If you’re reading this in Halifax County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to embrace new experiences, and build a future. Instead, they may have been subjected to abuse, humiliation, or even torture, all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” This isn’t just a distant problem we hear about on the news; hazing is a pervasive issue that can impact students from Halifax County attending colleges and universities across the country, including those in Virginia and neighboring states.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – it’s overwhelming. You might be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could happen, and more importantly, how you can fight back. We want you to know that you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is here to help families in Halifax County and beyond navigate these devastating circumstances. We have built our reputation on aggressively representing hazing victims, pursuing accountability for every entity responsible, and securing justice for those who have been wronged. We are more than just lawyers; we are your first responders to a legal emergency.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Halifax County Families Need Us

Hazing is a dark secret that infiltrates many organizations beyond the traditional stereotypes of fraternities and sororities. It plagues sports teams, marching bands, military organizations, and even academic clubs at institutions where Halifax County students pursue their education. The notion that hazing is harmless fun or merely “boys being boys” is a dangerous misconception. Modern hazing involves physical brutality, psychological torture, forced consumption of dangerous substances, and activities that can lead to severe injury, permanent trauma, and even death.

From the picturesque landscapes of Halifax County, parents send their children perhaps to nearby institutions like Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, or Averett University, or further afield to Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, or even schools across state lines. No matter where your child attends, the risk of hazing remains. The same national fraternities and sororities that have faced lawsuits and criminal charges in other parts of the country, including Texas, also have chapters at universities accessible to students from Halifax County. Their “traditions” can be equally dangerous, and their negligence just as deadly.

We are actively involved in fighting the same battle your family might be facing. Our firm recently filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university over a horrific hazing incident. This isn’t theoretical – this is happening right now. And the strategies, the resources, and the relentless advocacy we bring to that fight are precisely what we offer to families in Halifax County.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning and a Promise from Attorney911

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a nightmare that no family should endure, and it’s a stark warning to families in Halifax County about the dangers lurking within Greek life and other student organizations. This case, which is the centerpiece of our firm’s mission, demonstrates the aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach we take to hazing litigation.

In November 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. The defendants include Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (specifically its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston), the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, its Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and their spouse who hosted hazing activities.

Leonel’s story is heartbreaking. He was not even an enrolled University of Houston student yet; he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. He simply wanted to make friends. What he received instead was weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, his body breaking down from the ordeal.

Consider the horrors Leonel endured, detailed in our lawsuit and corroborated by multiple media outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, and Houston Public Media:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that mimics drowning and is internationally recognized as torture.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups and 500 squats, along with grueling “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls. He was pushed past his physical limits until his muscles broke down, releasing toxins that poisoned his kidneys. He collapsed so severely he couldn’t stand without help.
• Forced Consumption: He was made to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue exercising, lying in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Physical Brutality: The lawsuit alleges he was struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, and was subjected to threats of physical punishment and expulsion. Another pledge was even hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to exhaustion.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Our lawsuit details a clear pattern of severe hazing. We revealed that another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization. Despite this, the hazing continued unabated.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization on November 6, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters was forced to suspend its University of Houston chapter. Just a week later, on November 14, they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter permanently. They knew what was coming. This wasn’t a sudden act of self-regulation; it was damage control. Their public statement, released on the same day our lawsuit was filed, even thanked the University of Houston for its “collaboration,” a clear indicator of coordinated efforts to manage the fallout. Yet, in the same breath, they expressed a desire to “return to campus at the appropriate time” – a chilling lack of remorse that highlights why aggressive legal action is so crucial.

The University of Houston, for its part, also issued a statement acknowledging the incidents were “deeply disturbing” and violated “community standards,” stating that individuals responsible could face “expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This admission signals that they perceive serious wrongdoing occurred on their watch.

For Halifax County families, the Bermudez case is more than just a news story. It is a live demonstration of what hazing looks like today, what institutions allow to happen, and how Attorney911 fights back. The very same national fraternities that operated at the University of Houston have chapters at colleges and universities where students from Halifax County attend. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to thrive at UH can be found at other campuses. With this lawsuit, we are actively showing parents that we are not theoretical; we are on the front lines, relentlessly pursuing justice.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Halifax County grew up with a different understanding of hazing: perhaps late-night scavenger hunts or embarrassing skits. This is not what we are fighting today. Modern hazing, as tragically illustrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is systematically abusive and often life-threatening. It’s a calculated breakdown of an individual, designed to exert power and control rather than foster camaraderie.

We want Halifax County families to understand the true face of hazing, so they can recognize the signs and protect their children:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond mild discomfort. It includes beatings, paddling, forced exposure to extreme temperatures (like stripping in cold weather), sleep deprivation, forced exercises to physical collapse, and even brutal acts like waterboarding, which is a form of torture. For Leonel, this resulted in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure – a direct consequence of being pushed beyond human limits.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning, or as in Leonel’s case, forced eating of repugnant substances until vomiting. This can cause aspiration, choking, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Psychological Torture: Hazing is deeply psychological. Pledges are subjected to humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and constant threats. The requirement to carry sexually explicit objects, the hog-tying of another pledge, and the fear of retribution our client expressed for speaking out, all demonstrate the profound psychological damage inflicted. These acts leave lasting scars of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a shattered sense of trust.
• Servitude and Dehumanization: Pledges become personal servants, forced to perform demeaning tasks, coerced into driving members, and made to adhere to strict, arbitrary rules that strip them of their autonomy and dignity.
• Extreme Secrecy and Coercion: Hazing cultures thrive on secrecy. Pledges are often threatened with expulsion or further punishment if they speak out. This creates a powerful wall of silence, making it incredibly difficult for victims to come forward. The isolation and fear keep victims trapped in the cycle of abuse.

Hazing is not bonding. It is abuse. It is assault. It is reckless endangerment. In too many tragic cases, it becomes manslaughter or murder. The “traditions” that Greek organizations cling to are often covers for criminal behavior. We want Halifax County families to see this reality clearly, so they understand the severity of what their children may be enduring.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable in Halifax County Hazing Cases

When a student from Halifax County is harmed by hazing, the responsibility extends far beyond just the individual perpetrators. Our firm meticulously identifies and pursues every entity that contributes to the culture, the negligence, or the direct actions leading to the injury. In cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, we go after every responsible party with aggressive litigation.

Here’s who can be held accountable when hazing occurs, a framework we apply to cases spanning colleges and universities from Halifax County to institutions nationwide:

1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter): This is the most direct culprit. The local chapter organizes, facilitates, and directly conducts the hazing activities. Their leadership, often the chapter president and pledgemaster, designs and enforces these rituals. Individual members who participate in, encourage, or fail to stop the hazing are all directly liable. In the Bermudez case, we sued the local chapter and multiple individual members, including those who held leadership positions and those who hosted events where hazing occurred.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): These are the “deep pockets.” National organizations govern hundreds of chapters across the country, including those at institutions attended by Halifax County students. They establish policies, provide training, and are supposed to oversee their local chapters. When they fail in these duties, or have a documented history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi did with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), they can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, and creating or allowing a culture that fosters abuse. Pi Kappa Phi’s own admission of a “hazing crisis” and their swift chapter closure demonstrate their awareness of systemic issues.
3. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston): Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students. This includes preventing foreseeable harm, supervising student organizations, and maintaining safe premises. Universities are liable when they:
   • Own the Property: Like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred, making them responsible for conditions on their property.
   • Have Prior Knowledge: If a university has a history of hazing incidents (as UH did with the Pi Kappa Alpha hazing in 2017), they are on notice of the risk and have a heightened duty to act.
   • Fail to Supervise: Inadequate oversight of Greek life, weak enforcement of anti-hazing policies, or turning a blind eye to reports can lead to institutional negligence.
   • Fail to Respond Adequately: If they receive reports or have reason to know of hazing and do not intervene effectively, they are complicit.
4. Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. These entities have responsibilities as property owners or landlords to ensure a safe environment. If hazing occurs on their property due to their negligence, they can be held liable. The Beta Nu Housing Corporation was specifically named in the Bermudez lawsuit.
5. Individual Host Property Owners: In Leonel’s case, hazing occurred at a former member’s residence, and that former member and their spouse were named as defendants. This highlights that individuals who provide a location for hazing activities can be held personally liable under premises liability and other theories.
6. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts often come from the various insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, housing corporations, and even individual homeowners’ or general liability policies. Our expertise includes uncovering every potential policy and negotiating directly with these carriers. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to dismantle their strategies and maximize recovery.

It is crucial for Halifax County families to understand that fighting hazing is not about financially ruining individual college students. It’s about holding accountable the powerful institutions, with their multi-million dollar endowments and extensive insurance policies, that allow these dangerous cultures to persist. We target the “deep pockets” to ensure justice is served and a strong message is sent.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Halifax County

For families in Halifax County whose children have suffered from hazing, the question of what compensation is possible is critical. The reality is that hazing cases, particularly those involving severe injury or death, consistently result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These precedents are not just numbers; they are powerful affirmations that society, and the legal system, will not tolerate this abuse. They offer a tangible measure of justice and a deterrent for organizations that would otherwise continue to endanger students.

Here are some landmark cases that demonstrate the significant outcomes achieved, proving that such results are possible for Halifax County victims:

1. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) – Total: $10.1 Million+

   • What Happened: Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He was found unresponsive the next morning.
   • Outcome: Multiple criminal convictions, fraternity permanently expelled. Civil settlements included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals, totaling over $10.1 million. In December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay a $6.5 million judgment.
   • Significance for Halifax County: This case sets a strong precedent that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this type of recovery, even for a non-fatal injury. It also shows that individual perpetrators can face significant personal financial accountability.

2. Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017) – Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.” Pledges were made to drink if they answered questions incorrectly.
   • Outcome: A civil jury awarded $6.1 million to the Gruver family. Criminal charges led to a conviction for negligent homicide and prison time for a fraternity member. This case also spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Significance for Halifax County: This jury verdict demonstrates that when a case goes to trial, juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar awards for hazing deaths. It shows how criminal and civil justice can run parallel, and how these cases profoundly impact statewide legislation.

3. Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017) – Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

   • What Happened: Timothy Piazza was brutally hazed, forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours, during which time he suffered further injuries. He died from his injuries. The entire incident was captured on security cameras.
   • Outcome: While specific settlement details are confidential, reports suggest a total recovery exceeding $110 million for the Piazza family from multiple parties. 18 fraternity members were criminally charged, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was passed in Pennsylvania.
   • Significance for Halifax County: This case highlights the potential for truly massive recoveries when evidence of egregious conduct and institutional cover-up is strong, as it is in the Bermudez case with waterboarding and clear medical harm. It demonstrates the profound impact that detailed evidence, such as video, can have on securing monumental settlements against powerful institutions.

4. Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) – Confidential Settlement

   • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
   • Outcome: Seven fraternity members were charged with hazing, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
   • Significance for Halifax County: This case is particularly crucial because it involves the very same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that our firm is suing in the Bermudez case. Andrew Coffey’s death, just eight years prior to Leonel’s hospitalization, proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing within its chapters and yet demonstrably failed to correct its dangerous culture. This pattern of negligence is a powerful component in our pursuit of justice for Leonel and supports arguments for substantial punitive damages.

These cases send a resounding message to all fraternities, sororities, and universities, including those near Halifax County: hazing is not tolerated, it has severe consequences, and the price for enabling such behavior can be in the millions. For any family in Halifax County dealing with the aftermath of hazing, these precedents offer powerful encouragement that justice can be won.

Texas Law Protects You: Halifax County Victims’ Rights

For families in Halifax County, understanding the legal framework that protects victims of hazing is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, and much of our current litigation takes place under Texas law, similar anti-hazing statutes and civil liability theories exist in most states across the country, including Virginia. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred, ensuring that students from Halifax County receive the same expert representation.

Let’s delve into key aspects of Texas hazing law, which provides a strong foundation for understanding victim rights:

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

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:”

   • Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel Bermudez was struck with wooden paddles.
   • Causes unreasonable risk of harm or affects mental/physical health: This includes sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather and being sprayed with a hose), confinement, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups leading to kidney failure).
   • Involves forced consumption: Such as food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or other substances that subject the student to unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
   • Requires violation of the Penal Code: Any activity that forces a student to break the law.
   • Coercing consumption of drugs or alcohol to intoxication: This is a common element in many hazing tragedies.

   The heinous acts inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez unequivocally fall under multiple categories of this legal definition, demonstrating the clear criminality of the fraternity’s actions. Most states, including Virginia, have similar comprehensive definitions that would encompass such severe abuse.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas hazing laws carry serious criminal consequences for individuals and organizations:

   • Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing, soliciting, encouraging, or aiding hazing, or even for having firsthand knowledge of hazing and failing to report it.
   • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning those who inflicted and enabled his torment could face up to a year in jail and thousands in fines.
   • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Max Gruver and Timothy Piazza died under similar circumstances, and those responsible faced felony charges. Had Leonel’s condition worsened, the individuals involved could have faced up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly acknowledged “potential criminal charges.”

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations, such as local chapters and national headquarters, can be held liable if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property. This is why we have targeted Pi Kappa Phi National, their Housing Corporation, and the University of Houston itself.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal provision in hazing cases and applies to Halifax County victims just as it does in Texas. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

   Fraternities and universities often try to claim that victims “consented” to the hazing, that they “knew what they were signing up for,” or that they “could have left at any time.” Texas law fundamentally rejects this argument. The immense pressure, coercion, and fear within hazing environments mean that true consent is rarely possible. This legal principle ensures that the focus remains on the illegal and harmful acts themselves, rather than victim-blaming.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges address the state’s interest in punishing wrongdoing, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek monetary compensation for their immense suffering and losses. These civil claims are common across states, giving Halifax County victims a clear path to justice:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. It alleges that institutions and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., allowing hazing), that this breach “caused” the injuries, and that the victim suffered “damages” as a result.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as was the case with the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), these entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Their failure to do so makes them liable.
3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to supervise their local chapters and student organizations. When they fail to implement adequate oversight, investigate complaints, or enforce anti-hazing policies, they are negligently supervising and can be held responsible.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who engage in physical harm, like striking a student with a paddle or waterboarding them, can be directly sued for assault (the threat of harm) and battery (the actual harmful contact).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing often involves “outrageous and extreme” conduct that causes severe emotional distress, PTSD, and lasting psychological trauma. Victims can sue for the immense emotional and mental suffering inflicted.
6. Vicarious Liability: Organizations can be held responsible for the actions of their members or employees under certain circumstances. A national fraternity might be vicariously liable for its chapter, or a university for its recognized student groups.

For Halifax County families, the lesson is clear: Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in a dismissal, the civil justice system offers a powerful avenue for redress. Our firm, with its deep understanding of these legal theories and our experience fighting multi-defendant hazing cases, is uniquely positioned to pursue justice from all angles.

Why Attorney911: Your Expert Partner in Halifax County Hazing Litigation

When your child from Halifax County has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate with unparalleled expertise. Attorney911 stands as a beacon of hope for hazing victims and their families across America, including Halifax County, distinguishing ourselves through a unique blend of experience, strategy, and unwavering commitment.

Here’s why families in Halifax County should choose Attorney911:

1. Active, Front-Line Experience: We are not just talking about hazing; we are fighting it RIGHT NOW. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live, ongoing case that demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach. This isn’t theoretical; this is proof of what we do and how we can apply those exact strategies to protect students from Halifax County.
2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” We know the playbook of the insurance companies and the defense firms that protect fraternities and universities because we used to work for them. We know their strategies for minimizing claims, delaying payments, and denying responsibility. Now, we use that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Lupe Peña’s experience at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, is particularly valuable in understanding how large-scale institutional defendants operate.
3. Extensive Courtroom and Litigation Experience (25+ Years): Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience. He has pursued justice in complex, high-stakes litigation, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a skill directly transferable to confronting national fraternities and major universities.
4. Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us the authority to litigate cases in federal court. This is crucial for hazing cases that often involve multi-state organizations and significant federal questions, allowing us to represent Halifax County victims no matter where the hazing occurred.
5. Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas and New York): Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual admission provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have substantial operations in New York, giving us direct access to their legal systems.
6. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS EINs, legal names, housing corporations, and alumni chapters. This intelligence allows us, as Ralph says, to “know who to sue when hazing happens.” We apply this same investigative rigor to uncover all potential defendants in every hazing case, including those affecting Halifax County students. We do not guess; we know.
7. Specialized Hazing Expertise: We don’t just handle general personal injury; we have a focused expertise in hazing litigation, including complex medical issues like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case. We understand the specific cultural dynamics of Greek life, the policies of universities, and the legal nuances that can make or break a hazing lawsuit.
8. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We understand that hazing victims and their families, especially in Halifax County, are going through one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives. Our team is empathetic, warm, and dedicated. We know your child is a person, not a case number, and we treat every family with the care and attention they deserve. Our numerous 5-star Google reviews (4.9 Stars with 250+ reviews) attest to our commitment to client satisfaction and communication.
9. No Upfront Cost – Contingency Fees: We believe that access to justice should not be determined by financial means. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This allows Halifax County families to pursue justice against well-funded institutions without incurring additional financial burden. As one client stated, “This place feels like having a family over your case… you’re in good hands.”
10. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Halifax County who have been affected by hazing can receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We are committed to ensuring clear communication and full understanding for all our clients.
11. Willingness to Travel and Remote Consultation: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Halifax County, Virginia. We offer convenient video consultations so families can meet with us from the comfort of their home. We are prepared to travel to Halifax County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

We understand the complex and often clandestine nature of hazing. Our journalists-turned-lawyers approach means we know how to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories that resonate with juries and drive accountability. For every family in Halifax County grappling with the nightmare of hazing, Attorney911 offers not just legal representation, but a steadfast partnership built on expertise, empathy, and an unwavering fight for justice.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Halifax County Families

If your child in Halifax County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotions run high, taking specific, deliberate steps can significantly impact the strength of any future legal claim. We urge you to act quickly, as evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass.

Here’s our urgent guidance for Halifax County hazing victims and their families:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention (IMMEDIATELY):

   • Seek professional medical care without delay. Even if injuries seem minor or “just soreness,” get your child thoroughly examined by a doctor or at an emergency room. As in Leonel Bermudez’s case, seemingly innocuous symptoms can mask severe, life-threatening conditions like rhabdomyolysis or kidney failure.
   • Be explicit: Tell the medical professionals that the injuries resulted from hazing or forced activities in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other organization.
   • Document everything: Ensure all symptoms, injuries (bruises, cuts, pain, exhaustion, changes in urine color, vomiting), and treatments are meticulously recorded in medical records. These records are paramount evidence.
   • Follow all medical advice: Attend all follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or specialist referrals. Gaps in treatment can be used by the defense to argue your injuries weren’t serious.

2. Preserve All Evidence (Comprehensively):

   • Digital Communications: This is often the most revealing evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Take screenshots of relevant conversations and timelines. Look for messages about instructions, punishments, specific events, or even discussions among members about the hazing.
   • Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing events exist, save them securely. Photograph your child’s injuries as they appear (bruises, cuts, burns) and document their progression over time. If your child is hospitalized (as Leonel was), have someone take pictures in the hospital.
   • Physical Evidence: Preserve any clothing worn during the hazing, items used in the hazing, or notes/manuals given to pledges.
   • Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of other pledges, fraternity/sorority members who participated or witnessed the hazing, and any bystanders. Their testimony can be crucial.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, expenses related to missed school or work, and any other financial losses.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, academic standing, or scholarships as a result of the hazing.

3. Refrain from Communication with Opposing Parties:

   • DO NOT talk to the fraternity or sorority leadership (local or national), the university administration, or their lawyers without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will seek to minimize their liability.
   • DO NOT give any recorded statements to anyone without your attorney present.
   • DO NOT sign any documents from the organization or university. You may inadvertently waive your rights.

4. Avoid Social Media Engagement (CRITICAL):

   • DO NOT post about the hazing incident on any social media platform. Anything you post can and will be used against you, even if it seems harmless.
   • DO NOT delete old posts. This can be viewed as destruction of evidence.
   • Instruct your child: To avoid posting about the incident, or even general posts that might imply they are fine or enjoying life, which the defense could misinterpret. It’s best to go completely silent on social media regarding anything related to the incident and their well-being.

5. Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY (1-888-ATTY-911):

   • The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Texas (and many other states, including Virginia) is generally two years from the date of injury or death. This deadline can pass quickly, and missing it means forfeiting your right to sue forever.
   • Evidence disappears rapidly. The sooner we are involved, the better we can preserve crucial evidence, such as social media posts that might be deleted, security footage that might be overwritten, or memories that fade.
   • We offer a free, confidential consultation 24/7. You pay nothing to speak with us about your case. We can clarify your rights, assess your situation, and outline a strategic path forward.
   • Distance is not a barrier: Even if you are in Halifax County, we can conduct video consultations, handle your case remotely, and travel to you for depositions and trials if necessary.

Hazing victims often delay seeking help due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misguided loyalty. We want Halifax County families to know that stepping forward is an act of courage that can not only secure justice for your child but also prevent future tragedies. “Enough is enough,” as Attorney Peña says. Let us help you make that stand.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Halifax County

If you’re reading this, your legal emergency is real, and the need for immediate, aggressive action is undeniable. Your child from Halifax County has been hurt, their trust betrayed, their future potentially jeopardized by the very institutions meant to protect them. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to respond.

We are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for Halifax County victims with the same fury.

Our dedication to hazing victims is proven, not theoretical. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is active in the courts, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to securing justice for those who have suffered unimaginable abuse. We bring this same level of aggressive representation, insider knowledge, and unwavering support to every family we serve, including yours in Halifax County.

Halifax County Families: Don’t Face This Alone. Call Now.

The first step toward justice is reaching out. We understand the emotional toll this situation takes, and we are here to offer a compassionate ear and expert guidance.

📞 CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: Hazing incidents don’t adhere to business hours, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock to assist you.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us costs you nothing. We will listen to your story, assess the details of your case, and provide expert legal advice without any obligation.
• No Upfront Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 out-of-pocket to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. Our success is directly tied to yours.

You can also reach us directly via email:
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website to learn more:
Website: attorney911.com

We Serve Halifax County and Victims Nationwide: Distance Is Not a Barrier to Justice

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national crisis, and students from Halifax County attend colleges and universities across the country. Our firm is uniquely equipped to represent victims wherever these incidents occur:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in federal courts, allowing us to pursue complex cases against national organizations that span multiple states.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in both Texas and New York, we possess a strategic advantage in matters involving national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in New York.
• Remote Consultations: We can connect with families in Halifax County conveniently through video conferences, ensuring you receive immediate assistance without having to travel.
• Commitment to Travel: For key legal proceedings, including depositions, client meetings, or trials, our legal team is prepared to travel to Halifax County or any necessary location to fully advocate for your case.

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. We represent victims from a wide array of organizations where abuse is masqueraded as initiation:

• Fraternities and Sororities: At colleges both within Virginia (such as Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, Averett University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, Radford University) and nationwide.
• Sports Teams: High school, collegiate, and club sports teams in Halifax County and beyond.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Abuse can infiltrate any group with a hierarchical structure and initiation rituals.
• ROTC Programs and Military Organizations: Even within structured military readiness programs, hazing can occur.
• Clubs and Student Organizations: Any group where unchecked power dynamics can lead to abuse.

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

If you were a pledge in the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston during Fall 2025 semester, or if you witnessed the horrific hazing Leonel Bermudez and others endured, we want to hear from you. Leonel was not the only one targeted. Another pledge suffered a terrifying collapse and loss of consciousness just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization.

You have rights too, and your testimony could be instrumental in holding these organizations accountable and preventing future tragedies. Do not suffer in silence.

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

Call us. We are ready to fight for you. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Your legal emergency is our call to action. Contact Attorney911 today.