If you’re reading this in Amelia County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a community, and grow into a young adult. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and left with physical and psychological scars. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Here in Amelia County, and across the nation, families are realizing that the “fun and games” of college life can turn into a nightmare of hazing. We’re here to help families in Amelia County fight back, just as we are fighting right now for another family in Houston.

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It is not building brotherhood or sisterhood. It is abuse, plain and simple, and it has no place in our colleges, universities, or any organization where young people are meant to thrive. When these acts of brutality happen, it devastates not just the victim, but their entire family and community. We believe in holding every single party responsible – the individuals involved, the local chapters, the national organizations, and the universities that allow it to happen.

Our firm, Attorney911, stands ready to be your legal emergency hotline. We represent hazing victims and their families in Amelia County and across the United States. While our offices are based in Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions mean we can pursue justice for your child, no matter where the hazing occurred. We understand the unique challenges faced by families in rural communities like Amelia County – the distance from specialized legal help, the close-knit nature of local institutions, and the feeling of isolation. Be assured, we will travel to Amelia County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed, ensuring you have the aggressive, expert representation you deserve.

The Case That Shows Amelia County Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi

This is not a theoretical fight for us. It is happening right now. In November 2025, our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is the case of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was brutally hazed, waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to eat until he vomited, and subjected to extreme physical exertion that left him hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This case is a stark warning to families in Amelia County. The same hazing tactics, the same powerful fraternities, and the same institutional negligence that allowed Leonel to suffer are present in colleges and universities your children might attend. Whether your child goes to a local college or university in Virginia, or ventures out of state, the threat of hazing is real, and the need for aggressive legal action is paramount. We are in the fight right now, actively pursuing justice for Leonel, and we will bring that same data-driven, relentless approach to families in Amelia County.

Here’s why Leonel’s story, which unfolded just weeks ago, specifically matters to Amelia County families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including at universities near Amelia County. The danger isn’t confined to Houston; it’s a national issue.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are likely being practiced at fraternities and sororities near Amelia County. Hazing is a pervasive, nationwide problem.
• Universities near Amelia County face the same liability issues as the University of Houston. They have a duty to protect their students, and when they fail, they must be held accountable.
• If your child is being hazed in Amelia County, we will fight for your family with the same aggression and expertise we’re bringing to this $10 million lawsuit.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13 at the time: “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.”

Our attorney Lupe Peña underscored our firm’s mission in the same report: “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 media coverage of this egregious case has been widespread:

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

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity themselves issued a statement confirming the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter, effective November 14, 2025, following “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This admission, made before our lawsuit was publicly filed, underscores their awareness of severe wrongdoing. You can read their full statement here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Amelia County, the word “hazing” conjures images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences, perhaps like the scenarios seen in old movies. However, the reality of hazing today, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. It is systematic abuse, psychological torture, and often outright assault. It can leave lifelong physical and emotional scars, and it can, tragically, lead to death.

Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member who was planning to transfer to the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was not a period of bonding, but weeks of brutal, dehumanizing rituals. This happened to someone who was not even officially a student yet, underscoring exactly how little concern these organizations have for their victims’ well-being.

Here are some of the horrifying hazing activities Leonel was subjected to, as detailed in our $10 million lawsuit and corroborated by multiple media reports:

Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This horrific practice, considered torture under international law, was carried out with a garden hose. Pledges were sprayed directly in the face, mimicking drowning, while doing calisthenics. They were threatened with repeated waterboarding if they didn’t comply. This wasn’t a prank; it was a deliberate act of terror.

Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume unhealthy quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of severe gastric distress and vomiting. After vomiting, they were forced to continue running sprints in their own sick, often made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass. This is not only deeply humiliating but also incredibly dangerous, risking aspiration and internal injury.

Extreme Physical Punishment: This included:

• 100+ pushups and 500+ squats. These were not just exercises; they were punishments designed to break the individual down, often performed under threat of immediate expulsion.
• High-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. These are intense physical activities forced upon pledges, often in rapid succession.
• “Two-mile warmups” and “repeated 100-yard crawls.” These were not training regimens but physically debilitating acts designed to exhaust and humiliate.
• Being struck with wooden paddles. This is outright physical assault and battery, a clear crime.

Psychological Torture and Humiliation:

• Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, enhancing physical discomfort with deep humiliation.
• He had to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a constant reminder of his degraded status.
• Another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour” as fraternity members prepared for a meeting. This demonstrates the callous disregard for human dignity.
• Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion.

Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their essential sleep and impacting their academic performance and physical health. The combination of physical abuse and sleep deprivation is a potent form of torture.

This is not the “mild initiation” many still imagine. This is systematic cruelty designed to strip individuals of their dignity, control their every move, and instill fear. It happened in Houston, and it happens across our country, in institutions and organizations your children attend, potentially even near Amelia County. Such practices are not confined to major cities; even students from smaller communities in Amelia County, attending colleges either regionally or far away, can fall victim to these modern forms of hazing.

The Deadly Reality: Medical Consequences of Hazing

The most devastating consequence of the hazing Leonel Bermudez endured was the severe medical trauma that led to his hospitalization. He suffered from rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its contents, particularly a protein called myoglobin, into the bloodstream. These substances can harm the kidneys, leading to severe complications:

• Muscle Breakdown: Excessive physical exertion, like the hundreds of squats and pushups Leonel was forced to do, can cause muscle fibers to literally break down. The wooden paddles he endured only exacerbated this trauma.
• Myoglobin in Blood: The myoglobin released from damaged muscles is toxic to the kidneys.
• Brown Urine: A classic and alarming symptom of rhabdomyolysis is dark, tea-colored, or brown urine, which Leonel was passing when his mother rushed him to the hospital. This indicates significant muscle damage.
• Acute Kidney Failure: When the kidneys are overwhelmed by myoglobin, they can shut down, leading to acute kidney failure. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate and intensive medical intervention.

Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, fighting for his life as doctors worked to flush the toxins from his system and save his kidneys. The long-term effects of such damage can be chronic kidney disease, requiring ongoing monitoring, and in severe cases, even dialysis or kidney transplant.

The medical implications of hazing extend far beyond physical injuries:

• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced binge drinking is a common hazing practice that can lead to alcohol poisoning, brain damage, coma, and death, as seen in numerous past cases.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Beatings, falls, or head impacts during hazing can cause TBIs, leading to lifelong cognitive and neurological impairments.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Exposure to extreme cold or heat, common in hazing rituals, can cause life-threatening body temperature dysregulation.
• Psychological Trauma: Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. The psychological scars can be even deeper and longer-lasting than the physical ones. Leonel Bermudez himself fears retribution for speaking out, a clear sign of the lasting psychological impact of the abuse.

This is why we fight so aggressively. These aren’t just “boys being boys” or “mistakes.” These are deliberate actions with devastating, and often deadly, consequences. When a fraternity member tells a scared Amelia County freshman to drink a bottle of liquor, or to do hundreds of squats, they are not building character. They are risking a life for a warped sense of “tradition.”

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

One of the most powerful aspects of hazing litigation, and what makes our approach so effective, is our ability to identify and pursue every single entity, from individuals to national corporations, that bears responsibility for the harm caused. In Amelia County, just as anywhere else, when a hazing incident occurs, multiple layers of negligence are often involved. We don’t just sue the “fraternity”; we sue everyone connected to the incident.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, our $10 million lawsuit names an extensive list of defendants, demonstrating precisely how wide our net cast for accountability:

1. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): This is the local chapter that directly organized and executed the hazing activities. Their officers, including the President and Pledgemaster, are personally responsible for directing the torture, and individual members who participated facilitated the abuse.
2. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The national organization has a fundamental duty to oversee its chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. In Leonel’s case, national Pi Kappa Phi leadership “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis’,” as reported by KHOU 11. They had a documented history of deadly hazing, such as the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter, yet failed to prevent similar abuses eight years later. This shows a pattern of negligence and a conscious indifference to the safety of their members. National fraternities are often entities with significant assets and extensive insurance coverage, making them key targets in litigation.
3. Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: Fraternity houses, especially those owned by a housing corporation, are separate legal entities. When hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws for failing to provide a safe environment.
4. University of Houston: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when they recognize and regulate Greek-letter organizations. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because, as KHOU 11 highlighted, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This is a critical point: the university literally owned the property where Leonel was waterboarded. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter at any time. Furthermore, the University of Houston had prior knowledge of severe hazing on its campus, with a student hospitalized in 2017 due to hazing at a different fraternity. Their failure to act decisively after that incident led directly to Leonel’s suffering. Universities have substantial endowments and insurance policies to cover this negligence.
5. UH Board of Regents: As the governing body of the University of Houston System, the Board of Regents holds ultimate institutional oversight. Their failure to ensure adequate policies, enforce regulations, and protect students from harm makes them a liable party.
6. Individual Fraternity Members: This includes the chapter President, the Pledgemaster, and other current or former members who actively participated in, organized, or facilitated the hazing. The Stone Foltz case, where a chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million, proves that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s shield.
7. Former Member and His Spouse: In a shocking detail from Leonel’s case, a former fraternity member and his spouse are also named as defendants because some of the major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability beyond the campus, demonstrating that anyone who hosts or enables hazing can be held accountable as a premises owner.

This multi-pronged approach ensures that every responsible party – from the college students who directly inflicted harm to the powerful institutions that enabled it – faces the full weight of the law. We are interested in true accountability, not just making a point. This approach is equally critical for hazing victims in Amelia County, where we pursue justice against the local and national organizations, the universities, and the individuals whose actions or inactions led to harm.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Amelia County considering legal action after a hazing incident, it’s natural to wonder about the potential outcomes. We want you to understand that these are not minor disputes; they are serious lawsuits that have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country. These cases prove that aggressive legal action can secure substantial compensation for victims and, critically, force institutions to change.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary figure. It is grounded in the reality of what juries and settlements demand in hazing cases where serious injury or death occurs. We draw strength and strategy from major precedent-setting cases:

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

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million
Stone Foltz died in March 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge event. The outcome:

• $2.9 Million from Bowling Green State University.
• $7.2 Million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and other individuals.
• In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to personally pay $6.5 million in a separate judgment. This individual liability is a powerful warning to fraternity leaders everywhere.

This case set a record for the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history and directly supports our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, a student who survived but suffered life-altering injuries.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning in 2017 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” In this twisted ritual, pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers to fraternity questions. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495, over six times the legal limit.

• His family secured a $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity and individuals.
• The incident also led to criminal charges and the passing of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

This verdict demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award significant damages to victims’ families.

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

Total Recovery: Over $110 Million (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza lost his life in February 2017 after a brutal hazing ritual at Beta Theta Pi. He was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a blood alcohol content of 0.36. He then fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras in the house captured the entire horrifying ordeal.

• Though the settlement amount was confidential, it is estimated to be over $110 million.
• The incident led to criminal convictions for multiple fraternity members, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, creating stricter penalties for hazing.

The Piazza case highlights that strong evidence and egregious conduct can lead to massive settlements, sending an unmistakable message to universities and fraternities.

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

The Same Fraternity, Eight Years Apart
Andrew Coffey died in November 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.

• Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
• The chapter was permanently closed.
• A civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement.

This case is critical for the Bermudez lawsuit. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity had explicit knowledge of deadly hazing practices in its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This established a critical pattern of negligence and a failure to address a known, deadly problem, strengthening our case for punitive damages significantly.

For Amelia County families, these cases offer undeniable proof:

• Your child’s suffering is not isolated. These are national patterns of abuse.
• These cases can be won. Juries and courts are increasingly siding with victims.
• The compensation can be substantial. Multi-million dollar awards are possible, covering medical costs, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

These verdicts and settlements send a clear message: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and the same aggressive, data-driven strategies apply to your hazing case in Amelia County. The next time a fraternity leader near Amelia County contemplates a hazing ritual, they should remember these multi-million dollar penalties.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is NOT a Defense

For families in Amelia County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial, especially in Texas, where our firm is headquartered and actively litigating. While Virginia has its own hazing laws, the principles of civil liability, which often allow for greater compensation, are universal. Furthermore, the explicit protections enshrined in Texas law serve as a model for how our aggressive litigation approaches this crisis.

One of the most insidious defenses commonly raised in hazing cases is the claim that the victim “consented” to the activities. This argument suggests that because a student chose to join a fraternity or participate in certain rituals, they somehow agreed to be abused. However, both law and common sense reject this premise.

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 is a game-changer. It means that any argument by a fraternity, university, or individual member that Leonel Bermudez consented to being 물boarded, or to doing 500 squats until his kidneys failed, is invalid under Texas law. The state legislature, recognizing the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of hazing, removed “consent” as a legitimate defense.

What Hazing Means Under Texas Law (§ 37.151):
Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality: Such as striking, beating, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel’s case involved wooden paddles and extreme physical punishment.
• Subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or calisthenics. Leonel endured all of these.
• Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
• Violates the Penal Code: Any activity that induces or requires a student to commit a criminal act.

As documented in Leonel’s case, the hazing activities he endured—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics leading to kidney failure, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation, and psychological humiliation—fall under numerous categories of behavior explicitly prohibited by Texas’s anti-hazing statute.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):
Texas law escalates penalties based on the severity of the harm:

• A Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing.
• A Class A Misdemeanor for hazing causing serious bodily injury. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute serious bodily injury, meaning the individuals involved in his hazing face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• A State Jail Felony for hazing causing death.

The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement to Houston Public Media, highlighting that the institutions themselves recognize the criminal nature of such acts.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also explicitly states that an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers or members commit hazing. This means the local chapter and the national fraternity can face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000, being denied the right to operate, and forced forfeiture of property.

For Amelia County families, this legal framework offers crucial protection and empowers our litigation:

• No Excuse for Abuse: The “consent” defense, a common tactic of fraternities, is legally dismissed from the outset.
• Criminal and Civil Avenues: While criminal charges address societal wrongdoing, civil lawsuits provide financial compensation for victims and force systemic change.
• Broad Scope of Liability: The law targets individuals and organizations, allowing us to pursue justice on multiple fronts.

Whether the hazing occurred in Texas or somewhere near Amelia County, our attorneys understand how to leverage these legal principles to maximize your claim and ensure that those responsible cannot escape accountability.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage Against Hazing

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 complex landscape of hazing litigation and knows how to win. For families in Amelia County, choosing Attorney911 means gaining several critical advantages against powerful fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies. We are not just experienced; we are strategic, data-driven, and utterly committed to securing justice for victims.

Here’s why Amelia County families choose Attorney911 for hazing cases:

1. Aggressive, Data-Driven Hazing Litigation Experts:
We are actively litigating the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit that proves our current commitment and capability. This isn’t theoretical – we are in the fight right now. Our firm maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking over 125 IRS-registered entities, including national headquarters, local chapters, and housing corporations. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every responsible party and build an ironclad case. When hazing happens, we don’t guess who to sue; we know.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: We track Greek organizations using IRS B83 data, including their EINs, legal names, and addresses. For example:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515, located in Frisco, Texas. This is the same entity behind the University of Houston chapter we are suing. We knew their corporate structure before we filed.
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation with EIN 371768785 in Missouri City, Texas.
• Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc with EIN 133048786 in College Station, Texas.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated with EIN 882755427 in San Marcos, Texas.

This meticulous data means we know precisely who is behind the Greek letters, allowing us to find every entity to hold responsible for hazing in Amelia County, across Virginia, and nationwide.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook:
Both our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unparalleled advantage. They’ve sat on the other side of the table and know exactly how insurance adjusters and defense lawyers strategize to minimize or deny claims. Now, they use that insider knowledge to anticipate the opposition’s moves and relentlessly advocate for victims.

• Ralph Manginello spent years gaining this critical insight.
• Lupe Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, where he defended companies against personal injury, products liability, and construction law claims. He learned firsthand how they value claims, delay payouts, and attempt to wear down plaintiffs. This “battlefield intelligence from inside the enemy’s war room” is now entirely dedicated to maximizing recovery for our clients.

3. Extensive Courtroom Experience and Federal Authority:
Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of courtroom experience, tackling complex litigation against massive corporate defendants in cases like the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion. His admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experience in federal appellate courts mean we can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, which can be critical when national organizations are involved. Lupe Peña is also admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission allows us to bypass state lines and pursue national fraternities and universities wherever they operate.

4. Dual-State Bar Admissions: Texas AND New York:
Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities, many of which have significant operations or legal ties in New York. This broadens our reach and allows us to effectively litigate against these powerful entities no matter their corporate location.

5. Bilingual Services: Se Habla Español:
Our team is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Amelia County and across the nation receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We understand that many immigrant families may hesitate to come forward due to fear or unfamiliarity with the legal system. We eliminate those barriers, protecting their rights and fighting for justice regardless of immigration status.

6. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to hazing victims extends nationwide, including Amelia County. We offer remote consultations via video and are willing to travel to Amelia County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance should never be a barrier to justice.

7. Proven Track Record Against Institutions:
From multi-million dollar recoveries in personal injury cases to securing dismissals in complex criminal defense matters, our firm has a history of achieving significant results. We don’t back down from powerful opponents. We leverage every piece of evidence and every legal strategy to ensure justice.

8. Contingency Fee: No Upfront Cost for Amelia County Families:
We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident, coupled with the thought of legal fees, can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fees come as a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, so you never pay out of pocket.
• This ensures that every family in Amelia County, regardless of their financial situation, can afford expert legal representation against well-funded adversaries.

9. Compassionate Advocacy, Unrelenting Pursuit:
We are not just litigators; we are passionate advocates. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing. When Ralph Manginello, a father of three, reviews a case like Leonel’s, he connects with the profound impact on families. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan, is committed to outworking, outsmarting, and outfighting the other side. We believe every child deserves safety, and every responsible party must be held accountable. We treat Amelia County families like our own, fighting tirelessly until justice is served.

Our mission is to shield your family in the storm of a legal emergency, just as we have done for thousands of clients, reflected in our 4.9-star rating and over 250 Google reviews. Amanda, a client, said, “Amanda calmed our nerves and made us feel cared for. If I could give 10 stars I would. When you call ask for Amanda she’s the best!!!” Chad Harris remarked, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” This is the level of care and aggression you can expect when choosing Attorney911.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Amelia County Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing near Amelia County, or anywhere in the country, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can profoundly impact the success of any legal claim. We understand that you may be searching for answers and help at 2 AM, feeling scared, angry, and unsure of what to do next. Here is essential, actionable guidance to protect your child’s rights and build a strong case:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if You Think It’s Minor:

• Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, get them thoroughly examined by a doctor immediately. Some severe conditions, like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, may not manifest fully for hours or days.
• Create a Medical Record: This is your strongest evidence. Ensure everything is documented: the pain, the symptoms, the suspected cause (hazing), and the date of injury. Be explicit with medical staff about how the injuries occurred. Delays in seeking treatment can be used by the defense to argue injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by hazing.
• Emergency Room First: If there’s any doubt about the severity of an injury, go to the emergency room. Follow up with a primary care physician within a few days.
• Psychological Evaluation: Hazing causes immense psychological trauma. Seek counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional. Their records will document conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

2. Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”:
Our attorneys cannot overstate the importance of evidence. As Ralph Manginello strongly advises in our YouTube 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. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”

• Photographs and Videos: Take clear, close-up photos and videos of all injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, rashes, swelling, and any symptoms like dark urine. Document the healing process over time. If possible, take photos or videos of the hazing location (if safe to do so) or any items used in the hazing.
• Digital Communications: This is often the smoking gun. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes threats, instructions, degrading comments, schedules, or conversations among participants. Collect screenshots where applicable.
• Physical Evidence: Keep any items that were involved in the hazing, such as clothing, specific objects, or anything else that could serve as evidence.
• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results, specialist reports, and therapy records.
• Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone with knowledge of the fraternity’s culture. Leonel Bermudez’s case includes testimony from another pledge who collapsed and one who was hog-tied; these witnesses are crucial.
• Official Documents: Keep copies of any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the fraternity or university that outline expectations or prohibitions related to hazing.
• Financial Records: Maintain records of all medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and any tuition or fees for academic terms disrupted by the hazing.

3. Crucial “Don’ts” – Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
As discussed in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” avoiding certain actions is just as important as taking others:

• DO NOT Delete Messages or Posts: Destroying evidence can severely harm your case.
• DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Members or Leadership: They will often try to coordinate stories, manipulate you, or intimidate you.
• DO NOT Give Statements to University Administration Alone: University representatives are often trying to protect the institution, not your child. Any statements can be used against you. Have legal counsel present.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign documents from the fraternity, university, or insurance companies without having an attorney review them first. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or family posts on social media can be used by defense attorneys to undermine your credibility (“she seemed fine in that photo!”). Avoid posting about the incident, your feelings, or even activities that might make you seem “normal” during recovery. Just stay quiet.
• DO NOT Talk to the Insurance Company: Insurers are not your friends. They are for-profit entities whose goal is to pay as little as possible. Let your attorney handle all communications with them.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately:

• Time Is Critical: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, is generally two years from the date of injury in most states. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit, as explained in our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations.” However, evidence disappears quickly, memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized on November 6, and his lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate action protects crucial evidence.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Amelia County families. You literally have nothing to lose by calling and learning your rights.
• Level the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have vast resources, legal teams, and crisis PR departments. You need a powerful advocate on your side to counter their strategies.

To Amelia County families: Your child is not just “another case” to us. They are a victim of severe abuse, and we are committed to fighting for justice. Every step you take now helps us build the strongest possible case to hold every responsible party accountable. Call us, and let’s begin the fight.

Amelia 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 Amelia County Victims Too.

The harrowing experience of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is a stark, recent reminder that hazing is a present and dangerous threat across the nation. While Amelia County may feel far removed from a major metropolitan university, the reality is that the same national fraternities, the same destructive “traditions,” and the same institutional complacency are found in campuses your children attend, whether they are in Virginia or beyond.

We believe that every family affected by hazing deserves aggressive, expert legal representation. Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these complex cases, how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions, and how to hold every responsible party accountable. Amelia County families are entitled to the same fierce advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice that we provide to our clients in Texas.

Amelia County Families – Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been injured or traumatized by hazing, do not wait. Your immediate action is crucial to preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our legal emergency hotline is available 24/7 for Amelia County hazing emergencies. We offer flexible consultation options, including video consultations, so you can connect with us from the comfort and privacy of your home in Amelia County. We work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS, which means there are $0 upfront costs for Amelia County families. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.

We Serve Amelia County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a pervasive issue at colleges and universities across America, including those near Amelia County. Our ability to pursue justice spans state lines, leveraging our:

• Federal court authority: We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, particularly relevant when national organizations are involved.
• Dual-state bar licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage against national fraternities often headquartered or legally tied to those states.
• Willingness to travel: For critical depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will travel to Amelia County as needed. Distance is not a barrier to securing justice.
• Remote capabilities: We utilize technology to ensure seamless client communication and case management, offering video consultations that make working with us convenient and accessible for families in Amelia County.

Hazing is unfortunately not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in a wide range of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges near Amelia County.
• Amelia County sports teams.
• Marching bands at colleges your children attend.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and student organizations.
• Military academies.
• Any organization that uses abuse as a twisted form of “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. The lawsuit details other pledges suffering severe harm, including one who collapsed and lost consciousness during a forced workout. If you were part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing or witnessed similar abuses, you have rights too. You can speak up, and we can help. As Lupe Peña emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Don’t let fear or loyalty silence your pain. Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Our Pledge to You

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the unique cultural values and tight-knit community spirit of Amelia County. We know that when a tragedy like hazing strikes, it resonates deeply. We are dedicated to providing the same empathetic, humble, and aggressive representation to Amelia County families that we offer to those in our own backyard.

Your child’s future, their physical health, and their emotional well-being depend on accountability. We will fight for it.

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