When Hazing Turns to Torture: Lee County Families’ Guide to Fighting Back

If you’re reading this, your family in Lee County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and embark on a new chapter. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. And now, you’re searching for answers, for justice, and for a way to fight back. We understand what you’re going through. We are here to help families in Lee County and across the nation fight back against the insidious epidemic of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates for the silenced and relentless champions for justice. We know the fear, the anger, and the desperation that washes over parents when their child is harmed by the very institutions that promised to protect them. With deep roots in Texas and a nationwide reach, we bring unparalleled experience and a fierce dedication to every hazing case we handle, ensuring that families in Lee County receive the aggressive, compassionate representation they deserve.

You might be wondering if your child’s experience truly counts as hazing, or if you even have a case. Perhaps you’re grappling with the belief that this is just “part of college life” or that your child somehow consented to the abuse. We are here to tell you unequivocally: what happened was wrong, it was likely illegal, and you have powerful legal rights. We are actively fighting this battle right now in court, armed with data-driven strategies and a deep understanding of the regulatory landscapes, cultural nuances, and consumer behavior specific to such incidents across the country. Our firm stands ready to assist Lee County families navigate these complex waters, bringing our expertise straight to your doorstep if needed.

Your Nightmare Made Real: The $10 Million Fight Against Hazing at University of Houston

This story unfolded just weeks ago in Houston, but it is a stark warning for every parent in Lee County whose child attends college. This is what hazing looks like today. This is the reality. And this is why we fight. The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is personal for us, and it embodies everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation strategy, and uncompromising accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the spring semester of 2026. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025, hoping to find a brotherhood. Instead, he found 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, grappling with painful and potentially life-altering injuries.

His mother, fearing for his life, rushed him to the hospital after he began passing brown urine—a classic sign of massive muscle breakdown. When he finally made it home after one particularly brutal night, our client, Ralph Manginello, recounted how Leonel “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.”

The Hazing: A Catalog of Cruelty

The allegations against Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter and the University of Houston are horrifying, revealing a level of depravity that goes far beyond any misguided notion of “pranks.” Leonel was subjected to:

Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Yes, you read that correctly. He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning, a tactic recognized globally as torture. This wasn’t some isolated incident; it was repeated. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a truly grotesque display of cruelty, they were forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress, often having to lie in their own vomit-soaked grass afterward.
Extreme Physical Punishment: This wasn’t just a tough workout. Leonel was forced to perform over 100 push-ups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling activities, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was pushed “past the point of physical exhaustion,” collapsing and becoming unable to stand without help. The Houston Chronicle also reported instances of pledges being “struck with wooden paddles.”
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and made to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge, on October 13, was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his overall exhaustion.

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical toll of these abuses was severe. Leonel’s muscles broke down from the extreme physical exertion, releasing a damaging protein called myoglobin into his blood. This condition, known as rhabdomyolysis, overwhelmed his kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, a tell-tale sign of this life-threatening condition. He required intensive medical treatment and spent days recovering in the hospital, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response: A Pattern of Failure

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended its Beta Nu chapter. By November 14, 2025, the chapter was permanently closed, with members voting to surrender their charter. While Pi Kappa Phi’s website stated this was due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” their official statement also included: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This seemingly innocuous phrase is a chilling indicator of their lack of genuine remorse and their belief that this tragedy is merely a temporary setback.

The University of Houston, despite owning the fraternity house where some of these events occurred, also issued a statement acknowledging the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events and their “clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges” for those involved. Yet, this response comes after years of ignoring the warning signs.

Our $10 million lawsuit, filed on November 21, 2025, against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president and pledgemaster, aims to deliver a resounding message: Hazing carries a heavy price, and everyone involved will be held accountable.

Why This Case Matters to Lee County Families

Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal serves as a critical wake-up call for parents in Lee County.

Fraternities are Everywhere: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including near major universities that students from Lee County attend. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can happen at institutions near Lee County.
Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. Universities near Lee County have the same power to regulate Greek life and the same liability when they fail to protect students.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National closed its chapter almost immediately, proving they knew the severity of the situation. These national bodies, which operate near Lee County, are well aware of the hazing crisis but often choose inaction.
Lee County Students are at Risk: Whether your child attends Virginia Tech, Longwood University, Radford University, East Tennessee State University, or other colleges further afield, they face the same hazing dangers if they join Greek life or other student organizations.
One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: As Attorney Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your child’s case could be the catalyst for change, protecting countless future students from similar horrors.
$10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit isn’t just about compensation; it’s about sending an undeniable message that torturing our children will not be tolerated. Lee County families can join this fight and demand similar justice.

This is not a theoretical battle for us; it is a live, ongoing fight in civil district court, just as it can be for families in Lee County. We don’t just talk about hazing; we actively combat it.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Lee County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless dares from movies. The grim reality is far different. Hazing today is rarely about team-building or camaraderie; it is often about power, control, and inflicting abuse under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It is not “boys being boys.” It is not “building loyalty.” It is physical assault, psychological torture, and, far too often, a path to severe injury or death.

When we talk about the hazing incidents that victimize students from Lee County, we are describing acts that, in any other context, would be considered criminal and socially abhorrent. Leonel Bermudez’s case is a horrific example of modern-day hazing, showcasing tactics that, in some instances, mirror those used in war.

The Anatomy of Modern Hazing:

Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling (as suffered by Leonel), branding, forced physical exertion to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 push-ups), and even sexual battery. These acts often leave lasting physical scars and internal injuries, like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Forced Consumption: This category is primarily responsible for many hazing deaths. It involves compelling pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, sometimes an entire bottle, leading to alcohol poisoning. It also includes forcing ingestion of other substances like raw eggs, rotten food, or, in Leonel’s case, obscene amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.
Psychological Torture and Degradation: Hazing frequently involves extreme humiliation, verbal abuse, sleep deprivation, isolation, and threats. Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, threatened with expulsion, and constantly exhausted. These tactics aim to strip victims of their dignity and break their will, often leading to severe long-term mental health consequences like PTSD, depression, and chronic anxiety.
Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: The fact that Leonel was waterboarded with a garden hose is perhaps one of the most shocking revelations. This technique, recognized internationally as a form of torture, reflects a terrifying escalation in hazing brutality. It highlights a conscious intent to inflict extreme fear and physical distress.
Exposure to the Elements: Forcing pledges to strip in cold weather, as Leonel was, or to perform activities in extreme heat, can lead to hypothermia, hyperthermia, and other life-threatening conditions.
Servitude and Isolation: Pledges are often forced to act as personal assistants, drivers, or cleaners for fraternity members, disrupting their academic and personal lives. This control and isolation further enhance the power dynamic and make it harder for victims to seek help.

The Devastating Consequences: More Than Just Physical

The injuries inflicted by hazing are often catastrophic and extend far beyond broken bones or alcohol poisoning:

Rhabdomyolysis and Organ Failure: As seen in Leonel’s case, extreme physical exertion can cause muscle breakdown, leading to kidney failure, a life-threatening emergency.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or intentional head trauma, TBIs can result in permanent cognitive deficits, memory loss, and personality changes.
Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, leading to coma, organ damage, and respiratory arrest.
Internal Injuries: Such as a lacerated spleen, which nearly killed a University of Houston student in a previous hazing incident.
Sexual Assault: A horrifying but all too common element of hazing that leaves profound physical and psychological trauma.
Mental Health Crisis: Long-term effects like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are rampant among hazing survivors. Leonel, for instance, still fears retribution for speaking out.
Academic and Career Impact: Hazing often leads to academic decline, dropped courses, loss of scholarships, and damaged career prospects caused by the time and stress taken away from studies.
Death: Tragically, a hazing death occurs almost annually in the United States, stealing promising young lives and shattering families. These are not accidents; they are the foreseeable consequences of reckless abuse.

It’s common for institutions and perpetrators to claim victims “consented” or “could have walked away.” But understand this, Lee County families: the psychological manipulation, peer pressure, and fear of social ostracism are powerful forces. Your child joined an organization seeking belonging, not brutality. The law, as we discuss, often backs this understanding, especially in states like Texas.

The experiences of Leonel Bermudez and countless others demonstrate that hazing isn’t a rite of passage; it’s abuse. We are here to ensure that when this abuse happens to a student from Lee County, the responsible parties are held fully accountable.

Holding Them Accountable: Who Is Responsible for Hazing Injuries?

When hazing occurs, it’s easy to focus solely on the students directly involved. However, the tragic reality is that hazing is often enabled, overlooked, or even implicitly condoned by far larger, more powerful entities. At Attorney911, we believe in a comprehensive approach to accountability. We don’t just pursue the immediate perpetrators; we target every institution and individual that allowed the abuse to happen. For families in Lee County, this means we cast a wide net to ensure maximum justice and impact.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we have named a broad array of defendants, setting a precedent for how extensively we pursue justice:

1. The Local Chapter: Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu at UH

Why they’re liable: This is the most direct line of responsibility. The local chapter members and officers directly organized, conducted, and participated in the hazing activities. They are the immediate perpetrators of the abuse.
Lee County Application: Any fraternity or sorority chapter at universities near Lee County—whether at Virginia Tech, Radford, or other institutions—that engages in hazing is directly liable for the harm caused.

2. Chapter Officers and Individual Members

Why they’re liable: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other leaders are particularly culpable. They direct the pledge process and often initiate or sanction hazing. Individual members who actively participate in or fail to intervene are also liable for assault, battery, and other intentional torts. Notably, in the Stone Foltz case, a chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment.
Lee County Application: We will identify and pursue every individual involved in hazing your child, including past and present officers and active members. They cannot hide behind the fraternity shield.

3. Former Members and Their Spouses

Why they’re liable: In Leonel’s case, hazing occurred at the residence of a former member and his spouse, who were explicitly named as defendants. They provided the venue, allowed the hazing to happen on their property, and thus facilitated the abuse. This extends liability beyond the active chapter.
Lee County Application: We will investigate off-campus hazing locations and hold property owners accountable for permitting such activities.

4. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

Why they’re liable: These are often the “deep pockets.” National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, maintain oversight of their local chapters, issue anti-hazing policies, and collect dues. Too often, they turn a blind eye to hazing until tragedy strikes. When Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017, the national organization gained undeniable knowledge of the deadly risks. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under their watch. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference.
Lee County Application: Fraternities like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, or other national Greek organizations with chapters at schools attended by students from Lee County—such as Virginia Tech or Longwood—are all subject to the same scrutiny. We use our detailed intelligence database to expose their corporate structures, insurance policies, and history of violations. With dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority, we can pursue these national entities wherever they are headquartered.

5. The University or College

Why they’re liable: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place, making their premises liability undeniable. They also had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017, which means they had explicit knowledge of the risks. Their failure to implement effective oversight, despite clear warning signs, demonstrates institutional negligence.
Lee County Application: Whether it’s a state university like Virginia Tech, a private institution, or a smaller college, any educational institution near Lee County whose students are involved in hazing could be held liable. Their liability stems from:
- Failure to supervise: Not adequately monitoring Greek life or other student organizations.
- Failure to enforce policies: Having anti-hazing rules but not acting on them.
- Premises liability: If hazing occurs on university-controlled property.
- Knowledge of prior incidents: If a school has a history of hazing, they can’t claim ignorance for future events.
The UH Board of Regents: We specifically named the Board of Regents in our lawsuit to ensure the highest level of institutional accountability. This applies to the governing bodies of any university whose students are affected by hazing.

6. Insurance Companies

Why they’re liable: Ultimately, the largest payouts in hazing cases often come from insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and even individual members (e.g., homeowner’s insurance). As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know precisely how these policies are structured and how to compel insurance companies to pay out maximum compensation.
Lee County Application: We target every available insurance policy to ensure all avenues for compensation are explored for families in Lee County.

Our legal strategy is always multi-faceted. We don’t just sue one entity; we look for every possible responsible party, because accountability at every level is the only way to truly curb this crisis. For families in Lee County, this comprehensive approach means that if your child has been subjected to hazing, we will relentlessly pursue all liable individuals and institutions, just as we are doing in the Bermudez case.

Justice Has a Price: Multi-Million Dollar Precedents

For families in Lee County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the path to justice can seem daunting. Yet, history has shown us that confronting these powerful institutions is not only possible but can lead to multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear and unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated. These documented cases serve as powerful precedents, demonstrating that justice is achievable and that the same legal strategies we employ can secure significant compensation for victims from Lee County.

Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case is not an arbitrary figure. It is firmly rooted in the outcomes of landmark hazing cases across the nation.

1. Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) — Over $10 Million

The tragic death of Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio, sent shockwaves across the country. In March 2021, during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event, Stone was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.

His family achieved a combined total resolution of over $10.1 million. This included a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National Fraternity and its individual members. In a significant and very recent development, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was also awarded against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president who oversaw the hazing, proving individuals can be held personally liable for their actions.

Relevance for Lee County Families: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities pay significant sums for hazing injuries and deaths. Furthermore, it shows that individual perpetrators, like those involved in hazing students from Lee County, can face massive personal financial consequences.

2. Maxwell Gruver at Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict

In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University (LSU), died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for every wrong answer to fraternity questions. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.

A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million in a civil lawsuit. This case also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense and imposing stricter penalties.

Relevance for Lee County Families: This jury verdict is crucial. It proves that when cases go to trial, juries are willing to award substantial compensation to hazing victims. It also highlights how these tragedies drive legislative change, enhancing protections against similar abuses that might occur in Lee County.

3. Timothy Piazza at Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — Over $110 Million

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old at Penn State University, tragically died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual involving “the gauntlet,” where pledges were forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Piazza suffered multiple falls, including down a flight of stairs, due to extreme intoxication. Frat members waited a staggering 12 hours before calling for help, during which time he suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, including security camera footage of the entire horrifying ordeal, Penn State and Beta Theta Pi paid a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million. The incident also resulted in criminal charges against 18 fraternity members, with multiple convictions and prison sentences. Pennsylvania subsequently passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in his memory.

Relevance for Lee County Families: While the Bermudez case involves severe injury, not death, the Piazza case illustrates the massive liability faced by institutions when evidence of egregious conduct is undeniable. Our in-depth investigation attempts to build a similarly irrefutable case for students from Lee County.

4. Andrew Coffey at Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Significant Confidential Settlement

Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge at Florida State University, died from alcohol poisoning in November 2017 during a “Big Brother Night” hazing event at a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.

This is the SAME national fraternity involved in our Leonel Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. His family reached a significant confidential settlement.

Relevance for Lee County Families: The Andrew Coffey case is a smoking gun for our Bermudez lawsuit. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had explicit knowledge of deadly hazing within its chapters as far back as 2017. Their failure to prevent an identical pattern of abuse eight years later is not merely negligent; it represents a conscious indifference that strengthens the case for substantial punitive damages against this national organization, which also has a presence near Lee County’s colleges and universities.

5. Adam Oakes at Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) — Over $4 Million Settlement

In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), died after a Delta Chi fraternity hazing event involving forced alcohol consumption. The lawsuit, originally filed for $28 million, resulted in a settlement of over $4 million in October 2024. This included a cash settlement to his parents and a significant donation to the “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which works to end hazing. Virginia also passed “Adam’s Law” in response, strengthening anti-hazing legislation.

Relevance for Lee County Families: This recent, significant settlement underscores the ongoing readiness of both institutions and juries to award millions in hazing cases, even for non-death outcomes. The Oakes family’s pursuit of justice, similarly, led to new legislation, showing the power of these cases. Students from Lee County who attend universities in Virginia and other southern states are at particular risk, making this relevant.

A Powerful Message to Lee County:

These cases send an undeniable message: Hazing is not a cultural relic; it is a clear and present danger that will financially ruin the individuals and institutions responsible. For students from Lee County who have suffered hazing, these precedents show that a path to justice and significant compensation exists. We are prepared to bring this same level of aggressive, data-driven advocacy to your case, just as we did for the families in these landmark rulings. We are fighting this fight now, and we’ll fight it for you with the same intensity.

Texas Law Protects You: What Lee County Families Need to Know

While our efforts extend nationwide, our firm is rooted in Texas, a state with strong anti-hazing laws that empower victims and their families. For families in Lee County, it’s crucial to understand that even if the hazing occurred outside of Texas, most states have similar laws, and federal civil rights claims apply everywhere. We can leverage these laws, combined with our federal court authority, to pursue justice relentlessly, no matter where the hazing took place.

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

Texas has one of the most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes in the nation, providing a powerful legal framework for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.

What Exactly is Hazing Under Texas Law? (§ 37.151)

The law defines hazing broadly 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… if the act:”

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
Endangers mental or physical health: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like Leonel being compelled to strip in cold weather and hosed), confinement, or extreme calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats that led to kidney failure).
Involves forced consumption: Making students consume food, liquids, alcohol, drugs, or other substances, other than as a criminal offense, to an “unreasonable risk of harm.” This directly applies to Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting.
Violates the Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to commit a criminal offense.
Coerces alcohol/drug consumption: Forcing students to consume alcohol to the point of intoxication or any drug.

Lee County Relevance: Leonel Bermudez’s case satisfied multiple points of this definition, including physical brutality, endangering physical health, and forced consumption. The hazing your child experienced, whether in Virginia or elsewhere, almost certainly falls under such broad definitions, allowing for legal action.

Criminal Penalties: More Than Just Expulsion (§ 37.152)

Texas law imposes significant criminal penalties for hazing, escalating based on the severity of the harm:

Class B Misdemeanor: For simply engaging in, soliciting, or failing to report hazing. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under “serious bodily injury,” meaning those involved could face these charges.
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine. This underscores the severity of the act.

Lee County Relevance: The University of Houston spokesperson openly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in relation to Leonel’s hazing. This demonstrates that institutions recognize the criminal nature of such acts. Similar criminal statutes exist in Virginia and most other states, providing a parallel track for justice.

Organizational Responsibility: Holding Groups Accountable (§ 37.153)

Organizations themselves can face penalties if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if an officer or any members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of operating privileges on campus, and forfeiture of property.

Lee County Relevance: This directly applies to the local chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and the national organization in our case. It shows that Greek life organizations near Lee County, if found liable, can face severe institutional consequences beyond civil lawsuits.

The Unambiguous Truth: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas’s anti-hazing law, and it directly combats one of the most common, manipulative defenses used by hazing perpetrators:

“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.”

Lee County Relevance: Fraternities, schools, and individual members frequently argue that pledges “knew what they were getting into” or “could have left.” Texas law explicitly rejects this argument. Leonel Bermudez, or any student from Lee County, cannot legally consent to be waterboarded, beaten, or forced to consume until vomiting. This legislative intent applies psychologically everywhere: real consent is impossible in a coercive hazing environment.

Reporting Requirements for Universities (§ 37.155)

Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor.

Lee County Relevance: This requirement ensures public accountability and forces universities to acknowledge hazing. It also creates a paper trail that can be used in civil lawsuits against institutions that fail to act or report.

Civil Liability: Beyond the Criminal Code

Beyond criminal charges and organizational penalties, Lee County victims can pursue extensive civil lawsuits to recover damages for their suffering. We can use multiple legal theories to hold all responsible parties accountable:

Negligence Claims: The core of most personal injury cases. We prove that the defendants (university, national fraternity, individuals) had a duty of care to protect your child, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this directly caused your child’s injuries.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH) or another entity, that owner has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when institutions (like national fraternities or universities) fail to adequately supervise their chapters or student organizations, allowing dangerous hazing to occur.
Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be directly sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact (e.g., waterboarding, paddling).
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For conduct so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional trauma (e.g., psychological torture, prolonged humiliation).
Wrongful Death: If hazing tragically leads to a student’s death, families can pursue significant compensation for their profound loss, as seen in cases like Max Gruver and Stone Foltz.

For families in Lee County, understanding these laws means recognizing that powerful legal tools exist to fight back. We will meticulously analyze the specific details of your child’s hazing incident, identify every liable party, and apply the most effective legal theories to secure maximum compensation and accountability.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Choice for Lee County Families

When hazing shatters your family’s world, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the unique complexities of these cases, and for families in Lee County, we are that advocate. Attorney911 combines deep legal expertise with an aggressive, data-driven approach, all delivered with profound empathy for victims and their families. We distinguish ourselves from other firms through crucial advantages that directly benefit families in Lee County.

1. Active Litigation: We’re In the Fight Right Now

The Proof: Our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and the University of Houston, is not theoretical; it’s a live legal battle. This isn’t just a hazing injury case; it’s a case involving waterboarding, brutal physical abuse, and life-threatening medical complications. We are actively engaging in discovery, fighting defense tactics, and building a case that demands justice for Leonel.
What it means for Lee County: You’re not hiring a firm that hopes to handle hazing cases; you’re hiring one that is currently winning them. The strategies, expert network, and lessons learned from the Bermudez case are immediately applicable to your child’s case, regardless of whether it’s in Virginia or further afield.

2. Forefront of Hazing Litigation: Specialized Expertise

Deep Case Knowledge: We have in-depth experience with rhabdomyolysis injuries, which Leonel suffered. We understand the specific medical and legal aspects of these severe, exertion-induced traumas.
Institutional Knowledge: We have successfully litigated against national fraternity organizations and universities, understanding their internal structures, defense strategies, and vulnerabilities.
Lee County Relevance: Whether hazing involves forced alcohol, physical abuse, or psychological torment, our specialized knowledge allows us to quickly identify key legal theories and targets specific to fraternities and organizations your child may encounter.

3. Insider Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña: Both our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers. They spent years working on the other side, defending insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims. Lupe, particularly, served at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, seeing firsthand how large insurance companies “value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.”
What it means for Lee County: They know the insurance companies’ playbooks, their tactics to lowball victims, delay claims, and wear down plaintiffs. This insider knowledge is an unfair advantage for you, allowing us to anticipate defense moves and build an unassailable case for your Lee County family.

4. Nationwide Reach: Justice Without Borders

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, including the Southern District of Texas. This enables us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or incidents crossing state lines.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when confronting national fraternities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in states connected to New York City.
Willingness to Travel: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Lee County for depositions, important meetings, and trials, ensuring your child receives personal, dedicated representation.
Remote Consultation Technology: For families in Lee County who may find it challenging to travel, we offer secure video consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with us from the comfort and privacy of your home.
What it means for Lee County: No matter where your child attends college—whether in Virginia, a neighboring state, or anywhere else in the country—we have the legal authority and commitment to bring our expertise directly to your case.

5. Data-Driven Litigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database

Comprehensive Data: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas. This includes over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations, with their EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, alumni chapters, and detailed insurance structures.
Example from our database: We track entities like “Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc” (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas) the very entity behind the UH chapter we are suing.
Scale of the Problem: Our data shows 188 Greek-related organizations in the Houston metro alone, 510 in Dallas-Fort Worth, and 1,423 across 25 Texas metro areas. These include undergraduate chapters, housing corporations, alumni groups, and professional fraternities.
What it means for Lee County: When hazing happens, we already know who to sue. We target not just the undergraduate chapter but all the financial entities that support it, from national headquarters to local housing corporations. This meticulous approach means we quickly identify every liable party, ensuring that powerful, well-funded organizations cannot escape accountability due to complex corporate structures. The same national organizations we track in Texas also have chapters at institutions near Lee County.

6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach

Parent-Facing Empathy: We understand this is a traumatic time. Our team is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping. We treat families in Lee County like our own.
Contingency Fees: The last thing a family facing a hazing crisis needs is financial burden. We take hazing cases on contingency: you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and allows families in Lee County to pursue justice without financial risk.
Social Proof and Media Recognition: With a 4.9-star rating on Google from over 250 reviews and extensive media coverage for our high-profile cases (including the Bermudez case featured on ABC13 and KHOU 11), our track record speaks for itself.

7. Proven Track Record Against Major Defendants

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic 2005 refinery explosion. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants and complex, high-stakes litigation—the same skills directly applicable to hazing cases against large universities and national organizations.
Hundreds of Criminal and Civil Cases: Our attorneys have a proven track record, including numerous successful DUI/DWI defenses where Ralph exposed improperly maintained breathalyzers and utilized video evidence to secure dismissals. This aggressive, evidence-challenging approach is exactly what’s needed to dismantle the defenses often employed in hazing investigations.

For families in Lee County, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is actively engaged in the fight, understands the enemy from the inside out, possesses the data to locate and pursue every liable party, and brings an unmatched level of dedication to holding hazing perpetrators and enablers accountable.

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

If your child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While panic, anger, and feelings of helplessness are natural, taking decisive and informed actions can significantly impact the strength and outcome of a potential legal claim. For families in Lee County, it’s essential to act quickly and strategically.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Remove Your Child from Danger: If your child is still in a hazing environment, remove them immediately. This cannot wait.
Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if your child isn’t visibly injured or believes they are “fine,” get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms but require urgent treatment. Delaying medical attention can not only harm your child’s health but also weaken any future legal claim, as defense attorneys will argue that the injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant immediate care. Be sure to tell medical staff exactly how the injuries occurred.
Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts profound psychological trauma. Seek counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional. Documenting this emotional injury is just as important as documenting physical harm.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence

This is paramount. Hazing perpetrators and institutions will attempt to destroy, hide, or downplay evidence. What might seem insignificant now could be crucial later. Think of it as building a time capsule of their experience.

Medical Records: Obtain every piece of medical documentation: emergency room reports, doctors’ notes, hospital discharge summaries (like Leonel’s 3-night, 4-day hospitalization records), lab results (especially for conditions like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning), physical therapy notes, and mental health counseling records.
Photos and Videos:
- Injuries: Take clear photographs of your child’s injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, rashes, swelling) at every stage of healing, from immediately after the incident through recovery.
- Hazing Environment: If possible and safe, take photos or videos of the locations where hazing occurred – fraternity houses, basements, fields, etc.
- Evidence: Document any physical evidence: items used in hazing, discarded alcohol containers, any restraints, or unusual objects.
Digital Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. Do NOT delete anything.
- Screenshots: Take screenshots of ALL relevant text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger conversations, emails, or any other digital communication that discusses the hazing, upcoming events, threats, or disciplinary actions. Screenshots preserve timestamps and sender/receiver information.
- Saved Data: Back up phone data if possible.
Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, participated in it, or heard about it. This includes other pledges, fraternity members, and even bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Fraternity/Organization Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “big/little” pairing information, or other documents given to your child related to their membership or initiation.
Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing: medical bills, travel for treatment, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s academic performance, such as missed classes, failing grades, or loss of scholarships.

Step 3: Crucial “Do NOTs”

These actions can severely harm your case or put your child at further risk:

DO NOT Delete Anything: Digital evidence is easily lost forever. Deleting messages, posts, or photos can be seen as destruction of evidence, which can severely damage your claim.
DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers: They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect themselves and minimize liability. Any statements you or your child make can be twisted and used against you. Refer all inquiries to your attorney.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their representatives without consulting with an experienced hazing attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights or jeopardize your claim.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you or your child posts on social media can and will be used against you. Avoid discussing the incident, your feelings about it, or even posting pictures of your child looking “well” if they are supposed to be recovering. If you were hazed in Lee County, keep it off social media.
DO NOT Confront Perpetrators Alone: This can escalate the situation, potentially create new legal issues, and compromise evidence. Let legal professionals handle any interactions.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most critical step after ensuring physical safety. There is a statute of limitations (typically two years from the date of injury or discovery) for filing civil lawsuits. Every day that passes can make evidence harder to find and memories less reliable.

Free Consultation: We offer a free, confidential consultation to families in Lee County. This is your chance to understand your legal options without any financial commitment.
Contingency Fee Basis: We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows you to pursue justice against well-funded institutions.
Expert Guidance: Our attorneys will manage every aspect of your case, from preserving evidence to negotiating with powerful defendants and, if necessary, taking your case to trial. We know the tricks insurance companies and university legal teams use, and we know how to counter them.

For worried parents in Lee County, finding this information at 2 AM means you are taking the first brave steps toward protecting your child and preventing future tragedies. We are ready to answer your call.

Take Action Now: Call Attorney911

If your family in Lee County is reeling from the trauma of a hazing incident, know this: you are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by yourselves. What happened to your child was not a harmless prank; it was a violation, an assault, and potentially a crime. We are here to transform your pain and outrage into powerful action, holding every responsible party accountable.

Our firm, Attorney911, is actively fighting the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit, a case involving waterboarding, extreme physical abuse, and life-threatening medical conditions. We are already in the trenches, aggressively pursuing justice against a national fraternity and a major university. This is not theoretical experience; this is real, current, hard-fought litigation. We bring this same level of fierce, data-driven advocacy to every family we represent, including those in Lee County.

Lee County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice. We Offer:

Immediate and Aggressive Help: We understand the urgency. We move first, fast, and decisively to preserve evidence and build your case.
Unparalleled Expertise: Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers who understand how the opposition strategizes. We know their playbook and use it to your advantage.
Nationwide Reach: While headquartered in Houston, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue national fraternities and universities anywhere in the country, including those frequented by students from Lee County. We offer remote consultations and will travel to Lee County for depositions, meetings, and trials when your case demands it.
Data-Driven Advantage: Our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Database helps us quickly identify all liable entities, from national organizations to local housing corporations and individual members.
No Upfront Costs: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This means financial concerns should never prevent you from seeking justice.

If Your Child From Lee County Has Been Hazed: Call Us Now.

The clock is ticking. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass. Do not let fear or uncertainty prevent you from securing the justice and compensation your child deserves.

📞 Your Legal Emergency Hotline is 1-888-ATTY-911

We are available 24/7 for families in Lee County and across the nation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Don’t let them get away with it. We are here to fight for you.

About Our Firm:

Attorney911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We are dedicated to providing aggressive and immediate legal assistance for all legal emergencies, with a specialized focus on college fraternity and sorority hazing incidents. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, has decades of combined courtroom experience and a proven track record of fighting for victims against powerful institutions. We serve families nationwide, bringing our expertise to hazing victims in Lee County, Virginia, and throughout America.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a FREE, confidential consultation. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you get paid.