors Texas law that we cited in the Bermudez case. This means fraternity members, universities, or their legal teams cannot simply argue that your child “agreed” to participate; the law recognizes the coercive power dynamics inherent in hazing.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Toward Your Family’s Recovery

While criminal prosecutions aim to punish wrongdoers, civil lawsuits are designed to compensate victims for their injuries and losses. For Craig County families, a civil hazing lawsuit is often the most effective way to secure the resources needed for recovery and to force fundamental changes within negligent institutions. Our team will meticulously build a civil case based on multiple legal theories:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We will argue that the fraternity, its members, the national organization, and the university owed a “duty of care” to your child (a duty to protect them from foreseeable harm). They “breached” that duty by allowing or engaging in hazing, directly “causing” your child’s injuries and resulting “damages.” This applies to virtually every hazing case in Craig County.
2. Gross Negligence / Recklessness: For extreme conduct like waterboarding or forced exercise leading to kidney failure, we can argue gross negligence or recklessness. This happens when the defendants showed an “entire want of care” or “reckless disregard” for your child’s safety despite knowing the risks. These claims open the door to punitive damages, designed to punish particularly egregious behavior.
3. Assault and Battery: Any intentional physical contact that causes harm or is offensive, such as paddling or forced physical abuse, can form the basis of assault and battery claims directly against the individual perpetrators.
4. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (similar to the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), or by a housing corporation (a separate corporate entity often linked to Greek life), those entities can be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
5. Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and universities have a duty to supervise their local chapters and Greek life programs. When they fail to implement and enforce adequate anti-hazing policies, and this failure leads to injury, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
6. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing regularly involves “outrageous and extreme” conduct intended to cause severe emotional distress. Claims for IIED can be powerful, especially in cases involving psychological torture or sexual abuse.

What Virginia Victims Can Recover in a Civil Lawsuit

A successful hazing lawsuit can help Craig County families recover a wide range of damages, covering both tangible and intangible losses:

• Economic Damages:
  • Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, therapy, medication, rehabilitation, and long-term care for permanent injuries, just like Leonel Bermudez’s family will need for his kidney issues.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost by the student during recovery, or for parents who missed work to care for an injured child. If the injury permanently impacts the student’s ability to earn a living, future lost earning capacity is included.
  • Educational Losses: Tuition for semesters lost, costs of transferring, and any impact on scholarships or future educational opportunities.
• Non-Economic Damages:
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical agony, discomfort, and emotional distress directly caused by the hazing.
  • Mental Anguish: Damages for the psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation, fear, and long-term emotional scars.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in normal activities, hobbies, or social life due to injuries or trauma.
  • Disfigurement: For any permanent scarring or physical alterations caused by hazing.
• Punitive Damages: When the hazing involved malicious intent, fraud, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not about compensating the victim but about punishing the wrongdoers and deterring similar conduct in the future. Given the egregious nature of hazing, these damages can be substantial and are often a key component of hazing lawsuits.

For Craig County families, the Virginia legal system, combined with our firm’s nationwide expertise, provides a robust framework to challenge the archaic and dangerous practices of hazing. We will relentlessly pursue every defendant, leveraging every legal angle to secure maximum compensation and ensure justice is served for your child.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Craig County Hazing Victims

When your family in Craig County is engulfed in the aftermath of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested legal warriors who understand the unique complexities of these cases and have a proven track record of confronting powerful institutions. Attorney911 stands out as the definitive authority in hazing litigation, offering an unparalleled combination of experience, insight, and dedication that sets us apart. We bring our aggressive, Houston-based fight for justice directly to you, no matter where your child attends college, including if they are hazed at a university in Virginia.

Our Unmatched Approach: Aggressive, Data-Driven, and Relentless

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in court, as evidenced by our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This active, cutting-edge litigation is not theoretical; it’s tangible proof of our commitment and expertise.

1. Unmatched Experience – 25+ Years in the Trenches:
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. He is a battle-tested trial attorney who has faced massive corporate defendants in high-stakes litigation, including the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds. This experience proves our capacity to take on and win against virtually any institutional defendant, a critical factor when challenging a national fraternity, a university, or their formidable legal teams.

2. Insider Knowledge from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:
Perhaps our greatest strategic advantage is that both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys.

• Ralph Manginello worked on the defense side for insurance companies, giving him firsthand knowledge of their tactics. He knows how they think, how they strategize, and how they attempt to minimize or deny claims. Now, he dismantles their defenses from the inside out.
• Lupe Peña honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He defended major corporations and insurance companies across a multitude of practice areas. He understands precisely how insurance companies value claims, delay payouts, and deploy every trick in their playbook to protect their bottom line. Every strategy he once used against victims, he now uses for victims.
  This combined insider knowledge gives Craig County families an “unfair advantage.” We speak their language, anticipate their moves, and know exactly how to maximize your claim.

3. Nationwide Reach and Federal Court Authority:
While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to represent Craig County hazing victims is comprehensive and unshackled by state lines.

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue complex cases in federal courts, which often have jurisdiction over national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities, many of which have significant operations or legal presences in New York.
• Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We travel to Craig County, or any location needed, for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We also offer convenient remote consultations via phone or video, ensuring Craig County families can easily access our expertise.

4. Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise:
We don’t just dabble in hazing cases; this is a focused area where we excel.

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified for a victim like Leonel Bermudez and any Craig County student suffering similar injuries.
• Institutional Accountability: We understand how to expose the negligence of universities and national organizations, leveraging pattern evidence from prior incidents and national histories of abuse.
• Media Savvy: Ralph’s background in journalism means he knows how to investigate, uncover facts, and tell a compelling story, which is crucial both in and out of the courtroom. He knows how to get hazing stories into the public eye to generate pressure for justice, as demonstrated by the extensive media coverage of the Bermudez case.

5. Data-Driven Strategy: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database:
We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas. This database includes IRS B83 data with EINs and legal names for over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations (including entities like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc in Frisco, Texas, and Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc in College Station, Texas). This allows us to track national brands across campuses and metros without guessing. When hazing happens, we know exactly who to sue and how to unravel their corporate structures. We see the numbers: the Houston metro area contains 188 Greek organizations, Dallas-Fort Worth has 510, Austin has 154, and College Station–Bryan has 42, demonstrating the scale of the problem and our intelligence.

6. Empathy and Aggression: A Parent-Facing Approach:
We are parents ourselves. Ralph Manginello is a father of three, deeply understanding what’s at stake when a family’s child is harmed. Lupe Peña is a third-generation Texan who is proud of his deep roots and family values. We fight for Craig County families the way we would fight for our own. We balance a warm, empathetic approach with relentless aggression against those who harm our clients.

7. Unwavering Commitment to Justice – No Upfront Cost:
We understand that the financial burden of legal action can be daunting, especially after a traumatic hazing incident. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis for Craig County families. This means:

• $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out of pocket to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
  This commitment ensures that every Craig County family, regardless of their financial situation, can access aggressive, top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

Client Testimonials speak louder than words: With a 4.9-star rating and over 250 reviews on Google, our clients consistently praise our communication, dedication, and ability to achieve significant results. Chelsea Martinez, for example, said, “Thank you Manginello Law Firm for the assistance with my case. I am very grateful my previous attorney handed over my case to this firm.” Our team, including attorney Lupe Peña and staff members like Leonor, are dedicated to treating clients “like family” as many testimonials attest.

For every family in Craig County, Virginia, contemplating action after a hazing incident, know this: Attorney911 offers not just legal representation, but a partnership dedicated to turning your unbearable pain into meaningful accountability. We have the expertise, the resources, and the unwavering commitment to fight for your child’s justice.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Craig County Families Facing Hazing

If you are a parent in Craig County, Virginia, and your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While shock, anger, and confusion may be overwhelming, decisive action can make all the difference in protecting your child’s health, preserving crucial evidence, and building a strong legal case. This is not the time to be silent or to delay. Here are the steps we recommend:

Step 1: Prioritize Your Child’s Health and Safety

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. If your child has visible injuries, is experiencing severe pain (physical or psychological), or shows any signs of distress (like Leonel Bermudez’s brown urine and inability to move), take them to an emergency room or doctor immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked out; some severe conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed symptoms. Ensure everything is thoroughly documented by medical professionals.
• Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek counseling or therapy for your child from a qualified mental health professional. This not only aids their recovery but also creates a vital record of emotional distress and trauma.
• Remove from the Dangerous Environment: If your child is still in an environment where hazing is occurring or where they feel unsafe, remove them immediately. This may mean bringing them home from college or moving them to a different dorm.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

In hazing cases, evidence disappears rapidly. Organizations act quickly to cover their tracks. Anything that happened can be evidence, and it needs to be saved immediately. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all emergency room reports, hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), therapy notes, and medical bills related to the incident.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Photograph any and all physical injuries (bruises, marks, burns, swelling) as soon as possible, and continue to document them as they heal and change over time.
  • Hazing Activities (if any exist): If your child or their friends captured any photos or videos related to hazing activities, preserve them instantly.
  • Locations: If safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, specific room or area).
• Communications – Digital Footprint: This is often the smoking gun in hazing cases.
  • Text Messages: Save all texts, iMessages, group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), and direct messages related to the hazing. This includes communications from members, other pledges, and anything discussing activities, threats, or instructions.
  • Social Media: Take screenshots of any relevant posts, stories, or messages on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
  • Emails: Preserve any emails related to the organization, pledge activities, or direct communications about hazing.
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Deleting messages can be seen as spoliation of evidence and can severely harm your case. Even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing, save it.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges who experienced it, or individuals who can corroborate your child’s story. Reassure them that their identities can often be protected during the investigation phase.
• Documents: Save any pledge manuals, rosters, schedules, rules, “big/little” reveal documents, or codes of conduct provided by the fraternity, sorority, or university. These can expose contradictions with actual hazing practices.
• Financial Records: Keep track of any medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work or internships), and any tuition or fees for academic obligations disrupted by the hazing.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, their ability to attend classes, or any withdrawal or leave of absence resulting from the hazing incident.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions

This is paramount. In the immediate aftermath, you may be contacted by the fraternity, national organization, or university administration.

• Do NOT Talk to Them: Do not give any statements, recorded or otherwise, to anyone from the fraternity, the national organization, university officials (including Greek Life staff, Dean of Students, or Title IX officers), or their lawyers without first consulting your own legal counsel. These entities are not on your side; their primary goal is to protect themselves and minimize liability. Anything you or your child says can and will be used against them. As our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” warns, they are trained to minimize your claim.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any waivers, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity or university that might compromise your legal rights.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” is just as relevant here. Anything you or your child posts on social media can be scrutinized by defense attorneys and used to undermine your claims, even innocent photos. Stay offline until advised by your legal team.
• Do NOT Confront: While your anger is justified, confronting any individual members or organizational leaders without legal guidance can be counterproductive and put your child at further risk.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Time is of the essence. In Virginia, like in Texas, there is a statute of limitations (typically two years for personal injury or wrongful death) within which you must file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your right to seek justice. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can move to destroy or conceal records.
• Free Consultations: We offer free, confidential consultations for Craig County families. There is no cost, and no obligation, to speak with us about your child’s experience and understand your legal options.
• We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal fight.
• Nationwide Expertise, Local Impact: Even though our headquarters are in Houston, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent Craig County hazing victims. We will come to you for depositions or meetings as needed, or conduct consultations conveniently via video.

Your child’s safety and future are paramount. Taking these immediate steps is crucial to securing the justice and compensation they deserve and ensuring that no other Craig County family has to endure a similar tragedy. Call us today.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers for Craig County Hazing Victims

When your family in Craig County, Virginia, faces a hazing crisis, you are not alone. Whether your child attends a local university like Virginia Tech or Radford University, or a college anywhere across the nation, our nationally recognized expertise in hazing litigation is available to you. We are Attorney911, and we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We are actively fighting the battle against hazing right now, as demonstrated by our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We will bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to your child’s case, no matter where it happened.

Craig County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been subjected to hazing, the window for action is limited, and evidence can vanish quickly. Do not hesitate. Reach out to our dedicated team today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This 24/7 legal emergency hotline is available for Craig County hazing victims and their families when you need us most. We understand that these emergencies don’t keep business hours.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Fees. We Earn Our Fee Only When We Win Your Case.
We operate on a contingency fee basis for hazing victims in Craig County. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. Our legal fees are paid only if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a favorable verdict. This ensures that every family in Craig County has access to top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

We Serve Craig County Families and Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims extends across the United States. Your geographic location in Craig County, Virginia, will not prevent us from fighting for you because:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, giving us the authority to pursue complex cases in federal jurisdiction, which often applies to national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when confronting national fraternities and sororities with headquarters or significant legal presence in other states.
• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing Craig County families to connect with our expert team from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Craig County, or any location necessary, for depositions, crucial meetings, and trial, ensuring that your case receives the direct attention it deserves.

Beyond Fraternities: We Represent All Victims of Hazing

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek letter organizations. We provide aggressive representation for victims of hazing in a wide array of student and organizational settings, including:

• Fraternities and Sororities at universities and colleges near Craig County and across the country.
• Sports Teams (high school, college, and club sports).
• Marching Bands and other performance groups.
• ROTC Programs and military academies.
• Clubs and Student Organizations of all types.

If any organization has used abuse as a condition for membership or initiation, we are prepared to hold them accountable.

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

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. The lawsuit alleges a “pattern of similar hazing,” and reports indicate other pledges were likewise abused, including one who lost consciousness. If you or someone you know was also victimized by the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, your voice matters, and your rights deserve protection.

As Lupe 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.”

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

Your phone call or email to Attorney911 is the first critical step toward healing and accountability. Let us be your legal emergency team, fighting fiercely to protect your rights and rebuild your child’s future. Join us in sending an undeniable message: hazing will no longer be tolerated.