If you’re reading this in Dickenson County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, pursue academic dreams, and build a foundation for their future. Instead, they may have been subjected to the horrific reality of hazing—a reality marked by abuse, degradation, and life-altering physical and psychological harm. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Dickenson County fight back against the institutions and individuals who put their children at risk.

We are Attorney911, and we do more than just talk about hazing; we actively fight it. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently leading a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, a case that embodies our aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. This isn’t theoretical litigation. This is real, ongoing, and proving every day that we are ready to take on the biggest fraternities and universities in America. We bring this same level of dedication and expertise to families in Dickenson County, ensuring that geographical distance is never a barrier to justice.

The Haunting Echoes of Houston: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez and Why It Matters to Dickenson County

Less than a month ago, a horrifying hazing incident unfolded in Houston, involving a young man named Leonel Bermudez. His story is a stark, urgent warning to every parent and student in Dickenson County about the true nature of hazing today. Leonel wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed wasn’t brotherhood, but weeks of what can only be described as systematic torture, culminating in his hospitalization with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Here’s what Leonel endured, according to our lawsuit filed in Harris County Civil District Court:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Pledges, including Leonel, were repeatedly sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, simulating the horrific experience of drowning. Media outlets, including Houston Public Media, have unequivocally called this what it is: a form of torture.
• Extreme Physical Abuse: He was subjected to more than 100 pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother drills,” two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was even struck with wooden paddles. This forced exertion continued until his muscles broke down, literally.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was compelled to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, he was forced to continue running sprints through his own vomit, and subsequently made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was made to strip down to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge, on October 13, was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts were accompanied by threats of physical punishment and expulsion if pledges did not comply.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

The Medical Fallout: After the culminating incident on November 3, 2025, Leonel was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs upon returning home, his body screaming in protest. Within days, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he presented with brown urine—a classic sign of massive muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending three nights and four days hospitalized, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. His creatine kinase levels were alarmingly high, confirming the horrific internal damage.

The Institutional Response and Our Fight: Within weeks of this atrocity, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The University of Houston itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals. But for Leonel and his family, that’s not enough. We filed a $10 million lawsuit, naming not just the local chapter and individual members, but also the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the chapter’s Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH Board of Regents.

Why this case in Houston is a critical warning for Dickenson County families:

• The Same Fraternities Operate Near You: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters nationwide. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez in Houston can and do occur at universities where young people from Dickenson County attend college, whether in Virginia or beyond.
• Institutional Negligence Knows No Borders: The failures in oversight and protection that allowed this to happen at the University of Houston are replicated at countless institutions across the country, including those that draw students from Dickenson County.
• It Shows the Modern Face of Hazing: This isn’t “pranks” or “boys being boys.” This is physical assault, psychological torment, and medically dangerous abuse. This is what hazing looks like in America today, and it can happen to your child, even if they’re not fully enrolled yet.
• We Are Actively Fighting and Winning: This ongoing lawsuit proves Attorney911 is not theoretical. We are on the front lines, aggressively pursuing justice for hazing victims, and we will bring that same fight to Dickenson County families. As Attorney 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.”

We understand the anxiety this story might cause for families in Dickenson County. But we share it not to scare you, but to empower you with knowledge and assure you that if your child suffers such a nightmare, there is a legal team ready to fight for them.

Beyond the Stereotypes: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For many in Dickenson County, the word “hazing” might conjure images from movies—some embarrassing pranks, maybe some forced push-ups. But the reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing today is rarely harmless initiation; it is often calculated, escalating abuse that frequently involves physical violence, psychological torture, and life-threatening activities.

Hazing is not “bonding.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “building character.”

It is:

• Assault and Battery: Direct acts of physical violence, like paddling, hitting, or extreme physical exertion.
• Torture: Methods designed to inflict severe physical or mental suffering, such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation, or forced exposure.
• Reckless Endangerment: Actions that show a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others, leading to serious injury or death.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The deliberate use of humiliation, degradation, isolation, and threats to break down an individual’s mental state, often leading to lasting PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sometimes Manslaughter or Murder: When hazing traditions tragically result in a student’s death, the perpetrators and culpable institutions can face felony charges and civil lawsuits for wrongful death.

The Grim Statistics:

• A staggering 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes also report being hazed.
• Disturbingly, since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.
• The vast majority (95%) of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or misplaced loyalty. Hazing isn’t confined to fraternities and sororities; it permeates sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and various student organizations across educational institutions that students from Dickenson County may attend.

The Medical Consequences Are Real and Devastating: Hazing often pushes the human body and mind beyond their limits, resulting in severe injuries and long-term health problems.

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Just like Leonel Bermudez suffered, extreme physical exertion can cause muscle tissue to break down, releasing toxins that damage the kidneys. This condition is life-threatening and can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced binge drinking is a common hazing ritual, leading to dangerously high blood alcohol content, organ damage, coma, and often death.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Internal Injuries: From forced consumption of non-food items or physical blows.
• Sexual Assault: A horrific, often underreported aspect of hazing.
• Mental Health Crisis: PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common and devastating long-term outcomes for hazing victims.

Institutional Failure: The most frustrating aspect of this crisis for families in Dickenson County is that universities and national organizations are often fully aware of the problem. They know hazing exists, they know the risks, and they often fail to act decisively until a tragic injury or death makes headlines. Then, they issue PR statements, suspend chapters, and claim to be “shocked.” Our role at Attorney911 is to ensure they are not just “shocked,” but held legally accountable for their negligence and complicity.

Accountability Across the Board: Who Can Be Held Responsible When Hazing Happens

When a student from Dickenson County is injured or worse because of hazing, the immediate focus is often on the individuals directly involved. However, our extensive experience in hazing litigation, including the ongoing Bermudez case, proves that responsibility extends far beyond just a few misguided students. We meticulously investigate every layer of culpability to ensure comprehensive justice and compensation.

Here’s who we target, and why they bear responsibility:

1. The Local Greek Life Chapter:

   • Why they’re liable: This is the most direct perpetrator. They actively organized, directed, and carried out the hazing activities. In the Bermudez case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter directly orchestrated the waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and humiliation. Their leadership, notably the president and pledgemaster, were instrumental in directing these abusive acts.
   • Legal Basis: Direct participation in assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of anti-hazing laws.

2. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Why they’re liable: Every single person who participated in, coerced, directed, or stood by and allowed the hazing to occur can be held personally responsible. In our lawsuit, we’ve named the fraternity president, pledgemaster, other current members who actively participated, and even former members who hosted hazing activities at their private residence. Alarmingly, the spouse of a former member is also a defendant in the Bermudez case for allowing their property to be used for hazing.
   • Legal Basis: Direct liability for assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and potential criminal charges under state hazing laws. As the Stone Foltz case demonstrates with a $6.5 million judgment against a single officer, individuals cannot always hide behind their organization.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

   • Why they’re liable: These are the “deep pockets” of Greek life, often multi-million dollar corporations with extensive assets and insurance. In the Bermudez case, we sued Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters because they knew, or should have known, about the pervasive hazing culture within their organization. They had been put on notice by the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017—eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization. Despite this tragic precedent and an alleged knowledge of a “hazing crisis” within their system, they failed to implement effective policies, training, and oversight to prevent such incidents. Their swift closure of the UH chapter post-incident is often an admission of wrongdoing, proving they recognize unacceptable conduct when it occurs.
   • Legal Basis: Negligent supervision, negligent retention, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, vicarious liability for the actions of their chapters, and pattern of negligence.

4. The University or College:

   • Why they’re liable: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on university property or under their direct oversight. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, making them directly liable for premises negligence. Furthermore, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, proving they had actual knowledge of hazing risks on their campus yet failed to implement sufficient safeguards. Universities have the power to regulate, suspend, and derecognize Greek organizations, and their failure to effectively use this power constitutes negligent supervision.
   • Legal Basis: Premises liability, negligent supervision, breach of duty to provide a safe environment, institutional negligence.

5. Fraternity/Sorority Housing Corporations:

   • Why they’re liable: These entities often own the physical property where hazing takes place. If they own or control the premises, they have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment. In the Bermudez case, the Housing Corporation for the Beta Nu chapter is a named defendant.
   • Legal Basis: Premises liability.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why they’re liable: Ultimately, the largest compensation often comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, and sometimes the individual defendants. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge, understanding exactly how insurance companies value claims, build defenses, and, most importantly, how to dismantle those defenses to maximize recovery for victims.

For families in Dickenson County, understanding this web of responsibility is crucial. When we take on a hazing case, we leave no stone unturned, meticulously identifying every entity and individual who contributed to the harm, ensuring that every responsible party is held accountable.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: What These Cases Win and Why Yours Can Too

When a child from Dickenson County is harmed by hazing, families often feel helpless against powerful fraternities and universities. But as our firm and others across the nation have proven, justice can be won, and the compensation can be substantial. These aren’t just legal victories; they are messages sent to institutions across the country: hazing has a steep, multi-million dollar price tag.

Here are some landmark hazing verdicts and settlements that set the stage for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case, and serve as powerful precedents for Dickenson County victims:

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

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+

• What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event at Bowling Green State University. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: This case resulted in criminal convictions for multiple fraternity members, including the chapter president who was later ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, contributed to a $7.2 million settlement (some overlap with individual contribution). This became the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
• Why it matters for Dickenson County: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent. It shows that even in cases involving a single victim, the total financial accountability can be massive, involving both the institution and the national fraternity. It also proves that individuals, like chapter officers, can face devastating personal liability.

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

Total Payout: $6.1 Million Verdict

• What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman and pledge at Phi Delta Theta at LSU, was forced to participate in a “Bible Study” hazing event. Pledges were made to drink excessive amounts of alcohol while answering questions, with wrong answers leading to more forced drinking. Max’s blood alcohol content reached a fatal 0.495, and he died from acute alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. This case also led to criminal charges and convictions, including negligent homicide, and inspired the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Why it matters for Dickenson County: This jury verdict unequivocally demonstrates that when hazing cases go to trial, juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums, especially when the conduct is egregious and leads to death. The widespread public and legislative outrage this case generated is a powerful tool in advocating for justice.

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

Total Payout: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

• What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Beta Theta Pi at Penn State, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual. He subsequently fell down stairs multiple times, suffering catastrophic injuries. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire horrific ordeal was captured on surveillance cameras. He died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding.
• The Outcome: While confidential, settlements in this case are estimated to be over $110 million, making it one of the largest hazing payouts in history. Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Why it matters for Dickenson County: The sheer scale of the settlement in this case highlights what is possible when there is undeniable evidence. The fact that the hazing was captured on video provided irrefutable proof, and while every case is different, the financial implications for institutions found liable can be astronomical.

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

Crucially, The SAME National Fraternity as Our Bermudez Case.

• What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at Florida State University, was found dead after a “Big Brother Night” hazing event where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family also reached a confidential civil settlement.
• Why it matters for Dickenson County and the Bermudez Case: This case is a smoking gun for Pi Kappa Phi National. They knew, in 2017, about deadly hazing within their organization. They had eight years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix their culture. They did not. This demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence and conscious indifference, which is critical for demanding punitive damages and showing foreseeability.

These precedents underscore a crucial point for Dickenson County families: hazing cases are complex, but they are winnable. Juries and courts are increasingly unwilling to tolerate the systemic abuse propagated by Greek organizations and enabled by universities. When we pursue a hazing lawsuit, we bring the full weight of these precedents, demanding nothing less than full accountability and substantial compensation for the suffering endured.

Texas Law Protects You, and Dickenson County Families Too

While Dickenson County is in Virginia, the core legal principles underpinning hazing litigation are often consistent across states. More importantly, our firm, based in Texas, operates under the Texas Education Code, which has some of the strongest anti-hazing provisions in the nation. This firm’s expertise is portable, and we use our deep understanding of the law to represent victims from Dickenson County and nationwide.

The most crucial element of Texas anti-hazing law, and one that is echoed in many states, is that consent is NOT a defense.

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing virtually any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:

• Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles in the Bermudez case), branding, placing harmful substances on the body.
• Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics: Any activity like the 500 squats and waterboarding suffered by Leonel, that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health.
• Forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk or harm. (Think of the forced eating until vomiting in our case, or the forced alcohol that killed Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey).
• Activities violating the Penal Code: Any act that is otherwise a crime, such as assault or sexual assault.

The hazing our client endured, including waterboarding, forced extreme exercise, and physical violence, directly violates multiple provisions of this statute. Similar definitions, while varying in specifics, exist in anti-hazing laws across many states where students from Dickenson County may attend college.

Criminal Penalties: Texas law attaches serious criminal consequences, ranging from:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, carrying up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. (Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under this).
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. (Tragically, this applies in cases like Andrew Coffey and Max Gruver).

The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case. This indicates a strong likelihood of criminal liability for the individuals involved, running parallel to our civil lawsuit.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be directly penalized, including fines up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate, if they condone or encourage hazing. This is why we target both the local chapter and national organization in our lawsuits.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is arguably the most critical component of anti-hazing legislation and one that is often misunderstood by the public and fraternity members alike. The Texas 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 means that any argument from a fraternity that “he agreed to participate,” or “he knew what he was signing up for,” holds no legal weight. The law recognizes that coercion, peer pressure, and the power imbalance inherent in hazing negate true consent. This is a foundational principle we champion in every hazing case, ensuring that victims are not blamed for the abuse they endured.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution, Beyond Borders

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in acquittal, Dickenson County victims and their families retain powerful civil legal pathways to compensation and justice. These civil claims operate independently of criminal proceedings and are vital for recovering damages and holding institutions fully accountable. Many of these principles are universal in U.S. tort law.

1. Negligence Claims: This is a broad category, applicable in every state, arguing that the defendants (individuals, fraternities, universities) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing hazing), and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university, national fraternity, or even an individual (like the former member’s residence in the Bermudez case), these entities have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. Their failure to do so, allowing dangerous hazing to occur, makes them liable.
3. Negligent Supervision/Retention: This applies frequently to national organizations and universities that fail to adequately supervise their local chapters or Greek life, despite knowing the risks.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts directly applicable to any physical contact that is harmful or offensive, such as the waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertions.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when the defendants’ conduct is so outrageous and extreme that it causes severe emotional distress, as commonly seen in the psychological torture aspect of hazing.
6. Wrongful Death: Tragically, when hazing results in death, surviving family members can pursue substantial wrongful death claims for their devastating losses.

Our federal court admission (U.S. District Court) and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) mean that we are equipped to pursue these claims for Dickenson County families, regardless of where the hazing occurred in the United States. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Dickenson County Hazing Victims

When your child from Dickenson County suffers the trauma of hazing, you need a legal team that understands the unique complexities of these cases, possesses an unyielding will to fight, and has a proven track record of securing justice. Attorney911 isn’t just another personal injury firm; we are specialists in hazing litigation, and our qualifications make us the definitive choice for families facing this nightmare.

Here’s why Attorney911 is uniquely positioned to represent Dickenson County hazing victims:

1. Active Engagement in Landmark Hazing Litigation: We aren’t theorizing about hazing; we are leading the charge. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are actively litigating a new, high-profile hazing case right now that sets a new standard for aggressive representation. This means Dickenson County families get a team that is not only current but actively shaping the landscape of hazing accountability.
2. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. Lupe Pena, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This is an unparalleled strategic advantage. They know the insurance companies’ playbooks, their tactics to deny claims, their valuation methods, and their weaknesses. This insider perspective allows us to anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and negotiate from a position of profound strength to maximize compensation for Dickenson County victims.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licenses: Many hazing cases involve national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, combined with Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), gives us the authority and flexibility to pursue national organizations wherever they may be headquartered or operate. This means we can effectively represent Dickenson County families against defendants located anywhere in the country.
4. Battle-Tested Against Massive Corporations: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation (which killed 15 workers and injured hundreds) demonstrates our capacity to take on the largest, most litigious corporate defendants. Universities and national fraternities are powerful, but we have proven experience fighting—and winning—against entities of monumental size and resources.
5. Deep Expertise in Related Injury Claims: Hazing often involves severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis injury recovery and litigation. Our firm also has extensive experience in wrongful death claims, catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries, and complex personal injury cases, all of which are frequently present in hazing incidents.
6. “Watchdog” Data-Driven Approach: We don’t guess who to sue. We maintain a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas, including their IRS filings, legal names, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every liable entity—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni groups, and national headquarters—so that we can pursue them all. We tell fraternities: “We know who you are. We know where you are. We know your corporate structure. We know your national organization’s hazing death record. We know how much they have paid in settlements.” And we will use every piece of this intelligence to hold them accountable when they haze students from Dickenson County.
7. Unwavering Client Support and Communication: We understand that families in Dickenson County facing a hazing crisis are often feeling scared, angry, and overwhelmed. Our firm prides itself on empathetic, warm, and clear communication. We treat our clients like family, providing regular updates and ensuring they understand every step of the legal process. We are bilingual (Se Habla Español), ensuring access to justice for Spanish-speaking families in Dickenson County. Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews speaks volumes about our client dedication.
8. Contingency Fee Representation: No Upfront Cost for Dickenson County Families: We operate purely on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means Dickenson County families pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if—and when—we win your case. This removes the financial burden, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the costly and complex litigation.
9. Willingness to Travel: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve Dickenson County families. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Dickenson County for depositions, meetings, and trial appearances when necessary.

For families in Dickenson County dealing with the horror of hazing, Attorney911 offers not just legal representation, but a partnership built on empathy, expertise, and a fierce commitment to upholding justice. We have fought these battles before, and we are fighting them right now. Let us fight for you.

Your Immediate Steps: What to Do Right Now if Hazing Has Occurred

If you or your child in Dickenson County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even ashamed, acting quickly and strategically can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. We’re here to guide you, but here are the essential steps you should take right now.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

• Ensure Immediate Safety: Remove yourself or your child from the dangerous situation immediately. If hazing is ongoing, your priority is to get to a safe place.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if the primary harm is psychological, seek professional medical attention immediately.
  • Go to the ER: For any physical injuries, suspected internal damage (like muscle pain, dark urine signaling rhabdomyolysis), or severe psychological distress. Do not delay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like kidney failure, can worsen rapidly.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all medical personnel know the injuries are hazing-related. Obtain copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, test results, and billing statements. This creates an objective, irrefutable record of the harm.
  • Keep Seeing Doctors: Follow all recommendations for follow-up appointments, specialists, and therapy. Gaps in medical treatment can be exploited by defense attorneys to argue that injuries were not severe or not related to the hazing.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence—Everything is Proof

Hazing incidents often happen in secret, and perpetrators frequently try to destroy evidence. Your ability to preserve it early is paramount.

• Photos and Videos: Use your cellphone to document everything. Take comprehensive pictures and videos of:
  • Visible Injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, any physical manifestations of the hazing. Continue to photograph injuries as they heal.
  • The Scene: If safe to do so, photograph the location where the hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, outdoor area).
  • Physical Evidence: Any items used in the hazing (like paddles, unusual food items, alcohol containers), clothing worn during the incident, or any damaged property.
• Electronic Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
  • Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs: Screenshots of every message, photo, or video that relates to the hazing, including instructions, threats, derogatory comments, or discussions among participants. Log the sender, recipient, and date/time.
  • Emails: Any emails from the fraternity/sorority, university, or individuals related to activities or discipline.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, members who witnessed the hazing but didn’t participate, students who left the organization due to hazing, or even bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents: Save any documents you received from the organization, such as pledge manuals, schedules, rules, membership agreements, or codes of conduct.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, costs for counseling, and any documentation of lost wages due to missed work or academic difficulties.
• Academic Records: Preserve records that show any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs” to Protect Your Case

Making a wrong move in the aftermath of hazing can severely jeopardize your legal claim.

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, photos, videos, or social media posts related to the hazing, even if they seem insignificant or embarrassing. This could be considered spoliation of evidence and harm your case.
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers: Do not give any statements, written or verbal, to anyone representing the fraternity, the national organization, or the university without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; their goal is to protect their institution and minimize their liability.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, the university, or any insurance company until it has been reviewed by your attorney. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident, your feelings about the fraternity, or even general posts about enjoying yourself. Defense lawyers will meticulously scour your social media for anything that can be used to discredit you, claim your injuries aren’t serious, or argue you’re not suffering.
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While understandable, confronting individuals involved can escalate the situation, destroy evidence, or open you up to further harm.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

• Time is Critical: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or death. This may seem like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and crucial details can be lost. Do not wait.
• Free Consultation: Many experienced hazing attorneys, including Attorney911, offer free, confidential consultations. This is your opportunity to understand your legal rights and options without any financial commitment.
• We Come to You (Virtually or In-Person): For Dickenson County families, we offer convenient video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to you for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Your child didn’t deserve this. Let us fight for the justice and accountability they deserve.

Dickenson County Families: Call Us Now for Immediate, Aggressive Help

If you’re a parent or student in Dickenson County struggling with the aftermath of a hazing incident, you are not alone. The fear, anger, and pain you’re experiencing are valid, but you don’t have to carry this burden by yourself. Our team at Attorney911 is ready to stand with you, to fight for you, and to demand accountability from those responsible.

We are actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that caused a student severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t just news; it’s our daily work. We bring this same proven, aggressive approach to hazing victims and their families in Dickenson County.

Dickenson County Families, Act Now: Your Free, Confidential Consultation Awaits

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking on legal deadlines, and critical evidence can disappear rapidly.

📞 Call our Legal Emergency Hotline, 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com

💻 Visit our website: attorney911.com

Here’s why contacting us immediately for your Dickenson County hazing case is crucial:

• $0 Upfront, No Fees Unless We Win: We take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket for our legal services. Our compensation is directly tied to the success of your case; if we don’t win for you, you don’t pay us legal fees. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to every Dickenson County family, regardless of their financial situation.
• Immediate Evidence Preservation: The moments following a hazing incident are vital for gathering and preserving evidence. We can immediately advise you on how to secure medical records, electronic communications, witness statements, and other crucial proofs before they can be lost or deleted by those responsible.
• Protection from Institutions: Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative, often pressuring victims to sign documents or make statements that could harm their case. When you hire Attorney911, all communications are directed through us, shielding you from manipulative tactics and ensuring your rights are protected.
• Strategic Insight from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: With both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena having worked on the “other side,” defending insurance companies and corporations, we possess invaluable insight into how defendants will try to fight your claim. This gives Dickenson County families a unique advantage in negotiation and litigation.
• National Reach, Local Dedication: While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims from Dickenson County wherever they or the incident occurred. We offer video consultations for your convenience and will travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as your case demands.

Hazing Extends Beyond Greek Life.

Whether the hazing occurred at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, ROTC program, or any other student organization at a university near Dickenson County or across the nation, we can help. Our expertise covers all forms of organizational hazing.

To Other Victims of the Pi Kappa Phi Hazing in Houston:

If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or witnessed the abuse of Leonel Bermudez, we know there are more victims. Another pledge collapsed on October 15; others endured the waterboarding, forced eating, and physical violence. You have rights, and your story is vital. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “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. We can protect you and fight for your justice too.

Dickenson County families, don’t face this alone. You deserve justice, accountability, and fair compensation for the horrors your child endured. Let Attorney911 be your voice and your shield.

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