If you’re reading this in Arizona, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, eager to make new friends and find their place. Instead, they were subjected to brutal hazing rituals, leaving them injured, traumatized, or worse. We understand what you’re going through. We are here to help families in Arizona fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed this nightmare to happen.

The story we are about to tell you is not an isolated incident. It happened just weeks ago in Houston, Texas, to a young man named Leonel Bermudez. But the same dangerous culture pervades college campuses and Greek life in Arizona, from Flagstaff to Tempe, Tucson to Prescott. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters in Arizona that have paid millions in settlements elsewhere are operating right now at universities your children attend. Attorney911 is actively fighting this battle, pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against a major fraternity and a large university. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach, and relentless pursuit of justice to hazing victims and their families in Arizona.

This is not “boys being boys” or innocent “tradition.” This is torture. It is assault. It is a betrayal of trust by institutions that are supposed to protect our children. We know it happens. We prove it happens. And we hold every single entity responsible accountable. From our base in Houston, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including families right here in Arizona. Distance is not a barrier when justice is on the line.

Attorney911 is ready to fight for your family in Arizona.

📞 Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning to Arizona Families About Modern Hazing

What happened to Leonel Bermudez on a University of Houston campus just weeks ago is a stark and terrifying reminder of what hazing looks like today. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court, is not just a lawsuit; it’s a testament to the aggressive, thorough, and principled fight Attorney911 wages against hazing. For families in Arizona, this recent and ongoing case serves as a critical warning and a beacon of hope that accountability is possible.

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a University of Houston student when the hazing began. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

“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,” recounted Ralph Manginello, our lead attorney on the case, to ABC13. Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, grappling with life-threatening complications. He experienced brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and very high creatine kinase levels, confirming extensive muscle damage.

This is the grim reality of hazing that can happen at any university, including those familiar to Arizona families like Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and other institutions across the state. The same dangerous fraternities operate at these campuses, often under the same national organizations that tolerate such abuses.

What the Media is Reporting About Our Fight

This case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the severe nature of modern hazing and our firm’s commitment to exposing it.

• ABC13 Houston reported on November 21, 2025, detailing the abuse and our attorneys’ direct quotes: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.”
• KHOU 11 on November 21, 2025, confirmed the $10 million lawsuit and revealed Leonel Bermudez’s name: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.”
• Houston Chronicle on November 22, 2025, provided specific details of the grueling physical activities: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.”
• Houston Public Media on November 24, 2025, emphasized the “ghost rush” status and explicitly called waterboarding a “form of torture”: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.”

These news reports confirm the egregious nature of the hazing and Attorney911’s immediate action to bring justice. For any parent in Arizona whose child has been subjected to such cruelty, these accounts are a vital testament to what we stand for. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates for the wronged. As Attorney Lupe Pena told ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The Grueling Hazing Activities Leonel Endured

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Leonel Bermudez outlines a shocking array of hazing activities that read more like outright torture:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, and forced to run under threat of further waterboarding. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. This forced consumption was followed by being forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress, and lying in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included performing over 100 pushups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were performed until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. The lawsuit also alleges he was “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and spray with a hose. All of this came with threats of physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to severe exhaustion.

This isn’t bonding; it’s brutality. These events took place at the Pi Kappa Phi house, which, significantly, is owned by the University of Houston, linking the university directly to the premises where the torture occurred. Other hazing sessions were held at a former member’s private residence, expanding the web of responsibility.

The Life-Threatening Medical Consequences

The most critical outcome for Leonel was his diagnosis of severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm and damage the kidneys. The presence of brown urine is a classic symptom, indicating myoglobin in the urine. This condition requires immediate and intensive medical intervention and can result in permanent kidney damage or even death. Our firm has specific expertise in handling rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making us uniquely qualified to understand and litigate these severe injuries.

The Institutional Cover-Up and Our Response

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the UH chapter. By November 14, 2025, just seven days before we filed our $10 million lawsuit, the chapter was “closed” and the members voted to surrender their charter. Pi Kappa Phi explicitly stated that this was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” which is an admission of wrongdoing. However, their official statement also included: “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership…We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” exposing their intent to minimize the scandal and eventually return.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting that “any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This acknowledgement from the university itself underlines the criminal nature of the acts and the institution’s role in failing to prevent them.

This coordinated closure and public relations maneuvering highlights exactly why Attorney911 acts swiftly and aggressively. They tried to quietly close the chapter before the lawsuit broke, but we were ready. For families in Arizona, this demonstrates that universities and national organizations will always seek to protect their image and financial interests over the well-being of their students. That’s why you need an advocate like Attorney911, a firm that knows their tactics and is unafraid to expose them.

A Pattern of Negligence: What UH and Pi Kappa Phi Knew

This wasn’t an isolated incident for either the fraternity or the university.

• Pi Kappa Phi National had a deadly history: In 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event at Florida State University. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez suffered kidney failure at a Pi Kappa Phi event. This proves a systemic failure by the national organization to address a known, deadly problem, creating a strong case for pattern evidence and punitive damages. How many more students have to be hospitalized or die before they “take allegations seriously”?
• University of Houston had prior hazing incidents: In 2017, a student at the University of Houston was also hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at a different fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. This means UH knew hazing was happening on its campus and had eight years to implement effective prevention and oversight. Their failure to do so for Leonel Bermudez makes their liability undeniable. They owned the very house where some of the hazing took place, yet failed to ensure student safety.

This disturbing pattern shows egregious negligence and deliberate indifference by both the national fraternity and the University of Houston. This is why our $10 million lawsuit seeks not only compensation for Leonel’s horrific injuries but also to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. For Arizona families, these precedents prove that the same dangerous Greek organizations operating in Tempe, Tucson, Flagstaff, and throughout the state, often have similar, unresolved histories of abuse and institutional negligence.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Arizona

For many parents and students in Arizona, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or embarrassing antics. The truth, however, is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing is not harmless initiation; it is systematic abuse, emotional manipulation, and often, physical torture. It’s a crisis that has devastating consequences, and it’s happening right now in Arizona.

If you’re reading this as an Arizona parent, understand that the “traditions” your child might encounter could include any of the following, reflecting the brutality Leonel Bermudez faced and the dangers documented nationwide. These are not isolated incidents but reflect a dark undercurrent across campuses in Arizona and beyond.

The Harsh Realities of Modern Hazing:

• Physical Abuse and Torture: This category includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse (leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis), sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme cold or heat, and even simulated waterboarding as witnessed in the Bermudez case. At Arizona universities, students have been injured during forced marches, extreme workouts, and other dangerous physical acts during Greek life events.
• Forced Consumption: This is a leading cause of hazing-related deaths and injuries. It involves forcing pledges to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning. It also includes forcing students to eat unusual, disgusting, or unhealthy foods until they vomit, as Leonel was made to do with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns. This can extend to consuming non-food items or substances. The party culture involving alcohol at campuses like Arizona State University or the University of Arizona creates fertile ground for this type of hazing to escalate dangerously.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing aims to break a person down mentally to rebuild them into a “brother” or “sister.” This involves intentional humiliation, verbal abuse, intimidation, social isolation, and extreme degradation, such as being forced to wear degrading costumes or carry sexually explicit items, as Leonel was made to do. The hog-tying incident involving another pledge in the Bermudez case is a chilling example of this psychological warfare.
• Sexual Abuse and Harassment: Unfortunately, some hazing rituals cross into sexual abuse, including forced nudity, inappropriate touching, and even sexual assault. This is a severe, illegal, and traumatic facet of hazing that often goes unreported due to shame and fear.
• Servitude and Isolation: Pledges are often forced to perform menial tasks, drive members around at all hours (causing sleep deprivation), and run errands. This servitude is designed to reinforce a sense of powerlessness and reliance on the older members, creating an environment ripe for further abuse.

Beyond the Headlines: The True Scope of Hazing

• It’s Not “Boys Will Be Boys”: Let’s be clear: this is not harmless fun. It’s illegal, often criminal, behavior that can lead to lifelong psychological scars, severe physical injuries, and death.
• High Incidence Rates: Statistics reveal a disturbing prevalence. Over 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 40% of student athletes report being hazed. These numbers indicate that a significant portion of students entering college in Arizona will face pressure to participate in dangerous activities.
• Hidden Horrors: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This silence is often enforced by threats, fear of social ostracism, or misguided loyalty. This allows the cycle of abuse to continue unchecked at institutions across the country, including in Arizona.
• Across All Organizations: Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities and sororities. It occurs in sports teams (from high school to college), marching bands, ROTC programs, academic clubs, and other student organizations. If your child is involved in any group at an Arizona university that demands secrecy or initiation rites, they could be at risk.
• Fatal Consequences: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These tragedies underscore the life-or-death stakes involved in combating this issue.

The Betrayal of Trust in Arizona

Parents in Arizona send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. When they join a fraternity or sorority, these organizations promise “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” and personal development. Universities, from the University of Arizona in Tucson to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, explicitly have an obligation to provide a safe learning environment.

Yet, as the Bermudez case demonstrates, these promises are often broken. Universities like the University of Houston, and national organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, often choose to prioritize their reputation and “tradition” over the safety of young people. When hazing is exposed, the immediate response is often damage control and legal maneuvering, rather than genuine reform.

For families in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand that the dangerous activities Leonel endured are not unique to Texas. They are part of a nationwide pattern within Greek life that infiltrates campuses everywhere. If your child has been subjected to such abuse, know that what they experienced was unacceptable, illegal, and fully deserving of justice. You are not alone, and we are here to help.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable in Arizona Hazing Cases

When hazing occurs in Arizona, it’s never just the fault of a few bad actors. The systemic nature of hazing means that multiple individuals and institutions bear responsibility. At Attorney911, we sue everyone who participated, covered up, or failed to prevent the abuse. Just as we have done in the Bermudez case, we meticulously identify every liable party to ensure comprehensive accountability and maximal compensation for victims and their families in Arizona.

The Defendants in the Bermudez Case – A Blueprint for Arizona

In our $10 million lawsuit, we are pursuing compensation from a broad range of defendants, establishing a clear line of liability from the individuals who directly inflicted the harm to the institutions that allowed it to fester:

1. The Local Chapter (Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi): This is the immediate entity that organized and executed the hazing. The chapter members who directly participated and the officers who directed the activities are directly responsible for their actions.
2. Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.): These individuals hold leadership positions within the local chapter. They are responsible for setting the tone, enforcing rules, and overseeing activities. In hazing cases, they are often the ones actively planning or condoning the abuse.
3. Individual Fraternity Members: Every member who participated in, encouraged, or stood by while hazing occurred can be held liable. This includes the freshmen, sophomores, and upperclassmen who engaged in the waterboarding, forced feeding, and physical assaults against Leonel.
4. Former Members and Their Spouses: In the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse were named defendants because specific hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who provides a venue or allows such activities on their property. This principle applies in Arizona if off-campus housing or alumni residences are used for hazing.
5. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): The national fraternity bears significant responsibility. They create the rules, provide funding, and oversee their chapters across the country. In the Bermudez case, our lawsuit alleges that the national organization failed to enforce its anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “a hazing crisis” and having a deadly history (Andrew Coffey in 2017). This shows a pattern of negligence and provides substantial “deep pockets” for compensation. Similar national fraternities and sororities operate with chapters at Arizona State, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.
6. The University (University of Houston): Universities have a legal and moral obligation to protect their students. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of the most egregious hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down organizations. The fact that UH had a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017 demonstrates a clear pattern of institutional negligence and failure to act. This translates directly to Arizona; if a university fails to adequately oversee Greek life, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide a safe campus environment, it can be held liable.
7. University Board of Regents/Trustees: For public universities like the University of Houston (and the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University), the Board of Regents or Trustees is the governing body ultimately responsible for the institution’s policies and oversight. They are named in our lawsuit to hold the highest levels of university leadership accountable.
8. Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the physical property. These entities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing on their premises.
9. Insurance Carriers: This is where much of the actual compensation comes from. National fraternities, universities, and individuals often have substantial liability insurance policies. At Attorney911, our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how these insurance companies operate from the inside—how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge is a significant advantage for our clients in Arizona, whether dealing with national fraternity insurers or university liability policies.

Deep Pockets and Full Accountability for Arizona Victims

It is critical for Arizona families to understand that pursuing justice in a hazing case is not about bankrupting individual college students. While individual perpetrators are held accountable, the primary targets are typically the “deep pockets”: the national fraternities and sororities with millions in assets and insurance, and the universities with substantial endowments and extensive liability coverage.

Our approach is aggressive: we seek to identify every possible avenue of responsibility to maximize the compensation our clients receive. We do not guess who might be responsible; we meticulously research and identify every entity behind the Greek letters, from the undergraduate chapters to the alumni groups, house corporations, and national headquarters.

If your child has been hazed at any institution in Arizona—be it Arizona State University in Tempe, the University of Arizona in Tucson, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, or any other college with Greek life—know that the same playbook of accountability applies. We will pursue every responsible party, making sure that negligence and brutality have severe consequences. No institution is too big, and no fraternity is above the law.

If you are a parent in Arizona whose child has been injured by hazing, reach out to us today. We will bring our fight directly to your case, just as we did for Leonel Bermudez.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Arizona Victims

For parents in Arizona reeling from the trauma of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful justice and significant compensation is crucial. The multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the country demonstrate that families can fight back and win. These precedents are not just numbers; they represent the powerful messages sent to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that hazing carries a high price, a price we are prepared to demand for victims in Arizona.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston aligns directly with these landmark cases, proving that our demands are just and supportable. The same legal strategies, meticulous investigation, and relentless advocacy that secured these outcomes are precisely what Attorney911 brings to each case, including yours in Arizona.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Accountability Has a Price

Here are some of the most prominent multi-million dollar hazing outcomes that underscore what is possible for victims nationwide, including those in Arizona:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+ Total
  • What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment.
  • Significance for Arizona: This case proves that both universities and national fraternities pay substantial amounts. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, a victim of similar forced consumption and physical abuse, is directly supported by this precedent. It also shows that individuals, even college students, can face massive personal liability.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event at LSU.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. The case also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Significance for Arizona: This case demonstrates that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts when faced with egregious hazing. The legislative response also shows the broader impact these cases have, pushing for stronger anti-hazing laws, which we champion.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  • What Happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi initiation event, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after multiple falls down basement stairs. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
  • The Outcome: The confidential civil settlement is estimated to be more than $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several receiving prison sentences for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The case spurred the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Significance for Arizona: This landmark settlement (and related criminal outcomes) illustrates the immense financial and legal consequences when hazing leads to severe injury or death, especially with strong evidence. It proves that universities and national fraternities recognize the catastrophic jury exposure if such cases proceed to trial.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
  • What Happened: Adam Oakes died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event.
  • The Outcome: His family reached a settlement of over $4 million, with a portion dedicated to the “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which advocates against hazing. Criminal charges were pursued against fraternity members.
  • Significance for Arizona: This recent settlement, initially sought at $28 million, reinforces that substantial recoveries are common and that civil action often intertwines with charitable advocacy and legislative change, which Attorney911 supports.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)
  • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” ritual where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement was reached, though the amount remains confidential.
  • Significance for Arizona: This case is particularly damning because it involves the exact same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that we are suing in the Bermudez case. This demonstrates Pi Kappa Phi’s documented history of deadly hazing and their abject failure to learn or implement effective changes, making them liable for Leonel’s current injuries. The very same national organization has chapters in Arizona, underscoring the risk.

The Message to Arizona Institutions: Hazing Costs Millions

These cases send an unequivocal message to fraternities, sororities, and universities with chapters or campuses in Arizona:

• Hazing is Not Cheap: The financial cost of hazing can easily climb into the millions, covering medical expenses, lost earnings, and immense pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages designed to punish and deter.
• Universities Face Liability: Institutions that fail to protect their students from hazing are just as liable as the fraternities themselves. The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, like any institutions of higher learning, have a duty of care to their students.
• National Organizations Cannot Hide: The national headquarters of Greek organizations, with their vast resources and oversight responsibilities, are prime targets for multi-million dollar lawsuits.
• Individuals Are Accountable: Chapter officers and members face serious personal and financial consequences, including criminal charges and civil judgments that can impact their lives forever.
• Juries Hate Hazing: When presented with the egregious facts of hazing, juries consistently deliver substantial verdicts, underscoring societal intolerance for such abuses.

For any family in Arizona coping with the aftermath of hazing, these precedents should empower you. They prove that accountability is not just a dream but a reality achieved through aggressive legal action. Attorney911 is built for these fights. We leverage every case, every ruling, every piece of data from across the nation to build the strongest possible case for your family in Arizona. We are fighting for Leonel Bermudez, and we are ready to fight for you.

Arizona Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights Against Hazing

For families in Arizona, understanding the legal landscape against hazing is a critical first step towards seeking justice. While our firm, Attorney911, is rooted in Texas and deeply familiar with Texas hazing laws, the principles of civil liability and criminal statutes apply across states. Most importantly, our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) mean that we can pursue your Arizona hazing case in federal courts, capable of handling litigation against national fraternities and universities regardless of their location.

The fundamental legal truth is this: your child in Arizona cannot legally consent to being hazed. This principle is enshrined in anti-hazing laws across the nation, making “they agreed to it” a hollow and invalid defense.

Federal Laws and National Reach: A Broader Shield for Arizona Students

Beyond state-specific statutes, hazing cases often involve federal claims, particularly when they touch upon civil rights or when national organizations are involved. Our federal court admission empowers us to pursue these broader claims, ensuring that national fraternities and universities cannot hide behind state lines.

• First Amendment Retaliation Claims: If a student is hazed or suffers harm for reporting hazing, federal civil rights litigation can provide an additional avenue for justice.
• Institutional Negligence: Federal precedents for institutional liability related to student safety often apply, holding universities accountable for their oversight failures.
• National Greek Organizations: As national entities, fraternities and sororities fall under federal jurisdiction for various legal challenges, allowing our firm to take on the largest defendants.

Civil Liability: What Arizona Victims Can Sue For

Regardless of the specifics of state hazing laws, the core civil law theories that allow victims to seek compensation are largely consistent across the United States, including Arizona:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common claim. It asserts that the fraternity, university, or individuals owed a duty of care to the student (to keep them safe), that they breached this duty (by hazing or allowing it), that this breach caused injury, and that actual damages resulted. This applies broadly to institutions in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and throughout Arizona.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation (like the UH-owned house in the Bermudez case), these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This would apply to fraternity houses or university facilities at Arizona State University or the University of Arizona.
3. Negligent Supervision: This claim arises when an organization (like a national fraternity or a university Greek life office) fails to adequately supervise its local chapters or student activities, leading to harm. Given the pattern of hazing nationwide, including repeated incidents in the same fraternity, demonstrating negligent supervision is often straightforward.
4. Assault and Battery: The physical aspects of hazing—such as striking with paddles, forced physical exertion, or waterboarding—constitute assault and battery. The individual perpetrators can be sued for these intentional torts.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous conduct typical of hazing, especially psychological torment, can lead to severe emotional distress, giving rise to an IIED claim. This is particularly relevant for the deep psychological wounds often inflicted by hazing.
6. Wrongful Death: Tragically, many hazing incidents result in death. In such cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation for the loss of companionship, financial support, and punitive damages against all responsible parties. The recent hazing death and subsequent lawsuit at Sigma Chi at the University of Texas in November 2025, underscores the critical need for this legal avenue.

The “Consent” Defense is NOT a Defense Anywhere:

One of the most insidious arguments made by hazing perpetrators and their institutions is that the victim “consented” to the activities. This is false, both morally and legally. No person can legally consent to criminal acts, or to activities that endanger their life or well-being.

• Coercion, Not Consent: Hazing often involves extreme peer pressure, threats of social exclusion, or fear of retaliation, which negate any true “consent.” The power dynamics between pledges and active members are inherently coercive.
• Ignorance of Risk: Victims are rarely fully aware of the true risks or the extent of the abuse they will endure. The secrecy of hazing perpetuates this ignorance.
• Legal Protections: Anti-hazing laws in most states, like in Texas, explicitly state that consent is not a valid defense. Your child’s participation does not absolve the perpetrators or institutions of their responsibility.

Your Path to Justice in Arizona

For families in Arizona whose child has been impacted by hazing, these legal avenues provide a powerful means to seek redress. Our firm’s experience and nationwide capabilities mean that we are perfectly poised to handle hazing cases stemming from any university in Arizona, whether it’s the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or any other institution. We understand the specific cultural nuances, attitudes, and dynamics that might exist in Greek life across Arizona campuses.

Do not let fear or intimidation prevent you from seeking justice. The institutions that allow hazing to flourish rely on silence. We break that silence. We build strong, evidence-based cases that hold every responsible entity accountable.

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Arizona, time is of the essence. Preserve evidence, seek medical help, and contact us immediately for a free consultation. We will travel to Arizona as needed for depositions or client meetings, ensuring that your case receives the personalized, aggressive representation it deserves.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Why Attorney911 is Arizona’s Choice for Hazing Litigation

When your child in Arizona is a victim of hazing, you need a legal team that is not only experienced but relentlessly committed to justice. At Attorney911, we are not just lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a proven track record of aggressive representation against powerful institutions. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and every strategy, every piece of knowledge, and every ounce of our dedication will be brought to bear for families in Arizona.

Meet Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Our firm is led by two exceptional attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both of whom bring unique strengths to hazing litigation:

Ralph P. Manginello – The Battle-Tested Strategist

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a trial attorney with over 25 years of experience. He is a formidable litigator who knows how to fight against massive corporate defendants and win.

• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph began his career on the other side, defending insurance companies. This invaluable “insider” perspective means he knows exactly how defense teams think, strategize, and try to minimize payouts. For your child’s hazing case in Arizona, this insight is a powerful advantage, allowing us to anticipate and counter the tactics used by national fraternities’ and universities’ legal teams.
• Mass Tort Experience: Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a catastrophic industrial accident that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds. This experience proves his capability in handling complex, high-stakes cases against giant corporations – the same scale of litigation needed to take on national fraternities and large universities in Arizona.
• Federal Court Authority: Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and has experience in federal civil rights litigation. This is crucial for hazing cases in Arizona, as federal courts often have jurisdiction over national fraternities and can handle cases with higher damages or constitutional claims. We are not confined by state borders in our pursuit of justice.
• Dual-State Bar License: Licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph has a broader understanding of legal intricacies across different jurisdictions, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis – the same life-threatening injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. He understands the medical, legal, and cultural specificities of hazing cases.
• Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories – a critical skill when exposing the hidden truths of hazing to a jury in Arizona.
• A Father Who Cares: As a father of three children, Ralph understands the profound emotional impact of hazing on families. This personal empathy fuels his aggressive pursuit of justice.

Lupe Eleno Peña – The Insider Advantage

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is a third-generation Texan who brings a powerful “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy to every case.

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He defended insurance companies and corporate defendants across numerous practice areas. He learned their playbook, their valuation methods, their delay tactics, and their strategies to deny claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims in Arizona, dismantling the defenses of the very companies he used to represent.
• Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Lupe has extensive experience representing families in wrongful death cases and victims of catastrophic injuries, including those involving alcohol-related negligence (Dram Shop cases). These are the very types of heartbreaking outcomes often seen in hazing incidents, whether in Phoenix, Tucson, or elsewhere in Arizona.
• Finance Background: His pre-law career in finance and a BBA in International Business from Saint Mary’s University provides him with a deep understanding of economic damages, future earnings calculations, and the financial structures of corporate defendants – essential when pursuing large national fraternities.
• Bilingual with Texas Roots: Fluent in Spanish, Lupe ensures that Hispanic families in Arizona have access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive legal representation without language barriers. His deep Texas roots resonate with families who value community and integrity.
• Strategic Investigator: Lupe’s approach is to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the opposition. He believes in meticulous preparation, strategic thinking informed by his defense background, and relentless advocacy.

Our Unfair Advantage for Arizona Families

Together, Ralph and Lupe form an “insurance counter-intelligence system” – a rare combination of two attorneys with decades of experience on both sides of the courtroom. When you hire Attorney911 for your hazing case in Arizona, you’re not just getting lawyers; you’re getting former insiders who know exactly how the other side thinks, operates, and tries to win. This is an unfair advantage for Arizona victims.

Why Arizona Families Choose Attorney911:

• Active Hazing Litigation: We are not just talking about hazing; we are fighting it right now in court. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our commitment and expertise. Arizona families get the same aggressive, real-world litigation experience.
• Nationwide Reach: While headquartered in Houston, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses allow us to represent hazing victims across America, including all of Arizona. We provide remote consultations via video and are prepared to travel to Arizona for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever justice demands.
• Client-Centered Approach: We treat our Arizona clients like family. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping victims. We understand the trauma you’ve endured and guide you through every step with compassion and clear communication.
• Contingency Fees: Facing the legal system can be daunting and expensive. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier and aligns our success directly with yours.
• Proven Results: Our firm has a track record of multi-million dollar recoveries for complex personal injury cases, including those against major corporate entities. We bring this same level of dedication and strategic pursuit to hazing cases.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We move first, fast, and decisively. We preserve evidence, build cases with expert witnesses, and negotiate from a position of strength. If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence hazing victims in Arizona, we take it to court.

If you are a parent in Arizona whose child has been injured or worse by hazing, you need a team that understands the nuances of this dark culture, knows how to dismantle institutional defenses, and is prepared to fight relentlessly for justice. You need Attorney911.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Arizona Hazing Victims

When hazing strikes, it throws families into chaos. The fear, anger, and confusion can be overwhelming. But decisive action in the immediate aftermath is crucial to protecting your legal rights and building a strong case. For Arizona families, these steps are vital, even if you feel uncertain or intimidated. We are available 24/7 to guide you through this process.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

This is the absolute priority, even if your child feels only minor discomfort.

• Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, no matter how small, are examined and documented by a medical professional. This includes physical injuries, signs of exhaustion, dehydration, or psychological distress.
• ER or Urgent Care: If there’s any doubt about the severity, go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, as in Leonel Bermudez’s case, may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening.
• Follow All Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to doctor’s orders, attend all follow-up appointments, and participate in recommended therapies. Any deviation can be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries were not severe or that your child was not committed to recovery. Consistency in treatment strengthens your case.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – This Is Critical for Arizona Hazing Cases

Hazing perpetrators and institutions will try to delete, hide, or destroy evidence. You must act quickly.

• Digital Communication: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation (screenshots!), Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes communications from members, pledges, or anyone who discussed the activities. Do NOT delete anything, even old messages or posts that seem irrelevant.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing exist (even accidentally captured), save them immediately. This includes anything showing injuries, hazing activities, or the locations where they occurred. Take pictures of all injuries as they develop and heal. “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to,” advises Ralph Manginello.
• Physical Items: Preserve any items related to the hazing – this could include clothing (if it shows damage), physical objects used in the hazing, or even notes or instructions that were given to pledges.
• Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of other pledges, active members who expressed concerns, or anyone who witnessed the hazing or its aftermath. These witnesses can be invaluable, though they may also be under pressure to remain silent.
• Formal Documents: Keep any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the fraternity, sorority, or university. These can expose official policies that were violated.
• Financial Records: Collect all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel expenses to appointments, and any documentation of lost wages if your child missed work due to injuries.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, their ability to attend classes, or any scholarships lost.
• Journaling: Encourage your child to keep a detailed journal of everything they remember about the hazing, including dates, times, names of participants, specific activities, and their physical and emotional reactions.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel

This is perhaps the most important cautionary step.

• No Statements: Do NOT give any recorded or unrecorded statements to the fraternity/sorority, university administrators, or their attorneys. They are not on your side; they are trying to protect their institution and minimize liability. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
• No Signatures: Do NOT sign any documents from the organization or university without having your own attorney review them. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
• Avoid Social Media Posts: Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Avoid discussing the hazing online or sharing photos. Defense attorneys will scour your child’s social media for anything that can undermine their claims. Our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” emphasizes this critical point.
• Do Not Delete Anything: Deleting digital evidence can be perceived as spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY

Time is not on your side in hazing cases.

• Urgency: Most states, including Arizona, have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you typically have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to seek justice is lost forever. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, explains this in detail.
• Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely it is that critical evidence will disappear, be deleted, or be difficult to obtain. Witnesses may forget details or become uncooperative.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Arizona families. There’s no cost to discuss your case and understand your options. We work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
• Nationwide Reach: While we are based in Texas, all of our attorneys are admitted to federal court and licensed in multiple states. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including families in Arizona. We offer remote consultations via video and are prepared to travel to Arizona for depositions, client meetings, or trial.

For Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or someone you know was part of the same pledge class as Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, we know you too were subjected to horrific abuse. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout. Others faced the same waterboarding and physical torture. You have rights, and we can represent you. “Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough,” as Lupe Pena urges. Call us today.

Your child’s safety and well-being should have been the priority of the fraternity and the university in Arizona. When they failed, we step in. Don’t let them get away with it.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for immediate assistance.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Advocate for Hazing Justice in Arizona

If you are a parent in Arizona, or your child has been a victim of hazing at a university or college anywhere in the state, you are not alone. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them. Attorney911 is currently leading the charge against hazing in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We bring this same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate approach to every hazing case, including yours in Arizona.

Arizona Families: Immediate Help is Available

When a hazing incident turns your world upside down, you need immediate, expert legal help. Whether your child was hazed at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or any other institution in Arizona, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

🚨 ARIZONA FAMILIES: HAVE YOU OR YOUR CHILD BEEN HAZED?

YOU DESERVE JUSTICE. WE ARE FIGHTING THIS FIGHT RIGHT NOW — AND WE’LL FIGHT FOR ARIZONA VICTIMS TOO.

Call us now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us 24/7: ralph@atty911.com
Visit our website: attorney911.com

We work on a Contingency Fee basis: This means you pay $0 upfront for Arizona families. We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arizona Hazing Case?

• Active Litigation Leadership: We are not hypothetical. We are aggressively litigating a multi-million dollar hazing case right now. This means we have real-time experience, strategies, and resources focused entirely on hazing accountability.
• Nationwide Reach, Arizona Focus: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing culture is a national problem. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to take on national fraternities and universities anywhere in the country, including Arizona. We offer remote video consultations, making it easy for Arizona families to connect with us, and we will travel to Arizona as needed for depositions, client meetings, or trial.
• Insider Knowledge: Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are both former insurance defense lawyers. They’ve seen the playbook of national fraternities, universities, and their insurers. They know how to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation.
• Unwavering Dedication: We are fathers, and we treat our clients like family. We are deeply invested in seeing justice served for hazing victims. Your child is not just another case; they are a person who deserves to be protected and compensated for their suffering.
• Data-Driven Strategy: We use extensive research and intelligence, including our proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Database, to identify every accountable entity, from local chapter to national headquarters. We know who to sue, and we know how to do it effectively.

What You Should Do Immediately in Arizona:

1. Get Medical Help: Ensure your child has received all necessary medical and psychological care. Documentation of injuries is paramount.
2. Preserve Evidence: Save every text, photo, video, and document related to the hazing. Do not delete anything from phones or social media.
3. Do NOT Talk to Them: Do not speak with fraternity members, alumni, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting us first. Do not sign anything.
4. Contact Us: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and meet legal deadlines. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 NOW.

To Other Victims of Hazing in Arizona:

We know the courage it takes to speak out. If you or someone you know was part of a hazing incident at any university in Arizona, whether at Arizona State University in Tempe, the University of Arizona in Tucson, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, or any other school, know that your voice matters. Many hazing incidents involve multiple victims, and your testimony can be crucial for an entire class of pledges. “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, academic clubs, and any other student organization across Arizona that uses abuse as an initiation rite.

Let us be your advocates. Let us bring your fight to light. Let us ensure that those who inflict harm are held accountable. Your call makes a difference.

📞 Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™: Fiercely Fighting for Arizona Hazing Victims.