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Tazewell County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, North America, Tazewell County, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this in Tazewell County, your family may be navigating one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find community and friendship, perhaps even joining a fraternity or sorority. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening hazing. We understand what you’re going through. Your child was supposed to make connections at school, but instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Tazewell County fight back against the institutions and individuals who allowed this nightmare to unfold.

We are Attorney 911, and we are legal emergency lawyers who aggressively represent victims of hazing and their families across America, including right here in Tazewell County. We recognize that distance can feel like a barrier, but our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses mean we can pursue justice for your family no matter where in Tazewell County, Virginia, or the nation, this tragedy struck. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Tazewell County with the same fierce dedication and legal expertise we apply to cases in our home state.

Tazewell County, nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, is a place where community values and family ties run deep. Families in towns like Tazewell, Richlands, Cedar Bluff, and Pocahontas raise their children with the expectation that colleges and universities will uphold fundamental principles of safety and respect. When children from Tazewell County leave for institutions like Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Radford University in Radford, or Emory & Henry College in Emory, or even larger universities across the country, their parents trust these institutions to provide a safe environment. But hazing traditions betray that trust, turning what should be a formative experience into a traumatic one. Hazing is not a distant problem; it can affect any Tazewell County family whose child attends college where Greek life or other student organizations operate.

We want to share a recent, deeply disturbing case that we are currently litigating here in Houston, Texas. It’s a case that embodies everything we stand for and serves as a stark warning to parents everywhere, including those in Tazewell County. This is not a hypothetical scenario; this is a real, ongoing fight for justice, and it shows precisely what hazing looks like today and the aggressive action we take.

The Landmark Case: Attorney 911 Fights for Leonel Bermudez in a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

This case happened in Houston, Texas, just weeks ago, but the same patterns of abuse occur at universities around Tazewell County. The same national fraternities operate chapters near your community. And the same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to happen here in Texas exists at many colleges across the country, including those where students from Tazewell County may attend. We will fight for Tazewell County families with the same aggression and unwavering resolve that we are bringing to this $10 million lawsuit.

Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was hog-tied. He was forced to eat until he vomited. He was subjected to psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis.

What makes Leonel’s story even more tragic and infuriating is that he wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was what is known as a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student planning to enroll for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who was not even officially their student.

Within weeks of our reporting the hazing, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. Its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals have been initiated. We, Attorney 911, filed a $10 million lawsuit in November 2025, naming the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, its Beta Nu Housing Corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to happen at their residence. This case is not just about compensation; it’s about exposing the truth and demanding accountability so that no other student, particularly those from communities like Tazewell County, has to endure such torment.

As my colleague Lupe Peña stated to ABC13 News, “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 sentiment fuels our fight for Leonel, and it will fuel our fight for your family in Tazewell County.

Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case: On the Record

This isn’t just a claim; it’s a widely reported incident that has galvanized our legal team. Major news outlets have covered the filing of this lawsuit extensively:

The Full Hazing Timeline: It Started With a Bid

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing display of systematic abuse:

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. The torturous “hazing” begins.
  • September 16 – November 3, 2025: For weeks, Leonel and other pledges were subjected to escalating abuse. He was forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to severe exhaustion. He endured an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly “interviews” designed to break his spirit. Crucially, he was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a blatant act of humiliation and degradation. If he failed to comply with any command, he was threatened with physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity.
  • October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while fraternity members prepared for a meeting. This incident, just weeks before Leonel’s near-fatal hazing, clearly demonstrates a pattern of extreme and dangerous behavior within the chapter.
  • October 15, 2025: Disturbingly, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout session. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. Even after this dire warning, the hazing continued unabated.
  • November 3, 2025: This was the night Leonel’s ordeal reached its devastating climax. As punishment for missing an event, he was forced into a grueling regimen of exercises: over 100 pushups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He also endured two-mile warmups and repeated 100-yard crawls. All of this was done while being forced to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so utterly exhausted that he could not stand without help.
  • November 4-5, 2025: Leonel struggled alone. As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse…” His condition deteriorated rapidly.
  • November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother, witnessing his alarming state, rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a critical sign of muscle breakdown. He was immediately diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment to save his kidneys.
  • November 14, 2025: The national Pi Kappa Phi organization officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, publicly stating that the closure was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This came a full week before our lawsuit filing, demonstrating their clear knowledge of profound wrongdoing and an attempt to control the narrative.
  • November 21, 2025: We filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court, making their internal damage control public.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Tazewell County, it’s crucial to understand that hazing today is not the harmless pranks or silly dares often depicted in movies. It is systematic abuse designed to inflict pain, humiliation, and often, serious bodily harm. What Leonel Bermudez endured is a chilling example of modern hazing:

  • Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: He was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants. Yet, fraternity members subjected a prospective brother to it.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was made to continue running sprints through his own vomit-soaked grass, pushing his body past its limits.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: The November 3 incident alone involved over 100 pushups and 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides,” and 100-yard crawls. He and others were even struck with wooden paddles.
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Forcing him to carry sexually explicit items, stripping in cold weather, and the hog-tying incident with another pledge demonstrate a clear intent to degrade and psychologically break these young men. The threats of expulsion only amplified this coercive environment.
  • Sleep Deprivation: The forced late-night and early-morning driving assignments left pledges chronically exhausted, a common hazing tactic that impairs judgment and increases vulnerability.

The long-term repercussions of such abuse are profound. Beyond the immediate physical injuries, victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust that can impact their lives for years. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a testament to the deep psychological scars hazing leaves.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s physical injuries were severe and life-threatening. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition resulting from the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. These proteins can clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure, a medical emergency. Leonel was hospitalized for four days, battling this serious condition. His brown urine was a classic sign of myoglobinuria, and his very high creatine kinase levels confirmed the extensive muscle damage. This is a condition that, if left untreated, can be fatal or result in permanent kidney damage. Tazewell County parents must understand that these are not minor injuries; they are major health crises inflicted by hazing.

We want to be clear: this is the same medical condition we have successfully litigated before. Our firm has specific expertise in handling rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, and we are prepared to utilize that experience for your family in Tazewell County.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

One of the core tenets of our approach at Attorney 911 is to identify and pursue every entity responsible for hazing injuries. In Leonel’s case, we are suing:

  • The Local Pi Kappa Phi Chapter (Beta Nu): They directly organized and carried out the hazing activities.
  • Individual Chapter Officers and Members: The chapter president, pledgemaster, other leaders, and individual members who actively participated in or enabled the hazing. We specifically named 13 individuals in this lawsuit to ensure personal accountability.
  • A Former Member and His Spouse: Hazing often occurs at off-campus residences. In this case, alleged hazing sessions took place at the home of a former member and his spouse, making them liable for permitting such activities on their property.
  • The National Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity: The national organization has a duty to supervise its chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. Despite a documented history of severe hazing incidents, including a prior hazing death, Pi Kappa Phi failed to prevent Leonel’s injuries, demonstrating systemic negligence.
  • The University of Houston and its Board of Regents: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when they own the property where hazing occurs. UH owned the fraternity house where some of these events transpired. They also had a prior hazing hospitalization on campus in 2017, meaning they had actual notice of the dangers and failed to implement adequate safeguards.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every “deep pocket”—from multi-million dollar national organizations and wealthy universities to individual perpetrators—is held accountable. This isn’t about blaming “poor college kids”; it’s about forcing powerful institutions to take responsibility for fostering dangerous environments.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Precedents

For families in Tazewell County, the thought of taking on large universities and national fraternities can be overwhelming. However, a strong track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements proves that justice is attainable for hazing victims. These cases demonstrate that juries and legal systems are increasingly willing to impose significant penalties for these egregious acts.

Consider these landmark cases:

  • Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Totaling $10.1 Million+ in Settlements and Judgments. Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a hazing ritual. The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity and individuals paid over $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded against a single individual, the former chapter president Daylen Dunson, showing that personal liability is very real for those who lead and enable hazing. This case directly supports our own $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez.
  • Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict. Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after a “Bible Study” hazing event where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and his death led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony. This verdict proves that juries are ready to deliver substantial justice.
  • Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110+ Million (Estimated) in Settlements. Timothy Piazza died after falling repeatedly down basement stairs following forced excessive drinking, with fraternity brothers delaying calling 911 for 12 hours. Extensive security camera footage clinched the case, leading to an estimated $110+ million in confidential settlements and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.” This shows that when evidence is meticulously documented—as it is in Leonel’s case—the payouts can be enormous.
  • Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a full bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” ritual. This is the SAME national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that is involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. His death, just eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization, proves a deadly pattern of negligence by the national organization. They knew, and they failed to act.
  • Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement. Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi pledging event. His family recently reached a $4 million+ settlement just in October 2024, with part of the settlement funding an anti-hazing foundation. This demonstrates that even in cases resulting in death, settlements often include significant financial components.
  • University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017): Disturbingly, the University of Houston itself had a prior hazing incident in 2017 where a student sustained a lacerated spleen, resulting in a $1 million lawsuit. This establishes that the University of Houston had actual notice of severe hazing on its campus eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized but failed to implement effective preventative measures.

These precedents provide a clear roadmap for our fight for Leonel Bermudez and for any Tazewell County victim of hazing. They show that multi-million dollar outcomes are not only possible but increasingly common, sending a powerful message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that hazing will be met with severe accountability.

Texas Law Protects You: Tazewell County Victims Have Rights

For Tazewell County families, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While Virginia has its own anti-hazing laws, we want to highlight Texas’s robust anti-hazing statute, which mirrors laws in many states and provides a strong foundation for civil lawsuits nationwide.

The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151-37.157, defines hazing comprehensively. It broadly includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, whether on or off campus. This explicitly covers:

  • Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, or striking.
  • Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, or calisthenics that pose an “unreasonable risk of harm.”
  • Forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol that creates an “unreasonable risk of harm.”
  • Any activity that violates the Penal Code.

The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, physical blows—clearly falls within and exceeds these definitions. These aren’t just minor infractions; they are explicit violations of the law.

Critical for Tazewell County parents: Consent is NOT a Defense. Texas law is unambiguous on this: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.” This means that any argument from a fraternity or university that your child “agreed” to participate, or “knew what they were signing up for,” holds no legal weight. The law recognizes the coercive nature of hazing and removes this common, cynical defense.

Universities also have reporting requirements under these laws, and failure to report hazing incidents is itself a misdemeanor. This means institutions, like potentially those near Tazewell County, that shield or cover up hazing can face direct legal consequences.

Beyond state-specific laws like those in Virginia and Texas, civil liability for hazing extends through a variety of legal theories applicable in Tazewell County and every state:

  1. Negligence Claims: Holding institutions and individuals responsible for failing in their duty of care to protect students.
  2. Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity, like the University of Houston’s ownership of the Pi Kappa Phi house.
  3. Negligent Supervision: When national organizations or universities fail to properly supervise and regulate their chapters.
  4. Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individual perpetrators for physical acts of violence.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the psychological trauma inflicted by outrageous conduct.

These civil claims allow victims and their families in Tazewell County to pursue justice and significant financial compensation, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or how local laws specifically define hazing.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Choice for Tazewell County Hazing Victims

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident in Tazewell County is a critical decision. You need a legal team with not only deep expertise in hazing litigation but also the resources, commitment, and strategic insight to win. Here’s why Attorney 911 stands apart:

1. Aggressive, Data-Driven Hazing Litigation Experts: Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston isn’t just a testament to our capabilities; it’s proof that we are actively fighting these battles right now. We leverage a proprietary database of Greek organizations—tracking national chapters, housing corporations, and alumni groups—to identify every potential defendant and liability angle. This data-driven approach means we don’t just guess; we know who to sue. This is the same proven strategy we bring to your Tazewell County case.

2. Decades of Courtroom Experience: My partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience. He has handled complex, high-stakes litigation, including involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion mass tort, which demonstrates an ability to take on massive corporate defendants. His journalism background ensures he can investigate thoroughly and tell stories that resonate in court.

3. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph and my colleague Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” We know firsthand how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize or deny claims. Lupe, having worked for a national defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands their playbook inside and out. We use this insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our hazing victims in Tazewell County.

4. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses: Hazing often involves national organizations. Our admission to U.S. District Courts and dual-state bar licenses in Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage, allowing us to pursue national fraternities and universities in federal court, regardless of where they are headquartered. This means that even if the hazing occurred at a university in Tazewell County, Virginia, we have the reach to navigate the complex legal landscape.

5. We Understand Hazing Culture: With Ralph’s experience as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach, he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face—environments ripe for hazing. This personal insight helps us build more compelling cases.

6. Se Habla Español: We proudly serve Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice. Our bilingual staff provides comprehensive legal services and support for Hispanic families in Tazewell County.

7. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs: We understand that families grappling with the trauma of hazing may also be facing financial strain. We take hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This allows any Tazewell County family, regardless of their financial situation, to access top-tier legal representation. As we often say, we don’t get paid unless you get paid. For more explanation, you can watch our video titled “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

8. Commitment to Tazewell County Families: Although our offices are in Texas, we are committed to serving hazing victims nationwide. We can conduct remote consultations via phone or video conference, and we are prepared to travel to Tazewell County for depositions, meetings, and even trial, if necessary. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice.

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

If your child has been hazed, acting quickly is paramount. The actions you take in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact your legal case. Here’s what you and your family in Tazewell County should do:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, consult with medical professionals as soon as possible. Insist on a thorough examination and ensure all injuries, symptoms, and complaints are documented in medical records. For more on the importance of this step, watch our short video, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.”
  2. Preserve All Evidence: This cannot be stressed enough. Evidence disappears quickly, and fraternities, universities, and individuals may try to destroy or hide it.
    • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, and therapy records.
    • Photos & Videos: Take pictures of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they evolve. If any photos or videos of the hazing activities or location exist, secure them immediately.
    • Communications: Crucially, save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other form of digital communication related to the hazing. These often contain threats, instructions, or admissions that are invaluable evidence. See our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
    • Witness Information: Gather the names and contact details of any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have observed the events.
    • Documents: Any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the fraternity or university should be kept.
    • Financial & Academic Records: Document any medical bills, lost wages from missed work, or impacts on tuition/fees, scholarships, or academic standing.
  3. DO NOT Communicate with Defendants: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting your legal counsel first. They are not on your side and will attempt to gather information or coerce statements that could harm your case. Do not sign anything they ask you to sign.
  4. STAY OFF Social Media: This is a critical mistake many victims make. Anything you post online—even seemingly innocuous content such as party photos or statements about feeling “fine”—can be used by the defense to discredit your claims. Do not post about the incident, and do not delete past posts, as that could be seen as destruction of evidence. Our video titled “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” strongly advises against this.
  5. Act Immediately – Contact Us Today: There is a statute of limitations for filing hazing lawsuits, typically two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury in most states. For wrongful death cases, it’s usually two years from the date of death. This deadline seems long, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities diminish with every passing day. Delay can fatally weaken your case. For more information on critical deadlines, watch our video, “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

Call to Action for Tazewell County Families: We Will Fight for You

If your child or a loved one in Tazewell County has been a victim of hazing, you are not alone, and you have powerful legal recourse. The nightmare Leonel Bermudez endured and the aggressive legal action we are taking on his behalf demonstrate our unwavering commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. We are ready to bring that experience, expertise, and determination to your case.

We understand that reaching out is a difficult first step, especially when you’re overwhelmed and angry. But waiting will only serve the interests of those who harmed your child. The consultation is free, confidential, and available 24/7. We will treat your family with compassion, respect, and the fierce advocacy you deserve.

🚨 Tazewell County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now—And We’ll Fight for Tazewell County Victims Too.

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. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Tazewell County families get the same aggressive representation.

Tazewell County Families — Call Now — Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Tazewell County hazing emergencies

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Tazewell County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

We Serve Tazewell County Hazing Victims—And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While headquartered in Houston, our legal reach extends far beyond Texas borders. Hazing is a national crisis, and its impact is felt in communities like Tazewell County, Virginia, and at universities across the nation. We can evaluate and pursue your Tazewell County hazing case through our:

  • Federal court authority: Allowing us to litigate in federal jurisdictions across the country.
  • Dual-state bar licenses: Admitted to practice in both Texas and New York, offering strategic advantages against national fraternities headquartered in various states.
  • Video consultations: Enabling Tazewell County families to connect with our attorneys remotely and conveniently.
  • Unwavering travel commitment: We travel to Tazewell County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever the demands of justice require our presence.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities; we also represent victims of hazing in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations near Tazewell County. If any organization uses abuse as an initiation rite, we can help.

The time to act is now. Let us turn your family’s pain into focused, powerful legal action, sending an undeniable message that hazing will no longer be tolerated.

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