If you’re reading this in Nottoway County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make friends and forge lifelong bonds. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and left seriously injured by the very people who promised them brotherhood or sisterhood. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperate search for answers that brings you here at all hours of the night. Here at Attorney911, we are here to help families in Nottoway County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our schools and universities.

We are not just a law firm that talks about hazing; we are actively engaged in the fight right now. Just weeks ago, in November 2025, our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical case study for us; this is our life’s work, representing everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The case of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was brutally hazed to the point of kidney failure before he even officially enrolled at the University of Houston, is a stark warning. What happened to Leonel in Houston can happen to a student from Nottoway County attending college in Virginia or anywhere else in America. Hazing is a national crisis, and the institutions—the national fraternities, the local chapters, and the universities—are consistently failing to protect our children. We are here to ensure that Nottoway County families have a voice, that their children’s suffering is acknowledged, and that those responsible are held fully accountable.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Nottoway County Families: This is what hazing looks like today, and this is what we do about it. The harrowing story of Leonel Bermudez is not just an isolated incident; it’s a testament to a broken system and a call to action. While this occurred in Houston, the same destructive patterns and the same national fraternities operate at universities that students from Nottoway County attend. The same institutional negligence that allowed Leonel to suffer can be found at campuses across Virginia and throughout the country. We are ready to bring the same aggressive, data-driven approach we are using in this $10 million lawsuit to seek justice for Nottoway County families.

As Seen in the News: Our Fight for Justice

This is a live, ongoing battle, and the media has taken notice. Our firm has been featured across major news outlets, detailing the horrific abuse Leonel endured and our firm’s commitment to holding all responsible parties accountable.

• ABC13 Houston: On November 21-22, 2025, ABC13 published their report, “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” They featured direct quotes from our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, detailing the victim’s journey and fear of retribution.
• KHOU 11: On November 21, 2025, KHOU 11 covered the story, declaring, “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” They were the first to identify Leonel Bermudez by name and revealed crucial details, including the university’s ownership of the fraternity house and allegations of a national “hazing crisis.”
• Houston Chronicle: On November 22, 2025, the Houston Chronicle dedicated coverage to the “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit,” providing specific, gut-wrenching details of the physical activities Leonel was forced to endure, including “high-volume suicides” and being struck with wooden paddles.
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, Houston Public Media delivered a comprehensive report, “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing,” confirming the $10 million figure and highlighting the deeply disturbing nature of the abuse.

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” effectively admitting to violations and confirming the chapter’s dissolution just days before our lawsuit was filed.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez’s Story

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who planned to enroll in the Spring 2026 semester. He was a young man seeking connection and community. What he found instead were weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that pushed his body to its breaking point.

Attorney Ralph Manginello described the horrifying aftermath to ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical exertion.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, articulated the firm’s mission: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This is why we fight for Leonel, and this is why we will fight for your child from Nottoway County.

The Horrific Reality: What Hazing Looks Like Today

The hazing Leonel endured far transcends any notion of harmless pranks or tradition. It was calculated, prolonged abuse designed to break down a young man mentally and physically. These are not isolated acts; they are rituals ingrained in a dangerous fraternity culture that jeopardizes students from Nottoway County to Houston and beyond.

• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” pledges sprayed directly in the face while performing calisthenics. This is a technique condemned as torture when used against enemy combatants; it should never be inflicted upon a college student.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific display of cruelty, he was “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Hazing sessions included over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while being pushed past his limits. The torturous sessions continued until he was so exhausted he “could not stand without help.” The lawsuit also explicitly details “being struck with wooden paddles.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with sexually degrading objects. Other pledges were hog-tied face-down with objects in their mouths. Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and threatened with expulsion if they did not comply. This relentless psychological pressure and degradation leaves deep, lasting scars.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his overall exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s body reacted violently to this sustained assault. Upon hospitalization, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. A tell-tale sign, documented in the lawsuit, was him “passing brown urine,” a clear indicator of muscle breakdown. The severity of his condition led to acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that required intensive medical intervention during his four-day hospital stay. While Leonel survived, the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains a terrifying possibility. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understanding the intricate medical and legal nuances required to prove these complex injuries.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Avoidance

The actions and statements of both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters after Leonel’s hospitalization speak volumes:

• University of Houston’s Statement: A UH spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… Any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission that egregious conduct occurred and violated university rules.
• Pi Kappa Phi National’s Statement: Their own website declared the Beta Nu Chapter closed effective November 14, 2025—just seven days before our lawsuit was filed. They cited “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” What’s chilling is their concluding remark: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time…” This shows a clear lack of genuine remorse or accountability, instead focusing on damage control and eventually re-establishing their presence.

The rapid closure of the chapter and the carefully worded statements demonstrate that both institutions knew the severity of the situation and immediately moved to mitigate their legal exposure. Our firm alleges that both the national organization and the university had knowledge of a “hazing crisis” and a documented pattern of similar incidents, yet failed to act.

This Is Why We Fight for Nottoway County Families

The Bermudez case is a live example of what Attorney911 does. We investigate tirelessly, uncovering every layer of responsibility from individual perpetrators to national organizations and ultimately, the universities that allow these cultures to fester. We leverage every piece of evidence to build an unassailable case.

Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including those at universities where students from Nottoway County may attend. The fact that they had a student death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU), and now Leonel’s hospitalization in 2025, highlights a pattern of systemic failure. The University of Houston also had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017, demonstrating their own pattern of negligence.

Nottoway County parents send their children to college with dreams of a brighter future, never imagining they might be subjected to such brutality. We are here to tell you that these are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a national crisis enabled by institutions that prioritize reputation and convenience over student safety. If your child has been hazed, know that Attorney911 is ready to stand with you, to fight for justice, and to ensure accountability, just as we are doing for Leonel Bermudez.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as harmless fun, “boys being boys,” or a rite of passage. But the reality, as evidenced by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. Hazing is a form of systematic abuse, a violation of human dignity, and in many instances, a criminal act. This is not about building character or bonding; it is about power, control, and the infliction of pain and humiliation. For families in Nottoway County considering college Greek life or student organizations, understanding the true nature of hazing is critical.

The Disturbing Face of Modern Hazing

The activities described in Leonel’s lawsuit are not unique. They mirror incidents that have led to hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and deaths nationwide. Hazing tactics can be broadly categorized, but often combine elements to maximize control and suffering:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond light calisthenics. It includes forced exercises to the point of collapse, beatings, paddling, branding, burning, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, and forced physical labor. Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 push-ups, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls until he couldn’t stand are perfect examples. The use of “wooden paddles” for striking is outright battery.
• Forced Consumption: This is a deadly tactic. It involves compelling individuals to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, food until vomiting, or even non-food items. The forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns by Leonel underscores the intentional cruelty. Forced binge drinking is a leading cause of hazing deaths, sickening students like Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey (from Leonel’s national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi).
• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This egregious form of torture involves restricting an individual’s breathing or simulating drowning. Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is a tactic designed to instill extreme fear and a sense of helplessness, and its use by a college fraternity is profoundly disturbing. As Houston Public Media noted, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: The mental and emotional scars of hazing can be as profound as physical injuries. This category includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, emotional manipulation, forced servitude, and sexual humiliation. Leonel being forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” and the hog-tying of another pledge with an object in his mouth are clear attempts at degradation and psychological torment. The threats of physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance create an environment of terror.
• Sleep Deprivation: Orchestrated exhaustion is a common hazing tool. Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, disrupting their sleep, or commanding them to perform tasks late at night or early in the morning compromises their judgment, health, and ability to resist. Leonel’s forced early-morning drives for fraternity members contributed directly to his exhaustion.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: While not explicitly detailed for Leonel, sexual abuse, forced nudity, and sexual acts are tragically common in hazing. The sexualized items Leonel was forced to carry point to a culture that normalizes sexual degradation.

The Hidden Dangers: Medical and Psychological Toll

The consequences of hazing are severe and often life-altering:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As Leonel’s case demonstrates, extreme physical exertion can lead to rhabdomyolysis, muscle breakdown, and life-threatening kidney failure. This requires immediate hospitalization and can result in permanent organ damage.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced binge drinking is responsible for numerous hazing deaths and permanent brain injuries each year.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Falls, blows to the head, or extreme physical stress can lead to TBI, with long-term cognitive and neurological impacts.
• Hypothermia/Heatstroke: Exposure to the elements without proper clothing or hydration can be deadly.
• Long-Term Psychological Trauma: Victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trust issues that can persist for years, affecting their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Leonel’s “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” is a stark reminder of this profound psychological impact.
• Death: Tragically, dozens of students have died from hazing since 2000, leaving families in Nottoway County and nationwide devastated.

The Broader Crisis: Statistics and Institutional Failure

The problem is widespread:

• Over half (55%) of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• More than 40% of student athletes report hazing.
• 95% of students who are hazed never report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misguided loyalty.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities; it occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and student clubs across all levels of education – from high school to graduate school.

Universities and national organizations are fully aware of this crisis. They have policies, “risk management plans,” and anti-hazing statements. Yet, time and again, these institutions fail to enforce their own rules, turning a blind eye until a tragedy occurs. Then, they resort to damage control tactics, suspending chapters and issuing carefully crafted public relations statements, just as Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston did. This pattern of willful negligence proves that for many institutions, protecting their brand takes precedence over protecting students.

For Nottoway County families, this means understanding that the institutions you trust to educate and safeguard your children may not be doing enough. We are here to hold them accountable, to expose the truth of what hazing really is, and to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing leaves a student from Nottoway County injured or worse, the question of who is responsible can seem overwhelming. It’s rarely just one person; hazing is often a systemic failure, implicating a cascade of individuals and organizations. At Attorney911, our data-driven approach and extensive experience in hazing litigation allow us to identify and pursue every single liable party, from the college student who threw the punch to the national fraternity with millions in assets, and the university that let it happen on their watch. We don’t guess; we know who is accountable.

Lessons from Leonel Bermudez’s Case: A Multi-Defendant Strategy

In the case of Leonel Bermudez, our $10 million lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants, demonstrating our strategy of broad accountability:

• The Local Fraternity Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is the direct perpetrator, the entity that organized and conducted the hazing. The chapter and its members are directly responsible for the abuse inflicted upon Leonel.
• Chapter Officers: Key individuals like the Fraternity President and the Pledgemaster are specifically named. They hold positions of power and direct responsibility for the activities of the chapter and the well-being of its pledges. Their leadership roles make their actions, or inactions, particularly liable.
• Individual Members: Every current member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in the hazing activities is a potential defendant. The lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity members, emphasizing that personal liability applies to those who engaged in the abuse.
• Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse are named because some of the “major hazing sessions” occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to individuals who may no longer be active students but facilitate hazing, and even to property owners who allow hazardous activities on their premises. This is a critical avenue for premises liability.
• The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): This is often one of the “deep pockets.” National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi have a duty to oversee their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. In Leonel’s case, our firm alleges the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” The fact that Pi Kappa Phi also had a student, Andrew Coffey, die from hazing in 2017 underscores their pattern of negligence and actual knowledge of the risks.
• The Fraternity Housing Corporation: Many fraternities own their chapter houses through separate entities known as housing corporations. If hazing occurs on properties managed by these corporations, they can be held liable for failing to prevent dangerous activities on their premises.
• The University (University of Houston): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, enforce their own policies, and provide a safe educational environment. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. This creates a direct premises liability claim. Furthermore, the university’s failure to supervise Greek life adequately, particularly given a prior hazing hospitalization at UH in 2017, demonstrates institutional negligence and a pattern of failing to protect its students.
• The University Board of Regents: As the governing body, the Board of Regents holds ultimate responsibility for the policies and operations of the university. Their inclusion as a defendant ensures that institutional oversight failures are addressed at the highest level.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and even local chapter, there are often layers of insurance policies providing coverage for liability. Our firm, with former insurance defense attorneys like Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, knows precisely how to identify these policies and negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle: Why Multi-Party Lawsuits Matter

While individual perpetrators might have limited assets, a hazing lawsuit aims to hold accountable the institutions with the financial means to compensate victims adequately and, more importantly, to effect real change. These “deep pockets” include:

• National Fraternities and Sororities: These organizations often possess multi-million dollar endowments, significant assets, and substantial liability insurance policies.
• Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions typically have large endowments, state funding, and extensive liability insurance coverage.
• Fraternity Housing Corporations: These entities often hold real estate assets that can be targeted in litigation.

It is crucial to understand that suing broke college kids is not the primary objective. The goal is to obtain justice for the victim by compelling accountability from those who had the power and responsibility to prevent the harm. When a multi-million dollar settlement or verdict comes down, it forces institutions to re-evaluate their policies, increase oversight, and invest in genuine hazing prevention.

Hazing Laws: Consent is NO Defense

For Nottoway County families, one of the most important aspects of hazing law is the explicit statutory rejection of the “consent” defense. In Texas, as in many states, consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges. Texas Education Code § 37.154 states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This means that arguments like “he knew what he signed up for,” “he could have left,” or “everyone else participated willingly” hold no legal weight. The law recognizes that the power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of social ostracism or retaliation inherent in hazing negate true consent. Hazing is often a crime (misdemeanor or felony depending on injury severity), and you cannot consent to be a victim of a crime.

At Attorney911, we are relentless in pursuing every liable party. We leverage our comprehensive intelligence database of Greek organizations and our deep understanding of regulatory landscapes and liability theories to build an unassailable case. For Nottoway County victims and their families, this means a thorough and aggressive pursuit of justice against everyone who played a role in the harm caused.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points

For Nottoway County families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the financial burden can be immense—medical bills, therapy costs, lost tuition, missed opportunities. Beyond the economic strain, there’s the immeasurable cost of pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary number; it’s grounded in legal precedent established by a series of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the nation. These landmark cases send a clear message: hazing is costly, and institutions that enable it will pay dearly.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Hazing Costs Millions

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual. He died from alcohol poisoning at just 20 years old.
   • The Outcome: His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and an additional $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and various individuals. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Critically, in December 2024, a jury ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay $6.5 million personally, underscoring individual accountability.
   • Relevance to Nottoway County: This case shows that both universities and national fraternities face significant financial liability. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent, demonstrating that even for serious injuries that do not result in death, the costs of hazing are substantial.
2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
   • What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC over six times the legal limit after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million in damages. The incident also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide against a fraternity member, and spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Relevance to Nottoway County: This verdict powerfully demonstrates that juries are willing to award millions to victims of hazing, sending a clear message against reckless behavior. It also highlights how these tragedies can lead to stricter anti-hazing legislation, protecting students from Nottoway County and beyond.
3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, 19, suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and he later died. Security cameras captured the entire horrific incident.
   • The Outcome: The Piazza family reached multiple confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million. Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
   • Relevance to Nottoway County: This case illustrates the massive financial and legal repercussions when there is clear evidence of egregious conduct and institutional failure. It sets a benchmark for the scale of accountability we pursue when representing hazing victims.
4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Leonel Bermudez
   • What Happened: In November 2017, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University.
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing, and FSU’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
   • Relevance to Nottoway County: This case is particularly damning for the Pi Kappa Phi national organization named in Leonel’s lawsuit. It proves that the national fraternity knew their chapters engaged in deadly hazing rituals for eight years prior to Leonel’s hospitalization, yet failed to prevent a similar incident. This pattern of negligence strengthens our argument for substantial punitive damages.
5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
   • What Happened: In February 2021, 19-year-old Adam Oakes died of alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU where he was forced to consume a large bottle of whiskey.
   • The Outcome: The Oakes family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which settled for over $4 million in October 2024. Six fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the Oakes family successfully advocated for Adam’s Law in Virginia, strengthening anti-hazing regulations.
   • Relevance to Nottoway County: This recent settlement highlights continued substantial recoveries for hazing deaths and reinforces how these cases lead to legal reform, benefiting all students, including those from Nottoway County.

The Power of Precedent for Nottoway County Victims

These multi-million dollar outcomes are not isolated anomalies. They are clear signals to universities and national organizations that the era of impunity for hazing is over. When Attorney911 takes on a hazing case for a Nottoway County family:

• We establish the pattern of prior incidents, demonstrating that the institutions knew or should have known about the risks.
• We leverage these multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to demand fair compensation, proving what similar cases have yielded.
• We seek not only compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering) but also punitive damages to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing.
• Our expertise against massive corporations, honed in cases like the BP Texas City explosion, means we are unafraid to take on large universities and national organizations that resist accountability.

For Nottoway County families, these precedents mean that aggressive legal action can secure substantial justice and enforce the change needed to protect future students. The same legal strategies, the same unwavering commitment, and the same pursuit of maximum accountability that led to these outcomes will be brought to bear on your child’s case.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Hazing Cases

For Nottoway County families, navigating the legal complexities surrounding hazing can be daunting. While your child may have been hazed in Virginia or another state, Texas law, where we operate as Attorney911, provides a robust framework that mirrors or surpasses hazing laws across many jurisdictions. The core principles of legal responsibility and accountability are similar nationwide. More importantly, our firm’s federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims regardless of location.

Let’s break down the key legal protections that are central to securing justice for hazing victims.

The Texas Anti-Hazing Law: A Strong Foundation

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing legislation in the nation, providing both criminal penalties and a clear legal definition that aids civil lawsuits.

Texas Education Code § 37.151 Delineates What Constitutes Hazing:

This statute defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of membership that endangers their mental or physical health or safety. The law specifically lists several categories of prohibited acts:

1. Physical Brutality: This includes “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.” Leonel Bermudez being “struck with wooden paddles” falls directly under this.
2. Harmful Activities: This covers “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel’s 500 squats, 100+ push-ups, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls—leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—are prime examples of this. Forced early morning drives causing exhaustion also apply.
3. Forced Consumption: This includes “a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel being forced to eat hot dogs, milk, and peppercorns until vomiting is explicitly prohibited here. The “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose” could also fall under this as it directly affects physical health and safety.
4. Violations of the Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to perform a task involving a violation of criminal law.
5. Coerced Consumption of Drugs or Excessive Alcohol: Specifically targets forced drug or alcohol use to the point of intoxication.

The acts committed against Leonel Bermudez—from the simulated waterboarding and forced eating to the extreme physical exertion and being struck with paddles—satisfy multiple elements of this statute, unequivocally establishing that he was hazed under Texas law.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law provides for serious criminal consequences for hazing:

• Engaging in hazing or failing to report it carries Class B Misdemeanor charges.
• Hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• Hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony, carrying 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s statement acknowledging “potential criminal charges” after Leonel’s incident underscores this reality.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also holds organizations accountable: “An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means local chapters, and potentially national organizations, can face fines, denial of operation rights, and forfeiture of property.

The Critical “Consent is Not a Defense” Clause (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most vital aspect of Texas hazing law for victims and their families. It explicitly states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This powerfully rebuts the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to it,” “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left at any time.” The Texas legislature recognized the intense pressure, coercion, and fear that pledges face, effectively rendering “consent” meaningless in the context of hazing. For Nottoway County parents, this means your child’s willingness to participate does not absolve the perpetrators or institutions of their fault.

Beyond Texas: Understanding Civil Liability Nationwide

While the specifics of state laws vary, the fundamental legal theories that allow hazing victims and their families in Nottoway County to seek justice are remarkably consistent across the country:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common civil theory. It argues that the university, national fraternity, local chapter, or individuals failed in their duty to protect the student (e.g., duty to provide a safe environment, duty to supervise, duty to enforce policies). Their breach of this duty directly caused the injuries, leading to damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house), they have a duty to maintain safe premises and prevent dangerous activities.
3. Negligent Supervision/Retention: This applies when an organization (like a national fraternity or a university Greek life office) fails to adequately supervise its members or retains individuals or chapters known to have engaged in prior hazing incidents. The University of Houston’s prior hazing incident in 2017 and Pi Kappa Phi National’s history, including Andrew Coffey’s death, are powerful evidence of negligent supervision.
4. Assault and Battery: Direct participants in physical hazing acts can be sued for intentional torts like assault (placing a person in fear of harmful contact) and battery (unwanted physical contact). Waterboarding, paddling, and forced exercise can all qualify.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological harm caused by outrageous and extreme conduct. The psychological torture described in Leonel’s case unequivocally meets this standard.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that hazing leads to a student’s death, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their profound loss.

Attorney911’s Advantage: Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licenses

Even if your Nottoway County child was hazed outside of Texas, our firm is uniquely positioned to help:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority can sometimes allow us to litigate cases in federal court, which offers broader jurisdiction for cases involving institutions in multiple states or significant damages.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities or universities with operations or headquarters in different states. It signals our capacity to extend our reach beyond Texas borders.
• Nationwide Expertise: The theories of liability, the precedents from multi-million dollar cases, and the strategies for holding institutions accountable are universally applicable. We bring our aggressive litigation tactics to Nottoway County and other communities across the country.

For Nottoway County families, these legal protections and our firm’s legal capabilities mean that there are powerful avenues for justice. We are here to interpret these laws, apply them to your unique situation, and relentlessly pursue accountability for the harm your child has suffered.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Nottoway County

When your child from Nottoway County becomes a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need fierce advocates who understand the trauma, possess a deep knowledge of hazing litigation, and are equipped to take on powerful institutions. Attorney911 is not just a law firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a proven track record of aggressive representation, a data-driven approach, and an unwavering commitment to justice for hazing victims and their families in Nottoway County and across the nation.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys for YOU

One of our most potent weapons is the insider knowledge held by our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Peña. Both Mr. Manginello and Mr. Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage we now bring to the side of victims.

• Ralph P. Manginello: Ralph honed his skills battling insurance claims from the defense side. He learned their tactics, their strategies, and their methods for minimizing payouts. Now, he dismantles those very defenses to maximize recovery for our clients. His experience in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation, including the BP Texas City explosion, proves his capability in taking on massive corporate defendants – precisely the kind of power needed to face national fraternities and major universities. Ralph’s background as a journalist also makes him exceptionally skilled at uncovering facts and telling compelling stories in court, something vital in exposing what institutions want to hide. As a father of three, he deeply understands the emotional stakes for Nottoway County families.
• Lupe Eleno Peña: Mr. Peña’s experience at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, gave him firsthand insight into how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to delay or deny payouts. He knows their internal playbook—the manipulation tactics they use to lowball victims. Now, he applies that battlefield intelligence to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the defense, ensuring Nottoway County victims receive full compensation. His fluency in Spanish also ensures that Hispanic families in Nottoway County can communicate freely and feel fully represented.

Together, Ralph and Lupe embody a counter-intelligence system for victims. They know how the other side thinks because they were the other side. This critical insight translates into higher leverage and stronger negotiation positions for your hazing case.

Our Commitment to Nottoway County: Beyond the Battlefield

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to hazing victims extends far beyond Texas borders. We actively serve Nottoway County and communities nationwide through:

• Federal Court Authority: Both Mr. Manginello and Mr. Peña are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission provides the capability to litigate complex cases across state lines, a crucial aspect when dealing with national fraternities and multi-state university systems.
• Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure offers a strategic advantage, especially when a national fraternity or university’s operations or headquarters are located outside of Texas, strengthening our ability to bring legal pressure where it’s most effective.
• Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are committed to traveling to Nottoway County for depositions, client meetings, and trial, ensuring seamless, in-person representation when needed.
• Remote Consultations: We leverage technology to offer convenient video consultations for Nottoway County families who cannot travel, ensuring immediate access to expert legal advice.
• Bilingual Services: With Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff, we ensure that Spanish-speaking families in Nottoway County receive comprehensive legal guidance without language barriers. “Se Habla Español” is an integral part of our client service.

An Unwavering Stand Against Hazing

We don’t just file lawsuits; we take a stand. Hazing cases resonate deeply with our firm’s core values:

• Real Emotional Investment: We see your child as a person, not a case number. The stories of Leonel Bermudez, Andrew Coffey, and countless others fuel our passion for justice.
• Data-Driven Litigation: Our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Database, which tracks over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations, allows us to immediately identify corporate structures, national affiliations, and insurance coverages. We know who is behind the Greek letters, and we know who to sue.
• Track Record of Success: Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases, including prior hazing-related incidents and mass tort litigation against powerful corporate entities. This aggressive approach is precisely what’s needed to go toe-to-toe with universities and national fraternities.
• Community Roots: Ralph Manginello’s deep Texas roots (third-generation Texan like Lupe Peña), community involvement, and experience as a youth coach give him a keen understanding of team dynamics and the pressures young people face—the very environments where hazing often occurs.

What Our Clients Say About Us: A Foundation of Trust

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our outstanding reputation. With a 4.9-star rating based on over 250 Google reviews, Attorney911 consistently receives praise for our communication, aggressive representation, and empathetic approach. Clients describe us as treating them like family, and commend our tenacious fight for maximum settlements. For example, Chelsea Martinez said, “I am very grateful my previous attorney handed over my case to this firm,” while Chad Harris explained, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

In these challenging times, Nottoway County families need a law firm that understands not only the legal battlefield but also the emotional toll of hazing. We offer immediate, aggressive, and professional help, fighting for your child’s rights and ensuring that justice is served.

What To Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Nottoway County Families

Discovering your child has been subjected to hazing can be a profoundly frightening and infuriating experience. In that moment of crisis, immediate and decisive action is crucial to protect their health, preserve vital evidence, and secure their legal rights. For Nottoway County families, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can make all the difference in building a strong case.

Your Immediate Priorities: Safety and Medical Care

1. Ensure Immediate Safety: If your child is still in a hazing situation, remove them from it immediately. Their physical and psychological safety is paramount. Do not delay.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is the most critical step. Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, a medical evaluation is absolutely essential.
   • Call 911/Go to the ER: If there are any signs of severe injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s inability to move, brown urine, or collapse), severe pain, unconsciousness, alcohol poisoning, or any sexual assault, go to the emergency room immediately.
   • Document Everything: Ensure medical professionals document all injuries, symptoms, and your child’s account of what happened. This creates an official record that is invaluable legal evidence. Medical reports, diagnoses, and bills will be crucial supporting documents for your case.
   • Follow Doctor’s Orders: Adhere strictly to all medical advice, follow-up appointments, and prescribed treatments (physical therapy, counseling). Any deviation can be used by the defense to argue that injuries were not serious.

Evidence Preservation: Every Detail Matters

Hazing cases often hinge on compelling evidence. Fraternities and universities will quickly move to cover their tracks, so it is vital to collect and preserve everything you can, as soon as possible. As Ralph Manginello often emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

1. Document Injuries:
   • Photographs and Videos: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, signs of dehydration or exhaustion) as soon as they are visible. Continue taking photos as cuts heal or bruises fade to document the healing process.
   • Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of physical symptoms, pain levels, and any changes in your child’s physical and mental state.
2. Preserve Communications:
   • Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Emails: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Screenshots are critical. These private communications often contain explicit instructions, threats, details of hazing events, or admissions of guilt. This is frequently among the most powerful evidence.
   • Voicemails/Audio Recordings: Save any relevant voicemails or audio recordings.
3. Gather Witness Information: Note down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges who experienced it, or individuals who may have knowledge of the events. Their testimony can be invaluable.
4. Save Physical Evidence: If any physical items were involved (e.g., specific clothing, paddles, unique “pledge materials”), secure them if possible. Do not disturb potential crime scenes.
5. Look for Documents: Retain any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications from the organization, especially anything that contradicts their official anti-hazing policies.
6. Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work or internships), and any tuition or fees for academic terms that were disrupted.
7. Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, course withdrawals, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

What NOT to Do: Avoiding Critical Mistakes

Our firm regularly warns clients about common missteps that can severely damage their case. As Ralph Manginello explains in our “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), critical errors can undermine even the strongest claims:

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Do not delete text messages, social media posts, or any digital communications, even if they seem insignificant or embarrassing. The defense can claim you are hiding evidence.
• DO NOT Speak to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers: Do not make any statements, formal or informal, to the organization or institution’s representatives. They are not on your side; they are gathering information to defend themselves. Let your attorney handle all communications.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university administration without first consulting your attorney. You could unwittingly sign away your rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you (or your child) post on social media can and will be used against your case. Avoid discussing the incident, your injuries, or engaging in any activities that could be misconstrued (e.g., attending parties, social events). Just stay silent on social media.
• DO NOT Delay Seeking Legal Counsel: Time is of the essence. Memories fade, evidence disappears, and crucial deadlines (like the 2-year statute of limitations in most personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those that might apply to Nottoway County) can expire. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can issue preservation letters and begin our investigation.

Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Your first call after ensuring your child’s safety and medical care should be to an experienced hazing litigation attorney. We offer free, confidential consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers for Nottoway County families seeking justice.

We understand that speaking out can be intimidating, especially with fears of retribution mentioned by Leonel Bermudez’s family. But you are not alone. Attorney911 is here to protect your child, secure their rights, and hold every responsible party accountable.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Nottoway County

If your child in Nottoway County has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We know the fear, the anger, the confusion, and the overwhelming desire for justice. Attorney911 is your dedicated legal emergency services provider, ready to step in immediately, aggressively, and decisively. We are currently embroiled in a $10 million hazing lawsuit, demonstrating our active commitment to this fight. We will bring that same unwavering dedication and expertise to Nottoway County families.

Nottoway County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for Nottoway County victims too, no matter where in Virginia or the country your child attends college.

Nottoway County Families — Call Now for a FREE Consultation

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7. When you call, you’ll speak directly with experienced professionals who understand what you’re going through.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

We work on Contingency: For families in Nottoway County, there are absolutely $0 upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. You risk nothing by calling us.

Immediate Action for Nottoway County Hazing Victims:

1. Secure Medical Attention: If you haven’t already, please ensure your child receives immediate medical and psychological care. Document every visit, every diagnosis, and every bill.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence: Screenshots of texts, GroupMe chats, Instagram DMs, Snapchat stories, emails, photos, videos, physical objects like pledge books or “punishment” tools. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Evidence disappears quickly.
3. Silence is Golden: Do NOT speak with the fraternity/sorority, university administration, or their lawyers without consulting with us first. Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you say or post can be used against you.
4. Call Us Immediately: The clock is ticking. Most states, including Virginia, have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. Evidence is lost, memories fade, and opportunities for accountability diminish with every passing day.

Our Reach Extends to Nottoway County and Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, hazing is a national scourge, affecting students from Nottoway County, Virginia, to California. Our firm is uniquely equipped to serve hazing victims across the country:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases with broader jurisdiction, particularly against national organizations that operate in multiple states.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas AND New York, providing additional flexibility and strategic advantage in national litigation.
• Video Consultations: We routinely conduct secure, confidential video consultations, making it easy for Nottoway County families to meet with our legal team from the comfort of their home.
• Willingness to Travel: For key depositions, crucial client meetings, or trial, our team is committed to traveling to Nottoway County as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice for your child.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities in Nottoway County. We represent victims of hazing in:

• College fraternities and sororities in Virginia and beyond.
• Nottoway County sports teams (high school, club, and college).
• Marching bands and other performing arts organizations.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs, student associations, and any group that uses abuse as an “initiation” rite.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or your child were subjected to the same horrific treatment as Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, we know you are out there. Our client was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization. Others endured the waterboarding, the forced eating, the extreme physical abuse, and the psychological torment.

You have rights too. We can represent you and include your experience in our ongoing fight. As Lupe Peña 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.”

Call us. Let’s work together to bring them ALL to justice.

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

We’re not just fighting a lawsuit; we’re fighting to change a culture. Let our aggressive, experienced team fight for your Nottoway County family.