If you’re reading this, your family in Cumberland County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to learn and grow, to embrace new experiences. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were subjected to horrific rituals that left them physically and emotionally scarred. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Cumberland County fight back.

We are Attorney 911, Legal Emergency Lawyers™. While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims and their families nationwide, including those right here in Cumberland County. We have the federal court authority and the unwavering commitment to travel wherever justice demands. Cumberland County families deserve the same aggressive, expert representation that we provide to clients in our Texas communities. Our mission is to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help when a legal emergency hits—especially when that emergency involves the horrifying reality of college hazing.

The Nightmare Made Real: Lessons from the Landmark Bermudez Case

This is not a hypothetical scenario we are discussing. The nightmare of hazing is real, and it’s happening right now at universities that could be just like those your children attend. We want to share the story of Leonel Bermudez, a case that embodies everything Attorney 911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is not just another lawsuit; it is the centerpiece of our fight against hazing in America. Filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, this $10 million lawsuit names not only the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and individual chapter members, but also the University of Houston and its Board of Regents. This case is new, it is ongoing, and it demonstrates precisely the kind of firm Attorney 911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing justice.

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Let our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, tell you how this unfolded.

“When he finally made it home,” Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

What makes this particularly outrageous is that Leonel wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They subjected someone who wasn’t even their student to physical and psychological torture.

Within weeks of our firm reporting this hazing, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. Its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. And we, Attorney 911, filed a $10 million lawsuit naming the university, the national fraternity, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

This case is proof that Attorney 911 is not theoretical. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases.” We are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court. This is what hazing looks like today, in Texas, at universities just like those your children in Cumberland County might attend. And Attorney 911 is the firm that fights back. As Lupe Pena stated to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The same national fraternities that operate at the University of Houston also have chapters around Cumberland County, Virginia. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can happen at fraternities and sororities at institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in nearby Richmond, James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, or the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to spiral out of control at the University of Houston could exist at campuses where Cumberland County students are pursuing their education.

If your child in Cumberland County, Virginia, has been subjected to hazing, we will fight for you with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to the Bermudez case. This landmark case serves as a warning, and as a beacon of hope, for families everywhere.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Cumberland County might have an outdated view of hazing—perhaps harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing today is often systematic abuse, psychological torture, and physical brutality that can result in life-altering injuries or death. It is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”

IT IS:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Sometimes manslaughter
• Sometimes murder

Consider the ordeal Leonel Bermudez was forced to endure. These are not isolated incidents but rather common practices hidden under the veil of “tradition”:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is a form of torture that the U.S. government condemns as a war crime when done to enemy combatants. Yet, it was inflicted upon a college student by his supposed “brothers.” Pledges were sprayed directly in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, and threatened with repeat waterboarding for non-compliance.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. After vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress. Imagine lying in vomit-soaked grass only to be forced to continue extreme exercise.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed while enduring these exercises. On one occasion, a pledge lost consciousness during these workouts, requiring others to elevate his legs. Leonel’s muscles broke down to the point where he couldn’t stand without help. He was also allegedly struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In another incident, a different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant, creating an environment of fear and coercion.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to exhaustion. This forced servitude led to a level of fatigue that affected his daily life and vulnerability.

These are not playful pranks. These are calculated acts of degradation and abuse designed to break a person down. The medical consequences are severe:

• Rhabdomyolysis: This is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream. It can cause acute kidney failure and death. Leonel’s mother saw him passing brown urine—a classic sign of this life-threatening condition.
• Acute Kidney Failure: His kidneys, overwhelmed by the muscle breakdown products, began to fail. This required three nights and four days of hospitalization.
• Long-term Risks: Leonel faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Hazing is endemic, not just in fraternities and sororities, but also in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations across the country, including those near Cumberland County. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. What’s worse is that 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to the group.

Universities know hazing happens. National organizations know hazing happens. They have the power and the responsibility to stop it. Yet, they often choose not to, until someone gets hospitalized or dies. Only then do they “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, claiming to be “shocked.” This cycle of negligence must end.

Holding Everyone Accountable: Who Is Responsible

When hazing leaves a student in Cumberland County injured or dead, we believe everyone who participated, covered it up, or enabled it must be held accountable. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates our commitment to casting a wide net to ensure all liable parties face justice.

We pursue claims against:

• Local Chapters: The individual fraternity or sorority chapter directly organizing and conducting the hazing activities bears primary responsibility. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at UH directly orchestrated his torture.
• Chapter Officers and Leaders: Individuals in leadership roles, such as the fraternity president and pledgemaster, hold significant responsibility. They direct activities, enforce rules, and create the culture that allows hazing to flourish. We have named such individuals in the Bermudez lawsuit, understanding that personal accountability is a powerful deterrent.
• Individual Members: Every student who actively participates in hazing, or even witnesses it and fails to intervene or report, can be held individually liable. The law isn’t just for leaders; it’s for everyone involved in perpetrating abuse. Our lawsuit includes 13 individual fraternity members.
• Former Members and Hosts: Hazing often extends beyond campus housing. In the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse were named as defendants because hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to any individual who allows or facilitates hazing on their property, invoking principles of premises liability.
• National Organizations: Behind every Greek letter is a national organization, typically with significant assets, insurance policies, and an established corporate structure. These national fraternities and sororities are responsible for overseeing their local chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and ensuring member safety. The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a key defendant in the Bermudez case, as our clients allege they “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
• Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions, especially those that own fraternity housing (as the University of Houston did in the Bermudez case) or have significant oversight of Greek life, bear a heavy responsibility. Universities have a duty to protect students, to regulate student organizations, and to create a safe learning environment. When they fail to act, especially after prior hazing incidents (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing at UH that hospitalized another student), they become complicit. The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are codefendants in our lawsuit, highlighting institutional negligence.
• Insurance Carriers: The “deep pockets” in these cases often belong to the insurance carriers of the national organizations, universities, house corporations, and even individual members. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to the table. We understand exactly how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We use this unique insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our hazing victims in Cumberland County and beyond.

This is not about suing broke college kids. It is about holding powerful institutions and every single person responsible for devastating our children’s lives. When hazing occurs at an institution associated with Cumberland County, we will not hesitate to pursue every liable entity.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Cumberland County questioning whether justice can truly be served in hazing cases, we offer compelling proof. Families across the nation have recovered multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, sending a clear message that violent “traditions” come with a steep price. These precedent cases, which include some of the largest payouts in American hazing history, demonstrate that accountability is possible, and significant compensation can be secured for victims and their families.

STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+

In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning. This tragic loss resulted in a combined settlement of over $10.1 million. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity along with individual members contributed $7.2 million. This case represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history and sets a powerful precedent for accountability.

This case is especially relevant for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. While Leonel survived, his severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are devastating, long-term injuries. The Foltz case shows that a substantial figure is justified.

MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT

In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event. Pledges were forced to chug alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million in a civil suit, and several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide. This case also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense. The Gruver verdict sends a clear message that juries will not tolerate deadly hazing.

TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Estimated)

In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity, died after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs and fraternity members waited 12 hours to call for help. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event. The Piazza family secured confidential settlements estimated to exceed $110 million, with multiple fraternity members facing criminal charges and convictions, including involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania subsequently passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” significantly increasing penalties for hazing. This monumental recovery demonstrates the potential for justice when egregious conduct is met with strong evidence and aggressive legal action.

ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

⚠️ SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR BERMUDEZ CASE

In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State University, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family pursued a civil suit, resulting in a confidential settlement.

This case is a critical piece of evidence in our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that the national organization had full knowledge of a deadly hazing culture within its chapters at least eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This documented history establishes a pattern of negligence and foreseeability that strengthens our claims for punitive damages.

These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases against national fraternities, local chapters, and universities can and do result in multi-million dollar recoveries. The same legal strategies, the same dedication to justice, and the same aggressive pursuit of accountability are what Attorney 911 offers to hazing victims and their families in Cumberland County, Virginia.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For Cumberland County families seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for hazing are largely consistent across states, and specific anti-hazing laws exist in most jurisdictions, including Virginia. Our federal court authority means we can pursue your case regardless of the state in which the hazing occurred.

Texas Hazing Laws: The Foundation of Our Case

Texas, like many states, has comprehensive anti-hazing laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable. These laws are critical because they:

• Define Hazing: Texas Education Code § 37.151 explicitly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging… if the act… subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” The law details specific acts including physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics, forced consumption of substances, and any activity violating the Penal Code. Our allegations in the Bermudez case—waterboarding, forced exercise, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical striking—directly violate multiple provisions of this statute.
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing in Texas is a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the injury, charges can range from a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail) for engaging in hazing, to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) for hazing causing serious bodily injury, and even a State Jail Felony (up to 2 years state jail) for hazing causing death. Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning the individual perpetrators in his case face Class A Misdemeanor charges. This aligns with the University of Houston’s spokesperson acknowledging “potential criminal charges.”
• Organizational Liability: Texas law (Education Code § 37.153) explicitly states that an “organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members… commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means local chapters and even national organizations can be held directly responsible.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: This is a cornerstone of Texas hazing law (Education Code § 37.154), and it is absolutely critical for victims. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This directly combats the common excuse used by fraternities that “he agreed to participate” or “he knew what he was signing up for.” Texas law rejects this argument outright, recognizing that true consent cannot be given under duress or in situations involving illegal acts.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in convictions, a civil lawsuit allows victims and their families to seek justice and financial compensation. These civil claims empower Cumberland County victims to recover damages for their suffering and future needs. We pursue a range of civil liability theories, including:

• Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental theory applicable in Cumberland County and all states. It asserts that the university, national organization, and individual members had a duty of care to ensure the student’s safety, breached that duty through hazing, which directly caused the injuries, resulting in damages.
• Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), or a private residence, the property owner may be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment or allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: This claim targets institutional failures. A national organization may be held responsible for negligently supervising its local chapter, or a university for failing to monitor Greek life activities effectively, especially if they had prior knowledge of hazing risks.
• Assault and Battery: These intentional torts can be brought against individual perpetrators for any harmful or offensive physical contact, such as striking, paddling, or forced physical exertion.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing often involves conduct so extreme and outrageous that it can lead to severe psychological trauma. This claim allows victims to recover for the emotional distress caused by such vile acts.

For Cumberland County families, it means that even if a local prosecutor decides not to pursue criminal charges, or if the criminal case is dismissed, your civil claim for damages can still proceed. Our firm’s deep understanding of these legal frameworks, coupled with our aggressive litigation approach, ensures that we can navigate the complexities of hazing law to secure the justice your family deserves.

Why Attorney 911: Your Champion in Cumberland County

When your family in Cumberland County is facing the aftermath of a hazing tragedy, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. We understand that you need not just lawyers, but fierce advocates who possess unparalleled expertise, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record against powerful institutions. Attorney 911 stands ready to be your champion.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantage:

At Attorney 911, your case is handled by a team of battle-tested litigators led by Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña.

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two decades of aggressive courtroom experience to your case. He has a history of high-stakes litigation, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured over 180. This experience demonstrates an unparalleled capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a critical skill when challenging national fraternities and major universities. Whether your case requires litigation in Cumberland County, Virginia, or in federal courts, Ralph’s expertise is a formidable asset.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. This is no coincidence; it’s a deliberate strategic advantage for our clients. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, exposing him to the internal strategies of how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. They have seen the playbook from the inside, and now they use that insider knowledge to dismantle the defenses of insurance companies and maximize recovery for our clients, including hazing victims in Cumberland County.
• Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our firm is admitted to the U.S. District Courts, providing us with the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, regardless of where the incident occurred in the United States. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, offering a strategic dual-state advantage when litigating against national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered or operate across state lines. This means that distance is not a barrier to justice for Cumberland County families; we can and will pursue your case.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: We are not just general personal injury attorneys; we are actively litigating hazing cases, with the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case as our flagship. Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, directly addressing the medical condition Leonel Bermudez suffered. This isn’t theoretical; this is real-time, in-the-trenches experience against the very types of defendants you are facing.
• Journalism Background: Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism equips him with a unique ability to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories. Hazing cases often involve exposing secrets institutions want to bury, and Ralph’s investigative prowess is invaluable in bringing the truth to light.
• “Se Habla Español”: Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Cumberland County (and across the nation) affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.

Our Approach to Serving Cumberland County Hazing Victims:

We believe in moving FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. For Cumberland County families dealing with hazing, this means:

• Immediate Evidence Preservation: We guide you on how to preserve critical evidence, from text messages and social media posts (like the video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) to medical records and witness statements. We understand that time is of the essence, as evidence can disappear quickly.
• Expert Network for Comprehensive Case Building: We collaborate with a broad network of experts, including medical professionals, Greek life culture specialists, and institutional negligence analysts, to build an unassailable case on your behalf.
• Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation: We negotiate from a position of strength, armed with an in-depth understanding of the opposition’s tactics. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we are ready and willing to take your case to court, just as we are doing for Leonel Bermudez.
• Flexible Payment for Cumberland County Families: We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident can be overwhelming. Therefore, we take hazing cases on CONTINGENCY. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to all Cumberland County families who need it.
• Nationwide Reach with Localized Service: While headquartered in Houston, we serve Cumberland County hazing victims through remote consultations (video or phone) and are prepared to travel to Cumberland County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will not deter us from pursuing justice.

Testimonials That Speak Volumes:

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our stellar reputation. We hold an impressive 4.9-star rating based on over 250 Google reviews. Clients consistently praise our communication, dedication, and ability to secure favorable outcomes. As one client, Chad Harris, eloquently put it: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” Another client, Tracey White, highlighted our relentless pursuit of justice: “She had received an offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer and on today I spoke with her and I was overwhelmed by the offer.”

For families in Cumberland County, Virginia, your trust is our highest priority. We want you to know that when you choose Attorney 911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining partners who genuinely care, who will fight tirelessly for your child, and who will work to prevent such tragedies from happening to another family. Because we truly care.

What to Do Right Now: Your Immediate Steps to Justice

If your child in Cumberland County has been hazed, whether at a local institution or one across the country, the immediate aftermath can be a whirlwind of fear, anger, and confusion. It’s crucial to act quickly and strategically to protect your child’s rights and build a strong legal case. The decisions you make in the first hours and days can significantly impact the outcome.

Here are the critical, actionable steps we advise every Cumberland County family to take immediately:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health and safety are the absolute priority. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, get them to a doctor, emergency room, or mental health professional right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe conditions, like rhabdomyolysis (which Leonel Bermudez suffered), may have delayed symptoms but severe long-term consequences if not treated. Ensure all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments are thoroughly documented in their medical records—these are foundational to any legal claim.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence: Hazing cases often hinge on overwhelming documentation. This means gathering every piece of information that supports your claim.
   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results, and any therapy or counseling records.
   • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they heal. If hazing activities were visible or recorded, save any media. If hazing locations (rooms, fields, basements) were photographed, preserve those images.
   • Communications: This is paramount. Screenshot and save every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes conversations between pledges, fraternity members, or anyone else involved. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. The video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) offers vital guidance on this.
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or even bystanders who might have seen suspicious activities.
   • Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct given to your child by the organization or university.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for treatment, and any documentation of lost wages if your child missed work or internships due to their injuries.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact the hazing had on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Alone: Do not, under any circumstances, allow your child or yourself to speak with fraternity/sorority leaders, alumni advisors, university administrators, or their lawyers without first consulting with your own legal counsel. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect the institution, minimize liability, and possibly even discredit your claims. Any statements you make can, and will, be used against you.
4. DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, university, or their representatives without your attorney’s review. These documents may be waivers of liability or settlement agreements that forfeit your rights to compensation.
5. DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident, your feelings, or even any unrelated “happy” content on social media. Everything you post can be easily accessed by defense attorneys and used to undermine your case, for example, by claiming you weren’t truly distressed or injured. Remember, a post showing your “recovery” on a beach can be twisted to suggest you’re fine: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) emphasizes the dangers of social media.
6. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately: The single most important step is to call us. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is typically two years from the date of injury or death. This may vary by state, but the principle is universal: waiting can jeopardize your case. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and defendants have more time to build their defenses. The sooner we are involved, the better we can protect your rights and gather crucial evidence. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) underscores this urgency.

For Cumberland County families, distance is not a barrier to receiving our unparalleled legal expertise. We offer convenient video consultations, allowing you to connect with our attorneys remotely and confidentially. And when necessary, we are committed to traveling directly to Cumberland County for depositions, client meetings, or trials to ensure your presence is felt in the pursuit of justice.

We understand this is a traumatic time. You have been through enough. Let us handle the complexities of the legal system so you can focus on your child’s recovery. Call us now.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline

If you or your child in Cumberland County has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, don’t face this battle alone. The institutions, national organizations, and individuals responsible are powerful, well-funded, and prepared to defend themselves. You need an aggressive, experienced, and compassionate advocate on your side.

🚨 CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAMILIES: YOU HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS.

WE ARE FIGHTING THIS FIGHT RIGHT NOW—AND WE’LL FIGHT FOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY VICTIMS TOO.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Cumberland County families get the same aggressive representation.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAMILIES — CALL NOW — FREE CONSULTATION

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for Cumberland County hazing emergencies. You will speak directly with a member of our team who understands the urgency and sensitivity of your situation.

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Cumberland County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This means there is no financial risk to you for seeking justice.

WHY YOU SHOULD CALL US IMMEDIATELY:

• Time is Critical: There are strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations (typically two years in personal injury cases), that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit. Evidence can disappear, and memories fade. Delaying can severely weaken your case.
• Expert Guidance: Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, brings a unique blend of experience, including years working for the defense side of insurance companies. We know their strategies, and we know how to counter them effectively.
• Comprehensive Support: We will guide you through every step of the process: from evidence preservation and navigating medical treatment to aggressive negotiations and, if necessary, powerful courtroom litigation.
• Nationwide Reach: Hazing is a national problem, and we’re a national solution. While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our federal court authority and willingness to travel ensure that Cumberland County victims receive the same top-tier representation. We offer convenient remote consultations and will be present in Cumberland County for vital proceedings.
• Bilingual Services: Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Cumberland County receive clear, compassionate, and effective legal representation.

TO OTHER VICTIMS OF THE UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING:

We know there are more of you. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Many others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

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

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. This is your chance to make a difference, to hold accountable those who have inflicted such pain, and to prevent another Cumberland County family from enduring this nightmare.

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