If you’re reading this, your family in Sussex County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a future, and discover their path. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. And now, you’re searching for help, for answers, for justice—perhaps at 2 AM, feeling scared, angry, and utterly alone. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: we’re here to help families in Sussex County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are legal emergency lawyers. We believe that no student, whether from Sussex County or anywhere else in our nation, should suffer abuse in the pursuit of an education or a sense of belonging. What happened to your child is precisely what we fight against every single day. We are currently embroiled in a ten-million-dollar battle against a national fraternity and a major university for the horrific hazing of a young man, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to victims and families in Sussex County.

The Nightmare Next Door: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Sussex County

We want to share a story with you, a story that unfolded just weeks ago in Houston, Texas, because it is not just a Texas tragedy. It is a stark warning for every parent sending their child to college from Sussex County, whether they attend a state university in Virginia, a private college on the East Coast, or a major institution anywhere in America. Hazing is a national crisis, and the case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a chilling illustration of what it looks like today.

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. He was looking for brotherhood, for connection, for a community that would welcome him. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that ultimately landed him in a hospital bed, fighting for his life.

His hazing ordeal, meticulously documented in our $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025, involved acts that sound like something out of a military interrogation:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, mimicking drowning, while performing strenuous calisthenics. This is torture—a war crime when done to enemy combatants—inflicted upon an aspiring college student.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. Following this, he was forced to continue physically exerting himself, even lying in his own vomit-soaked grass after a round of sprints.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. On November 3, 2025, during one such session, he was pushed so far that he could not stand without help.
• Physical Beatings: The lawsuit alleges he was struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture: He was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, stripped to his underwear in cold weather, and witnessed another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Sleep deprivation was also a constant, as he was made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours.

As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, 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.” Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis and spent three nights and four days in the hospital, facing the terrifying prospect of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident. This isn’t just “boys being boys.” This is the reality of hazing that institutions actively try to conceal. And for families in Sussex County, it’s vital to recognize that the same national fraternities operate at colleges and universities where your children attend or plan to attend. The same insidious “traditions” and negligent institutional oversight that almost cost Leonel Bermudez his life exist at institutions across the nation. We want you to understand that Attorney911 is fighting this battle not just for Leonel, but for every student in Sussex County who might face similar horrors.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When families in Sussex County hear the word “hazing,” many still imagine harmless pranks, late-night chores, or mild inconveniences. Perhaps you envision the gentle rites of passage portrayed in movies, or simply a way for students to earn their stripes within a group. The chilling truth, as illuminated by Leonel’s case and countless others across the country, is that modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse, torture, and life-threatening rituals designed to break down a pledge’s will, not build character.

This is not pranks. This is torture.
The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured isn’t about awkward introductions or silly tasks. It involves acts of violence and degradation that can result in severe physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. When a prospective college student is waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to eat until they vomit, or beaten with paddles, it transcends any innocent definition of “initiation.” This is assault. This is battery. This is often criminal behavior.

Consider the reality of how these acts impact young people:

• Physical Abuse: This is the most visible and often most damaging form of hazing. In Leonel’s case, forced calisthenics pushed his body past its limits, damaging his muscles to an extent that caused his kidneys to fail. Other forms include beatings, branding, burns, sexual assault, and exposure to extreme temperatures. These are not character-building exercises; they are attacks on a student’s bodily integrity.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to fatal alcohol poisoning, but as Leonel’s story shows, it can also include massive amounts of food or even non-food substances consumed until vomiting. This is dangerous, humiliating, and can lead to choking, aspiration, and internal injuries.
• Psychological Torture: The fanny pack with sexual objects, forced stripping, public humiliation, and constant threats are designed to dismantle a pledge’s self-worth and foster absolute obedience through fear. This kind of systematic degradation leads to severe long-term mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Deliberately depriving students of sleep or forcing them into exhausting activities compromises their physical and mental health. This was evident in Leonel’s forced early-morning drives, which contributed to his collapse.

The statistics don’t lie:

• A staggering 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, revealing its widespread nature.
• Alarmingly, 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the group.
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States, underscoring the lethal risks involved.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. It plagues sports teams, ROTC programs, marching bands, and various clubs and student organizations at universities near Sussex County and across the country. The common thread is always the abuse of power, the forced degradation, and the systematic endangerment of young lives under the guise of “tradition” or “team building.”

Our firm believes that parents in Sussex County deserve to know the truth about what their children might encounter. When your child leaves for college, whether it’s the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, or any other institution, you expect them to be safe. We are here to ensure that when that trust is betrayed, the responsible parties are held fully accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Sussex County

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying every entity, from individuals to national organizations and universities, that bears responsibility for the harm caused. In the wake of an incident, fraternities, their national bodies, and universities often engage in a coordinated effort to minimize their liability, distance themselves from the incident, and deflect blame. At Attorney911, our strategy is to cut through these defenses and target every “deep pocket” responsible. This is precisely what we are doing in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, and it’s the strategy we will employ for families in Sussex County.

When a student from Sussex County is injured or subjected to hazing, whether at a university in Virginia like the University of Richmond or Virginia Commonwealth University, or elsewhere, we typically pursue claims against:

1. The Individual Perpetrators: The students who actively participate in, organize, or facilitate hazing are directly liable for their actions. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, and other active members. In the Bermudez case, we’ve named 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and risk manager. We’ve even named a former member and his spouse because some of the hazing sessions occurred at their residence, demonstrating that liability can extend even beyond active student members. Their personal assets and, often, their parents’ homeowner’s insurance policies can be a source of recovery. After all, as the $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, demonstrates, individual officers can be held personally liable for their actions.

2. The Local Chapter: The specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved is usually an unincorporated association, but it operates as a distinct entity. It can be held responsible for the collective actions of its members and for failing to prevent hazing within its ranks. While local chapters may not have substantial assets, they are a critical link in the chain of responsibility.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: This is often the primary “deep pocket.” National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi oversee hundreds of chapters across the country. They claim to enforce anti-hazing policies, provide training, and maintain risk management standards. When hazing occurs, especially severe or repeated incidents, it reveals a fundamental failure of oversight by the national body.

   • In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and then dissolved the University of Houston chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization—a clear admission that their “risk management policy and membership conduct standards” were violated. Their own statement on their website about “violations” effectively ties them to the wrongdoing.
   • Critically, as KHOU 11 reported based on our lawsuit, the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.’” This knowledge transforms their inaction into deliberate indifference, a key factor for punitive damages.
   • The fact that Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 underscores a pattern of negligence by the national organization. They had eight years to fix their culture, and they failed, leading directly to Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries. This pattern demonstrates their conscious indifference and supports a demand for significant damages.

4. The Chapter’s Housing Corporation: Many fraternities or sororities have separate non-profit entities, often called “housing corporations,” that own or lease the physical property where the chapter members live and where hazing often occurs. These entities have assets and often their own insurance, making them another target for liability.

5. The College or University: Educational institutions have a profound responsibility to protect their students. When hazing takes place on campus, in university-owned housing, or involving recognized student organizations, the university itself bears a heavy burden of liability.

   • In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing occurred. This establishes direct premises liability. As KHOU 11 pointed out, it was a “University-owned fraternity house” where Leonel was waterboarded.
   • Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. This means UH had actual notice of the hazing problem on its campus and failed to implement effective safeguards. Their failure to act after the 2017 incident, which also involved a severe injury (lacerated spleen), makes their negligence in Leonel’s case even more egregious and foreseeable.
   • Universities have significant control over Greek life organizations and a legal duty to provide a safe learning environment. When they fail in this duty, they must be held accountable.

6. Insurance Carriers: While not direct perpetrators of hazing, insurance companies for the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and even individuals’ homeowner’s or renter’s policies are often the ultimate source of financial recovery. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, both have extensive experience as former insurance defense attorneys. They know precisely how these companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge is a significant advantage for our clients, ensuring we can dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery.

For families in Sussex County, whether your child attends a university in Virginia like the College of William & Mary or Virginia State University, or goes out of state, these same layers of responsibility exist. Our firm’s ability to navigate complex litigation against multiple defendants, including large institutions and national organizations, means we can pursue justice for you, no matter where the hazing occurred. We’ll ensure that every responsible party, from the college kid who picked up a wooden paddle to the national council member who turned a blind eye, is held accountable.

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

The question weighing on many parents’ minds in Sussex County, after the initial shock and anger: what can truly come out of seeking legal action against such powerful institutions? The truth is, hazing litigation isn’t just about accountability; it’s about securing significant compensation that reflects the profound and often lifelong damages inflicted upon victims and their families. The stakes are incredibly high, and the legal system often recognizes this through multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These are not hypothetical figures; they represent real justice won by real families across the nation.

The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations is clear: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and the same aggressive legal strategies that achieved these results apply directly to cases involving students from Sussex County.

Here are just a few landmark cases that showcase what is possible when families stand up and fight:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

  Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of high-proof liquor during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event. In a monumental outcome, his family secured over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and additional individuals. In December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was also ordered to pay $6.5 million personally, comprising $175,000 in survivorship damages and $6 million for wrongful death. This substantial award, the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history, directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that universities and national organizations bear significant financial responsibility, and individual perpetrators can face severe personal consequences.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

  Total Verdict: $6.1 Million
  18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, more than six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, sending a powerful message about accountability. LSU also settled for a confidential sum. The outrage from this case led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict firmly established that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, and it reinforces how these cases can drive legislative change.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

  Estimated Total: $110 Million+
  Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after consuming 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi event. He fell repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The family reached confidential settlements totaling an estimated $110 million or more, primarily against the university and national fraternity. Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several receiving prison sentences, and this case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. This case illustrates that when evidence is strong and egregious conduct is proven, settlements can reach staggering amounts, forcing institutions to rethink their entire approach to Greek life.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

  Outcome: Chapter Closure, Criminal Charges, Confidential Settlement
  Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” — the very same national fraternity involved in the Leonel Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing, and FSU’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, the significance cannot be overstated: Pi Kappa Phi National had a hazing death on its record eight years before Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded and hospitalized at their University of Houston chapter. This stark pattern underscores the national organization’s conscious indifference and failure to learn, directly strengthening our case.

These cases are not isolated incidents; they represent a nationwide pattern of institutional failure and victim empowerment. For families in Sussex County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, these precedents offer powerful proof that seeking legal action is not only necessary for justice but can also lead to substantial financial recovery. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the trauma or loss, these awards serve to cover medical expenses, lost educational opportunities, lifelong pain and suffering, and to prevent such tragedies from happening to another student. We are committed to achieving a similar impactful outcome for your child.

Texas Law Protects You: Why Consent Is Never a Defense

For families in Sussex County navigating the devastating aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the core principles of hazing laws and civil liability are similar across most states, including Virginia, where Sussex County is located. Furthermore, our federal court authority means we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred, bringing the same aggressive legal strategies that are outlined by Texas law to bear on your case against national fraternities and universities.

One of the most insidious defenses often employed by fraternities and universities is the claim that the student “consented” to participate in the hazing. They might argue that the victim willingly engaged in the activities or could have simply left. However, laws like the Texas Education Code explicitly dismantle this argument, and similar legal reasoning applies broadly:

Consent is NOT a Defense:

Texas Education Code § 37.154 unequivocally states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This directly addresses the heart of the “he could have said no” argument. It acknowledges that true consent cannot exist in an environment of immense social pressure, fear of ostracization, and the psychological manipulation inherent in hazing. When a young person is threatened with expulsion from a group, physical punishment, or social ruin for non-compliance, they are operating under duress, not free will. Our legal team will ensure this critical legal point is central to your case, making it clear that institutions cannot hide behind the false pretense of consent.

Defining Hazing Under the Law:

Texas Education Code § 37.151 provides an expansive definition of hazing, encompassing a wide range of harmful activities, whether occurring on or off campus, that endanger “the mental or physical health or safety of a student” for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. This includes:

• Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (such as with wooden paddles), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
• Endangerment of health or safety: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities subjecting a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affecting mental or physical health. Leonel Bermudez’s case, with its forced waterboarding, 500 squats leading to kidney failure, exposure, and sleep deprivation, directly meets multiple criteria under this definition.
• Forced consumption: Any food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, drug, or other substance that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or affects mental/physical health. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting falls squarely here.
• Coercion to commit illegal acts: Requiring performance of tasks that violate the Penal Code.

Criminal and Organizational Penalties:

Beyond civil lawsuits, hazing carries severe criminal penalties in Texas, ranging from Class B Misdemeanors for engaging in hazing to State Jail Felonies for hazing that causes death. Significantly, organizations themselves can be penalized if they “condone[] or encourage[] hazing” or if their officers, members, or alumni commit hazing. This framework broadens accountability directly to the fraternity or sorority chapter and its national body. The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case, showcasing the dual track of justice.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges:

For Sussex County victims, the civil legal system offers comprehensive avenues for recovery, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Our firm leverages multiple legal theories to hold all responsible parties accountable:

• Negligence Claims: We establish that the university, national fraternity, and individuals owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and that this breach caused the student’s injuries and resulting damages.
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university property, or in housing owned by the university or a chapter’s housing corporation, the property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. We argue that their failure to do so contributed to the injuries.
• Negligent Supervision: We demonstrate how national organizations failed to adequately supervise their local chapters, and universities failed to monitor Greek life activities, allowing hazing to flourish.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful contact, such as striking or forced physical acts.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies to cases involving extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, a common outcome of psychological hazing and brutal physical abuse.

For any family in Sussex County, it’s vital to recognize that these laws are designed to protect students and hold powerful institutions accountable. They are the legal foundation upon which we build our multi-million dollar cases, ensuring that no one can evade responsibility by claiming innocent intentions or false consent. Your children deserve the full protection of the law, and we are here to wield it on their behalf.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in the Fight Against Hazing from Sussex County to Beyond

When you are facing the devastating consequences of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape, the cunning tactics of powerful institutions, and the profound human impact of such betrayal. For families in Sussex County, Attorney911 offers precisely that level of expertise and dedication. Though our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to justice extend nationwide. We are prepared to bring our battle-tested strategies and unwavering commitment to your child’s case, no matter where in the country the hazing occurred.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice for Sussex County families seeking justice for hazing victims:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in Harris County Civil District Court. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston case is our flagship example, demonstrating our aggressive, comprehensive approach. This is real, ongoing litigation against a national fraternity and a major university, and Sussex County families will benefit from the real-time insights and strategies refined in this high-stakes battle.

2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, and Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. They spent years representing the very same insurance companies and corporate defendants that you will be fighting. This means they know the defense’s playbook inside and out—how they value claims, how they build their defenses, and how they attempt to minimize or deny payouts. This unparalleled insider perspective is a profound strategic advantage for your case, allowing us to anticipate and dismantle their arguments effectively.

3. Extensive Courtroom Experience & Federal Court Authority: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello is a battle-tested trial attorney. Our firm’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, grants us federal court authority. This is crucial for hazing cases, as national fraternities and major universities often operate across state lines, making federal jurisdiction a powerful tool. We can pursue your case in the most favorable legal arena, regardless of your child’s college location.

4. Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas and New York): Ralph Manginello’s licenses in both Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage in litigation against national organizations. Many national fraternities are headquartered or heavily operate out of states like New York, allowing us to leverage legal expertise across key jurisdictions from our Texas base.

5. Proven Track Record Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion showcased his capacity to take on and win against giant corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases, where we often contend with well-resourced national fraternities and universities. We don’t shrink from a fight, no matter how powerful the opponent.

6. Hazing-Specific Expertise and Database: We don’t just handle hazing cases; we immerse ourselves in the data. We maintain a comprehensive intelligence database of Greek organizations, their legal structures, their historical incidents, and their leadership. We have specific expertise in injuries like rhabdomyolysis—the condition Leonel Bermudez suffered—and are well-versed in the patterns of Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M hazing cases. This data-driven approach means we don’t guess; we know exactly who is responsible and how to target them.

7. Empathetic, Parent-Facing Approach: We understand that behind every hazing case is a traumatized student and a heartbroken family. Our firm operates with warmth and empathy, recognizing the immense emotional toll these events take. We treat our clients like family, providing consistent communication and guidance. As our testimonials attest, clients praise our responsiveness and care, often stating, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

8. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Basis: We firmly believe that financial hardship should never prevent a family in Sussex County from seeking justice. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us absolutely no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and allows families to take on powerful institutions without worrying about hourly legal bills.

9. Willingness to Travel and Remote Accessibility: While our primary offices are in Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Sussex County families and are fully prepared to travel to Virginia for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. We ensure that our expertise is accessible to all hazing victims nationwide.

10. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): With Lupe Peña being fluent in Spanish, we are strongly positioned to serve Spanish-speaking families in Sussex County and across the country, ensuring that language barriers never impede access to justice.

For parents in Sussex County, sending your child off to college is an act of love and hope. When that hope is shattered by hazing, you need a firm that responds like a 911 call—immediately, aggressively, and effectively. Attorney911 stands ready to be that firm for you, transforming your pain into powerful advocacy and holding every responsible party accountable.

What to Do Right Now: Your Urgent Steps After Hazing in Sussex County

If your child in Sussex County has been subjected to hazing, whether physically or psychologically, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Emotions are high, confusion is rampant, and the instinct to protect your child is overwhelming. It’s vital to understand that fraternities, universities, and their insurers will immediately begin working to protect themselves. You need to act decisively to protect your child’s legal rights.

Here are the crucial steps you should take right now, as a family in Sussex County, if your child has been hazed:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

   • Prioritize Health: Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are psychological, ensure your child gets professional medical evaluation. Many serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed symptoms.
   • Document Everything: Every medical visit, diagnosis, treatment, and medication should be meticulously recorded. This creates an objective record of the harm suffered. Keep all hospital records, doctor’s notes, and bills.
   • Psychological Evaluation: Hazing inflicts deep emotional scars. Seek counseling or therapy for your child. A mental health professional can diagnose PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions, providing critical documentation of psychological damage.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Immediately:

   • Digital Communications: SAVE every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat message, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Take screenshots and back them up multiple times. Fraternities and individuals often delete these communications quickly.
   • Photos and Videos: If your child or any witness took photos or videos of the hazing, the injuries, or the location, preserve them. Document the injuries as they heal or worsen.
   • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other physical documents provided by the organization.
   • Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, or even former members who might corroborate your child’s story.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if any), and any educational expenses incurred due to the hazing.

3. DO NOT Communicate Without Legal Counsel:

   • Avoid the Fraternity/Sorority: Your child should NOT speak to fraternity or sorority members, alumni, or leadership without legal guidance. They will try to control the narrative, coerce silence, or elicit statements that can harm your case.
   • Avoid University Administration (Alone): Universities typically prioritize protecting their institution. Do NOT give formal statements to university officials without your attorney present. Anything said can be used against your child. You can report the hazing (and should), but be cautious about detailed statements until you’ve consulted with us.
   • DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, releases, or agreements presented by the fraternity, national organization, or university. These documents may waive your child’s rights.
   • No Social Media Posts: Instruct your child to immediately cease posting anything related to the incident, their injuries, or their emotional state on social media. What might seem like a harmless post can be twisted by defense attorneys to undermine their credibility or claim their injuries are not severe. Just as importantly, do not delete old posts.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:

   • Time is Critical: The statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas and Virginia, is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. While this may seem like ample time for families in Sussex County, evidence disappears and memories fade quickly.
   • Rapid Response: We need to act quickly to send “preservation letters” to all responsible parties, legally compelling them to retain evidence. We need to begin our own independent investigation before crucial evidence is lost or destroyed.
   • Free Consultation: For families in Sussex County, your initial consultation with Attorney911 is completely free and confidential. This is your opportunity to understand your legal options without any financial commitment.
   • Nationwide Reach: Even though we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We conduct video consultations and are prepared to travel to Sussex County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. For us, distance is not a barrier to seeking justice.

When your child is victimized by hazing, it’s a legal emergency. Just like a 911 call, immediate, decisive action is paramount. By following these steps, families in Sussex County can strengthen their case, protect their child’s rights, and lay the groundwork for the justice and accountability they deserve. Call us. Let us be your first responder to this legal emergency.

Educational Note: For more information on critical steps and mistakes to avoid, we encourage Sussex County families to watch our YouTube videos:

• “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• “Texas Statutes of Limitations” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Contact Us: Your Call for Justice in Sussex County Begins Now

If you’ve read this far, your family in Sussex County is likely grappling with unimaginable pain, anger, or fear. Perhaps your child has been subjected to a hazing incident, or you’ve witnessed the suffering of another student. The trauma of hazing doesn’t just impact the victim; it ripples through families, friendships, and communities. We understand that taking legal action against powerful universities and national fraternities seems daunting, but you are not alone. We are Attorney911, and we are here to help turn your distress into decisive action.

We are currently in the fight of our lives, aggressively battling Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This isn’t theoretical; it is live, active litigation where we are leveraging every legal tool and every piece of evidence to ensure justice. This is the same relentless, compassionate, and expert representation we will bring to your family in Sussex County.

Sussex County Families: Do Not Wait. Time is of the Essence.

Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. The two-year statute of limitations in most personal injury and wrongful death cases means that every day counts. Hazing victims often suffer in silence due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misplaced loyalty. We are here to empower you and your child to break that silence.

Your First Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation.

We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation for all hazing victims and their families in Sussex County. This is your opportunity to speak directly with our experienced legal team, share your story, and understand your legal options. There is no cost to you, and everything you share is kept confidential. We will candidly assess your case, discuss the potential for compensation, and outline the path forward.

No Upfront Costs. We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do.

We understand that the financial burden of legal action can be intimidating, especially when you’re already dealing with medical expenses and emotional trauma. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire our firm.
• You pay us nothing unless and until we successfully secure compensation for you.
• We invest in your case, covering all litigation costs, and only recover them if we win.

This commitment ensures that every family in Sussex County, regardless of their financial situation, has access to top-tier legal representation against even the most powerful institutions.

We Serve Sussex County, and Hazing Victims Nationwide.

While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national scourge. We leverage our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) to represent victims across America. For families in Sussex County, we offer:

• Video Consultations: Conveniently meet with our attorneys from your home in Sussex County.
• Willingness to Travel: We will travel to Sussex County for depositions, critical meetings, and trials whenever your case demands it.
• Bilingual Services: Our fluent Spanish-speaking staff ensures that language is never a barrier to justice.

Let Us Be Your Legal Emergency Responders.

Just like a 911 call, when hazing strikes, every second matters. Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ legal services respond with immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We will investigate exhaustively, build a powerful case, and fight tirelessly for the justice your child deserves.

Do not let fear, uncertainty, or the machinations of powerful institutions prevent you from seeking accountability. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston has been closed. The University is facing a $10 million lawsuit. These are the powerful consequences of proactive legal action.

Your child’s story matters. Your fight matters. Let us fight for you.

Sussex County Families – Call Now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for Sussex County hazing emergencies. We are here to listen, to guide, and to fight for you. Enough is enough.