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

If you’re reading this, your family in Alleghany County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to make friends, build a future, and experience new opportunities. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and injured, all in the name of “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is here to help families in Alleghany County fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

We know the fear, the anger, and the helplessness that washes over you when you discover your child has been subjected to such cruelty. Hazing isn’t a rite of passage; it’s a crime that inflicts lasting physical and psychological damage. We don’t just talk about hazing; we actively litigate against the fraternities, universities, and individuals who perpetrate and enable this abuse. Our commitment is not theoretical; it’s being proven right now in courtrooms.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning to Alleghany County Families

What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston, Texas, is a stark warning for every parent sending their child to college from Alleghany County. Just like your son or daughter, Leonel was simply seeking friendship and a sense of belonging in a fraternity. What he found instead was weeks of systematic torture that landed him in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. This isn’t a story from decades ago or a distant land; this is what hazing looks like today, in Texas, at universities within a few hours’ drive of Alleghany County.

In November 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not just another case; it’s the centerpiece of everything we stand for: aggressive, data-driven litigation that relentlessly pursues accountability for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, during the fall of 2025, this young man was subjected to unimaginable abuse. The allegations in our lawsuit paint a horrifying picture of what these fraternities deem acceptable:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose: Pledges, including Leonel, were sprayed directly in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning, a recognized form of torture.
  • Hog-tying: Another pledge was found hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This grotesque act demonstrates the abject dehumanization inherent in these rituals.
  • Forced eating until vomiting: Leonel was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. He was then forced to continue running sprints in his distress, even made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
  • Extreme physical punishment: He was forced to endure over 100 pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. This exertion continued until his body simply broke down; he became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
  • Medical Catastrophe: Within days, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending four days hospitalized. This severe condition occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to permanent damage or even death.

The university and the national fraternity quickly moved to contain the damage. Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated, and the University of Houston itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards.” These quick actions, however, came far too late for Leonel.

This case is a testament to what we do. While headquartered in Houston, our firm is committed to serving hazing victims and their families wherever they are, including Alleghany County. We will travel, we will call, we will consult – all to bring accountability to those responsible. Parents in Alleghany County deserve to know that when their children attend universities, no matter how close or far, they face risks like these, and there is a firm ready to fight for them.

You can read more about this unfolding case in the news:

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For families in Alleghany County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences from movies or outdated stories. However, the reality of modern hazing is far more sinister. It is not “boys being boys.” It is not innocent “tradition” or “team building.” It is abuse, plain and simple. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident; it reflects a disturbing national trend where students are subjected to physical and psychological torment that often leads to severe injury or death.

Today’s hazing includes:

  • Extreme Physical Abuse: Beyond mere calisthenics, it involves forced exercises to the point of collapse, beatings, paddling, branding, and even waterboarding. The goal is to break down individuals physically, making them compliant through exhaustion and fear.
  • Forced Consumption: This often includes binge drinking of alcohol, leading to life-threatening alcohol poisoning. But it also extends to forcing students to eat vile substances, consume food until they vomit, or even ingest non-food items, all designed to humiliate and sicken.
  • Psychological Torture: This can be just as damaging, if not more, than physical abuse. It involves sleep deprivation, humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. Students are often stripped naked, forced to carry sexually explicit items, or subjected to other demeaning acts that strip away their dignity and autonomy.
  • Sexual Abuse and Harassment: In some of the most horrifying cases, hazing involves forced nudity, sexual acts, or other forms of sexual abuse and harassment. These acts leave victims with deep, lasting trauma.
  • Reckless Endangerment: Activities like forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, confinement in small spaces, or dangerous stunts put students at immense risk of injury, hypothermia, heatstroke, or other medical emergencies.
  • Servitude and Humiliation: Students are made to perform endless errands, drive older members at all hours, clean up after parties, or endure public degradation, often while being deprived of sleep and basic necessities.

The medical consequences of these acts are severe. Beyond the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure our client suffered, hazing commonly leads to:

  • Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, often involving forced, rapid consumption.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or being thrown during rituals.
  • Broken Bones and Internal Injuries: From physical assaults or accidents during hazing.
  • Hypothermia or Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion.
  • Permanent Disability: Including paralysis, organ damage, or chronic pain.
  • Profound Psychological Trauma: Such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, severe depression, and even suicidal ideation.

These are not isolated incidents; they are systemic problems found across fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations. The devastating impact reaches far beyond the immediate injury, affecting a student’s academic future, mental health, and overall well-being for years to come.

Who Is Responsible When Hazing Hurts Your Child in Alleghany County?

When hazing injures or kills a student from Alleghany County, it’s never just one person or one group responsible. The web of liability is complex, but our firm’s strategic approach ensures that every entity that contributed to the harm is held accountable. Whether the incident occurred at a university campus near Alleghany County or out of state, the legal principles remain the same.

In the Bermudez case, we meticulously identified and sued every responsible party, just as we would for your family in Alleghany County:

  1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: This is the most direct perpetrator. They organize and carry out the hazing activities. The chapter, as an entity, is directly liable for the actions of its members and for creating a dangerous environment. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu chapter directly organized the waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and other abuses.
  2. Chapter Officers and Individual Members: Those who planned, directed, encouraged, or participated in the hazing are individually liable. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and any other members involved. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for millions. These individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s name.
  3. Former Members and Their Spouses/Property Owners: Often, hazing rituals take place off-campus, sometimes at the homes of alumni or older members. Property owners who allow dangerous hazing to occur on their premises can be held liable under premises liability laws. In our Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse were named as defendants because hazing occurred at their residence.
  4. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: National organizations oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, including those with students attending colleges from Alleghany County. They have a duty to create and enforce anti-hazing policies, train their members, and supervise their chapters. When they fail in these duties, especially after previous hazing incidents or deaths (like Pi Kappa Phi’s own history with Andrew Coffey), they can be held responsible for systemic negligence and conscious indifference. These national organizations often have substantial assets and insurance coverage, making them “deep pockets” from which to recover significant damages.
  5. The College or University: Educational institutions, whether public or private, have a profound responsibility to protect their students. This responsibility extends to overseeing Greek life, investigating hazing reports, and taking disciplinary action. When hazing occurs on university-owned property (as it did for Leonel Bermudez), or when the university has prior knowledge of a hazing problem and fails to act, they are liable for negligent supervision and premises liability. The University of Houston, for example, had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 at a different fraternity but failed to implement changes that would prevent incidents like Leonel’s.
  6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often individual, there are insurance policies – commercial general liability, directors and officers liability, homeowner’s policies, and umbrella policies. These insurance carriers ultimately pay out the settlements and verdicts in hazing cases. Our firm, with attorneys like Lupe Peña and Ralph Manginello who are former insurance defense lawyers, knows exactly how these companies operate and how to navigate their strategies to maximize compensation for Alleghany County victims.

When we take on a hazing case for a family in Alleghany County, we meticulously investigate every potential defendant. We don’t guess; we use our extensive database and legal expertise to identify every entity with financial responsibility and bring them to justice. This comprehensive approach is crucial because it often takes a collective effort to expose the full truth and secure the significant compensation a hazing victim deserves.

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

For families in Alleghany County trying to comprehend the true cost of hazing, it’s vital to recognize that courts and juries across the country are awarding multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to victims and their families. These aren’t just numbers; they represent comprehensive accountability and a powerful message that hazing will not be tolerated. The same legal strategies and precedents that secured these outcomes are available for victims from Alleghany County.

Here are just a few examples that demonstrate the significant financial consequences now facing fraternities and universities:

  • Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
    Stone Foltz, a pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual and died of alcohol poisoning. The settlement reached over $10.1 million, with nearly $3 million paid by Bowling Green State University and over $7 million paid by Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. This wasn’t just a settlement; in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was also ordered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally. This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It proved that both universities and national fraternities, along with individual perpetrators, bear massive financial responsibility. This tragedy also led to Ohio’s “Collin’s Law,” increasing hazing penalties.

  • Maxwell Gruver at Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
    Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a hazing event called “Bible Study.” A jury awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict. This emotional verdict sent a clear message: juries are outraged by hazing and will hold those responsible accountable. Louisiana subsequently passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.

  • Timothy Piazza at Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
    Timothy Piazza died after a brutal hazing ritual where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a blood alcohol content of 0.36. He then fell down stairs multiple times, suffering catastrophic injuries. Fraternity members waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. The incident was captured on security cameras. The confidential settlement, though not fully disclosed, is estimated to exceed $110 million, one of the largest payouts in hazing history. This case led to criminal convictions against 18 fraternity members and the passage of Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

  • Andrew Coffey at Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
    Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” ritual. This is especially significant for us, as it involved Pi Kappa Phi, the same national fraternity that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez eight years later. This pattern demonstrates that the national organization had ample notice of its deadly hazing culture but failed to implement effective change.

These cases are critical for Alleghany County families to understand. They show that:

  1. Hazing is Foreseeable: National organizations and universities can no longer claim ignorance when hazing causes injury or death. These precedents demonstrate a clear pattern.
  2. Juries are Outraged: When these cases go to trial, juries often award substantial damages, particularly for egregious conduct like waterboarding, forced extreme exercise, or forced consumption.
  3. Accountability Extends to All culpable parties: Settlements and verdicts reach individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
  4. These Cases Drive Change: Many of these tragedies have directly led to stricter anti-hazing laws and university policy reforms across the nation.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is well within the realm of possibility given these proven precedents. We are seeking to hold accountable institutions that knew better, and individuals who acted out with malice and extreme recklessness. The legal strategies used to achieve these significant outcomes are precisely the ones we deploy for our clients, including hazing victims from Alleghany County.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights in Alleghany County

For families in Alleghany County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for hazing are broadly consistent across the United States. Furthermore, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities regardless of where the incident occurred, ensuring that victims in Alleghany County receive justice.

Here are key aspects of hazing law, particularly drawing from Texas statutes, that empower victims:

The Legal Definition of Hazing is Broad

The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, clearly defines and prohibits hazing. Our Bermudez case falls squarely within this definition, and similar statutes exist in Virginia and across the country. Hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

(1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
(2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(4) is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code;
(5) involves coercing… the student to consume… a drug; or an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated.”

Leonel Bermudez was subjected to acts that violated nearly every clause of this definition: physical brutality (paddling, extreme calisthenics, waterboarding), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements (sprayed with hose in cold), and forced consumption (eating until vomiting). If your child in Alleghany County has experienced anything similar, they have a strong case.

Hazing is a Crime

Beyond civil liability, hazing is a criminal offense in Texas, and in many states, including Virginia. The level of offense escalates with the severity of injury:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, or even failing to report it, punishable by up to 180 days jail and a $2,000 fine.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury, punishable by up to 1 year jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure certainly qualify as serious bodily injury.
  • State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. This applies to cases like Timothy Piazza and Max Gruver.

The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges” in response to our lawsuit, acknowledging the criminal nature of the acts.

Organizational Liability

Under Texas law (§ 37.153), an organization itself commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means the local chapter and the national organization can face fines, denial of operation, and even forfeiture of property.

Crucially: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE

This is one of the most vital protections for hazing victims in Texas, and similar provisions exist in many other states. Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly 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 shatters the common fraternity defense of, “he agreed to participate,” or “he could have left.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist in a coercive environment fueled by power dynamics and the desire to belong. This is a powerful tool in civil litigation, allowing us to immediately dismiss claims that the victim somehow agreed to their own torture.

Civil Liability Opens Doors to Compensation

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in convictions, our civil lawsuit can still pursue significant damages. Key civil liability theories include:

  • Negligence: Holding organizations and individuals responsible for failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm.
  • Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or individual, they can be liable for dangerous conditions.
  • Negligent Supervision: When national organizations or universities fail to adequately oversee local chapters or student activities.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional physical harm.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm.

For Alleghany County families, these legal frameworks mean that justice is attainable, and institutions can be forced to pay for their failures. Our firm navigates these complex laws to build an undeniable case for your child, just as we are doing for Leonel Bermudez.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Alleghany County Families

When hazing shatters your family’s world, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of this specific type of litigation. For families in Alleghany County, Attorney911 offers a unique blend of expertise, experience, and fierce dedication that sets us apart.

Here’s why we are the right choice to fight for hazing victims, whether the incident occurred at a school near Alleghany County or across the country:

  1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case: We aren’t just reading about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court right now. Our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is a live example of our data-driven, aggressive strategy in action. This isn’t theoretical – it’s real, and we’re demonstrating our commitment to accountability every single day in the Harris County Civil District Court. Alleghany County families benefit directly from our ongoing experience and proven strategies.
  2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook: Both of our managing partners, Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. They spent years representing the very same types of insurance companies and large institutions (like the ones defending fraternities and universities) that we now sue. They know every tactic, every strategy, and every loophole the defense will try to exploit. This insider knowledge gives Alleghany County families an “unfair advantage,” allowing us to anticipate and dismantle the opposition’s arguments effectively.
  3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Many hazing cases involve national fraternities and universities in different states. Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and possess dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York). This gives us the strategic flexibility and authority to pursue complex hazing cases in federal courts across state lines, making us exceptionally well-equipped to handle cases for Alleghany County victims, regardless of where the incident occurred.
  4. Battle-Tested Against Massive Corporations: Ralph Manginello’s experience includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This demonstrates our firm’s capacity and proven track record of successfully taking on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases, where we often face powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities.
  5. Specialized Hazing Expertise: We don’t treat hazing as just another personal injury case. We delve deep into the specifics:
    • Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Injury: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel Bermudez’s. We understand the complex medical implications and the long-term impact on victims, ensuring these damages are fully valued.
    • Greek Life Culture: We understand the insidious mechanisms of peer pressure, coercion, and the “code of silence” that allows hazing to flourish.
    • Institutional Accountability: We know how to expose the negligence of universities and national organizations that turn a blind eye to abuse.
  6. Data-Driven Litigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: We don’t guess who to sue. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. This allows us to instantly identify every financially responsible party, from the local chapter to the national insurance carriers. For Alleghany County families, this means we hit the ground running, targeting all liable parties from day one.
  7. Deep Roots and Diverse Capabilities: Our team is comprised of attorneys with deep connections to Texas. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, is fluent in Spanish, offering a critical advantage for Hispanic families in Alleghany County and beyond who need legal representation without language barriers. Ralph Manginello is a father of three and actively involved in youth sports, giving him a firsthand understanding of team dynamics and the pressures young people face. Our background in personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense provides a holistic understanding of how these cases can unfold.
  8. Client-Centered Approach: We Never Charge Upfront: We understand the financial strain that a hazing incident can place on a family. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees. Our payment is directly tied to the success we achieve for you, ensuring our goals are perfectly aligned. We will travel to Alleghany County for depositions, meetings, or trials as needed, and offer remote consultations for your convenience.
  9. Your Child is a Person, Not a Payout: We hear countless stories of institutions trying to minimize the tragedy of hazing. For us, every victim is a son or daughter, a brother or sister. Lupe Peña said it best regarding the Bermudez case: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We share that passion, and we will fight fiercely for justice for your family in Alleghany County.

Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews reflects our consistent dedication to our clients. Testimonials often highlight our aggressive representation, clear communication, and empathetic approach, with clients consistently saying, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

What You Should Do Right Now if Hazing Strikes Your Family in Alleghany County

The moments immediately following the discovery of hazing can be chaotic and terrifying. You may feel overwhelmed, angry, or unsure of your next steps. For families in Alleghany County, acting quickly and strategically is paramount to protecting your child’s rights and ensuring justice. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s health is the absolute priority. If they have suffered physical injuries, signs of alcohol poisoning, extreme dehydration, rhabdomyolysis, or any medical distress, get them to a doctor or emergency room immediately.

  • Document Everything: Ensure all medical visits are meticulously documented. Keep copies of hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, test results (like blood work showing creatine kinase levels), and any prescribed medications. These records are the cornerstone of your legal case.
  • Follow Doctor’s Orders: It is crucial to follow all medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and pursue any recommended therapies (physical or psychological). A gap in treatment can be used by the defense to argue that your child’s injuries were not severe or were unconnected to the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Immediately

Hazing incidents are often systematically covered up. Fraternities and universities will attempt to destroy or hide incriminating evidence quickly. You must act fast to preserve anything that could support your case.

  • Digital Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat message, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Screenshot everything. These often contain explicit instructions for hazing, threats, or discussions among participants.
  • Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing activities or your child’s injuries exist, secure them immediately. Use your phone to document bruises, cuts, burns, or any visible signs of physical harm from the hazing, and continue to photograph your child’s healing process.
  • Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, including other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
  • Documents: Collect any “pledge packets,” manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents given to your child by the organization.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel costs for treatment, and any lost wages or academic expenses incurred due to the hazing.
  • Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

Critical Warning: Do NOT Delete Anything! Deleting messages or posts, even if they seem insignificant, can be construed as destruction of evidence and severely harm your case.

3. Do Not Engage with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers Without Counsel

This is a trap. These institutions will immediately begin damage control.

  • No Statements: Do not give any recorded statements or written accounts to the fraternity, the university administration, or their insurance representatives without first consulting with our attorneys. They are not on your side; they are gathering information to protect their own interests, not yours.
  • No Signing: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements presented by the fraternity, university, or their legal teams. You may inadvertently sign away your child’s legal rights to compensation.
  • No Social Media Posts: Avoid posting anything about the hazing incident, your child’s injuries, or the ongoing situation on social media. The defense will comb through social media to find anything they can use to discredit your child or downplay their injuries.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately – Time is Critical

The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Texas is generally two years from the date of injury or death, and similar deadlines apply in Virginia. While this may seem like ample time, it is not.

  • Evidence Disappears: Digital evidence can be deleted, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate.
  • Institutions Obscure Information: Fraternities and universities are adept at minimizing or burying hazing incidents.
  • Building a Strong Case Takes Time: A thorough investigation, gathering of medical records, and expert consultations require significant time.

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

A consultation with us is always free. We will assess your Alleghany County child’s case, explain your legal options, and outline the best path forward. We handle all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us absolutely no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for your family. Distance is not a barrier; we offer remote consultations via phone or video and will travel to Alleghany County for essential meetings, depositions, or trial if necessary.

You don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are fighting this battle right now for Leonel Bermudez, and we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven fight to defend your child in Alleghany County.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Alleghany County Hazing Victims

If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, whether at a university near Alleghany County or across the nation, you are facing a legal emergency. Finding help at 2 AM on Google shouldn’t lead to more confusion, but to clear, compassionate, and decisive action. Our firm, Attorney911, is your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we are ready to respond.

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families in Alleghany County. The shame, the anger, the fear of retaliation – these are all very real barriers to seeking justice. But we want to empower you with the knowledge that you have rights, and there are powerful legal avenues to hold those responsible accountable.

Our promise to Alleghany County families struggling with hazing:

  • Immediate, Aggressive Help: We will act swiftly to investigate, preserve evidence, and identify every responsible party, just as we did within weeks for Leonel Bermudez.
  • No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all litigation expenses, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our success is tied directly to yours.
  • Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses equip us to represent hazing victims across America, including Alleghany County. We offer convenient video consultations, and our team is prepared to travel to Alleghany County for essential proceedings when needed.
  • Compassionate but Relentless: We approach each case with empathy for the victim and their family, but with absolute ferocity against the institutions and individuals who inflict harm. We will be your shield and your sword.
  • Expert Knowledge: With attorneys who understand both plaintiff and defense strategies, we dismantle the opposition’s arguments from the inside out. We know how to expose the cover-ups and negligence that allow hazing to persist.

Alleghany County Families: Your Call to Action is Now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Don’t let distance be a barrier. Whether your child attends college far from Alleghany County or close to home, the same national fraternities and universities operate everywhere. The same hazing dangers exist. And the same aggressive legal representation you need is just a phone call away.

We represent victims of hazing in all contexts:

  • Fraternities and sororities at any college or university.
  • Sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC programs.
  • Clubs, organizations, and other student groups.
  • Military academies and other institutions.

To any other victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We know Leonel was not alone. If you or someone you know was also subjected to abuse by the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, or any other organization, reach out to us. You have legal rights, and we can help you too. Let’s bring all responsible parties to justice. As Lupe Pena often says, “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 child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, may depend on your courage to act. Call Attorney911 today.