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Gloucester County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Gloucester County, North America, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this in Gloucester County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new horizons, and to build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially suffered life-altering injuries or worse. We’re here to help families in Gloucester County fight back against the institutions and individuals who betray that trust.

We understand the mix of fear, anger, and utter disbelief you must be feeling. The news is filled with stories of hazing, but you never imagine it will happen to your child. When it does, your world is turned upside down. We want you to know you are not alone, and that justice is possible. At Attorney911, we are actively fighting these battles right now, and we are ready to stand with Gloucester County families seeking accountability for hazing victims.

The Case That Shows Gloucester County Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This isn’t just a theoretical legal discussion; we are in the trenches, aggressively litigating a high-stakes hazing case in Houston that sets the standard for how these matters should be handled. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court, is a stark warning to fraternities, universities, and parents across the country, including right here in Gloucester County. It demonstrates precisely what we mean when we say we don’t just talk about hazing – we actively fight it.

Leonel Bermudez, a prospective student not yet even enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an horrific seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological degradation that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital, his young life hanging in the balance, all because he wanted to be part of a “brotherhood.”

This case happening just down the road in Texas serves as a critical alert for Gloucester County families. The same national fraternities that have chapters near Gloucester County have been implicated in hazing deaths and injuries across the country. The same patterns of institutional negligence, the same code of silence, and the same reckless disregard for student safety exist at universities that children from Gloucester County attend. We are fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we are prepared to bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation to Gloucester County victims and their families.

On the Record: Media Covers Our Fight

The gravity of Leonel’s ordeal and our firm’s immediate response garnered significant media attention across Texas immediately after the lawsuit was filed:

Even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, posted a statement on their website on November 21, 2025, announcing they had closed their Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This pre-emptive closure, occurring just seven days before our lawsuit was filed, demonstrates their clear awareness of the coming legal storm. You can view their statement at https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/.

The Defendants: A Network of Responsibility

Our $10 million lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants, demonstrating our strategy of broad accountability. No stone is left unturned when it comes to seeking justice for hazing victims. The defendants include:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): The local entity directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing.
  • Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The national organization that failed to supervise the local chapter, allowing a dangerous culture to fester despite knowledge of prior incidents nationally.
  • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity that owns or controls the property where some of the hazing took place.
  • University of Houston: The institution that owned the fraternity house, failed to adequately oversee Greek life, and allowed hazing to persist on its campus despite previous incidents.
  • UH Board of Regents: The governing body responsible for institutional oversight of the university.
  • The Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, and Other Active Members: Individuals who actively directed, participated in, or enabled the hazing.
  • A Former Member and His Spouse: Named because several significant hazing sessions occurred at their private residence, establishing premises liability for hosting and facilitating the abuse.

This comprehensive approach targets every entity and individual responsible for Leonel’s suffering, mirroring how we would pursue justice for a Gloucester County hazing victim.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Gloucester County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless rituals. The tragic reality, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far darker. Hazing has evolved into systematic abuse, psychological torture, and life-threatening physical torment. It’s not about bonding; it’s about breaking.

In our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we have exposed a horrifying catalogue of hazing activities that Leonel Bermudez endured for weeks. These aren’t isolated incidents or “boys being boys”; they represent criminal acts of assault, battery, and reckless endangerment.

The Unvarnished Truth of Leonel’s Hazing Experience:

  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where water was intensely sprayed in his face while he was performing calisthenics. This is a form of torture, explicitly labeled as such by Houston Public Media, violating international human rights laws when used against detainees. Yet, it was inflicted upon a prospective fraternity member. He was also repeatedly forced to run under the constant threat of being waterboarded.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Immediately after vomiting, he and others were forced to continue grueling sprints while visibly in distress, or even to lie in their own vomit-soaked grass, a profound act of humiliation and degradation.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: Hazing sessions involved relentless physical exertion, including more than 100 pushups, over 500 squats, “high-volume suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Leonel was forced to recite the fraternity creed while enduring these exercises, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was pushed to such extremes that he could not stand without assistance, leading to his collapse. The Houston Chronicle also reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.”
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. In another incident, on October 13, 2025, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and spray with a garden hose. The constant threats of physical punishment and expulsion created an atmosphere of terror and coercion. Enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews with members and other pledges further controlled and dehumanized them.
  • Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: He was frequently forced to drive fraternity members during the early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and worsening his exhaustion, which critically weakened his body and mind.

This is not the hazing of Hollywood movies, nor is it the “innocent fun” that many still mistakenly imagine. This is a pattern of deliberate, calculated abuse designed to inflict pain, fear, and subservience. If this happened in Houston, it can happen in a college near Gloucester County.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical toll of this abuse was catastrophic. On November 3, 2025, after a particularly brutal hazing session, Leonel collapsed. He could not stand without help, and when he finally made it home, he crawled upstairs before his body gave out. His condition worsened rapidly. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to be “passing brown urine”—a classic symptom of severe muscle breakdown.

Doctors diagnosed Leonel with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that poison the kidneys. It can lead to permanent organ damage or death. Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, undergoing intensive medical treatment to save his kidneys and his life. He now faces ongoing medical monitoring and the potential for long-term health complications. Our firm, particularly Ralph Manginello, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing, giving us a unique advantage in fighting for victims like Leonel.

Who Is Responsible: Holding a Network of Defendants Accountable

When hazing occurs, multiple parties often share responsibility. Our strategy involves identifying and pursuing every single individual and institution whose negligence or direct actions contributed to the harm. This comprehensive approach is crucial for justice and is how we will fight for Gloucester County hazing victims.

In the Bermudez case, this network of responsibility is clear:

  • The Local Fraternity Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is the most direct culprit. The chapter members and leadership organized, participated in, and perpetuated the hazing. Their actions directly inflicted the abuse upon Leonel.
  • The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): National organizations bear significant responsibility for the actions of their chapters. They have policies, set standards, and are supposed to provide oversight. In our case, KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Furthermore, Pi Kappa Phi National had already dealt with a hazing death in 2017—Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at Florida State. Yet, eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence and a failure to address a known, deadly problem. National organizations have substantial assets and liability insurance, making them crucial targets for meaningful compensation.
  • The University (University of Houston): Universities have a duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise significant control over student organizations. In Leonel’s case, KHOU 11 confirmed that hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This is devastating for the University of Houston, as it establishes direct premises liability for a property they control. Moreover, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. This means the university had “actual notice” that hazing was a problem on their campus and failed to prevent it from happening again. Universities possess massive endowments and insurance policies, making them capable of providing substantial compensation.
  • The Housing Corporation (Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation): Often, separate entities own the physical fraternity houses. These housing corporations can be held liable for failing to ensure a safe environment on their property.
  • Individual Members: This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, and other active members who directly participated in, ordered, or enabled the hazing. The tragic case of Stone Foltz, where a former chapter president was personally hit with a $6.5 million judgment, illustrates that personal accountability extends beyond just the institution.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, some significant hazing occurred at the private residence of a former member and his spouse. This expands liability to individuals who provide the venue and implicitly condone the hazing, bringing in the potential for homeowner’s insurance coverage.

This multi-pronged approach ensures that every possible avenue for accountability and compensation is explored. When your child is subjected to abuse like this, it’s not enough to target just the students; we go after the “deep pockets” of the national organizations and universities that enable this dangerous culture.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

Gloucester County families need to understand that hazing lawsuits are not only winnable but often result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These aren’t small claims; they are statements of accountability that force institutions to change and provide victims with the resources for long-term recovery. These precedent cases empower us to demand significant justice for our clients, including Leonel Bermudez.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements:

  • Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) – $10.1 Million+: Stone Foltz died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. The family received a total of over $10.1 million in settlements, with Bowling Green State University paying $2.9 million and Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and individuals combining for over $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in damages. This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case and highlights the university’s and national fraternity’s financial responsibility.
  • Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University (Phi Delta Theta, 2017) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event where he was forced to drink massive amounts of alcohol. An LSU jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This verdict proves that juries are willing to deliver substantial justice in hazing cases. The shame and outrage surrounding his death also led Louisiana to pass the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.
  • Timothy Piazza, Penn State University (Beta Theta Pi, 2017) – $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements): Timothy Piazza suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. His family received well over $110 million in confidential settlements from various parties. This case, extensively documented by security cameras, demonstrates how strong evidence and egregious conduct can lead to monumental outcomes. Pennsylvania also responded with the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Andrew Coffey, Florida State University (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) – Confidential Settlement: Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event—the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. While the settlement amount was confidential, criminal charges were filed against nine fraternity members, and the chapter was permanently closed. This case is a critical piece of evidence in the Bermudez lawsuit, establishing Pi Kappa Phi National’s pattern of negligence and knowledge of deadly hazing practices.
  • Adam Oakes, Virginia Commonwealth University (Delta Chi, 2021) – $4 Million+ Settlement: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently reached a settlement for over $4 million in October 2024. This shows yet another example of substantial recovery for families.

These precedents underscore a clear message to all institutions involved in hazing: When students are harmed or killed, the financial consequences are severe. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, a victim who endured waterboarding and kidney failure, is firmly rooted in these successful outcomes. The same aggressive legal strategies that led to these results are what we will bring to Gloucester County.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is NOT a Defense

For parents in Gloucester County grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, most states have anti-hazing laws, and civil negligence claims apply universally.

In Texas, the law is clear, and it stands firmly with victims. The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, explicitly outlaws hazing and outlines severe penalties.

Key Provisions of Texas Anti-Hazing Law:

  • Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes physical brutality (like striking or beating), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk of harm (like forcing 500 squats until kidney failure), forced consumption of food or alcohol to the point of risk, and any activity that violates the Penal Code. Leonel Bermudez’s experience meets multiple criteria under this statute.
  • Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing, encourage it, or fail to report it can face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail) to State Jail Felonies (up to 2 years jail) if serious bodily injury or death occurs. Given Leonel’s acute kidney failure, the perpetrators could face Class A misdemeanor charges, carrying up to a year in jail. The University of Houston’s own spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in their statement.
  • Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law also holds organizations accountable. If an organization “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers or members commit hazing, the organization can be fined and even lose its right to operate within the state. This provision is vital for holding local chapters and national organizations liable.
  • Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical protection for victims and their families. The law 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 counteracts the common defense tactic by fraternities and universities that “the pledge agreed to participate” or “knew what they were getting into.” Under Texas law, consent is irrelevant when hazing occurs. This means that if a Gloucester County student is hazed in Texas, they are protected by this clear, unambiguous statute.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Beyond criminal prosecution, which aims to punish offenders, civil lawsuits, like the one we’ve filed for Leonel Bermudez, aim to compensate victims for their suffering and financial losses. We pursue various legal theories to ensure broad accountability:

  • Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and local chapter had a duty of care to protect students, that they breached this duty (by allowing hazing), that this breach caused the injuries, and that damages resulted.
  • Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house), they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
  • Negligent Supervision: This applies when institutions or national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters or members, leading to foreseeable harm.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual hazing participants can be sued directly for intentional harmful contact (like being struck with wooden paddles or waterboarding).
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when outrageous conduct (such as psychological torture or humiliation) causes severe emotional distress, leading to conditions like PTSD.

These civil claims exist in virtually every state, meaning that regardless of where a Gloucester County child is hazed, these legal avenues for justice can be pursued. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) further enhance our ability to represent hazing victims nationwide, including those in Gloucester County.

Why Attorney911: Your Dedicated Hazing Litigation Experts

When your child has been hazed, you need more than just a lawyer; you need an aggressive, compassionate advocate who understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation. At Attorney911, we are the legal emergency lawyers dedicated to fighting for victims like Leonel Bermudez, and we are ready to stand with Gloucester County families.

Our Unmatched Experience and Strategic Advantages:

  1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t talking theoretically about hazing; we are in the fight right now. Our case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our commitment and expertise. Gloucester County families will benefit from the same aggressive, real-world litigation strategies we are employing in this landmark case.
  2. Veteran Trial Attorneys with 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two decades of battle-tested experience to every case. He knows how to prepare a case for trial and how to win in court.
  3. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent years working for national insurance defense firms. This means we know the “other side’s” playbook intimately. We understand how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and try to deny or minimize payouts. We use this invaluable insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and maximize recovery for our clients. This is a critical advantage when taking on large universities and national fraternities with deep insurance pockets.
  4. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and our dual licenses in Texas and New York, allow us to pursue national fraternities and universities in federal court. This is crucial for hazing cases that often involve national organizations based outside of the victim’s state. We can bring this authority to bear for Gloucester County cases.
  5. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Ralph Manginello was involved in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a mass tort case against a massive corporate defendant resulting in billions in damages. This experience demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against powerful, well-resourced entities—precisely what hazing cases against universities and national fraternities entail.
  6. Hazing-Specific Expertise and Rhabdomyolysis Cases: We have direct experience with fraternity litigation and understand the medical complexities of injuries like rhabdomyolysis, which Leonel Bermudez suffered. This specialized knowledge is critical for building a strong medical case and establishing the full extent of damages.
  7. Journalism Background: Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism is invaluable. He is trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories – skills essential for exposing the hidden truths of hazing and presenting them powerfully to a jury.
  8. Compassionate and Client-Centered Approach: We understand the trauma hazing inflicts. Our staff is bilingual (Se Habla Español), friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping victims. We treat Gloucester County families like our own, providing constant communication and support throughout what is often a very difficult time.
  9. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs: We know that families dealing with medical bills and trauma shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing Gloucester County families to fight back against well-funded institutions without financial risk.
  10. Willingness to Travel: Our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via phone and video for Gloucester County families, and we are prepared to travel to Gloucester County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

Our 4.9-star rating with over 250 Google reviews reflects our dedication to justice and client satisfaction. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates who truly care about turning the pain of hazing into meaningful accountability.

What Our Clients Say:

  • “If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients! Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process. They’re the best!” — Devin Hebert (Local Guide)
  • “What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris
  • “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez
  • “Amanda calmed our nerves and made us feel cared for. If I could give 10 stars I would. When you call ask for Amanda she’s the best!!!” — Isaiah Tellez
  • “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

These testimonials affirm our commitment to aggressive advocacy, clear communication, and compassionate client service – precisely the qualities Gloucester County families need when facing a hazing crisis.

What to Do Right Now: Protecting Your Child and Your Case

If your child in Gloucester County has been a victim of hazing, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. You might be scared, confused, or angry. But decisive action in the early hours and days can be critical to protecting your child’s health and preserving their legal rights.

Immediate Steps After a Hazing Incident:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is the absolute priority. If your child is injured, physically or psychologically, get them to a doctor, emergency room, or mental health professional. Do not delay. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have severe, long-term consequences. Medical records are irrefutable evidence of injuries and must be documented promptly.
  2. Preserve All Evidence: Hazing cases often involve hidden acts, but evidence can be everywhere.
    • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If possible, document the location where hazing occurred. Any photos or videos of hazing activities, even those taken by others, are invaluable. Our firm understands the power of visuals. As Ralph Manginello often advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.” You can learn more about documenting evidence with your phone in our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
    • Communications: Crucially, preserve all text messages, group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), social media messages (Snapchat, Instagram DMs), emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. These often contain commands, threats, photos, or admissions that are critical to proving your case. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
    • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of any other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
    • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications given to your child by the organization.
  3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Alone: Do not let your child or family member speak with fraternity leadership, university officials, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will try to gather information to protect themselves, not you. They may ask for recorded statements or try to get your child to sign documents that waive their rights. Decline politely and tell them your attorney will be in touch.
  4. Stay Off Social Media: Instruct your child and your family to cease all social media posts related to the incident or their involvement with the organization. Anything posted can be used by the defense to discredit your child or minimize their injuries. Learn more about common mistakes to avoid in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
  5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY: The clock starts ticking from the moment of the incident. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and criminal investigations can impact civil cases if not coordinated properly. Call us as soon as possible for a free, confidential consultation. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c explains why acting quickly is essential.

Why Time is Critical:

  • Evidence Disappears: Digital evidence can be deleted, and individuals may try to cover their tracks. Physical evidence can be removed.
  • Witness Memories Fade: Over time, memories can become less clear, or witnesses may become less willing to come forward.
  • Statute of Limitations: Missing the legal deadline means you lose your right to sue forever.
  • Institutional Cover-Ups: Universities and national fraternities are adept at controlling narratives and minimizing culpability. Early intervention by an attorney can counter these efforts.

Leonel Bermudez’s case is a prime example of the importance of swift action: he was hospitalized on November 6, and our $10 million lawsuit was filed within weeks. This aggressive, rapid response is a hallmark of Attorney911.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Gloucester County

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Gloucester County, or anywhere in the country, you have legal rights, and we are here to help you exercise them. We know the pain and fear you’re experiencing, and we are ready to turn that into powerful, relentless legal action.

Gloucester County Families: Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Visit our website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 because legal emergencies, especially those as traumatic as hazing, don’t keep business hours.

No Upfront Costs: Our Contingency Fee Promise for Gloucester County Families

We understand the financial strain that medical emergencies and legal battles can impose. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • You pay nothing upfront.
  • We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.
  • Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for our legal services.

This ensures that every family, regardless of their financial situation in Gloucester County, can access top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions. Learn more about how contingency fees work in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

We Serve Gloucester County and Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond Texas borders. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are equipped to represent victims in Gloucester County and across America through:

  • Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, often against national organizations.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in other states.
  • Remote Consultations: We can easily conduct comprehensive consultations with Gloucester County families via phone or video conference, eliminating geographical barriers.
  • Willingness to Travel: We are committed to traveling to Gloucester County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever needed. Justice knows no state lines.

We represent victims of hazing in various settings beyond just fraternities and sororities, including:

  • Gloucester County sports teams
  • Marching bands at colleges and universities near Gloucester County
  • ROTC programs
  • Clubs and other student organizations
  • Military academies
  • Any group that uses “initiation” as a pretext for abuse.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not alone. The lawsuit alleges systematic hazing, and media reports describe another pledge being hog-tied and another collapsing. If you were part of the Pi Kappa Phi pledge class at the University of Houston in Fall 2025, or witnessed any of these horrifying events, know that you have rights too. Lupe Pena’s words serve as a rallying cry: “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 ensure everyone responsible faces justice.

Your call is the first step toward healing and accountability. Let us fight for you and your family in Gloucester County, just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez.

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