If you’re reading this in Amherst County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. They were supposed to thrive in a new environment, building lifelong connections and growing into the person they’re meant to be. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. Their trust was betrayed, and their future now hangs in the balance. We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the overwhelming sense of helplessness – we see it every day. We’re here to help families in Amherst County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses and youth organizations.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is built on the principle of aggressive, immediate, and comprehensive legal action when a legal emergency strikes. For families in Amherst County dealing with the trauma of hazing, this is precisely the kind of emergency we specialize in. We don’t just offer theoretical advice; we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its national organization, and the University of Houston. This isn’t just another case for us; it is the centerpiece of everything we stand for: relentless advocacy for victims, data-driven litigation, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The case of Leonel Bermudez, which unfolded just weeks ago in Houston, serves as a stark warning to parents in Amherst County about what hazing truly looks like in today’s collegiate environment. Leonel was a young man with dreams, merely a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston. He wasn’t even an enrolled student, yet the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse, humiliation, and extreme physical torment. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, deprived of sleep, and subjected to grueling physical exertion that pushed his body to its absolute limits. The horrific outcome was rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, landing him in the hospital for four days with the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. His mother found him passing brown urine, a terrifying sign that his muscles were literally breaking down.

Within days of these incidents being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. But for us, that wasn’t enough. We filed a $10 million lawsuit naming not only the university and the national fraternity but also the housing corporation and thirteen individual fraternity members who orchestrated and participated in Leonel’s torture. This active, ongoing legal battle demonstrates our commitment. We are not a firm that hopes to handle hazing cases someday; we are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court, making a tangible difference for victims and their families.

We want parents in Amherst County to understand that this level of brutality is not an isolated incident. The same national fraternities with documented histories of hazing deaths and multi-million dollar payouts operate at colleges and universities where Amherst County families send their children. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez are taking place in fraternity houses, athletic locker rooms, and club meeting spaces across the country, including potentially at institutions your children attend. Attorney911 is here to assure you that when hazing strikes, regardless of where your child studies, you have a powerful advocate ready to fight for justice.

The Problem: Hazing in Amherst County and Nationwide

Hazing is a pervasive, dangerous, and often deadly practice that impacts countless students each year. It infiltrates fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, military organizations, and academic clubs, masquerading as initiation rites or team-building exercises. But let’s be clear: hazing is abuse. It’s about power, control, and inflicting harm. It’s often hidden in plain sight, veiled by secrecy, fear, and a twisted sense of loyalty that victims feel towards their organizations.

Parents in Amherst County expect colleges and universities to be places of learning, growth, and safety. Yet, the statistics paint a grim picture. Studies show that over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and a significant percentage of student-athletes also report being hazed. Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. And tragically, over 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or a mistaken belief that what they endured was “normal” or deserved.

This isn’t an issue exclusive to distant, large state universities. While Amherst County itself may not have a major university, families here send their children to colleges and universities across Virginia and beyond. These include institutions like the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Longwood University in Farmville, and Lynchburg University, which is just a short drive away. Each of these institutions, and hundreds more like them, hosts chapters of national fraternities and sororities, ROTC programs, and athletic teams where hazing can and does occur. The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, for example, which is involved in our current landmark case, has over 150 chapters nationwide. It is entirely possible, even probable, that the “traditions” of hazing that caused Leonel Bermudez to suffer kidney failure are being replicated in chapters near where your child attends college.

The deeply disturbing reality is that universities often turn a blind eye to these practices until it is too late. National organizations, despite having written anti-hazing policies, frequently fail to enforce them effectively. They allow a culture of silence and abuse to fester, prioritizing their public image and alumni donations over the safety and well-being of their young members. When a tragic incident occurs, their first response is often damage control – issuing carefully worded statements, suspending a chapter, and expressing “concern” while quietly trying to limit their legal and financial exposure. We know their playbook because we’ve seen it time and again.

At Attorney911, we believe that enough is enough. We are committed to exposing this hidden crisis and holding every responsible party accountable, from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that enable them. We want families in Amherst County to know that if your child has been subjected to hazing, you are not alone, and you have powerful legal recourse. We stand ready to bring our aggressive, experienced, and deeply committed approach to hazing litigation to your case, no matter where in Virginia or the country your child was harmed.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights for Leonel Bermudez

We want to share the deepest details of our ongoing Houston case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, not to sensationalize, but to educate and empower. This new and ongoing case illustrates precisely what hazing looks like, the devastating consequences it can have, and how Attorney911 fights back. This is not just a Texas tragedy; it is a national warning, resounding from our headquarters in Houston, that we are prepared to bring to Amherst County.

In November 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter at the University of Houston. This lawsuit names Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, its Beta Nu chapter at UH, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and current and former members. It even includes a former member and his spouse, as some of the most heinous acts of hazing occurred at their private residence. This multi-defendant approach is central to our strategy: we cast a wide net to ensure every entity and individual who bears responsibility is held accountable.

Leonel Bermudez’s Story: A Warning for Amherst County Families

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled student at the University of Houston when this tragedy unfolded. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who had accepted a bid to join the fraternity on September 16, 2025, with plans to transfer to UH for the Spring 2026 semester. For weeks, from mid-September until November 3, 2025, Leonel and other pledges were subjected to a relentless and systematic campaign of hazing, abuse, and psychological torture.

The allegations in our lawsuit, widely reported by major Houston news outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, paint a horrifying picture:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while performing calisthenics. This is a form of torture, mimicking drowning, and in our lawsuit, we emphasize that what is considered a war crime for enemy combatants was inflicted on a young student seeking brotherhood.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (a type of intense running drill), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were made to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this relentless physical torment, all under threat of immediate expulsion if they stopped.
• Wooden Paddles: The Houston Chronicle reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles,” a clear act of physical assault that goes far beyond any twisted definition of “initiation.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and others were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, they were made to “continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and “lie in vomit-soaked grass.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This included being forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carrying a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times, and witnessing other pledges endure brutal acts. One shocking incident detailed in the lawsuit saw another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and causing extreme exhaustion.

The immediate consequence of this brutal hazing came to a head on November 3, 2025, when, after a particularly arduous session of forced exercises, Leonel became so exhausted he could not stand without help. Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Leonel was admitted to the hospital, “passing brown urine,” a classic symptom of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending three nights and four days in inpatient care. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle fibers release muscle protein and electrolytes into the blood, which can seriously damage the kidneys. This life-altering medical emergency—caused by systematic abuse—is precisely the kind of devastating injury Attorney911 is built to fight.

The Institutional Failures Exposed:

Our lawsuit explicitly alleges that both Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston knew about the dangers of hazing and failed in their duties to protect students like Leonel.

• Pi Kappa Phi National: As KHOU 11 reported, the national organization is accused of “failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Disturbingly, this is not their first brush with tragedy. Back in 2017, Andrew Coffey, a student at Florida State University, died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event. Eight years later, Pi Kappa Phi National had the chance to enact meaningful change, yet they failed, allowing the same deadly culture to persist at their University of Houston chapter. Their own website statement, issued the day of our lawsuit, admitted to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” and chillingly stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a clear sign of a lack of genuine remorse.
• University of Houston: The University of Houston cannot claim ignorance either. KHOU 11 emphasized that hazing practices occurred at a “University-owned fraternity house,” placing direct premises liability on the institution. Even more damning, in 2017, a UH student, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at a different fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. This means the university had a clear prior warning, eight years to implement effective oversight, and yet another student was seriously injured on their watch, some of it occurring on their own property. A UH spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and acknowledged “potential criminal charges,” confirming the gravity of the allegations.

This case is not just about Leonel Bermudez; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable for ignoring a documented epidemic of violence. It’s a message that resonates far beyond Houston, to every college campus and Greek organization across America, including those where Amherst County students matriculate. It proves that Attorney911 doesn’t just talk about hazing; we actively take on the fight, armed with facts, legal expertise, and a fierce commitment to justice.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

When families in Amherst County hear the word “hazing,” many still conjure images of innocent pranks or silly dares that college students have always indulged in. Let us dispel that misconception immediately. Hazing today is rarely harmless. It is a systematic pattern of abuse, often escalating in severity, designed to exert power, instill fear, and break down an individual’s self-worth. There is a profound difference between challenging experiences that foster growth and coercive acts that inflict physical and psychological trauma. What happened to Leonel Bermudez exemplifies the brutal reality of modern hazing. It is torture, not tradition.

Based on our ongoing litigation and the countless cases we’ve seen nationwide, here are the categories of hazing activities your child could face, even at reputable institutions in Virginia:

• Physical Abuse: This is far from harmless horseplay. It encompasses forced calisthenics to exhaustion (like Leonel’s 500 squats that led to kidney failure), sleep deprivation, physical beatings (like the wooden paddles used on Leonel), brandings, head shaving, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and being forced into dangerous stunts. The line between forced physical exertion and intentional injury is often blurred, leading to severe outcomes such as broken bones, concussions, internal injuries, and rhabdomyolysis.
• Forced Consumption: This category often leads to some of the most tragic outcomes, including hazing deaths. Students are forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol (often highly concentrated liquor, as in the cases of Max Gruver and Stone Foltz), or non-alcoholic substances like raw eggs, spoiled food, gallons of milk, or even urine and vile concoctions. The goal is often to incapacitate them, punish them, or induce vomiting, disregarding severe health risks like alcohol poisoning, choking, or organ damage. Leonel’s experience of being forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit, is a horrifying example.
• Water Torture / Simulated Drowning: This is what Leonel Bermudez endured directly: “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is an act of extreme psychological and physical torture that mimics drowning, inducing terror and violating human dignity. It is recognized internationally as torture, and its presence in a fraternity setting is inexcusable.
• Psychological and Emotional Abuse: Often overlooked but deeply damaging, this includes systematic humiliation, verbal abuse, intimidation, social isolation, forced deception, and threats. Pledges are often intentionally put in fear for their physical safety, academic standing, or social acceptance. Leonel’s experience of carrying a fanny pack with sexually explicit objects and witnessing other pledges hog-tied illustrates this degrading tactic. This can lead to severe and long-lasting mental health issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
• Servitude and Isolation: Pledges are compelled to perform chores, errands, driving services at all hours, and other demeaning tasks for active members, disrupting their academic pursuits and sleep. Forced isolation or restricted communication with the outside world can make it even harder for victims to seek help.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Tragically, some hazing rituals cross into sexual abuse, involving forced nudity, sexually suggestive acts, or actual sexual assault. This is an egregious violation that has criminal implications beyond hazing.

These acts are not about teaching responsibility or building character. They are about power imbalances, cruelty, and often, crime. When parents send their children to college from Amherst County, they trust that the institutions receiving them will protect them from such depravity. When that trust is broken, and a child is harmed, we believe that every responsible party must be held accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

One of the most critical aspects of our hazing litigation strategy is identifying and pursuing every single entity and individual with even a sliver of responsibility for the harm caused. Hazing cases are complex because the culpability often stretches far beyond the immediate perpetrators. Drawing from our experience, particularly with the Bermudez case, we target all potential defendants to ensure comprehensive justice and maximum compensation for victims in Amherst County.

Here are the parties we hold accountable:

• The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is the most obvious target. The local chapter directly organizes and executes the hazing activities. Their executive officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, directly direct pledges, enforce rules, and often actively participate. The members who engage in the hazing acts are directly liable for assault, battery, and negligence. In the Bermudez case, we named the chapter, its officers, current members, and even former members and their spouses who hosted hazing activities at their private residence while allowing the abuse to occur.
• The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): These are considered the “deep pockets” in hazing litigation, and a primary target. National fraternities and sororities have thousands of chapters across the country, millions in assets, and often extensive insurance policies. We argue that they have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce their anti-hazing policies, and ensure a safe environment. When they fail to do so, especially when they have a documented history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi did with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), their negligence becomes indefensible. As alleged in our lawsuit, many national organizations are aware of a “hazing crisis” but fail to act decisively.
• The University or College: Educational institutions bear immense responsibility, particularly when hazing occurs on their campus or within their officially recognized organizations. Universities have a legal and moral duty to protect their students, which includes implementing and enforcing anti-hazing policies, providing adequate supervision for Greek life, and taking prompt, decisive action when hazing is reported. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a key defendant because it “owned” the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, making them directly liable under premises liability law. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a clear prior warning, having dealt with another student’s hazing hospitalization in 2017. Universities near Amherst County, whether it’s the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or others, face similar liabilities if they fail to act.
• The Housing Corporation: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the physical property of the chapter house. These entities can be held liable for premises liability if hazing occurs on their property, particularly if they were aware or should have been aware of the dangerous activities taking place. In the Bermudez case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a named defendant.
• Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the officers, every individual who actively participates in, encourages, or fails to intervene in a hazing incident can be held personally liable. This includes current members, alumni who may act as advisors or host events, and even, as in Leonel’s case, spouses of former members who allow hazing on their property. These individuals can be sued for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. While individual students may have limited assets, a significant personal judgment can impact their future earnings, credit, and professional prospects. For example, in the Stone Foltz case, the former chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.
• Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, a significant portion of compensation in these cases comes from various insurance policies. This includes the national organization’s general liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, the housing corporation’s property insurance, and even personal homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies of individual defendants. Our partners, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, having previously worked as insurance defense attorneys, possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these entities strategize to minimize payouts. This allows us to anticipate their moves and aggressively pursue maximum recovery for our clients.

Our firm does not guess about who is responsible; we investigate thoroughly, identify every culpable party, and pursue them relentlessly. For families in Amherst County, this comprehensive approach means that we will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for your child.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful financial recovery is crucial. These are not small claims; they are often multi-million dollar lawsuits, verdicts, and settlements that reflect the catastrophic physical, emotional, and psychological toll that hazing takes, as well as the gross negligence of the institutions that allow it to continue. These landmark cases, which have reshaped the legal landscape of hazing, demonstrate that justice is possible and that powerful institutions can be held accountable. We bring this proven track record of securing significant compensation to every hazing case we handle, including those originating from Amherst County.

Consider these precedent-setting cases:

• STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, died in 2021 from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor. The combined settlements from Bowling Green State University ($2.9 million) and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and its members ($7.2 million) totaled over $10.1 million. Just weeks ago, in December 2024, a jury personally ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay an additional $6.5 million. This case confirms that even individual members can face massive personal liability, and it directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case, demonstrating that similar severe injuries, even when not fatal, warrant such a sum.
• MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died in 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where pledges were forced to drink heavily as part of a “Bible Study” quiz. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—more than six times the legal limit. A jury later awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict against the individual perpetrators and the fraternity. This case powerfully illustrates that juries are willing to deliver substantial verdicts to punish egregious hazing, and it directly led to Louisiana passing the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony offense.
• TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He subsequently fell down stairs repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras. The confidential settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million, reflecting the extreme negligence and cover-up efforts. This case highlights how overwhelming evidence, particularly visual evidence, can lead to monumental legal outcomes and legislative change, such as Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• ADAM OAKES — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4+ Million Settlement
  Just recently, in October 2024, the family of Adam Oakes, who died in 2021 during a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU, reached a settlement for over $4 million. This case, originating in Virginia where many Amherst County students attend college, confirms the national trend of high-value hazing recoveries. It further underscores that universities and fraternities are being forced to pay for their systemic failures.
• ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)
  Andrew Coffey tragically died in 2017 from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event. This case is profoundly significant for us because it involved the same national fraternity that is now a key defendant in our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit. Pi Kappa Phi National had clear notice of the deadly consequences of hazing within their chapters, yet eight years later, Leonel was hospitalized with kidney failure under remarkably similar circumstances of forced consumption and physical abuse. This pattern of negligence strengthens our argument for substantial punitive damages.

These multi-million dollar outcomes serve as a powerful testament to the severity with which the legal system views hazing. They send an unequivocal message to national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators: there is an immense financial cost associated with placing young lives at risk for the sake of “tradition.” The same legal strategies, the same theories of liability, and the same drive for justice that secured these massive recoveries can and will be applied to cases originating from Amherst County. We want the families here to know that when tragedy strikes, the precedent is clear: you can fight back, and you can win.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Hazing Cases

While Amherst County is located in Virginia, understanding the robust legal framework against hazing in a state like Texas, where Attorney911 is headquartered and currently litigating a major hazing case, provides crucial insight into the protections available to victims nationwide. Most states, including Virginia, have similar anti-hazing laws. Furthermore, civil liability theories and federal protections apply across state lines, allowing Attorney911 to represent hazing victims from Amherst County regardless of where the incident occurred.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing legislation in the nation, providing both criminal penalties and strong civil protections. The critical provisions often cited in our cases draw from the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 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 joining an organization, if that act “endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.” This includes physical brutality (like striking, beating, branding), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, forced calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats), forced consumption of substances (like food and extreme amounts of alcohol), and any activity that induces a violation of the Penal Code. The actions taken against Leonel Bermudez—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation, and humiliation—fall squarely within multiple categories of this definition. If your child was hazed in Amherst County, the actions they suffered almost certainly meet Virginia’s definition of hazing as well.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law classifies hazing as a criminal offense, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (for engaging in hazing) up to a State Jail Felony for hazing that causes death. Crucially, hazing that causes “serious bodily injury,” like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, is a Class A Misdemeanor, carrying potential jail time of up to one year and significant fines. The University of Houston’s own spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in connection with our client’s incident, highlighting the severity. This means that individual perpetrators can face criminal prosecution concurrently with civil lawsuits.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): This is a cornerstone of our strategy. Texas law makes organizations themselves criminally liable if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and the denial of the right to operate on campus. This provision directly enables us to pursue the local chapter, the national fraternity, and even the university itself when appropriate.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is arguably the most powerful provision and one frequently overlooked by those unfamiliar with hazing law. The statute 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 directly refutes the common defense used by fraternities and universities—that the victim “chose to participate” or “knew what they were signing up for.” Our firm will not tolerate these excuses. No one can legally consent to abuse, and our laws reflect that principle. This same explicit protection exists in Virginia’s anti-hazing legislation.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas law mandates that university chief administrative officers report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. This creates a paper trail and holds university administrations accountable for transparency.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits are what provide financial compensation and justice for victims and their families. Our approach leverages various civil liability theories applicable in Amherst County and across the nation:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that universities, national organizations, and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, they “breached” that duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing hazing), and this breach “caused” the victim’s injuries, resulting in “damages.”
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston) or a housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately oversee their local chapters, or when universities fail to properly monitor Greek life activities, allowing hazing to occur unchecked.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who physically harm a student (paddling, forced physical contact, water torture) can be sued directly for these intentional torts.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses the severe psychological trauma caused by “outrageous and extreme conduct” that intentionally or recklessly inflicts severe emotional distress. Waterboarding, humiliation, and terror tactics undoubtedly meet this standard.
• Hazing Statute Violation (Civil Cause of Action): Many state anti-hazing statutes, including potentially Virginia’s, can be directly cited as a basis for a civil lawsuit under certain circumstances.

For families in Amherst County, understanding these legal avenues is paramount. Even if local authorities do not pursue criminal charges, the civil justice system offers a powerful path to accountability and compensation through Attorney911. Our deep knowledge of hazing law, combined with our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), positions us uniquely to represent clients across America, bringing the same level of legal expertise and aggression to Amherst County that we apply to our landmark cases in Texas.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Amherst County

When your family in Amherst County is facing the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who understand the unique complexities of these cases and possess the unwavering commitment to fight for your child. Attorney911, though headquartered in Houston, is uniquely equipped to serve families like yours in Amherst County and across the nation. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ because we move first, fast, and decisively when lives are on the line.

Here’s why Amherst County families choose Attorney911:

• Active, Real-Time Hazing Litigation: We are not an academic law firm; we are actively in the trenches. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston over the brutal hazing of Leonel Bermudez is proof. This case is new, it is ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly what kind of firm we are: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless. The same strategies and dedication we apply in Harris County Civil District Court for Leonel, we will bring to your case in Amherst County.
• Unparalleled Insider Knowledge: Our core strength lies in the combined expertise of our founding partners, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. Both attorneys previously honed their skills defending insurance companies and major corporations. Ralph Manginello, with over 25 years of courtroom experience, began his career on the other side. Lupe Peña, with his 12+ years of experience, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. This means they know the playbook of the opposition—the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims, how universities attempt to limit their liability, and how fraternities try to evade responsibility. This insider intelligence is an unfair advantage for our clients. Lupe Peña’s “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy encapsulates this perfectly.
• Federal Court Authority and Nationwide Reach: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Amherst County. Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us federal court authority. Ralph Manginello also holds a New York State Bar admission, providing critical dual-state licensing that is strategically vital when litigating against national fraternities headquartered across the country. This means we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, an avenue often necessary when engaging large, multi-state defendants.
• Unwavering Commitment to Travel: We understand that legal emergencies do not happen conveniently near our offices. If your case in Amherst County requires our physical presence for depositions, client meetings, or trial, our team is committed to traveling to you. Distance is not a barrier to justice; it is merely a logistical detail we handle seamlessly. We also offer remote consultations via video, ensuring that Amherst County families can connect with our legal team from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Deep Experience Against Powerful Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s experience in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort case against a massive corporate defendant, showcases his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against even the largest entities. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities and well-resourced universities in Virginia and beyond.
• No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fees: We believe that access to justice should not be determined by your financial situation. Hazing victims and their families in Amherst County have endured enough. Therefore, we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we successfully recover compensation for you. This aligns our interests perfectly with yours and removes the financial barrier to challenging powerful institutions. As our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains, we take the financial risk so you don’t have to.
• Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our firm is equipped with bilingual staff. This allows us to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in Amherst County and across Texas, ensuring that language barriers never impede access to justice for hazing victims.
• Compassionate but Aggressive Advocacy: Our tone balances empathy for your family’s ordeal with fierce aggression against those who caused it. We understand the emotional devastation of hazing, and we treat every Amherst County client like family, as reflected in our 4.9-star Google rating with over 250 reviews. But make no mistake, when it comes to holding negligent parties accountable, we are “a true PITT BULL and fighter,” as one client described Ralph Manginello.
• Commitment to Change: Our goal extends beyond individual compensation. As Lupe Peña stated 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 believe that every hazing lawsuit contributes to broader systemic change, pushing universities and fraternities to finally dismantle hazardous cultures. Your case in Amherst County could be the catalyst for real reform.

We know Amherst County families have choices. What sets us apart is our real emotional investment in hazing victims. We’ve seen what fraternities and other organizations do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Amherst County families because we truly care.

What To Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Amherst County Families

If your child in Amherst County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While panic, anger, and confusion are natural reactions, swift and decisive action can profoundly impact the strength and success of any future legal claim. Time is of the essence; evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can approach faster than you think. Do not hesitate.

Here are the crucial steps you should take right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. If your child has sustained any physical injuries—no matter how minor they seem—get them medically evaluated immediately. Even if they initially resist or downplay their pain, insist on professional medical care. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, may have delayed or insidious symptoms. Ensure all symptoms, injuries, and the suspected cause (hazing) are clearly documented in medical records. A delay in seeking treatment will be used by the defense to argue your child wasn’t seriously injured later on.
2. Preserve All Evidence: Hazing often leaves a trail, especially in our digital age.
   • Communications: Collect and save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or other digital communication related to the hazing. Take screenshots, back up chat histories, and export data if possible. These messages often contain direct evidence of hazing instructions, threats, coercion, or admissions of guilt.
   • Photos and Videos: If your child or any witnesses captured photos or videos of hazing activities, injuries, or locations, preserve them immediately. Document your child’s injuries at all stages of healing with clear, timestamped photos. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our video, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
   • Documents: Gather any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “hell week” itineraries, or other documents provided by the organization.
   • Physical Items: If any items were used in the hazing (e.g., specific clothing, paddles, bizarre objects), secure them if safe and reasonable to do so.
   • Financial and Academic Records: Keep records of all medical bills, therapy costs, expenses related to missed school or work, and any academic records that show a decline in performance or withdrawal due to the hazing.
3. Identify Witnesses: If there were other pledges, bystanders, or even active members who witnessed the hazing, try to gather their names and contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable, especially if they are willing to speak with an attorney.
4. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions: Your child should not speak to fraternity or sorority leadership, university administration, or their alumni advisors without legal counsel. They will attempt to control the narrative, minimize the incident, or pressure your child into silence. Never sign any documents presented by the organization or institution without legal review. Anything your child says can and will be used against them.
5. Stay Off Social Media: This is a critical mistake many victims make. Do not post about the incident, your injuries, or your emotional state on any social media platform. Do not delete old posts. Defense attorneys will meticulously comb through social media accounts looking for anything—a party photo, a cheerful post—to argue that your child wasn’t truly suffering or that their life wasn’t significantly impacted. As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns, anything you post can be used against you.
6. Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately: The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and similar deadlines exist in Virginia. While this may seem like ample time, evidence degrades quickly. Witnesses relocate, memories fade, and organizations destroy records. The sooner Attorney911 is involved, the quicker we can send preservation letters, gather evidence, and protect your child’s rights. Call our legal emergency hotline at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7.
7. Report the Incident (Strategically): Depending on the severity, consider filing a formal report with university officials (e.g., Title IX office for sexual harassment, Student Affairs), campus police, or local law enforcement. It is crucial to discuss this step with your attorney first, as the timing and nature of these reports can impact a civil lawsuit.

Our firm is set up to handle these emergencies immediately. We understand that Amherst County families sending their children away to college often feel isolated when tragedy strikes. We bridge that gap. We can conduct video consultations, and our commitment to justice means we will travel to Amherst County for depositions, meetings, or trial whenever necessary. Your distance from Houston is not a barrier to receiving aggressive, expert representation. We are ready to help.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Amherst County

If your child in Amherst County has endured the trauma of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The fear, the anger, the confusion – these emotions are valid, and we are here to channel them into decisive action. At Attorney911, we are actively fighting similar battles right now, proving our unwavering commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. The $10 million lawsuit we have filed against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the brutal hazing of Leonel Bermudez is not just a case; it’s a testament to the aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation we bring to every hazing victim. We will bring that same fury and dedication to your child’s case, no matter where in Amherst County or Virginia you are.

Your legal journey begins with a single, crucial step: contact us immediately.

AMHERST COUNTY FAMILIES: CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE 24/7

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Don’t wait. Every moment that passes can jeopardize your case.

• Evidence disappears: Critical text messages, photos, videos, and witness memories fade or are deliberately destroyed.
• Legal deadlines approach: Most states, including Virginia, have strict statutes of limitations (typically two years) for personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you miss this window, you lose your right to sue forever.
• The other side is already organizing: Universities, national fraternities, and their insurance carriers have legal teams and crisis management experts working to minimize their liability from the moment an incident is reported. You need your own experienced advocates to level the playing field.

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney911:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial call is always free, and your privacy is our utmost concern. We will listen to your story with empathy, assess the details of your child’s hazing incident, and provide clear guidance on your legal options.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out of pocket to hire us. We cover all litigation costs, and we only get paid if, and when, we secure compensation for your family. Our success is directly tied to yours.
• Immediate Action: As “Legal Emergency Lawyers™,” we move swiftly to protect your child’s rights. This includes sending immediate evidence preservation letters to all potential defendants, initiating our internal investigation, and guiding you through every critical step.
• Remote & Accessible Support: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Amherst County. We offer convenient video consultations so you can speak directly with our attorneys from anywhere. We also commit to traveling to Amherst County for depositions, client meetings, and trial whenever necessary. Distance will never be a barrier to our pursuit of justice for your child.
• Bilingual Services: For Spanish-speaking families in Amherst County, our fluent Spanish-speaking attorney, Lupe Peña, and bilingual staff ensure seamless communication and understanding throughout the legal process.

We represent victims of hazing in all its forms, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities throughout Virginia and across the U.S.
• Amherst County high school and college sports teams
• Marching bands and other performance groups
• ROTC programs and military organizations
• Any club or student organization where abuse is disguised as initiation.

To the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, we said, “Enough.” To any fraternity or university enabling hazing near Amherst College, Lynchburg University, the University of Virginia, or Virginia Tech, we say, we are watching. We know who you are. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. If your chapters harm students, we will use every piece of our intelligence to hold you accountable.

Let us be your first call, your trusted advisors, and your fierce legal champions. Don’t let your child’s hazing incident fade into silence. Let us help you turn pain into power, and tragedy into true accountability.

Call Attorney911 now. Your child deserves justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com