If you’re reading this, your family in Page County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to embark on an exciting new chapter. Instead, they were tortured. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Page County fight back.
We are Attorney 911, and we are actively engaged in the fight against brutal, life-altering hazing right now. Just weeks ago, in November 2025, we 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. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, force-fed until he vomited, hog-tied, and subjected to extreme physical torture until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis, an agonizing condition that leaves lasting health concerns. And tragically, Leonel wasn’t even a formally enrolled student at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer.
This isn’t a theoretical battle for us. This is an active, ongoing fight that demonstrates precisely what kind of firm Attorney 911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentlessly committed to pursuing accountability for hazing victims. What happened to Leonel in Houston can, and unfortunately does, happen at universities near Page County every single day. The same national fraternities operate here, the same pressures exist, and the same institutional failures allow these atrocities to occur. We are here to tell you that just as we are fighting for Leonel, we will fight for your child and your family in Page County with the same unwavering intensity.
The Haunting Reality: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today
When we talk about hazing, many parents in Page County might imagine harmless pranks or mild inconveniences, perhaps a little good-natured roughhousing. But the truth, the horrifying truth that we are confronting in our current litigation, is far darker. Hazing today is often systematic torture, designed to break down a young person physically and psychologically, shattering their spirit under the guise of “brotherhood” or “tradition.”
Let’s look at the horrific details from our lawsuit, not to shock, but to educate and empower you, the parents of Page County, to understand the reality your children might be facing:
- Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel Bermudez was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose. He was sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under threats of being waterboarded. This is a form of torture, globally condemned as a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. Yet, it was inflicted upon a college student wanting to join a fraternity.
- Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited profusely. Following this, he was made to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress. He was even forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass. This isn’t a game; it’s a degradation tactic that can cause serious health risks, including choking hazards.
- Extreme Physical Punishment: Our client endured 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. These excruciating exercises were often preceded by two-mile warmups and included repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He continued until he was so exhausted he could not stand without help. We also have reports of pledges being struck with wooden paddles.
- Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Beyond the physical abuse, our client was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge, during one session, was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to humiliate, degrade, and instill fear, leaving deep psychological wounds.
- Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: The pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and ensuring chronic exhaustion, which gravely impacts both physical and mental well-being.
This is not “boys being boys” or innocent pranks. This is systematic abuse that directly violates state laws and human dignity. For parents in Page County, this is the stark reality that can unfold behind closed doors. Whether your child attends James Madison University, Shenandoah University, or any of the numerous institutions across Virginia and beyond where Greek life thrives, these dangers are real. The same national fraternities that have chapters in Page County and surrounding areas are implicated in hazing deaths and injuries across the country.
The Silent Scourge: Why Hazing Continues
Hazing persists because of a culture of secrecy, fear, and institutional indifference.
- Secrecy: Pledges are often threatened with severe repercussions, including physical punishment or social ostracization, if they reveal hazing activities. This creates a wall of silence that allows abuse to flourish.
- Fear: Victims fear retaliation, not just from their peers, but also from the organization they hoped to join. They fear losing their social standing, their friendships, and the very “belonging” they sought. Leonel Bermudez himself is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a testament to this pervasive fear. For students in Page County away from home, this fear can be amplified.
- Institutional Indifference: Universities and national organizations often look the other way until a tragedy forces their hand. They have policies, but too often, they fail to enforce them. They prioritize maintaining good relations with powerful alumni and Greek chapters over strictly protecting student safety.
This tragic cycle is exactly why Attorney 911 exists. We are here to break that silence, dismantle that fear, and force accountability from the institutions that enable this brutality.
The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure
The physical torture Leonel Bermudez endured was not without devastating medical consequences. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Understanding this condition is crucial for any parent whose child has been subjected to extreme physical exertion or abuse.
What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a grave condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing harmful proteins like myoglobin into the bloodstream. These proteins can clog the kidneys, preventing them from filtering waste properly.
Leonel’s Symptoms:
- Excruciating Muscle Pain: Our client experienced intense, widespread muscle pain.
- Difficulty Walking: He could barely move and required assistance to stand.
- Brown Urine: This is a classic, alarming symptom (myoglobinuria), indicating myoglobin is present in the urine, directly pointing to muscle breakdown.
- High Creatine Kinase Levels: Blood tests revealed dangerously elevated levels of creatine kinase, a definitive marker of severe muscle damage.
- Acute Kidney Failure: The most life-threatening complication, where the kidneys cease to function properly.
Hospitalization and Long-Term Impact:
Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment. While he survived, rhabdomyolysis can be fatal and can lead to permanent kidney damage, even requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant in severe cases. This is not a “sore muscle” from an intense workout. This is a medical emergency caused by deliberate, prolonged physical abuse. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making us uniquely qualified to handle the complex medical and legal aspects of such injuries.
Who Is Responsible? We Sue Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It
One of the most powerful aspects of our approach at Attorney 911 is our comprehensive strategy for identifying and suing every single entity responsible for the hazing and resulting injuries. We don’t guess; we have a deeply researched, data-driven process that ensures no one — from the individual perpetrators to the highest levels of national organizations and universities — escapes accountability.
In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing justice from a wide array of defendants:
- The Local Chapter (Beta Nu of Pi Kappa Phi): This is the direct perpetrator, the entity that organized and executed the hazing activities. We hold them liable for the direct actions of their members.
- Chapter Officers: The fraternity president, the pledgemaster, and other leaders are named individually. They are held responsible for directing these activities, fostering the culture, and failing to protect pledges. Just as a Stone Foltz chapter president was personally liable for millions, these individuals face serious financial consequences.
- Individual Fraternity Members: All members who participated in, facilitated, or even witnessed and failed to stop the hazing are subject to our lawsuit. Every person involved in the torture of Leonel Bermudez will be held accountable.
- Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, former members and their spouses who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence are also named defendants. This expands the net of liability to anyone who provided premises or facilitated the abuse, even if they were not active student members.
- The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): This is often a “deep pocket” defendant. National fraternities are legally responsible for overseeing their chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and ensuring their members adhere to codes of conduct. When Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017, the national warned their chapters that they needed to address hazing. Yet, eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. This demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence and a failure to act despite actual knowledge of deadly hazing.
- The University (University of Houston): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and intervene. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had actual knowledge of the risks and failed to implement effective safeguards. When universities own the property where hazing occurs and ignore their responsibilities, they become deeply complicit.
- The University’s Board of Regents: As the governing body, they have ultimate oversight responsibility for the institution and its student life.
- Insurance Carriers: Behind every organizational and individual defendant are insurance policies, often carrying multi-million-dollar limits. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, strategize, and value claims. We know how to navigate their defenses and maximize recovery from these policies.
For Page County families, this means that even if the individual perpetrators are “just college kids” with limited assets, the university and the national fraternity organizations often have significant resources and extensive insurance coverage. It is our mission to leverage those resources to secure justice and substantial compensation for victims.
Multi-Million Dollar Proof: What These Cases Win for Victims
The tragedy of hazing is immense, but the legal system has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver significant justice. Families across the nation have successfully pursued multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases, proving that aggressive legal action can provide critically needed compensation and force systemic change. For families in Page County, these precedents are not just abstract numbers; they are proof that your fight is winnable, and that the value of your child’s suffering is recognized in the eyes of the law.
These landmark cases underscore that hazing costs institutions, national fraternities, and individuals millions. We have the receipts, and these same results are possible for victims in Page County.
Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha – Over $10.1 Million Total
In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing event and died from alcohol poisoning. His family achieved a total recovery exceeding $10.1 million, with nearly $3 million paid by the University and over $7 million from the national fraternity and individual members. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally. This case directly supports our $10 million demand, demonstrating that universities and fraternities are held to account for the same types of hazing incidents that injured Leonel. It also shows the serious personal liability for chapter officers.
Maxwell Gruver: Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta – $6.1 Million Verdict
In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU’s Phi Delta Theta chapter, died after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual. His blood alcohol content was 0.495, over six times the legal limit. A jury awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict. This case demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to deliver substantial verdicts. It also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing punishable by up to five years in prison.
Timothy Piazza: Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi – Over $110 Million Estimated
In February 2017, Timothy Piazza died after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity brothers waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. The family reached a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million, believed to be one of the largest hazing settlements in U.S. history. This case, with its strong security camera evidence, shows the monumental consequences for institutions when hazing is documented. It also led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, enhancing penalties and requiring hazing education.
Andrew Coffey: Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi – Tragic Death
In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event at Florida State University, just like our current client’s fraternity. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount was confidential, the fact that this deadly incident occurred within the very same national fraternity as Leonel Bermudez’s case is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that despite a prior death, the national organization failed to implement effective safeguards, showcasing a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference that directly supports punitive damages in our litigation.
Adam Oakes: Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi – Over $4 Million Settlement
In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old freshman at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, eventually reaching a settlement of over $4 million in October 2024. This recent settlement further illustrates the significant financial accountability institutions face for hazing. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring colleges to report hazing violations and provide hazing prevention education.
University of Houston’s Own History: Pi Kappa Alpha in 2017
Tragically, the University of Houston itself has a prior hazing history. In 2017, a student pledging Pi Kappa Alpha at UH was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing. A $1 million lawsuit was filed, and a grand jury indicted the national fraternity. This means that UH had actual knowledge of severe hazing on its campus eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This prior incident demonstrates a pattern of institutional failure and foreseeability, critical elements in establishing the University of Houston’s liability in our current lawsuit. For many universities in Page County, this institutional history of students being harmed is a devastating and legally significant detail.
Texas Law Protects You, Page County Families
For families in Page County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, similar anti-hazing statutes exist in most states, including Virginia. More importantly, fundamental principles of civil liability for negligence and intentional torts apply nationwide, giving us the legal authority to pursue justice for hazing victims anywhere in the country. Our federal court admissions also give us jurisdiction to handle cases whether they originate in Page County or anywhere else in the United States.
Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability
The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157, known as the Anti-Hazing Law, provides a strong foundation for civil and criminal action.
- Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining an organization, if that act Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, excessive calisthenics (like the 500 squats Leonel endured), forced consumption of food or alcohol, or any activity that violates the Penal Code. Our Bermudez case clearly satisfies multiple aspects of this broad legal definition.
- Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas. Engaging in hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. When hazing leads to death, it becomes a State Jail Felony. The University of Houston spokesperson even explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement regarding our case.
- Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, the law holds organizations accountable. Chapters can be fined, denied permission to operate, and even forfeit property if they condone or encourage hazing. This directly applies to the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and, by extension, the national organization for its failure to oversee.
- Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal point for families in Page County to understand. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.” Fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators often try to deflect blame by claiming the victim “consented” or “knew what they were signing up for.” Texas law — and the laws of most enlightened states — unequivocally rejects this argument. You cannot “consent” to criminal acts like assault, battery, or torture. This provision is a powerful weapon in our legal arsenal, destroying a common defense tactic.
- University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so carries criminal penalties itself. This means universities like the University of Houston, and those near Page County, are not only liable for the hazing but also for any attempts to cover it up.
Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges
Even if criminal charges are not pursued, civil lawsuits stand independently. For hazing victims in Page County, our lawsuits leverage several civil liability theories to secure compensation:
- Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that institutions (universities, national fraternities) and individuals had a duty of care to protect students, that they breached this duty by allowing hazing, and that this breach directly caused our client’s injuries and damages.
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university property, or at a residence owned or controlled by any defendant (like the UH-owned fraternity house in Leonel’s case), the property owners can be held liable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions.
- Negligent Supervision: We hold national organizations accountable for their failure to adequately supervise local chapters and universities for their failure to monitor Greek life activities effectively.
- Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators for violent or damaging acts, like waterboarding or striking with paddles.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies to the outrageous conduct meant to cause severe emotional distress, which hazing undeniably does.
- Vicarious Liability: This legal principle holds organizations (like the national fraternity or university) responsible for the actions of their agents (local chapter members, officers) when those actions occur within the scope of their activities.
For families across Page County, these laws and legal theories provide a robust framework for pursuing justice and compensation, regardless of where the hazing occurred.
Why Attorney 911: Your Unfair Advantage in Page County
When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal team with unmatched expertise, a proven track record, and a profound understanding of these complex and emotionally devastating cases. Attorney 911 is built for this fight. We invite Page County families to see why we are the definitive choice for hazing victim representation.
1. Aggressive, In-The-Trenches Hazing Litigation Experience:
We aren’t just strategizing about hazing cases; we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is real-time, aggressive representation. For Page County families, this means we are battle-tested and bring that same fierce commitment to your case. We know the current tactics, the defenses, and the evidence needed to win. Lupe Pena’s quote encapsulates our spirit: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
2. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:
Both of our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, worked for major insurance defense firms before founding Attorney 911. This means we understand the opposition’s playbook intimately. Lupe Peña, for example, handled multi-practice litigation for a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, before dedicating his career to victims. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Ralph Manginello’s background further strengthens this advantage. We use this invaluable insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and maximize your recovery. For Page County families, this is an “unfair advantage” – we know exactly how defendants will try to avoid accountability, because we used to be them.
3. Extensive Courtroom and Litigation Experience (25+ Years Combined):
With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello is a battle-tested trial attorney. His experience ranges from high-stakes criminal defense to complex mass tort litigation against corporate giants, such as the BP Texas City Explosion cases that involved 15 deaths and over 180 injuries. This capability to take on powerful defendants directly translates to successfully confronting institutions like national fraternities and major universities in Page County and across the country.
4. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions:
Hazing cases often involve national organizations and multi-state issues. Our admission to the U.S. District Courts and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us strategic flexibility. This federal authority means we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which can be crucial against national fraternities headquartered outside any specific state. For Page County families, this means distance is not a barrier to receiving top-tier representation; we have the credentials to handle your case wherever it leads.
5. Deep Expertise in Hazing-Specific Injuries:
Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel Bermudez’s. This is critical because hazing injuries often involve complex medical conditions that require specialized legal and medical understanding. Our deep understanding of these injuries allows us to work effectively with top medical experts to fully document the lasting impact on victims and demand appropriate compensation.
6. Comprehensive Data-Driven Approach:
We don’t guess at who to sue. Attorney 911 maintains an extensive private directory of Greek organizations, including EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, alumni chapters, and complex insurance structures. For families in Page County, this means that when hazing happens, we already know precisely who to sue – the universities, national organizations, housing corporations, and individuals, regardless of how they are legally structured. This data-driven strategy ensures maximum accountability.
7. “Se Habla Español”: Bilingual Staff & Cultural Sensitivity:
Our team is fully bilingual, serving Spanish-speaking clients with empathy and clarity. For Hispanic families in Page County, or any family where English is not the primary language, we eliminate language barriers to justice. We ensure every client understands their rights and the legal process in their native language.
8. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost for Page County Families:
We understand that after the trauma of hazing, the last thing families need to worry about is legal fees. We take hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes any financial barrier to seeking justice against powerful institutions. We will cover all litigation costs and expenses, taking the financial burden off your family in Page County.
9. Compassionate, Empathetic, and Aggressive Advocacy:
We are a firm founded on the principle that “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” move first, fast, and decisively. But our aggression is always rooted in empathy. We treat our clients like family because we see the devastating human cost of hazing. Our Google reviews, with an average of 4.9 stars from over 250 reviews, consistently highlight our communication, compassion, and relentless fight for maximum settlements. We will travel to Page County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring you have our full support wherever you are.
10. “A True Pitt Bull and Fighter”: What Our Clients Say:
Our clients describe Ralph Manginello as “a true Pitt Bull and fighter.” We bring that same tenacious, relentless energy to every hazing case. We are committed to exposing the truth, holding powerful institutions accountable, and securing the maximum possible compensation for your child. Just ask Chad Harris, one of our clients, who states that “Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!”
When your family in Page County faces the nightmare of hazing, you need a legal team that is ready for battle. You need attorneys who know the opposition, aren’t afraid to take on the biggest defendants, and genuinely care about your child’s well-being. You need Attorney 911.
What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Page County Families
If your child in Page County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll might feel overwhelming, taking swift and decisive action can profoundly impact the strength of your legal case. Here are the steps we urge all Page County families and victims to take:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
If your child has experienced any physical injury or severe distress, prioritize their health above all else. Get them to an emergency room, a doctor, or a mental health professional immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor at first, or if your child is reluctant, a medical evaluation can uncover hidden trauma (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis) and create official documentation vital for your case. Ensure all symptoms, no matter how small, are reported to medical staff.
2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything:
This cannot be stressed enough. Hazing organizations and universities are quick to destroy or conceal evidence. Take control of what you can save:
* Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (especially for conditions like rhabdomyolysis, which shows up in blood tests), and any therapy or counseling records.
* Photos and Videos: If safe to do so, document any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) immediately, and continue to photograph them as they heal. Also, save any photos or videos of the hazing activities or locations. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” emphasizes that you “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
* Communications: This is often the smoking gun. Save every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity members, other pledges, communications where hazing is discussed, or even messages about events or punishment. DO NOT delete anything, as this could be considered spoliation of evidence.
* Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
* Organizational Documents: Keep any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or other documents given to your child by the organization.
* Financial Records: Maintain records of medical bills, lost wages due to injury or recovery, and any academic expenses that may be impacted (tuition for a disrupted semester, lost scholarships).
* Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or academic standing.
3. Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Council:
The fraternity, their national organization, and the university have legal teams whose primary goal is to protect them, not your child.
* Do NOT confront fraternity or sorority leadership.
* Do NOT give any statements (written or verbal) to university administrators or campus police without your attorney present.
* Do NOT sign any documents provided by the organization or university, as these may waive your child’s rights.
* Do NOT accept any offers of money or “help” from them without legal review.
4. Stay Off Social Media:
This is a critical mistake many victims unintentionally make. As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns, anything posted online can and will be used against you.
* Do NOT post about the hazing incident.
* Do NOT post photos of your child looking “fine” or engaging in social activities, as the defense will use this to argue their injuries are not severe.
* Do NOT delete old posts, as this can be seen as destruction of evidence.
* Just stay silent on social media about the incident until your case is resolved.
5. Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline IMMEDIATELY:
Time is of the essence.
* Statute of Limitations: In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and similarly for wrongful death. This deadline can pass quickly while you are focused on healing.
* Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather crucial evidence. Witnesses’ memories fade, digital evidence can be deleted, and physical evidence can be tampered with.
* Expert Guidance: Our experienced hazing litigation attorneys can guide you through these challenging steps, ensuring that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Page County families: We understand this is an incredibly difficult time. You don’t have to face this alone. Take these immediate steps, and then let us handle the legal fight while you focus on your child’s healing.
Page County Families: Call Our Hotline Now – Your Free Consultation Awaits
If your child in Page County has been the victim of hazing – whether at a local community college, a state university like James Madison University or Shenandoah University, or any institution across the nation – you have legal rights. We are not just advocates; we are warriors in this fight. While our firm is based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends nationwide. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are prepared to bring our aggressive, experienced representation to Page County families just as we are doing in our ongoing $10 million lawsuit.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all litigation costs and expenses. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This eliminates the financial barrier, ensuring that every family in Page County has access to top-tier legal representation, regardless of their current financial situation.
Your Legal Emergency Hotline Is Standing By:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7. Call us anytime – day or night. We are here to listen, to understand, and to act.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Why Page County Families Can Trust Attorney 911:
- Active National Leaders in Hazing Litigation: We are not hypothetical. We are prosecuting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. The strategies, the depth of research, and the relentless pursuit of justice we bring to that case are the same we will bring to your case in Page County.
- National Reach, Local Impact: Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue national fraternities and universities effectively, wherever they, or you, may be located. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer secure video consultations for Page County families, and we will travel to Page County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary.
- Former Insurance Defense Insight: Our attorneys know the tactics of the opposition because they used to work for them. This insider knowledge is a powerful advantage for you.
- “They Knew” Strategy: Our experience proves that universities and national fraternities often harbor prior knowledge of hazing risks or incidents. We will uncover that “actual notice” and use it to hold them fully accountable.
- Compassionate & Aggressive: We combine genuine empathy for your family’s trauma with aggressive, uncompromising legal action to ensure maximum compensation and lasting accountability.
We Represent Victims of Hazing in All Organizations:
Hazing is not confined to fraternities. We represent victims of hazing in:
- Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges near Page County.
- Sports teams in Page County, from high school to college level.
- Marching bands and other student organizations.
- ROTC programs and military academies.
- Any organization that replaces mentorship with abuse under the guise of “initiation.”
Page County families, your courage can change lives. Let us stand with you. Let us fight for you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

