If you’re reading this in Fluvanna County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make friends, chase dreams, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and left with physical and emotional scars that can last a lifetime. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: we are here to help families in Fluvanna County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are not just any law firm. We are legal emergency lawyers, and we represent the victims of hazing and their families across America, including right here in Fluvanna County. We are currently embroiled in a high-stakes, $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that left a young man hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, aggressive, data-driven litigation happening right now. And the same fight, the same expertise, the same relentless pursuit of justice that we bring to Houston, we will bring to your family in Fluvanna County.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Fluvanna County Parents Need to Understand What’s Happening

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is abuse. It is assault. And far too often, it is deadly. In communities across the United States, including those around Fluvanna County, Virginia, parents send their children off to college, trusting that these institutions will protect them. They believe their children will find camaraderie, develop leadership skills, and thrive in a safe environment. But the dark reality of hazing shatters these hopes, turning dreams into nightmares.

The statistics are grim: over half of all students involved in Greek life experience hazing, and tragically, since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in America. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a symptom of a deeply entrenched, often excused, culture of abuse. Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations on campuses that students from Fluvanna County attend, continue to perpetuate dangerous rituals under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.”

What’s worse is that 95% of students who are hazed never report it. They remain silent due to shame, fear of social retaliation, loyalty to the organization, or simply not recognizing the abuse as hazing. This silence allows the cycle to continue, putting more young people at risk.

This crisis is happening at universities where students from Fluvanna County enroll. Whether it’s a major state university or a smaller regional college, the national Greek organizations that operate there are often the same ones that have been implicated in hazing incidents nationwide. We must open our eyes to this reality. No parent in Fluvanna County should have to endure the agony of a child seriously injured or killed because of senseless “tradition.”

BREAKING: The Landmark $10 Million Fight – What This Means for Fluvanna County Families

The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning for Every Family in Fluvanna County

This case happened in Houston, Texas, very recently. But the same type of aggressive, humiliating, and dangerous hazing could happen at universities near Fluvanna County, Virginia. The same national fraternities operate in your area. The same failures of university oversight exist. This is the case that shows Fluvanna County families precisely why we fight, and how we fight.

In September 2025, Leonel Bermudez was a young man with big plans. He was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t yet enrolled at the University of Houston, but intended to transfer for the upcoming Spring semester. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025, eager to find a place where he belonged. What followed was not brotherhood, but weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis—a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases damaging proteins into the blood—and acute kidney failure.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, immediately recognized the severity of Leonel’s ordeal. We filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, its national headquarters, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This includes the chapter president, the pledgemaster, other current and former members, and even the spouse of a former member at whose residence some of the hazing occurred.

This is not just a case; this is proof. Proof that when hazing happens, Attorney911 acts decisively and aggressively.

Here’s how this horrific ordeal unfolded:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts his bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins almost immediately.
• Weeks of ongoing abuse: For nearly two months, Leonel and other pledges were subjected to a barrage of physical and psychological torment. They were forced to carry degrading “fanny packs” with sexual objects, adhere to strict dress codes, perform excessive study hours, and conduct weekly interviews. Non-compliance was met with threats of physical punishment or expulsion.
• October 13, 2025: In a particularly chilling incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: The danger escalated when a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs to revive him. This was a clear warning, yet the hazing continued.
• November 3, 2025: The day Leonel’s body broke. As punishment for missing an event, he was forced into an extreme regimen of over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed the entire time, threatened with expulsion if he stopped. He became so utterly exhausted that he could not stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel barely made it home, crawling up the stairs. He was in excruciating pain, barely able to move. His condition rapidly worsened.
• November 6, 2025: His mother, horrified, rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was admitted, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, and spent three nights and four days fighting for his life.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, 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.”

Lupe Pena emphasized the firm’s mission: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended their UH chapter, and by November 14, they officially closed it, acknowledging “violations” of their own policies. The University of Houston, in a statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of “a clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges” against those responsible.

This is what parents in Fluvanna County need to understand:

1. Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including at universities that students from Fluvanna County might attend. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are likely being practiced elsewhere.
2. Universities near Fluvanna County face the same liability failures as the University of Houston. UH owned the fraternity house where some of this hazing occurred. If a university owns the property and has the power to stop hazing, they are accountable when they fail to do so.
3. National fraternity organizations often know about these issues. Pi Kappa Phi’s national office admitted “violations” and the lawsuit alleges they failed to enforce rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They settled for closure before the lawsuit was even filed – a clear indicator of culpability.
4. $10 million sends a message. This is the price of torturing a child. Fluvanna County families can send the same powerful message.

Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case

We made sure this case received immediate media attention, putting the defendants on notice and raising public awareness. News outlets extensively covered the filing:

• ABC13 Houston: Published their report on November 21, 2025. You can view their coverage here: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.
• KHOU 11: Published their coverage on November 21, 2025. Read their report here: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.
• Houston Chronicle: Provided their summary on November 22, 2025. Find it here: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.
• Houston Public Media: Published their report on November 24, 2025. Access their story here: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.

The defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, even issued their own statement on November 21, 2025, which you can read here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. This statement, issued before our lawsuit became widely known, revealed their consciousness of liability and attempts to control the narrative.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Fluvanna County, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing extends far beyond the “pranks” or “jokes” many people imagine. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident; it is a disturbing example of the sophisticated cruelty often employed in hazing rituals today. This is not about building character; it is about breaking spirits and bodies.

Here are the disturbing realities of hazing confirmed in our current lawsuit, reflecting what happens at institutions whose students come from places like Fluvanna County:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is a form of torture, a war crime when done to enemy combatants. It involves spraying water into someone’s face to simulate drowning, instilling terror and helplessness. Pledges were forced to run repeatedly under threats of being waterboarded.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue sprints while in physical distress, often lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. This is not a harmless stunt; it’s a deliberate act of humiliation and abuse, designed to strip victims of dignity and control.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This went far beyond typical workouts. Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. These activities were designed to push him past physical limits, leading directly to his kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis. Another pledge lost consciousness during these grueling sessions.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry degrading “fanny packs” with objects of a sexual nature. They were stripped to their underwear in cold weather. The threat of expulsion and physical punishment loomed constantly. One particularly horrifying detail from our lawsuit describes another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This is psychological warfare, designed to break down a person’s will and instill absolute obedience.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, intentionally depriving him of rest and causing exhaustion, further compromising his physical and mental state.

The Medical Reality: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure is a critical wake-up call for parents in Fluvanna County. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, which clogs the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure and even death. Leonel’s mother saw the terrifying sign: brown urine, caused by the myoglobin flooding his system. The extreme physical exertion directly caused this life-threatening condition. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified to handle cases involving this devastating injury.

This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “tradition.” This is criminal abuse with severe, life-altering consequences. This is also why we are working to protect students and hold these institutions accountable across the country, including those colleges and universities where young people from Fluvanna County pursue their education.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

In hazing cases, the responsibility often extends far beyond the individuals directly involved in the abuse. Our comprehensive litigation strategy, as exemplified by the Bermudez case, targets every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring that victims and their families in Fluvanna County receive full justice. This multi-pronged approach is essential because it is never just one person or one group.

Every Defendant in the Crosshairs:

1. The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is where the hazing physically occurred. The chapter directly organized and conducted the abusive activities against Leonel. Their deliberate actions led to his injuries.
2. Chapter Officers and Individual Members: This includes the fraternity president, the pledgemaster, and other current and former members who either orchestrated, participated in, or stood by while the hazing took place. Each individual who engaged in or facilitated the abuse can be held personally liable. In Leonel’s case, we even sued a former member and his spouse because some hazing sessions occurred at their private residence, holding them accountable for premises liability.
3. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): National fraternities have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure a safe environment for their members. The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is alleged to have “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They settled for closure immediately after news of Bermudez’s hospitalization. This isn’t coincidence; it’s a clear indication that they knew their policies were violated and that they are trying to limit their own liability. Their own statement acknowledges “violations” of their risk management policies. This national organization had previously experienced a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State University), giving them actual notice of the lethal risks of hazing within their organization. Yet, eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under similar circumstances. This demonstrates a pattern of negligence and conscious indifference. Pi Kappa Phi claims it has chapters on “more than 150 campuses across America.” This broad reach translates to substantial assets and insurance—the “deep pockets” necessary to compensate victims like Leonel.
4. The University (University of Houston): Universities have a fundamental responsibility to protect their students, foster a safe campus environment, and oversee organizations operating under their umbrella. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and intervene. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a documented history of hazing problems, including a 2017 incident where another student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at a different fraternity on their campus. This means UH had actual notice of the dangers of hazing and failed to implement adequate safeguards. Their failure to act, despite prior knowledge and control over the premises, makes them directly liable for Leonel’s injuries.
5. The UH Board of Regents: As the governing body of the university, the Board of Regents shares responsibility for institutional oversight failures, especially when safety policies and their enforcement (or lack thereof) lead to student harm.
6. The Housing Corporation: This entity owns or controls the property where hazing occurred, and thus shares responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.

The “deep pockets” in these cases are generally the national organizations and the universities. It’s crucial for families in Fluvanna County to understand that this is not about suing broke college students; it’s about holding powerful, well-funded institutions and their insurance carriers accountable for their failures. As attorneys who previously worked for insurance defense firms, we know precisely how these large entities operate, where their vulnerabilities lie, and how to compel them to pay for the harm they allow to occur.

What These Cases Win: A Path to Justice for Fluvanna County Families

Hazing incidents, particularly those involving severe physical injury or wrongful death, can lead to multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. For families in Fluvanna County who are grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding these precedents is vital. They demonstrate the serious financial and legal consequences these institutions face when they allow such abuses to occur, and they provide a roadmap for the justice we pursue.

These are not isolated legal victories; they are patterns of accountability that we leverage in every case, including for families in Fluvanna County.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements:

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) — More than $10.1 Million Total: Stone Foltz was a pledge at Bowling Green State University when he was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. He died from alcohol poisoning. In this tragic case, his family achieved substantial justice:

  • Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million.
  • Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals paid $7.2 million.
  • Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in a judgment in December 2024.
  • Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million. This remains the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.

• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495) during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual involving forced drinking. The family received a $6.1 million jury verdict. This case also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — Over $110 Million (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died after falling down stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling for help. The family reached confidential settlements estimated at over $110 million from various entities. This case resulted in multiple criminal charges and convictions, and inspired the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Confidential Settlement: Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi event. This is the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family’s civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement. This case provides a critical pattern of negligence against Pi Kappa Phi National.

• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) — Over $4 Million Settlement: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently settled their lawsuit for over $4 million in October 2024. This case also led to Adam’s Law in Virginia, further strengthening anti-hazing legislation.

These cases prove several critical points for Fluvanna County families:

1. Your case can command significant damages. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with these precedents, reflecting the severe physical and emotional trauma, medical costs, and the need for punitive deterrence.
2. Universities and national organizations are always held liable. They are responsible for supervision and safety, and their failures come at a steep cost.
3. Individual perpetrators face personal accountability. As seen in the Stone Foltz judgment, individual fraternity members can be held personally liable for millions.
4. These cases drive legislative change. The tragic deaths of Max Gruver, Timothy Piazza, and Adam Oakes led to new, tougher anti-hazing laws. Your case in Fluvanna County could be the catalyst for similar change.
5. Juries and courts are increasingly intolerant of hazing. The days of “boys will be boys” are over. When these cases are brought before juries, the conduct is recognized for what it is: assault, battery, and egregious negligence.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Fluvanna County

While our offices are based in Texas, the core legal principles and many state-level anti-hazing laws share similarities across the nation, making our approach highly effective for Fluvanna County, Virginia, families. The cases of hazing that occur in Fluvanna County are just as reprehensible as those in Texas or any other state. Attorney911 operates with federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses, enabling us to pursue hazing cases no matter where in the country they occur.

In Texas, the Hazing Statute (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157) offers robust protections that mirror the legal landscape in many other states, including Virginia, which has its own anti-hazing laws.

Key Aspects of Hazing Law Protecting Victims:

1. Definition of Hazing:
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining, initiating or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding). Our case involves being struck with wooden paddles, directly fitting this definition.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics that subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health or safety. Leonel’s waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, stripping in cold weather, and sleep deprivation unequivocally meet this standard.
• Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or other substances that subjects a student to unreasonable risk. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
• Involves an activity that violates the Penal Code, such as assault or battery. Waterboarding and paddling are criminal acts.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is perhaps the most critical protection for hazing victims and their families in Fluvanna County. Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This law recognizes the power imbalance inherent in hazing. Victims, often desperate to belong and fearful of reprisal or social ostracism, cannot truly “consent” to abuse. Any argument from a fraternity or university that “he agreed to it” or “he could have left” is legally invalid. This protection is vital and similar laws exist in many states that students from Fluvanna County attend.

3. Criminal Penalties:
Hazing is a crime. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals can face:

• Class B Misdemeanors for participating in hazing.
• Class A Misdemeanors for hazing causing serious bodily injury. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under this, carrying penalties of up to a year in jail.
• State Jail Felonies for hazing causing death, with up to two years in state jail. This underscores the severity of acts like those in the Piazza, Gruver, and Foltz cases.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s statement confirming “potential criminal charges” after our lawsuit was filed highlights the dual nature of these cases: both civil and criminal.

4. Organizational Liability:
Organizations themselves can be held liable. If a fraternity “condones or encourages hazing” or if an officer or member commits hazing, the organization can be fined, denied the right to operate, or forced to forfeit property. This is why we sued Pi Kappa Phi’s local chapter and national organization; they are responsible for the actions of their members.

Civil Liability: Seeking Compensation for Fluvanna County Victims

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow hazing victims from Fluvanna County and their families to seek monetary compensation for their immense suffering and losses. Our firm leverages multiple civil liability theories against all responsible parties:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. It argues that the university, national organization, and individual members had a duty to protect students from harm (duty of care), they breached that duty by allowing hazing, and that breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the UH case) or a housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition on their premises.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to oversee Greek life activities. Their failure to act, despite knowing the risks, constitutes negligence.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional physical harm or offensive contact, such as striking, forced consumption, or simulated waterboarding.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing that involves extreme and outrageous conduct (like waterboarding or severe humiliation) can give rise to claims for severe emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover for their immense losses, including loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.

For families in Fluvanna County, it is crucial to understand that these civil claims provide a powerful avenue for justice, regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes. Our approach ensures that every avenue for accountability and compensation is explored.

Why Attorney911: The Obvious Choice for Fluvanna County Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer. You need relentless advocates, seasoned strategists, and a legal team that truly understands the unique complexities of these cases. For families in Fluvanna County, Attorney911 stands as the definitive choice. We bring a combination of expertise, aggression, and an unwavering commitment to justice that sets us apart.

What Sets Us Apart for Fluvanna County Families:

• We’re Actively Fighting Hazing RIGHT NOW: Unlike firms that might vaguely claim hazing experience, we are currently in the thick of a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, live, high-stakes litigation. When we say we understand hazing, it’s because we’re taking on the perpetrators and institutions responsible for it in court, right now. Fluvanna County families benefit directly from this real-world, current experience.
• Proven Aggression Against Major Institutions: Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have a track record of taking on formidable opponents. Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation, battling a global corporate giant. This experience translates directly to hazing cases where we confront national fraternities (multi-million dollar corporations) and large universities. We are not intimidated by “deep pockets” or their legal teams.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight — We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. Lupe, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. This means we have an insider’s understanding of how insurance companies and corporate defendants evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. We’ve seen their playbook, and we use that knowledge to dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients in Fluvanna County. This is an unfair advantage for your family.
• Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our admission to the U.S. District Court and dual bar licenses in Texas AND New York give us unique leverage. This allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal courts, which is often crucial when national organizations are involved. Our New York license is strategically beneficial for taking on national fraternities headquartered anywhere in America, including those with chapters near Fluvanna County.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise, Including Rhabdomyolysis: Ralph Manginello has specialized focus areas including rhabdomyolysis injury recovery and litigation, Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and Texas A&M University hazing cases. This direct, targeted experience with the devastating physical and institutional realities of hazing is invaluable for Fluvanna County victims.
• Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess; we know. We maintain a comprehensive, private directory of Greek organizations across Texas, including EINs, legal names, and insurance structures. We call it our “Texas Hazing Intelligence Database.” This means when hazing happens, we already know precisely who to sue and how they are structured. For families in Fluvanna County, this means we can quickly identify and pursue every liable entity, even if they’re headquartered thousands of miles away.
• Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español: We proudly serve Spanish-speaking clients. Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Fluvanna County struggling with hazing incidents receive comprehensive legal support without any language barriers.
• Contingency Fees — $0 Upfront Cost for Fluvanna County Families: We understand the financial strain that comes with medical bills, lost wages, and potentially lost tuition due to hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing any family in Fluvanna County to access expert legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
• Compassionate, Parent-Facing Approach: We know your child is not a case number. Ralph Manginello is a father of three and deeply understands the profound impact such trauma has on families. We lead with empathy, but fight with ferocity. Our testimonials consistently highlight our commitment to clear communication, treating clients like family, and relentlessly pursuing justice. As Chad Harris, one of our clients, stated, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

When you choose Attorney911 for your hazing case in Fluvanna County, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining dedicated advocates who will outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition. We will come to Fluvanna County for depositions, meetings, or trials if needed, and offer remote consultations to make the process as easy as possible during this difficult time. Your fight is our fight, and we are ready.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Fluvanna County Hazing Victims

If you or your child in Fluvanna County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional and physical trauma can be overwhelming, taking swift, decisive action is vital to protecting your legal rights and building a strong case. We are here to guide you through these crucial first steps.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your physical and mental well-being is paramount.

• Remove yourself or your child from the dangerous situation if hazing is ongoing.
• Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis and kidney issues, may not be immediately apparent. Go to an emergency room, a doctor, or a therapist as quickly as possible.
• Be honest and thorough with medical professionals. Explain exactly what happened, including all physical activities, forced consumption, and any psychological torment. Ensure everything is accurately documented in medical records.
• Follow all medical advice. Attend follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and engage in any recommended therapies (physical, psychological). Delays or gaps in treatment can be used by defense attorneys to argue that your injuries were not serious.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence — This Cannot Be Stressed Enough

Hazing cases often rely heavily on digital and anecdotal evidence. The defense will try to destroy, hide, or discredit evidence. Attorney Manginello frequently reminds clients: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels and urine tests for rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations. These are foundational.
• Photographs and Videos: If possible, take pictures of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) at all stages of healing. Document the physical environment where hazing occurred. Any photos or videos from the hazing itself, even if taken by others, are invaluable.
• Digital Communications: This is often the “smoking gun.” Screenshots and save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat message, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes communications from members, pledges, or witnesses. These reveal planning, coercion, and the extent of the abuse. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be crucial.
• Fraternity/Organization Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications disseminated by the organization. These can show a pattern of activity and official expectations.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, expenses related to missed school or work, and even tuition fees if your child’s education was disrupted.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTS”

• DO NOT Delete Communications: This is spoliation of evidence and can severely damage your case. Save everything.
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers Without Counsel: They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their institution and minimize their liability. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Direct all inquiries to your attorney.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Refuse to sign any documents, waivers, or confidentiality agreements presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives until your attorney reviews them.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post can be twisted and used against you. Even seemingly innocuous posts showing you “doing fine” can be used to discredit your injury claims. Maintain a discreet online presence.
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While understandable, direct confrontation can escalate the situation, destroy evidence, or make it harder to gather witness testimony.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Virginia, is typically two years from the date of injury or death. Waiting too long means evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights may expire forever.

Call Attorney911. Our team is available 24/7. We offer free, confidential consultations. We will explain your rights, evaluate your case, and outline a clear path forward without any upfront cost. Distance is not a barrier; whether you’re in Fluvanna County or farther afield, we can conduct video consultations and will travel for your case as needed.

Remember, Leonel Bermudez’s case proves that immediate, aggressive action can make a difference. His hospitalization was November 6, and our $10 million lawsuit was filed November 21. That’s the speed and dedication you need when facing powerful institutions. Let us be your first responders in this legal emergency.

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

Fluvanna County families, if your child has been the victim of hazing, you are not alone, and you are not helpless. Your fight for justice is our fight. The story of Leonel Bermudez is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of hazing, but it is also a testament to the power of aggressive legal action. We are actively fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we are ready to bring that exact same fight to your community, holding every responsible party accountable no matter where they are.

We understand the fear, anger, and devastation you may be feeling. We are here to listen with empathy and act with unwavering resolve. Ralph Manginello, a former insurance defense attorney and father, and Lupe Pena, another former insurance defense attorney with deep Texas roots, form a formidable team that knows how to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition. We have extensive experience with complex litigation against powerful corporations and institutions, and we bring that same battle-tested legal strategy to every hazing case.

Why Contact Attorney911 for Your Fluvanna County Hazing Case?

• Active, Real-Time Experience: We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, demonstrating our immediate and deep expertise.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures that every family in Fluvanna County, regardless of financial means, can access top-tier legal representation.
• Nationwide Reach: While our offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) mean we can pursue hazing cases in Fluvanna County, Virginia, and across the United States. We will utilize video consultations and travel to Fluvanna County as needed for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
• Insider Knowledge: With both Ralph and Lupe having experience defending insurance companies, we know the defense playbook inside and out. We anticipate their strategies and dismantle their arguments, securing maximum compensation for our clients.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are driven by a profound commitment to justice for hazing victims. We will aggressively pursue every liable party—individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities—to ensure comprehensive accountability.
• Bilingual Support: Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and access to justice for Hispanic families in Fluvanna County.

Take the First Step Towards Justice

Don’t let shame, fear, or uncertainty prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. The statute of limitations imposes strict deadlines, and evidence can disappear quickly. Every moment counts.

We are available 24/7 to discuss your legal options. The consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation. Let us help you turn your pain into powerful action.

Fluvanna County families, call us today. Let us be your legal emergency responders.

📞 Dial Our Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

You can also visit Ralph Manginello’s attorney bio page at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/ and Lupe Peña’s attorney bio page at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/ to learn more about their extensive experience and dedication to justice.

For Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you were a pledge or witnessed the hazing that took place at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter in Fall 2025, know this: Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. His lawsuit alleges that another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can help you. Lupe Pena said it best: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your testimony, your story, your courage can strengthen this fight and prevent future tragedies. Call us. Together, we can bring all perpetrators to justice.

Your child deserves justice. Fluvanna County deserves safer campuses. Let us fight for you.