If you’re reading this in Patrick County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a community, and grow towards a bright future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were brought to the brink of physical or psychological collapse by a “brotherhood” that betrayed their trust. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Patrick County fight back.

We know the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can drive a parent to search for answers at 2 AM. What happened to your child is not a secret shame to be buried. It is a crime, a violation, and a profound legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle across the nation, including for our neighbors here in Patrick County.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Patrick County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It’s a brutal reality that shatters lives and devastates families. Across America, including at institutions many Patrick County families send their children to, hazing continues to thrive in the shadows of college campuses. Whether your child attends a university in Virginia, neighboring states, or travels further for their education, the risk of hazing is tragically prevalent.

The Problem: Hazing in America

Hazing is endemic in American college culture, particularly within fraternities and sororities, but also in sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations. The consequences range from severe physical injury and debilitating psychological trauma to, heartbreakingly, death. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a systemic problem, perpetuated by a toxic culture that prioritizes “tradition” over safety, and secrecy over human decency.

Statistics paint a grim picture:

Over 55% of students involved in fraternities and sororities experience hazing.
For student-athletes, that number is around 40%.
Tragically, since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States.
Perhaps most disturbing, 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misguided loyalty.

The institutions that host these organizations – the universities and colleges – often know this is happening. The national fraternities and sororities, with their vast networks and resources, also know. Yet, they too often choose to look the other way, or issue performative condemnations, until a student is hospitalized, permanently injured, or worse. Then, and only then, do they issue statements of regret and suspend chapters, acting as if they are shocked by an outcome they enabled.

For families in Patrick County, this isn’t just an abstract problem happening somewhere else. Your children attend Virginia Tech, Radford University, James Madison University, or they go out of state to places like the University of Houston, the patterns of neglect and complicity are the same. We are here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Landmark Case: The $10 Million Fight We’re Leading Right Now

What follows is not a cautionary tale from decades past, nor is it a hypothetical scenario. This is what our attorneys are fighting RIGHT NOW in a courtroom only a few hundred miles from Patrick County’s closest major university. This is the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025, and it perfectly illustrates the relentless, data-driven approach we bring to every hazing case.

Patrick County: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This case happened in Houston, Texas. But the same hazing tactics, the same disregard for human life, and the same institutional failures happen at universities across the country, at institutions your children might attend. The same national fraternities operate in Virginia. The same negligence exists at institutions in Patrick County, and across America. We will fight for Patrick County families with the same aggression and expertise we’re bringing to this case.

Media Coverage – Multiple Outlets Document Our Fight:

ABC13 Houston: Published November 21, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges“
KHOU 11: Published November 21, 2025: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations“
Houston Chronicle: Covered November 22, 2025: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit“
Houston Public Media: Reported November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing“

The Defendant’s Own Statement:

Pi Kappa Phi National (DEFENDANT): Published November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston” – A shocking admission of guilt and a clear sign of their damage control efforts.

Damages Sought: $10 Million

The lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., was filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. Our firm, Attorney911, with attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, is actively pursuing justice.

Defendants include:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
University of Houston
UH Board of Regents
The Fraternity President
The Pledgemaster
Other current and former individual fraternity members
Even a former member and his spouse, because some of the hazing occurred at their private residence. This shows the far-reaching accountability we pursue.

The Case That Shows Patrick County Families Why We Fight

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was what’s known as a “ghost rush.” He wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. What happened to him, they did to someone who WASN’T EVEN ENROLLED YET – highlighting an egregious disregard for human life and institutional boundaries.

Leonel accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was a horrifying period of weeks of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and physical hazing that shockingly landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days. His diagnosis: severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Why this case matters specifically to Patrick County families:

Pi Kappa Phi operates over 150 chapters across America, and chances are, they have chapters at universities near Patrick County. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client could happen to your child.
Universities near Patrick County face the same liability failures as the University of Houston. These institutions often prioritize their reputation and Greek life “traditions” over student safety.
If your child is being hazed in Patrick County, Virginia, or at any university they attend, we will fight for you with the same aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach we’re applying in Houston.

Mr. Manginello told 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.”

Mr. Pena added, “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 the heart of why we do what we do. Your family’s case can be a beacon of change.

What Happened: The Hazing Timeline

Sept 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
Sept 16 – Nov 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture commence.
Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Oct 15, 2025: In a chilling foreshadowing, a pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. Other pledges are forced to elevate his legs until he recovers, yet the hazing continues.
Nov 3, 2025: THE INCIDENT: Leonel is forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed, under constant threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel struggles to move, his condition worsening.
Nov 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital, where he is passing brown urine – a critical sign of muscle breakdown.
Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends 3 nights and 4 days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter (as confirmed on their own website).
Nov 21, 2025: A $10 MILLION LAWSUIT IS FILED by Attorney911 in Harris County. ABC13 and KHOU 11 immediately cover the unfolding story.
Nov 22, 2025: The Houston Chronicle further details the lawsuit.
Nov 24, 2025: Houston Public Media confirms the $10 million figure and reveals additional grim hazing details.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing are a clear illustration that this is not “boys being boys.” This is outright abuse:

WATERBOARDING / SIMULATED DROWNING: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed directly in the face while doing calisthenics and forced to run repeatedly under threats of further waterboarding. This is torture—a war crime when perpetrated on combatants. They inflicted it on college students and prospective members.
FORCED EATING UNTIL VOMITING: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were compelled to continue running sprints in physical distress, and forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass. This is extreme physical and psychological degradation.
EXTREME PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT: This included relentless exercises such as over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were struck with wooden paddles. All this continued until Leonel could not stand without assistance, and during one session, another pledge lost consciousness.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TORTURE & HUMILIATION: Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack containing sexual objects at all times, and subjected to the horrifying spectacle of another pledge tied face-down with an object in his mouth. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION & EXHAUSTION: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to profound exhaustion, affecting his ability to function.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s body literally broke down. The repeated trauma led to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where severely damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This surge of proteins overwhelmed his kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure.

Brown urine: A classic, alarming sign of myoglobin in the urine, indicating severe muscle breakdown.
Very high creatine kinase levels: Lab tests confirmed extensive muscle damage.
Acute kidney failure: A life-threatening complication that necessitated his multi-day hospitalization.
He was left unable to stand or walk for days.

This is the SAME life-threatening medical condition that Attorney911 has successfully litigated before. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, knowing precisely how to link the hazing activities to the resulting bodily harm.

Institutional Responses – On the Record

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National speak volumes:

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025):
“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

This is the standard institutional response: an admission that something “deeply disturbing” occurred, a claim of “clear violation,” and a promise of investigation. However, it also suggests they recognize criminal liability may be involved.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters – THEIR OWN STATEMENT (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025):
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members.”
“We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership. Pi Kappa Phi has a proud history of accomplished students and alumni from the Beta Nu Chapter, and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”

What their corporate PR statement actually means:

“Violations of… risk management policy” = They waterboarded a student and caused him kidney failure.
“Prioritizing the well-being of our members” = A member is in the hospital because of their chapter’s actions.
“We look forward to returning to campus” = They’re already planning their comeback while our client recovers, utterly devoid of genuine remorse.
“Thank the University of Houston for its collaboration” = UH helped them close quietly, days before our $10 million lawsuit was filed, in an attempt to manage the narrative and liability.

The KHOU report highlighted that the national organization and housing corporation allegedly “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This isn’t just negligence; it’s a conscious indifference to known dangers. With over 150 chapters nationwide, how many others are engaging in similar practices?

Why This Case Matters to Patrick County Families

PROOF THAT “TRADITION” IS TORTURE: These are not pranks. This is systematic abuse. This happens at universities, including those within reach of Patrick County, Virginia.
UNIVERSITIES ARE COMPLICIT: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. Universities have the power to stop hazing, and they bear significant liability when they fail to do so. This applies equally to institutions your children may attend, such as Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Radford University in Radford, or James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS KNOW: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters instantly suspended and dissolved the chapter upon exposure – proving they knew the conduct was wrong. These same national organizations operate chapters near Patrick County, and they are fully aware of the dangers.
VICTIMS ARE AFRAID: Leonel Bermudez is fearful of speaking out due to retribution. This fear is a powerful, heartbreaking reality for hazing victims everywhere, including those in Patrick County. We protect our clients and provide a safe path to justice.
ONE BRAVE VICTIM CAN PROTECT PATRICK COUNTY STUDENTS: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your Patrick County case can contribute to wider systemic change, saving lives.
$10 MILLION SENDS A MESSAGE: This substantial demand is the financial language of accountability. Patrick County families can send the same powerful message that will force these institutions to rethink their priorities.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Patrick County, and across America, might still hold an outdated view of hazing—maybe some silly pranks, drinking too much, or harmless dares. The reality, as tragically demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is far more sinister and dangerous. This is not simply about “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is about calculated, systematic abuse that constitutes assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and in too many cases, manslaughter or murder.

IT IS:

Assault
Battery
Torture
Reckless endangerment
Sometimes manslaughter
Sometimes murder

The stories we often hear are just the tip of the iceberg. The most common forms of hazing are often hidden from public view, only surfacing when tragedy strikes. For every Leonel Bermudez, there are countless other students in Patrick County and across the nation suffering in silence.

Types of Hazing Incidents

Drawing from the horrifying details of our $10 million lawsuit and other documented incidents across the country, hazing can involve:

Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling (as seen with wooden paddles in the Bermudez case), branding, forced intense calisthenics to the point of collapse (like the 500 squats and 100 pushups in Leonel’s case). These are designed to break a person down, not build them up.
Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking, chugging alcohol until blacking out (a leading cause of hazing deaths), or as seen with Leonel, forced eating until vomiting, sometimes followed by further physical exertion.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days, forced to perform tasks or attend late-night events, leading to complete physical and mental exhaustion, making them vulnerable and disoriented.
Psychological Torture: This can manifest as severe humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, psychological games, and constant threats. The fanny pack with sexual objects carried by Leonel, and the hog-tying of another pledge, are abhorrent examples of this.
Sexual Abuse: Tragically, this can include forced nudity, sexually suggestive acts, or even outright sexual assault, leaving victims with profound, lasting trauma.
Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel experienced, this is a particularly cruel form of torture, mimicking drowning, designed to induce extreme fear and submission.
Exposure: Leaving pledges in isolated or extreme environments, such as stripped to underwear in cold weather, or confined in small, uncomfortable spaces.
Servitude: Being forced to perform demeaning tasks, cleaning, acting as chauffeurs at all hours, or running errands for active members.

The Devastating Medical Consequences

The injuries from hazing are often severe and life-altering:

Rhabdomyolysis: The muscle breakdown Leonel suffered, leading to potentially permanent kidney damage.
Acute Kidney Failure: A life-threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis.
Alcohol Poisoning: The direct cause of death in many hazing fatalities, including Andrew Coffey and Max Gruver.
Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls (like Timothy Piazza), or forced physical exertion.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion and lack of rest.
Psychological Trauma: Lingering PTSD, anxiety disorders, severe depression, and suicidal ideation, which can plague victims for years and profoundly impact their ability to live happy, productive lives.
Wrongful Death: The ultimate, irreversible tragedy that far too many families have endured.

For Patrick County families, it’s crucial to recognize that these consequences are real, they are happening, and they demand justice.

Who Is Responsible? Every Entity That Participated or Allowed It

One of the most profound aspects of hazing litigation is the ability to hold not just the direct perpetrators accountable, but also the powerful institutions that enable such abuse. This multifaceted approach is central to our strategy, as demonstrated in the Bermudez case. It’s not just about a few “bad apples”; it’s about holding entire systems accountable.

From our $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez, we are unflinchingly pursuing every party responsible:

Local Chapters: The individual Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH directly organized and conducted the hazing. They are often the most visible perpetrators.
Chapter Officers: Individuals like the president and pledgemaster, who formally direct chapter activities, are directly liable for their leadership and participation in the hazing.
Individual Members: Every member who actively participated in the hazing, or even stood by and failed to intervene while others were being abused, can be held personally responsible.
Former Members and Their Spouses: In the Bermudez case, former members and their spouses are named defendants because some of the most egregious hazing occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who hosts or facilitates hazing, demonstrating that the “brotherhood” often extends beyond the undergraduate chapter.
National Organizations: The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a key defendant. These organizations oversee hundreds of chapters and derive significant financial benefit from them. They have a clear duty to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. When they fail, especially after previous hazing deaths (like Andrew Coffey in their own fraternity), they become deeply liable.
Universities and Colleges: The University of Houston is a major defendant because it owned and controlled the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Universities have a fundamental responsibility to protect their students, enforce conduct codes, and provide a safe learning environment. When they turn a blind eye to pervasive hazing, they become a co-conspirator. This applies equally to schools attended by Patrick County students, whether in Virginia or beyond.
Insurance Carriers: These are the “deep pockets.” National fraternities, universities, and individual members often carry extensive liability insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to the table, knowing precisely how to navigate these complex policies to maximize compensation for victims.

The “Deep Pockets” of Accountability

It’s critical for Patrick County families to understand that pursuing justice in hazing cases is not simply about suing a few college kids. It’s about leveraging the enormous financial resources of the powerful institutions involved:

National fraternity/sorority organizations possess multi-million dollar endowments, significant assets, and extensive liability insurance specifically designed to cover such incidents.
Universities and colleges, especially large public and private institutions, also hold substantial endowments, receive significant funding, and maintain large insurance policies.

We strategically target these entities because they have the means to pay for the damages inflicted. More importantly, holding them financially liable is often the only way to compel real, systemic change within these organizations and institutions, preventing future tragedies for other Patrick County students.

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

For Patrick County families grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the potential for substantial recovery can be a source of hope and empowerment. These are not small claims. These are landmark victories that send a clear message: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and these same results are possible for Patrick County victims.

These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases can and do win significant compensation. The legal strategies that achieved these outcomes are precisely what we apply to our cases, including the ongoing Bermudez lawsuit, and what we will bring to your fight in Patrick County.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements – They Will Pay

STONE FOLTZ – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million

Bowling Green State University: Settled for $2.9 Million
Pi Kappa Alpha National + Individuals: Settled for $7.2 Million
Total: A staggering $10.1 Million, representing the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history.
Context: Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event in March 2021. The fraternity was permanently expelled, and multiple members faced criminal convictions.
Relevance: This case directly validates our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held financially liable, even when the national fraternity is a different organization from that involved in the current suit. The pattern of severe injury and death is consistent across Greek organizations.

MAXWELL GRUVER – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 Total Recovery: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

Outcome: A civil jury delivered a $6.1 Million Verdict against the fraternity for Gruver’s death.
Criminal: Individual members faced negligent homicide charges, leading to prison time.
Legislation: His death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a FELONY in Louisiana.
Context: In September 2017, Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event where he was forced to chug alcohol for incorrect answers.
Relevance: This jury verdict powerfully affirms that juries are outraged by hazing and will award multi-millions, especially for egregious conduct like forced alcohol consumption. It also highlights the potential for both civil and criminal accountability.

TIMOTHY PIAZZA – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 Total Recovery: Over $110 Million (Multiple Settlements)

Outcome: Confidential settlements estimated to exceed $110 Million.
Criminal: 18 fraternity members were charged, leading to multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing.
Legislation: His case spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
Context: Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” ritual. He fell down stairs repeatedly and fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the entire agonizing incident.
Relevance: The Piazza case is a testament to how meticulous evidence (like our detailed hazing allegations) can lead to truly massive settlements. It underscores the potential for criminal charges and reinforces the legislative impact hazing cases can have.

ANDREW COFFEY – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

⚠️ SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR ONGOING CASE!

Outcome: Multiple fraternity members were criminally charged, and his chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
Context: Andrew Coffey was another young man who died from acute alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” in November 2017, after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
Relevance: This is a crucial precedent for the Bermudez case. It confirms that Pi Kappa Phi has a documented, deadly history of hazing. This proves that the national organization knew about deadly hazing within its chapters and had eight years since Coffey’s death to implement meaningful change. Their failure to do so, leading to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization for kidney failure a mere eight years later, strongly supports a claim of pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference by the national organization, amplifying the potential for punitive damages.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON – Pi Kappa Alpha (2017-2019)

⚠️ PREVIOUS HAZING INCIDENT AT LEONEL’S OWN UNIVERSITY!

Outcome: Former pledge Jared Munoz filed a $1 Million lawsuit after suffering a lacerated spleen due to hazing. Criminal charges against the national organization were later dismissed on constitutional grounds.
Context: In 2017, another UH student was hospitalized due to hazing, proving the university was aware of severe hazing activities on its campus.
Relevance: This case underscores that the University of Houston has a documented history of hazing problems on its campus and had eight years since this incident to implement effective safeguards. Their failure to prevent the Bermudez hazing, which occurred just blocks away and in a university-owned building, demonstrates institutional knowledge and negligence.

Patrick County families, these are not isolated incidents that can be swept under the rug. They are powerful legal precedents that demonstrate:

Our $10 million demand is supported by national precedent. Cases involving similar severity, if not death, command significant value.
Pi Kappa Phi has a death on their record. This makes their conduct in the Bermudez case even more egregious.
Universities have prior knowledge. The University of Houston, like many institutions, knew hazing was a threat and failed to act.
Juries hate hazing. The sheer brutality of tactics like waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical punishment will outrage any jury.
Criminal charges often follow. Civil lawsuits can proceed simultaneously with, or after, criminal investigations.

The pattern is clear: where there is hazing, there is liability. We fight to ensure that this pattern includes massive financial repercussions for those responsible, and that every Patrick County family affected gets the justice and accountability they deserve.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For families in Patrick County, facing the nightmare of hazing can feel isolating. However, it’s crucial to understand that strong legal frameworks exist to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of our state’s robust anti-hazing laws—and the civil liability theories that apply—are often mirrored across the nation. Moreover, our federal court authority means we can apply these powerful legal strategies for your Patrick County case, regardless of where the incident occurred.

Understanding Hazing Laws: Texas and Beyond

Texas Hazing Laws (Detailed Reference)

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151-37.157, provides a clear and uncompromising legal framework against hazing.

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

Is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
Involves 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 significantly affects mental or physical health.
Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or affects mental or physical health.
Is any activity that requires the student to violate the Penal Code.
Involves coercing consumption of drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Patrick County Application: Most states, including Virginia, have similar comprehensive anti-hazing definitions and laws. The hazing your child endured, whether at a local Virginia university or a distant institution, likely falls squarely within these legal definitions, giving rise to both potential criminal charges and substantial civil liability.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor for hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
State Jail Felony for hazing causing death, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Under Texas law, organizations can also be found criminally liable if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Chief administrative officers of educational institutions are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is vital for uncovering institutional cover-ups and holding administrations accountable.

Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This Is Critical

One of the most insidious defenses employed by those accused of hazing is the argument that the victim “consented” to or “acquiesced” in the activities. Texas law unequivocally dismantles this argument:

“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 IS A GAME CHANGER: When fraternities, sororities, or universities attempt to argue that “he agreed to participate” or “she could have left,” Texas law (and increasingly, laws in other states) explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. This means we can focus on the perpetrators’ actions, not the victim’s impossible choices under duress.

Civil Liability for Hazing: What Patrick County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits offer a powerful avenue for Patrick County victims to recover damages and hold all responsible parties accountable. This is where the profound impact of hazing can translate into significant financial recovery.

Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental theory of liability applicable in Patrick County and every other state. It asserts that the organization, university, or individuals had a duty of care to the student, they breached that duty through their hazing activities or willful neglect, this breach caused injuries, and these injuries resulted in quantifiable damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case with the university-owned fraternity house), or by a housing corporation or individual, then the owners can be held responsible for allowing dangerous conditions to exist on their property.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, allowing hazing to flourish. It also applies to universities that fail in their duty to monitor Greek life and other student organizations.
Assault and Battery: Individual participants and those who directed the physical hazing (like the waterboarding or wooden paddles in the Bermudez case) can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing often involves conduct so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This claim directly addresses the profound psychological harm inflicted.

Patrick County Families: These civil claims are not unique to Texas; they exist in virtually every state. Your child’s hazing case can proceed and achieve justice, irrespective of local criminal prosecution decisions. We leverage these legal frameworks to aggressively pursue accountability for every party involved.

Why Attorney911: Your Patrick County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your family in Patrick County faces a legal emergency like hazing, you need a firm that is not just knowledgeable in the law, but deeply expert in the specific nuances of hazing litigation. We are Attorney911, and we position ourselves as the definitive choice for hazing victims because we bring a unique combination of aggressive advocacy, insider knowledge, and a track record of fighting powerful institutions. We are headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but our commitment to justice extends nationwide, including to Patrick County, Virginia.

About Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

We are a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm, but our reach and expertise in hazing litigation are national. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Patrick County and beyond. How do we do it? Through our federal court authority, our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York, strategically important for national fraternity litigation), and our unwavering commitment to traveling wherever justice demands. Patrick County families deserve nothing less than the same aggressive, expert representation we provide locally in Texas.

Key Differentiators: Why Patrick County Families Choose Attorney911

25+ Years Courtroom Experience: Our lead attorney, Ralph Manginello, is a battle-tested trial lawyer with over two decades of experience. This means he’s not afraid to take your Patrick County case to court and fight for maximum compensation.
Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring an invaluable “unfair advantage” to your case. They previously worked for insurance companies, including a national defense firm. They know the insurance companies’ playbooks inside and out—their strategies, their loopholes, and their tactics to minimize or deny claims. Now, they use that knowledge to dismantle the opposition’s defenses and maximize recovery for victims in Patrick County.
Federal Court Admissions: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal civil rights litigation. This means we have the authority and expertise to pursue complex cases in federal courts, a crucial aspect when dealing with national organizations or multi-state institutions involved in hazing.
Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual admission provides a strategic advantage for hazing cases against national fraternities, many of which have ties or headquarters in diverse legal landscapes like New York. This extends our reach and expertise for your Patrick County case.
Se Habla Español: We have bilingual staff ready to serve Spanish-speaking clients. For the diverse communities of Patrick County, this ensures clear, empathetic communication without language barriers.
Nationwide Hazing Expertise: We are not theoretical. We are currently leading the charge in the $10 million University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit. This active, high-stakes litigation proves our expertise and commitment. Patrick County families benefit from the same aggressive strategies being deployed right now.

The Attorney911 Approach: How We Serve Patrick County Hazing Victims

When a legal emergency strikes—whether it’s on a university campus in Virginia, a fraternity house in another state, or anywhere in America—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

For Patrick County hazing victims, our team:

Builds cases with expert witnesses: We collaborate with medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, and specialists in institutional negligence to construct an ironclad case.
Preserves evidence immediately: We guide families on how to meticulously preserve crucial evidence—text messages, photos, medical records, social media, and witness statements. Every detail matters.
Negotiates from strength: We enter negotiations with the unwavering confidence that comes from actively litigating a $10 million hazing case and securing multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients.
Travels to Patrick County: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Patrick County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
Provides remote consultations: For busy or geographically distant Patrick County families, we offer convenient video consultations to ensure immediate legal access.

Simply put: If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Patrick County hazing victims, we take it to court.

Why Patrick County Families Choose Us

Hazing Litigation Expertise: We are actively fighting the $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just theory; it’s tangible, ongoing action. Patrick County families get the same aggressive, proven representation.
Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims in Patrick County and across America. We don’t just talk about it; we have the federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel to back it up.
Staff & Culture: Our team is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely invested in helping our clients. We treat Patrick County families like our own, ensuring they feel supported and heard during their most difficult times.
Payment Flexibility: We understand the financial strain that a hazing incident can place on a family. That’s why we take hazing cases on CONTINGENCY. This means you pay us $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we WIN your case. This removes the financial barrier to accessing top-tier legal representation.

What sets us apart for Patrick County victims: We have a real emotional investment in hazing victims. We’ve seen, firsthand, the devastation fraternities and universities inflict on young lives. We are battling it out in court right now. We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. We will fight tirelessly for Patrick County families because we truly care.

Attorney Profiles: The Lawyers Fighting for Patrick County Hazing Victims

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

Ralph is the founder and president of Attorney911, bringing over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. A graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston and the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives him unparalleled insight into the strategies used to deny claims. His involvement in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation, like the BP Texas City Explosion, demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants.

Why Patrick County families with hazing cases need Ralph:

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: He knows the defense playbook, because he wrote it. He uses this knowledge to your family’s advantage.
Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Taking on BP proves he can fight and win against the largest institutions, a skill directly applicable to battling national fraternities and universities.
Dual-State Bar and Federal Court Authority: His licensure in Texas and New York, combined with federal court admission, allows him to strategically pursue national organizations operating anywhere.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: He has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability, currently leading our $10 million hazing case.
Journalism Background: Trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories, a vital asset in exposing hidden hazing cultures.
Father of Three: He deeply understands what’s at stake for Patrick County families when a child is harmed by hazing. He is committed to ensuring accountability.
He will travel to Patrick County: Distance is not a barrier; he is ready to come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney (He/Him/His)

Lupe Peña is a highly skilled associate attorney with over 12 years of experience, a graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston. Crucially, Lupe previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. This means he has an intimate understanding of how large insurance companies value, strategize, and attempt to minimize payouts—information he now leverages for our clients.

Why Patrick County families with hazing cases need Lupe:

Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe knows the strategies that insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities will use to defend against hazing claims, because he used to represent them. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for your Patrick County family.
Wrongful Death and Dram Shop Experience: His experience in these areas is directly applicable to hazing cases involving alcohol poisoning and tragic fatalities.
Finance Background & Business Acumen: His pre-law career in finance and BBA in International Business from Saint Mary’s University mean he understands how to analytically assess and maximize economic damages in complex hazing cases.
Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Patrick County receive comprehensive, clear, and empathetic legal representation without any language barriers.
Aggressive Philosophy: His approach is “outwork, outsmart, outfight”—a mentality essential for challenging powerful opponents.

Together, Ralph and Lupe embody the Attorney911 “Insurance Counter-Intelligence System,” providing Patrick County families with an unfair advantage against the well-funded defense teams of universities and national fraternities.

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

If your child has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. This is a highly emotional and confusing time, but swift, decisive action can protect your child’s rights and significantly strengthen any future legal action. For Patrick County families, we provide clear, actionable guidance that you can follow even in the midst of crisis.

Preserve Everything, Protect Your Rights

The overwhelming instinct might be to forget what happened, or delete evidence of a shameful event. We urge you: Preserve EVERYTHING.

Evidence Type	What To Save and Why
Medical Records	Obtain copies of ALL hospital records, ER visits, doctor’s notes, lab results (especially for conditions like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning), and any records from therapists or counselors. These are objective proof of injury and suffering, critical for your Patrick County hazing lawsuit.
Photos/Videos	Document your child’s injuries at all stages of healing. If any covert photos or videos of hazing activities exist, secure them immediately. Even seemingly minor bruises or scrapes, and certainly the horrifying effects of conditions like kidney failure, are vital.
Communications	Preserve ALL digital communications: text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other social media exchanges related to the hazing. These often contain direct evidence, threats, instructions, or admissions.
Witness Information	Collect names and contact details of other pledges, fraternity members who might be sympathetic, or any bystanders who witnessed the hazing or its aftermath. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Documents	Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or initiation documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization. These can show a pattern of abuse or a violation of stated policies.
Financial Records	Catalog all medical bills, receipts for medications, and any documentation of lost wages (if your child missed work or internships) or educational costs incurred due to the hazing.
Academic Records	Note any impact on grades, enrollment status, or loss of scholarships due to the hazing. This demonstrates measurable academic harm.

CRITICAL: What NOT to Do

In your immediate distress, you might be tempted to act in ways that inadvertently harm your case. For Patrick County families, it is paramount to understand these warnings:

DO NOT delete ANY messages, photos, or posts, even if they seem irrelevant. Deleting evidence could be considered spoliation and severely damage your claim.
DO NOT engage directly with fraternity/sorority leaders or members without legal counsel. They may try to coerce, intimidate, or manipulate you or your child into silence or signing away rights.
DO NOT give any statements to university administration, internal investigators, or their lawyers without your own attorney present. Their priority is protecting the institution, not your child.
DO NOT sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university. Such documents may contain waivers of liability or other clauses that compromise your legal rights.
DO NOT post about the incident or your child’s medical condition on social media. Anything posted can and will be used against you by the defense.
DO NOT wait to seek legal advice. Time is not on your side.

The Urgency: Time Is Critical

Texas Statute of Limitations:

For personal injury cases, you typically have TWO YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
For wrongful death cases, you typically have TWO YEARS from the date of death.

For Patrick County families, these deadlines are equally critical within Virginia, and while they may vary slightly by state where the hazing occurred, the message is the same: DO NOT WAIT.

Evidence Disappears: Text messages get auto-deleted, witnesses graduate and move away, memories fade, and organizations are notorious for “losing” or destroying incriminating documents.
Your Rights Expire: Missing the statute of limitations means you lose your right to pursue legal action, forever.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez, acted immediately. He was hospitalized on November 6th, and our $10 million lawsuit was filed weeks later, on November 21st. This is how you protect your legal rights and maximize your chances for justice.

Victim Categories & Case Types: We Represent All Victims

Whether your child suffered severe physical harm, profound psychological trauma, or tragically, death, we are here to represent your Patrick County family.

Living Victims – Physical Injury Cases: Like Leonel Bermudez, who endured rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure leading to hospitalization. We also handle cases involving traumatic brain injury, broken bones, burns, hypothermia, internal injuries from forced consumption, and sexual assault injuries.
Living Victims – Psychological Trauma Cases: Hazing leaves deep, invisible wounds. We represent victims suffering from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and academic decline. Leonel’s own fear of retribution underscores the very real psychological impact.
Wrongful Death / Family Cases: When hazing claims a life, we represent families in wrongful death lawsuits to seek justice for the loss of companionship, future earnings, and often, substantial punitive damages designed to punish egregious conduct. These cases, like those of Timothy Piazza, Maxwell Gruver, and Stone Foltz, consistently result in the highest verdicts because juries understand the preventable tragedy and demand accountability.

Damages & Compensation: Recovering Everything You’ve Lost

We meticulously calculate every possible category of damages to ensure comprehensive recovery for Patrick County victims.

Economic Damages: These are quantifiable losses, including past and future medical expenses (hospital stays, medications, therapy, potential long-term care for kidney damage), lost wages, lost educational investment (tuition, scholarships), and any specialized rehabilitation costs.
Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible, yet profound, suffering. This includes physical pain, mental anguish (from waterboarding or psychological abuse), emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety), loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (impact on family relationships). Importantly, Texas law has no cap on pain and suffering damages for personal injury cases, allowing for significant recovery.
Punitive Damages: When hazing involves gross negligence, malice, or intentional harm (which acts like waterboarding, forced physical exertion to the point of organ failure, and paddling clearly do), punitive damages are sought. These are designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing, sending a powerful message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Defendant Targets: Who We Sue

We leave no stone unturned in identifying and pursuing every liable party for your Patrick County hazing case:

Local Chapters and Individual Perpetrators: The immediate actors in the hazing.
National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These powerful entities have a duty to oversee their chapters and prevent hazing. Their deep pockets make them a primary target.
Universities & Colleges: Their responsibility to protect students, enforce policies, and supervise campus organizations is paramount. If they fail, they are liable.
Insurance Carriers: This is where the real money often lies. As former insurance defense attorneys, our team knows exactly how to navigate these complex policies to maximize your recovery.

The path to justice is clear, and we are ready to walk it with your family in Patrick County.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline

If you are a Patrick County parent, student, or family member grappling with the devastating reality of hazing, you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are Attorney911, and we are your legal emergency lawyers. We are fighting this fight right now – for Leonel Bermudez, and we will fight for Patrick County victims too.

Patrick County: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? You Have Legal Rights.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases, how to expose institutional negligence, and how to hold powerful organizations accountable. Patrick County families deserve, and will receive, the same aggressive, expert representation.

Patrick County Families – Call Now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

You can reach us 24/7 for Patrick County hazing emergencies. We work on a CONTINGENCY basis, meaning there are $0 upfront costs for Patrick County families. We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

What Patrick County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: If your child has not yet received comprehensive medical care for their injuries, do so immediately. Document everything with medical records, notes, and photos. This is the foundation of any hazing personal injury claim.
PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Time is the enemy of evidence. Secure text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails, photos, videos, witness names, and any manuals or documents related to the hazing. Use your phone to document everything, as Ralph Manginello advises in our YouTube video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”
DO NOT TALK TO THE FRATERNITY, SORORITY, UNIVERSITY, OR THEIR LAWYERS: Any statements you give can and will be used against you. Let us handle all communications. As highlighted in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”, engaging with the opposition without legal counsel is a critical error.
DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Anything you (or your child) post digitally can be discovered and used to undermine your case. Avoid discussing the incident online.
CALL US IMMEDIATELY: The statute of limitations (typically two years in most states) is a strict deadline. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Don’t let your legal rights expire – watch “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” for more details.
PATRICK COUNTY FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer secure video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Patrick County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. We believe every victim, regardless of location, deserves justice.

We Serve Patrick County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

Hazing knows no geographical boundaries. While our principal offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing happens at colleges and universities throughout Virginia, such as Virginia Tech, Radford University, and James Madison University, and across America. We can evaluate and represent your Patrick County case with the same dedication and expertise through:

Federal Court Authority: Our admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions, crucial for national organizations.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in Texas and New York, our attorneys are uniquely positioned to challenge national fraternities headquartered across various states.
Video Consultations: Patrick County families can discreetly and conveniently meet with our attorneys remotely.
Travel Commitment: We commit to traveling to Patrick County for critical depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring you receive personalized and local attention when necessary.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities near Patrick County, Virginia.
Patrick County sports teams.
Marching bands at universities.
ROTC programs.
Clubs and student organizations.
Military academies.
Any organization that uses abuse under the guise of “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge collapsed unconscious just weeks before the incident that hospitalized Leonel. Others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, and psychological abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

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

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

Your search for answers at 2 AM brought you here. Let us turn your fear into action, and your pain into justice.

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