If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to grow, to learn, and to build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed until their body broke down, or their spirit shattered, or worse, they were taken from you forever. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Wise County, Virginia fight back.

Here at Attorney911, we are more than just legal advocates; we are a shield for victims and a relentless force for justice. We know the shame, the fear, and the anger that hazing inflicts, and we are dedicated to holding every responsible party accountable. This isn’t just theory for us. We are actively engaged in this fight right now, pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities, Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and numerous individuals involved in a horrific hazing incident. This is the same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation we bring to families in Wise County and across the nation.

Our commitment extends far beyond the courtroom. We are dedicated to ensuring that no other family in Wise County, or anywhere else, has to endure the nightmare of hazing. We dissect every detail, uncover every truth, and pursue every entity that enables this dangerous culture. Your battle is our battle, and your fight for justice becomes our unwavering mission.

The Bermudez Case: A $10 Million Fight You Need to Understand in Wise County, Virginia

This case is not just a headline in Houston; it is a stark, terrifying warning for every parent and student in Wise County, Virginia. What happened three weeks ago in Houston, Texas, at the University of Houston, could happen to your child at any university they attend, including those in or near Wise County. The same national fraternities operate there. The same pattern of institutional negligence exists. And we, Attorney911, are fighting for this victim with an unwavering resolve that we will bring to your family in Wise County if you ever face such a nightmare.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, this organization subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They did this to someone who wasn’t even officially their student.

The Lawsuit: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. was filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. This $10 million lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants, including the national fraternity, the local chapter, the housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing at their residence.

Why This Matters to Wise County Families:

• Same Fraternities, Same Dangers: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including at universities that students from Wise County might attend. The “traditions” that hospitalized our client are disturbingly common across these national organizations.
• Institutional Complacency: Universities, just like the University of Houston, face the same pressures to oversee Greek life. When they fail, as UH did, they are complicit in the harm caused.
• Your Child Could Be Next: Hazing isn’t confined to a specific geographic area. The horror Leonel endured is a national pattern. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a college in Virginia or anywhere else, they face the same risks.
• We Fight for Wise County: The aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach we are employing in the Bermudez case is precisely what we will bring to families in Wise County whose children have been victimized by hazing.

As Ralph Manginello shared with 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.” This vivid account of a parent’s worst nightmare is the reality of modern hazing.

Lupe Pena also stated to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” These are not just words; they are the driving force behind our commitment to changing this dangerous culture.

The Horrifying Timeline:

• Sept 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• Sept 16 – Nov 3: Weeks of systematic hazing begin, evolving into physical and psychological torture.
• Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, demonstrating the chapter’s pattern of extreme abuse.
• Oct 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness during a forced workout, and other pledges have to elevate his legs until he recovers. This warning sign was ignored.
• Nov 3, 2025: Leonel is severely punished, forced to do 100+ pushups, 500 squats, and other exercises until he cannot stand without help.
• Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates.
• Nov 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a clear sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel is hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter, just days after Leonel’s hospitalization and before the lawsuit is filed, indicating their awareness of severe wrongdoing.
• Nov 21, 2025: Our $10 million lawsuit is filed, immediately garnering major media attention from ABC13, KHOU 11, and others.

This timeline reveals not only the brutality of the hazing but also the swift response by the national fraternity to shut down the chapter once the severity of the victim’s injuries became undeniable. They knew the gravity of the situation. This level of coordinated action from a national organization signals their clear understanding of the violations that occurred.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Wise County

When parents in Wise County imagine hazing, they might think of silly pranks or harmless rituals. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Modern hazing isn’t about “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood”; it is an organized system of psychological, physical, and often sexual torture designed to degrade, control, and break down individuals. It is critical for families in Wise County to understand the brutal forms this abuse can take.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit:

What Leonel endured was not a game; it was systematic abuse that crossed multiple categories.

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: This horrific act, considered torture by international humanitarian law, was inflicted upon Leonel. He was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” pledges were sprayed in the face during calisthenics, and forced to run under the threat of being waterboarded. This is a war crime when done to enemy combatants; it should be utterly unthinkable to inflict on college students.

• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited. The cruelty didn’t end there; they were then forced to continue running sprints while physically distressed and even made to lie in their own vomit-soaked grass. This is designed to break down a person’s dignity and physical limits.

• Extreme Physical Punishment: Hazing at this chapter was a brutal regimen of forced exertion:

  • 100+ Pushups and 500+ Squats: Forced repeatedly as punishment.
  • High-Volume “Suicides”: Draining running drills.
  • Bear Crawls and Wheelbarrows: Physically demanding exercises pushed to the point of collapse.
  • “Save-You-Brother” Drills: Unspecified but physically intense exercises.
  • Two-Mile Warmups and Repeated 100-Yard Crawls: Designed to induce exhaustion before the core abuse began.
  • Struck with Wooden Paddles: A direct act of physical assault that leaves physical and psychological scars.
  • Pledges were forced to continue these exercises, reciting the fraternity creed, until they could no longer stand. One pledge even lost consciousness during these workouts on October 15. The fraternity’s response? To continue.

• Psychological Torture & Humiliation:

  • Sexual Degradation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
  • Hog-Tying: In another incident, a pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, a sheer act of dehumanization.
  • Forced Stripping: Pledges were made to strip to their underwear in cold weather, exposing them to hypothermia and profound humiliation.
  • Threats and Coercion: Non-compliance was met with threats of physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity, creating an environment of fear.

• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and ensuring a constant state of exhaustion. This significantly impairs physical and mental capacity, making victims more vulnerable to manipulation and harm.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

The direct result of this extreme physical abuse was Leonel’s diagnosis of severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

• What is Rhabdomyolysis? It’s a serious medical condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream. These substances, particularly myoglobin, are toxic to the kidneys and can lead to acute kidney failure. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
• Leonel’s Symptoms: He was passing brown urine (a classic sign of myoglobin in the urine), had very high creatine kinase levels (confirming severe muscle damage), and suffered acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days, unable to move or walk on his own for days after the incident. He still faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is the same medical condition that Attorney911 has successfully litigated in previous hazing cases, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in these deeply disturbing incidents.

It’s Not an Anomaly; It’s a Crisis:

• Hazing is Widespread: Statistics show 55% of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and 40% of student athletes report it. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
• Culture of Silence: Around 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retribution, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty. This silence allows the abuse to continue unchecked.
• Institutional Failure: Universities and national Greek organizations are often aware that hazing is happening. They have policies in place, yet these policies frequently go unenforced until a severe injury or death occurs. Only then do they react, often with suspensions or closures, attempting to distance themselves from the liability. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, a significant liability given their prior knowledge of hazing on campus.

For families in Wise County, understanding these harsh realities is the first step toward protecting your children and holding responsible parties accountable. We see the pain these incidents cause, and we are committed to fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Who Is Responsible: Every Entity That Participated Or Allowed It in Wise County

When a student in Wise County is harmed by hazing, it’s natural to point fingers at the individuals directly involved. However, our aggressive, data-driven strategy at Attorney911 ensures that every single entity that enabled, encouraged, or failed to prevent the hazing, from the individual perpetrators to large national organizations and universities, is held accountable. As our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates, we leave no stone unturned.

The Multiple Layers of Liability:

The beauty of a comprehensive hazing lawsuit is our ability to target multiple defendants, each with their own distinct legal responsibilities and, often, their own insurance policies. This multi-pronged approach maximizes the potential for a substantial recovery for victims in Wise County.

1. Individual Perpetrators: These are the people who directly inflicted the abuse. In the Bermudez case, we named:

   • Fraternity President: As the leader, he holds ultimate responsibility for the chapter’s activities and culture.
   • Pledgemaster: Directly responsible for the pledge program and its abusive rituals.
   • Current and Former Members: Every individual who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in the hazing activities.
   • Hosts of Hazing: In Leonel’s case, a former member and even his spouse were named because hazing occurred at their private residence, introducing the critical element of premises liability for those who enable such events off-campus. These individuals often have homeowner’s insurance that can provide compensation.
     These individuals can be held personally liable for their actions, particularly for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

2. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: The direct entity that organized and conducted the hazing.

   • Liability: The chapter itself can be sued as a legal entity. It is responsible for the collective actions of its members and for maintaining a safe environment, which it egregiously failed to do in the Bermudez case. This includes failing to adhere to university policies and national fraternity guidelines.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These are the “deep pockets” that often have vast resources and comprehensive insurance coverage. In the Bermudez case, we sued Pi Kappa Phi’s National Headquarters.

   • Liability: National organizations have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate training. When they fail, especially after previous incidents like the death of Andrew Coffey at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017, they can be held liable for:
     • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor or control their local chapters.
     • Negligent Retention: Retaining chapters or members with known hazing histories.
     • Failure to Train or Warn: Not providing sufficient anti-hazing education or warnings.
     • Direct Liability: For policies and cultures that implicitly or explicitly allow hazing.
       Their quick action to “close” the Beta Nu chapter after Bermudez’s hospitalization serves as an admission of wrongdoing, further strengthening our case against the national entity.

4. Universities and Colleges: The institutions that host these Greek letter organizations on their campuses. The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are key defendants in our lawsuit.

   • Liability: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, which includes preventing hazing. Their liability can arise from:
     • Premises Liability: Crucially, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. If a university owns the property where illegal or harmful activities occur, they have a direct responsibility to ensure safety.
     • Negligent Supervision: Failing to properly oversee Greek life organizations and enforce anti-hazing policies.
     • Failure to Act on Knowledge: As shown by the 2017 hazing hospitalization at UH involving Pi Kappa Alpha, the university had prior notice of dangerous hazing on its campus and failed to implement effective safeguards. This establishes a pattern of institutional negligence.
     • Breach of Contract: Students enter into a contractual relationship with a university, which implies a safe learning environment. Hazing breaches this unspoken contract.

5. Insurance Carriers: The true “deep pockets” in almost every hazing case.

   • Liability: Various insurance policies can be triggered:
     • National Fraternity’s Liability Insurance: These policies are designed to cover large-scale claims.
     • University’s General Liability Insurance: Covers institutional negligence.
     • Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: For individuals who hosted or participated in hazing at private residences.
     • Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance: For national leaders.
       Our team, including former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña and Ralph Manginello, has an intimate understanding of how these insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize payouts. We leverage this insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

For families in Wise County, this means you are not limited to pursuing only the individual culprits. You can and should seek accountability from the powerful institutions that often turn a blind eye until it’s too late. We will identify every liable party, regardless of their size or influence, and relentlessly pursue justice on your behalf.

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

For families in Wise County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential financial recovery can be a critical step toward rebuilding. These are not small claims; they are often multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear, undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs dearly. We have the receipts, and the same aggressive legal strategies that led to these outcomes are precisely what Attorney911 will bring to your case.

The Message to Universities and National Organizations: Hazing Costs Millions.

Here are some of the landmark cases that set the precedent for significant financial awards, proving that justice—both legal and financial—is possible:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, an 20-year-old pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity, along with individual members, settled for an additional $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury issued a $6.5 million judgment personally against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his role in Foltz’s death. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history and underscores that an individual can be held personally liable for millions.
   • Relevance to Wise County: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent. This case proves that both universities and national fraternities pay significant sums, and individuals, even students, can face devastating personal liability.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event at LSU. Pledges were forced to chug alcohol for incorrect answers to fraternity questions. His BAC was 0.495, over six times the legal limit.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The case also led to criminal convictions, and Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
   • Relevance to Wise County: This powerful jury verdict demonstrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing-related deaths, and that criminal and civil accountability often go hand-in-hand. This case shows the public’s outrage at organizations that fail to protect their youth.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110+ Million (Estimated Settlements)

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State, suffered catastrophic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before seeking medical help, while security cameras recorded his agony. He died days later.
   • The Outcome: The settlements were confidential but widely reported to be over $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, with several receiving prison sentences. Pennsylvania also passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
   • Relevance to Wise County: This case sets the high-water mark for hazing settlements, underscoring that when evidence is clear and egregious, the financial consequences are staggering. It also highlights the importance of thorough evidence collection, similar to our approach in the Bermudez case.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)

   • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter (the same national fraternity as in our Bermudez case), died of acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
   • Relevance to Wise County: This is hugely significant to the Bermudez case and by extension, to Wise County families. Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years between Coffey’s death and Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix its deadly hazing culture. They failed. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a knowing disregard for student safety, which significantly impacts the potential for punitive damages in our current lawsuit.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement

   • What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a freshman at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event where he was forced to consume a large bottle of whiskey.
   • The Outcome: The family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which settled in October 2024 for over $4 million, including a significant donation to the “Love Like Adam” Foundation. Criminal charges were pursued against several fraternity members, and Virginia implemented “Adam’s Law” to toughen hazing penalties.
   • Relevance to Wise County: The original lawsuit demand shows that multi-million dollar demands are not uncommon, and substantial confidential settlements are frequently achieved. This case, notably, occurred in Virginia, highlighting that hazing is a danger close to home for Wise County families.

Key Takeaways for Wise County Families:

• Your Case Can Win Millions: These precedents prove that strong hazing cases result in multi-million dollar recoveries for victims and their families. This can cover lifelong medical costs, lost earning potential, and the immense pain and suffering endured.
• Accountability for All: Universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators have all been compelled to pay substantial sums.
• Hazing is a “Foreseeable” Problem: After years of these tragic outcomes, no university or national fraternity can credibly claim they don’t know the risks associated with hazing. This significantly bolsters arguments for gross negligence and punitive damages.

Our firm is not just talking about these precedents; we are actively leveraging them in the current $10 million Bermudez lawsuit. We employ the same strategies, the same aggressive pursuit of every liable party, and the same dedication to justice to ensure that for Wise County families, these tragic events translate into the accountability and compensation you deserve.

Texas Law Protects You: What Wise County Families Need to Know

For families in Wise County confronting the agony of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While hazing is a national crisis, Texas has particularly robust laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable. Our firm, Attorney911, is based in Texas, and our deep expertise in these specific statutes, coupled with our federal court authority, allows us to pursue justice for victims nationwide, including those from Wise County.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Powerful Shield

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151 through 37.157, provides a comprehensive legal framework against hazing. These laws are critical because they define hazing broadly, establish criminal penalties, outline organizational liability, and, most importantly, strip away the common defense of “consent.”

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Broad and Inclusive

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 it involves:

• Physical Brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles in the Bermudez case), branding, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body.
• Endangering Health or Safety: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather or being sprayed with a hose), confinement in a small space, or calisthenics (such as the 500 squats that led to Leonel’s kidney failure) that subject a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect mental or physical health.
• Forced Consumption: Making a student consume food, liquids, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm (e.g., forced eating until vomiting, as in the Bermudez case).
• Criminal Acts: Any activity that involves coercing a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Coerced Intoxication: Forcing a student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Wise County Application: The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured, including simulated waterboarding, forced excessive exercise, forced eating, and physical strikes, clearly falls under multiple subsections of this definition, making it undeniable hazing under Texas law. If similar acts occur at an institution students from Wise County attend, these laws provide a powerful basis for both criminal and civil action.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Real Jail Time

Texas law ensures that hazing is not just a university policy violation; it’s a crime with serious consequences:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or even for a person with firsthand knowledge failing to report it. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

Wise County Application: Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undoubtedly constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning those involved in hazing him face Class A misdemeanor charges. The University of Houston spokesperson has already explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges,” underscoring the severity of these legal consequences.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Holding Chapters Accountable

Beyond individuals, Texas law holds the organizations themselves responsible. An organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its members or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means that both the local chapter and the national organization, like Pi Kappa Phi, can face direct legal repercussions.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): A Game-Changer

This provision is perhaps the most critical for Wise County families to understand. It 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.”

Wise County Application: Fraternities and universities often try to argue that pledges “knew what they were signing up for” or “consented” to the activities. Texas law explicitly shuts down this argument. A student cannot legally consent to be physically brutalized, tortured, or endangered. This removes a major hurdle victims often face, making it easier to hold perpetrators accountable.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Transparency and Oversight

University chief administrative officers must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor. This ensures accountability for universities and creates a paper trail for investigations.

Civil Liability: Expanding the Scope of Justice

Beyond criminal charges, families have the right to pursue civil lawsuits, seeking substantial monetary compensation for injuries:

1. Negligence: This is broadly applicable, arguing that the university, national fraternity, or individuals owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through hazing, and caused injuries and damages. This applies across Wise County and nationwide.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case with the UH-owned fraternity house), they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision: Arguing that the national fraternity failed to supervise its local chapter, or the university failed to properly oversee its Greek life, leading to the hazing.
4. Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals for intentional harmful or offensive contact, such as striking with paddles or waterboarding.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering, such as the psychological torture Leonel endured.

These civil claims are the pathway to compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and immense pain and suffering. They exist in every state, and our federal court authority means we can pursue these claims for Wise County victims regardless of where the incident occurred. Texas law provides a strong foundation, but our expertise transcends state lines to protect all hazing victims.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Wise County Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma 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 emotional toll on your family. Attorney911 offers Wise County families an unparalleled blend of experience, insight, and aggressive advocacy that truly sets us apart as your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Our Unmatched Experience and Insight:

1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Battle-Tested Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two and a half decades of litigation experience, having navigated complex legal battles across Texas and within the federal court system. This extensive courtroom background equips us to handle the most challenging hazing cases, ensuring proven expertise for Wise County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. It means we have seen the inner workings of insurance companies, understand their strategies to minimize payouts, and can anticipate their every move. We use this insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for our clients, giving Wise County families an unfair advantage.
3. Federal Court Admissions: Our admission to the U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) means we are authorized to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities and multi-state litigation. This ensures we can bring the full weight of federal law to bear on your Wise County case.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a significant strategic advantage, particularly in cases involving national fraternities whose headquarters or regulatory bodies may be based in New York. We can more effectively navigate the complexities of multi-state legal landscapes that often characterize hazing litigation.
5. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation, a mass tort case involving billions of dollars and numerous fatalities and injuries, demonstrates our firm’s capacity to take on massive corporate defendants and handle complex, high-stakes litigation. These same skills are directly applicable to holding large universities and national fraternities accountable in Wise County.
6. Hazing-Specific Expertise – We’re Fighting It Right Now: This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently prosecuting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in the Leonel Bermudez case. We understand the specific medical consequences (like rhabdomyolysis), the cultural nuances of Greek life, and the institutional failures that lead to hazing. Wise County families get attorneys who are actively engaged and winning in the current hazing landscape.
7. Civil Rights Litigation Experience: Our experience in federal civil rights cases, including First Amendment retaliation and abuse of process claims, prepares us to fight institutions that attempt to silence or retaliate against hazing victims and their families.

Compassionate and Aggressive Advocacy for Wise County Families:

• Empathetic Approach: We understand the profound emotional and physical pain that hazing inflicts. We operate with genuine compassion, treating every Wise County client like family, not just another case file. Our numerous client testimonials emphasize how we are invested in our clients’ well-being.
• Se Habla Español: We proudly offer bilingual staff and services, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Wise County can communicate effectively and confidently about their legal needs. Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish removes crucial language barriers to justice.
• Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost: We understand that the financial stress of dealing with medical bills and lost wages can be overwhelming. Therefore, we take hazing cases on contingency. Wise County families pay $0 upfront, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. This levels the playing field against well-funded institutions.
• Unwavering Dedication: We are known for our “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” philosophy. This means we will meticulously investigate every detail, strategically anticipate the defense’s moves, and relentlessly advocate for your rights, never backing down from powerful adversaries.

Our Commitment to Wise County:

While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is never a barrier to justice. We leverage remote consultation technology to connect with Wise County families, and we are prepared to travel to Wise County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary. When a legal emergency hits – whether in a remote corner of Wise County or a bustling city campus – we move first, fast, and decisively.

Ralph Manginello, a father of three and a Hall of Fame athlete, understands firsthand the pressures youth face and the environments where hazing often occurs. He is deeply committed to protecting families. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan and former national defense attorney, knows how to secure maximum compensation. Together, they form a formidable team ready to fight for your child in Wise County.

“We truly work with clients all over America, and can help Wise County hazing victims no matter where the incident occurred,” we emphasize. “Call or email anytime with questions. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR Wise County HAZING VICTIMS. AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION. RESULTS.”

This is why Attorney911 is not just a choice; we are the essential partner for any family in Wise County whose child has been impacted by the scourge of hazing.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Wise County Families

If your child in Wise County has been harmed by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While panic and confusion are natural responses, taking swift, decisive action is essential to protecting your child’s rights and building a strong legal case. Here at Attorney911, we want to provide you with a clear, actionable roadmap for what to do right now.

Our First Response Protocol for Hazing Victims in Wise County:

These steps are designed to be followed even before you contact an attorney, though calling us is the next crucial step.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even for Seemingly Minor Injuries:

   • Why: This is paramount. Not only is your child’s health the top priority, but prompt medical care creates an official record of injuries. As Ralph Manginello advises in our video, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical,” delays can be used by the defense to argue injuries weren’t serious.
   • Action: Take your child to the nearest emergency room in Wise County or an urgent care clinic. Inform medical staff that the injuries were a result of hazing. Get copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, diagnoses (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure from extreme exertion), and bills. Document any brown urine, muscle pain, or physical limitations.
   • Wise County Resources: Local hospitals include Norton Community Hospital in Norton (about 20 miles south of Wise) and Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap (also nearby). Documenting care from these facilities is crucial evidence for Wise County families.

2. Ensure Safety and Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment:

   • Why: Immediately remove your child from any situation where hazing could continue or where they might be harassed or threatened. Their physical and psychological safety is non-negotiable.
   • Action: If they are on campus, notify university officials (ideally with legal counsel present), but prioritize their immediate removal. Secure alternative lodging if they were in a fraternity house or on-campus housing connected to the organization.

3. Preserve Every Piece of Evidence – DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT!

   • Why: This is perhaps the most critical component of building a successful hazing case. As Ralph Manginello stresses in our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”
   • What to Preserve:
     • Photos/Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos of all injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, brown urine). Photograph the scene if possible (e.g., fraternity house, common areas, objects used in hazing).
     • Communications: THIS IS VITAL. Screenshot and save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. These often contain direct evidence of instruction, coercion, threats, or planning. Do NOT delete anything.
     • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity members who witnessed the hazing, or any bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
     • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written instructions provided by the fraternity.
     • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work, or any financial losses incurred due to the hazing.
     • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
   • Action: Create a dedicated digital folder for all evidence. Back it up. Ensure no original conversations or photos are deleted from phones.

4. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

   • Why: As highlighted in our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” engaging directly with the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies can severely damage your case. They are trained to minimize liability and will use your statements against you.
   • Action:
     • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership.
     • Do NOT give statements to university administrators or campus police without your attorney present.
     • Do NOT sign any documents from the organization or university.
     • Do NOT accept any “settlement offers” or promises of internal resolution.

5. Stay Off Social Media:

   • Why: As our short video warns, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.” Anything your child or family posts can be scrutinized by defense attorneys and used to undermine the severity of injuries or the validity of the claim.
   • Action: Do NOT post about the incident, your feelings, your medical condition, or any photos related to the hazing. Avoid posting photos of your child appearing “fine” or engaging in social activities, as these will be used to argue they were not severely impacted.

6. Contact Attorney911 Immediately – Time is Critical:

   • Why: Every state has statutes of limitations (often two years in Texas and many other states), but physical evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are quick to destroy or alter records. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, emphasizes this urgency.
   • Action: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible. Our consultations are free, confidential, and available 24/7. We can provide immediate guidance, launch an investigation, and protect your family from critical mistakes, regardless of whether you’re in Wise County or another part of the country.

For Wise County Families – Distance is Not a Barrier:

You might be in an area like Wise County, far from our Houston headquarters, and wonder how we can help. We assure you, our reach is nationwide:

• Remote Consultations: We offer video consultations, allowing Wise County families to meet with our experienced attorneys from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, enabling us to pursue national fraternities regardless of state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licensure in Texas and New York, we can strategically engage with national organizations often headquartered or incorporated out-of-state.
• We Travel to You: We are committed to justice wherever it leads. We will travel to Wise County for depositions, witness interviews, court appearances, and client meetings when necessary.

“Your child did not deserve this. We are here to fight for them,” says Lupe Pena. “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The path to justice starts now. Pick up the phone. Let us be your first call, your immediate advocates, your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Call Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline Against Hazing in Wise County, Virginia

If you or your child in Wise County, Virginia has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The pain, the anger, the confusion—we understand it all. You don’t have to navigate this dark path alone. Our commitment at Attorney911 is to provide immediate, aggressive, and expert legal help, turning your nightmare into a fight for accountability.

Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims in Wise County:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Don’t wait. Call us right now. Our lines are open 24/7 for families in Wise County and nationwide.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Why Contact Us Today?

1. Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us costs you nothing. We offer a no-obligation, confidential evaluation of your case, helping you understand your legal options without any financial burden.
2. No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: We understand the financial strain of medical bills and potential lost income. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means Wise County families pay $0 out of pocket. We only get paid if we win your case. Our interests are aligned with yours entirely.
3. Time is Critical – The Clock is Ticking: In most states, including Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of injury or death. This window closes quickly. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and perpetrators can cover their tracks. The sooner you call, the stronger your case.
4. Expertise You Can Trust: Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are not just personal injury lawyers; they are specialists in high-stakes litigation against powerful institutions. They are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now, proving their dedication and capability. We bring the same fight to Wise County.
5. Insider Knowledge: With both Ralph and Lupe being former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies will attempt to deny, delay, and devalue your claim. We use their playbook against them.
6. Nationwide Reach: While we are proud Texans with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond state lines to serve victims in Wise County and across the country. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) position us uniquely to take on national fraternities and multi-state university systems. We offer video consultations for your convenience and will travel to Wise County for depositions, interviews, and court proceedings as needed.

To Wise County Parents: Your child trusted these organizations, and their trust was betrayed. We understand your pain and your righteous anger. We are here to transform that emotion into decisive legal action, ensuring accountability for every person and institution responsible.

To Other Victims of Hazing: Leonel Bermudez’s case proves you are not alone. There may be others who collapsed, others who were waterboarded, others who were brutalized alongside him. If you were part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing, or any other hazing incident in Wise County or elsewhere, please know that your voice matters, and your story can drive change. We can protect your identity and fight for your justice.

As Lupe Peña articulated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your decision to act can prevent another tragedy in Wise County or beyond.

Don’t let fear, shame, or loyalty keep you silent. Contact Attorney911 today. Let us fight for you.

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