If you’re reading this in Atlantic County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college, not merely to study, but to grow, to form friendships, and to experience new things. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening experiences at the hands of those they thought they could trust. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Atlantic County fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, we don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court right now. We believe that colleges, universities, national fraternities and sororities, local chapters, and individual perpetrators need to be held accountable for the devastating harm they inflict. We’ve seen the damage first-hand, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that justice is served and lives are protected.

The Landmark Case That Shows Atlantic County Families Why We Fight

Right now, our attorneys are at the forefront of a major hazing lawsuit in Houston, a case that represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. This is the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members.

This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly what kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims. What happened in Houston could happen at any university, including those near Atlantic County, New Jersey. The same national fraternities operate nationwide, and the same negligence exists at institutions across the country. We will fight for Atlantic County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this critical case.

What the Media is Reporting:

ABC13 Houston (November 21-22, 2025): “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” — Read the full report here
KHOU 11 (November 21, 2025): “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” — Read the full report here
Houston Chronicle (November 22, 2025): “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” — Read the full report here
Houston Public Media (November 24, 2025): “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” — Read the full report here

Even Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization issued a statement on November 21, 2025, detailing their decision to close the Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, which you can find here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. This statement, even in its carefully worded corporate language, reveals much about their knowledge of the incident.

The Face of the Victim: Leonel Bermudez

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even a University of Houston student at the time of the hazing. He was planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet, someone merely hoping to join a community.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As Ralph Manginello told 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.”

Lupe Peña added, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

A Timeline of Abuse and Reckless Disregard:

The hazing began shortly after Leonel accepted his bid and escalated drastically leading up to the incident that hospitalized him.

Sept 16, 2025: Leonel accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
Sept 16 – Nov 3: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t a singular event for Leonel.
Oct 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workout, with other pledges having to elevate his legs until he revived. The fraternity continued their activities.
Nov 3, 2025: Leonel was subjected to extreme physical punishments, including over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other exercises, forced to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel could not move; his condition worsened.
Nov 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of severe muscle breakdown.
Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter.
Nov 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County. News outlets immediately picked up the story.

The Horrors of Hazing: What Leonel Endured

The hazing activities Leonel suffered sound like something out of a horror movie, not a college campus.

Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: KHOU reported Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics. He was forced to run repeatedly under the threat of being waterboarded. This is torture, often classified as a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. Yet, members of Pi Kappa Phi inflicted it on a prospective member.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in an act of profound dehumanization, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in distress, even made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He faced grueling workouts including over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He literally crawled for 100 yards repeatedly. These activities were designed to push him past exhaustion, leading to his muscle breakdown and kidney failure. The Houston Chronicle also reported he was “being struck with wooden paddles.”
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant. Another pledge was even hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced late-night and early-morning driving of fraternity members contributed to his overall exhaustion and inability to recover.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s medical condition, rhabdomyolysis, is a severe breakdown of muscle tissue. This releases a damaging protein, myoglobin, into the bloodstream, which can cause acute kidney failure and death. His symptoms, including passing brown urine, are classic indicators of this life-threatening condition. He required intensive medical treatment and spent days in the hospital, and faces the risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is not a theoretical threat; it is a very real, very dangerous medical emergency that Attorney911 has direct experience litigating. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in hazing cases involving rhabdomyolysis.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Minimization

The official statements from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Nacional are deeply revealing.

The University of Houston spokesperson stated, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission that UH knew the conduct was severe, violated their standards, and warrants criminal investigation.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters announced they closed their Beta Nu Chapter, “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They closed the chapter seven days before our lawsuit was even filed, indicating they knew the severity of the situation and litigation was imminent. They then expressed that they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a statement of minimal remorse and a concerning vision for their “commitment” to safety.

Why This Case Matters to Atlantic County Families:

“Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t harmless pranks. They are systematic abuse. Such “traditions” can and do happen at universities where students from Atlantic County attend.
Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. Universities near Atlantic County, while striving to provide positive campus experiences, have the same responsibility and power to regulate Greek life. Their failure to act makes them liable.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters quickly acted to close the chapter, demonstrating awareness of the severity. This national organization, like others, has chapters at institutions across the country, including those often attended by students from Atlantic County. They have a duty to oversee all their chapters.
Victims Are Afraid: Leonel fears retribution. Students from Atlantic County who experience hazing often face similar fears. We are here to protect victims and ensure their voices are heard without fear.
One Victim Can Save Others: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your child’s case, if you are in Atlantic County and facing a similar nightmare, could be the one that saves countless lives.
$10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit is a clear statement that such actions have severe consequences. Atlantic County families can send the same powerful message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, the word “hazing” brings to mind harmless pranks from movies. The reality, especially at the collegiate level, is far darker. Hazing is not just “boys being boys”; it’s a dangerous, often criminal, pattern of abuse. It is assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and can sometimes escalate to manslaughter or murder.

This isn’t about fostering brotherhood or promoting tradition. It’s about power, control, and degradation under the guise of initiation.

The Stark Reality:

Prevalence: Over half of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and 40% of student athletes face it. This isn’t rare; it’s alarmingly common.
Underreporting: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or a misguided sense of loyalty.
Ubiquity: Hazing isn’t confined to fraternities and sororities; it occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and various student organizations at institutions throughout the country, including those near Atlantic County.
Fatal Consequences: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States, a horrifying statistic that underscores the lethal nature of these activities.

The Categories of Hazing Leonel Faced:

Physical Abuse: Leonel endured beatings with wooden paddles, forced exercises to the point of collapse, and other forms of physical torment. Such acts can lead to severe injuries like broken bones, internal organ damage, and in Leonel’s case, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Forced Consumption: Forcing pledges to eat and drink until they vomit, or even consume non-food substances, directly endangers health and safety, often leading to conditions like alcohol poisoning.
Sleep Deprivation: Orchestrated late nights and early mornings disrupt physical and mental health, making students more vulnerable to other forms of abuse and accidents.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats create deep psychological scars, manifesting as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: Forcing individuals to carry sexually suggestive objects or strip naked is an act of sexual humiliation that leaves profound and lasting trauma.

The True Medical Stakes:

Beyond the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure Leonel sustained, hazing incidents frequently lead to:

Alcohol Poisoning: A common cause of hazing deaths.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from beatings, falls, or other physical assaults.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: Induced by extreme physical exertion.
Long-Term Psychological Damage: PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are devastating, often unseen, consequences.
DEATH: The ultimate, tragic result of unchecked hazing.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, it’s not simply the fault of “a few bad apples.” It involves a complex web of responsibility, from the individuals directly involved to the institutions that enable such behavior. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston targets every entity that bears responsibility, because that’s how true accountability happens.

The Liable Parties We Pursue:

Local Chapter & Its Officers: These are the individuals and the immediate organization that directly plan and execute hazing activities. The fraternity president and pledgemaster, in particular, hold positions of authority and direct responsibility.
Individual Members: Every member who participates in hazing, facilitates it, or stands by and fails to intervene, can be held personally liable for their actions.
Former Members and Their Spouses: As seen in the Bermudez case, hazing often extends to off-campus residences. Anyone who hosts or allows such activities on their property shares liability.
National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These entities provide the charter, branding, and often the “traditions” that underpin local chapters. Our lawsuit alleges Pi Kappa Phi National failed to supervise, had inadequate policies, and knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to act. These national bodies have vast resources and comprehensive insurance, often making them the “deepest pockets” in hazing litigation.
Universities & Colleges: Institutions like the University of Houston, where our client was hazed, have a clear duty to protect their students, especially when they own or control the property where hazing occurs. They have the power to regulate, suspend, or remove organizations and are liable if they fail in this duty, particularly if they have prior knowledge of hazing risks.
Insurance Carriers: These are often the ultimate source of compensation. National organizations, universities, and even individual members may have liability coverage through various policies (general liability, premises liability, homeowner’s insurance). As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate and how to maximize recovery from them.

This complex web means that victims and their families in Atlantic County don’t just sue a group of college kids; they sue powerful, well-funded institutions with the resources to make a real difference in preventing future tragedies.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For families in Atlantic County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the value of such cases can be empowering. These are not small claims; they are often multi-million dollar lawsuits that send an unequivocal message to universities and national fraternities: hazing will cost you dearly. The tragic stories of students like Stone Foltz, Maxwell Gruver, and Timothy Piazza, and the substantial verdicts and settlements their families achieved, offer a glimpse into the scale of accountability possible.

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

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. His family secured over $10.1 million in settlements, with Bowling Green State University paying $2.9 million and Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals contributing another $7.2 million. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent, recognizing the severity of Leonel’s injuries and the egregious conduct he endured.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of nearly 0.50 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event at LSU. If he answered questions incorrectly, he was forced to drink heavily. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and the public outcry led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict shows that juries are not shy about awarding millions for hazing incidents, especially when the conduct is severe.

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

Total Recovery: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza died after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell repeatedly down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the horrific events. While settlement amounts were confidential, reports indicate an estimated recovery of over $110 million. This case demonstrates that strong evidence of institutional oversight failures and egregious conduct can lead to massive settlements. It also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

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

Same Fraternity, Same Danger. Settlement Confidential.
Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at FSU. Pi Kappa Phi, the same national organization involved in our Bermudez case, had its chapter permanently closed, and nine members faced criminal charges. This tragic event, occurring eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, proves Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing practices within its chapters and failed to prevent future incidents.

Why Precedent Matters for Atlantic County Families:

Financial Accountability: These cases prove that institutions and individuals can and will pay multi-million dollar sums for hazing injuries and deaths. This isn’t theoretical; it’s proven fact.
Driving Change: Many of these cases directly led to new anti-hazing legislation, demonstrating how civil litigation can be a powerful force for systemic change and improved safety on campuses across the nation. Your Atlantic County case has the potential to make a difference far beyond your family.
Foreseeability: The extensive history of hazing incidents, particularly within specific national fraternities, strengthens claims of institutional knowledge and foreseeability. When institutions like Pi Kappa Phi (with Andrew Coffey’s death) and universities (like UH with the 2017 Munoz incident) have prior knowledge, their failure to prevent subsequent incidents becomes even more indefensible.
Aggravating Factors: The egregious nature of the hazing, the resulting severe injuries (like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), and any attempts to cover up the incident or delay medical attention all contribute to higher damages awards, including potentially significant punitive damages designed to punish and deter.

For students and families in Atlantic County, these precedents offer powerful reassurance: justice can be achieved, and the responsible parties can be compelled to pay for the immense suffering they cause.

New Jersey’s Law Protects You: Understanding Anti-Hazing Statutes

While our firm is based in Texas, where the Bermudez case is currently being litigated, we want Atlantic County families to understand that New Jersey also has robust anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for anyone seeking justice after a hazing incident.

New Jersey’s Anti-Hazing Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3 – 2C:40-4)

New Jersey’s law broadly defines hazing and establishes both criminal penalties and civil liability.

Definition of Hazing:
Similar to Texas law, New Jersey defines “hazing” as any method of initiation into or combination or continuation of any activity engaged in by a student organization, or by any member or former member thereof, which does any of the following:

Causes or is likely to cause, bodily injury to any member or prospective member of such organization. This directly applies to situations like Leonel Bermudez’s physical torment or any form of forced exercise, paddling, or physical assault.
Forces, coerces, or is likely to force or coerce, any member or prospective member of such organization to consume any food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, drug or any other substance which injures or endangers the mental or physical health of such member or prospective member. This element directly addresses the forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting that Leonel endured, or any forced binge drinking.
Causes, or is likely to cause, any member or prospective member of such organization to endure verbal abuse, psychological abuse, social ostracism, or any other activity that injures or endangers the mental or physical health of such member or prospective member. This covers the immense psychological torment, humiliation, and degradation, including waterboarding, public stripping, and carrying sexually explicit fanny packs.

Criminal Penalties:
New Jersey’s hazing law establishes various criminal charges:

Disorderly Persons Offense: If hazing results in bodily injury. This carries penalties such as fines and potential jail time.
Fourth Degree Crime: If hazing results in serious bodily injury. This is a felony-level offense with more severe penalties, including prison time. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would likely qualify as “serious bodily injury” under New Jersey law.

Consent is Not a Defense:
A critical aspect of hazing law, both in New Jersey and Texas, is that consent is not a defense. N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3 states, “The express or implied consent of the victim shall not be a defense.” This means that fraternity members cannot argue that the victim “agreed to participate” or “knew what they were getting into.” The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of hazing.

Civil Liability in New Jersey: What Atlantic County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal prosecution, individuals and institutions in New Jersey can be held civilly liable for damages caused by hazing. Civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Atlantic County to seek financial compensation for their suffering.

Negligence: This is often the primary theory. Universities, national organizations, and even local chapters owe a duty of care to prospective and current members. If they breach this duty by failing to prevent hazing, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or fraternity-owned property (like the house at UH), the owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Their failure to do so can lead to premises liability claims.
Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and sororities have a duty to supervise their local chapters. Universities also have a duty to supervise Greek life organizations under their purview. A failure in this supervision leading to hazing injuries allows for this claim.
Assault and Battery: Any direct application of force, like paddling or forced physical exertion beyond reasonable limits, constitutes assault and battery, for which individual perpetrators and potentially the organizations can be held liable.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous conduct typical of hazing, causing severe emotional suffering (such as PTSD or chronic anxiety), can lead to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death, the family can bring a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial contributions.

For Atlantic County Families: These civil claims provide a powerful avenue to hold all responsible parties accountable. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue these cases effectively, regardless of whether the hazing occurred at a university in New Jersey or elsewhere.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Atlantic County Hazing Victims

When your child is injured or killed by hazing, you need attorneys who are not just competent but genuinely dedicated to fighting for justice. Attorney911 brings a unique combination of experience, empathy, and aggressive legal strategy to every hazing case, making us the clear choice for families in Atlantic County facing this unthinkable nightmare.

Battle-Tested Experience You Can Trust:

25+ Years of Courtroom Aggression: Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, has over two decades of experience in high-stakes litigation. He’s not afraid to take on large corporations or institutions, as demonstrated by his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation that caused 15 deaths and 180+ injuries. That kind of experience and tenacity is precisely what’s needed when confronting powerful fraternities and universities in Atlantic County.
Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. They know exactly how insurance companies and institutional defendants think, strategize, and attempt to minimize or deny claims. Lupe Peña, from his time at a national defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands their playbook inside and out – and now leverages that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims. For Atlantic County families, this means we anticipate their moves and fight back with unparalleled insight, giving you a distinct edge in your case.
Federal Court Authority: With admissions to Federal District Courts, we have the ability to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential advantage when dealing with national fraternities and universities that often operate across state lines. This means we can represent Atlantic County families even if the incident occurred out of state.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual-state authorization provides a strategic legal advantage, particularly when going up against national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered in New York or have significant operations there.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: We’re not just general personal injury lawyers; we have direct, current experience in hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel Bermudez’s. We bring specialized knowledge of Greek life culture, university administrative processes, and the unique legal challenges of hazing lawsuits.

Our Approach to Serving Atlantic County Families:

Immediate, Aggressive Intervention: When a family in Atlantic County faces a hazing emergency, we move first, fast, and decisively. We understand the urgency of preserving evidence and building a strong case from day one.
Comprehensive Case Building: We don’t cut corners. We collaborate with expert witnesses—medical professionals, Greek life culture specialists, institutional negligence experts—to build an undeniable case. We immediately work to preserve all evidence, from text messages and photos to medical records and witness statements.
Empathy and Communication: We know this is a traumatic time for your Atlantic County family. We treat every client like family, offering transparent communication and guidance at every stage. You won’t be just another case number; you’ll be treated with respect, kindness, and genuine care.
Nationwide Reach, Local Focus: While our headquarters are in Houston, our commitment to hazing victims extends across the country. We offer remote consultations for Atlantic County families and are prepared to travel to Atlantic County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Contingency Fee Representation: We understand the financial strain that a hazing incident can place on families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency basis. This means you pay us nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, ensuring that every victim, regardless of their financial situation in Atlantic County, can access top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

A Firm Built on Trust and Results:

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our outstanding 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews. Families consistently praise our responsiveness, dedication, and ability to secure meaningful compensation. As one client, Chad Harris, put it, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

Ralph Manginello himself is a father of three, and his personal understanding of the stakes involved when a child is harmed fuels his passion for justice. Lupe Peña’s background as a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, fluent in Spanish, means we can effectively serve diverse families in Atlantic County, ensuring no language barrier stands in the way of justice.

We truly believe that what sets us apart is our real emotional investment in hazing victims. We’ve witnessed the devastating impact of these so-called “traditions,” and we are actively fighting to prevent further tragedies. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will fight fiercely for your Atlantic County family.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Atlantic County Families

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Atlantic County or at any university across the country, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. You might be scared, angry, confused, and unsure of what steps to take. It’s critical to act quickly and strategically. Here’s what families in Atlantic County should do, backed by our expertise:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Remove Your Child from Harm’s Way: Ensure your child is physically safe and separated from the hazing environment immediately.
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child resists, it is paramount to get a thorough medical evaluation. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed or subtle symptoms with severe consequences. For psychological trauma, seek counseling and support as soon as possible. Your health and well-being are paramount. Medical records are crucial evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

This is arguably the most critical step you can take. Evidence can disappear quickly, or be intentionally destroyed by perpetrators or institutions. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”

Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis), imaging scans, and therapy records.
Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they heal. If safe and possible, photograph or video the hazing location, any equipment used, or anything that shows the environment. Screenshots of social media posts, group chats, or other digital communications are invaluable.
Communications: Preserve ALL digital communications. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other platform where hazing instructions, discussions, photos, or videos might be. Do not delete anything.
Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact details for other pledges, witnesses to the hazing, or anyone who might have relevant information.
Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, receipts for any related expenses (travel to treatment, medications), and any documentation of lost wages or academic fees.
Academic Records: Gather academic transcripts or any documentation that shows the impact of hazing on your child’s grades, enrollment, or scholarship status.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Counsel: Fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies will immediately try to gather information from you. They are not on your side. Never give a statement, sign any documents, or agree to a meeting without legal representation. They will try to minimize your claim or twist your words.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child posts, or that you post, about the incident (or even about appearing “fine” days later) can be used against your case by the defense. Stay off social media until advised by your attorney.
Do NOT Delete Anything: Deleting digital evidence can lead to severe legal penalties (spoliation of evidence) and significantly harm your case.
Do NOT Delay: Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. In many states, including New Jersey, you have a limited time (often two years) from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

You need a legal team that understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation, the tactics of national organizations and universities, and how to fight for maximum compensation.

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline, available 24/7, for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our Commitment to Atlantic County Families:

$0 Upfront: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Video Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations for Atlantic County families who may be unable to travel to our offices.
We Come to You: For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys travel as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice for Atlantic County hazing victims.

When a legal emergency strikes, especially one as traumatic as hazing, having the right legal team is paramount. Let us be your first responder to justice.

Contact Us: Your Fight Starts Now

Atlantic County families: the time to act is now. If you or a loved one has been a victim of hazing, you are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by ourselves. The pain, humiliation, and physical harm inflicted by hazing are not a rite of passage; they are illegal acts with severe consequences for perpetrators and institutions. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to holding everyone responsible accountable, just as we are doing in the high-profile Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case in Houston.

Atlantic County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now, and we’ll fight for Atlantic County victims too. Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to win. Atlantic County families get the same aggressive representation.

Take the First Step Towards Justice: No Cost, No Obligation

We understand that reaching out is often the hardest part, especially when dealing with such a traumatic experience. That’s why we make it as easy and risk-free as possible.

Atlantic County Families — Call Now for a FREE Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Atlantic County hazing emergencies.

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Atlantic County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of your financial situation. Learn more about how contingency fees work here.

We Serve Atlantic County Hazing Victims — and Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to justice extend far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national crisis, and it affects students at universities and colleges across America, including those near Atlantic County, New Jersey.

We can evaluate and pursue your Atlantic County case regardless of location through:

Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often applicable in hazing cases involving national organizations.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages in national litigation.
Video Consultations: For your convenience and comfort, Atlantic County families can meet with us remotely via video conference.
Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Atlantic County for depositions, client meetings, mediations, and trials as needed. Distance will never be a barrier to achieving justice for your family.

Hazing Is Not Limited to Greek Life:

We represent victims of hazing in all forms of organizations, not just fraternities and sororities. This includes:

Atlantic County sports teams and athletic programs
Marching bands and other performance groups at Atlantic County universities
ROTC programs
Clubs and other student organizations at Atlantic County schools and colleges
Military academies
Any organization that uses abusive or dangerous rituals for initiation or membership.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others faced the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. Your silence protects your tormentors. You have rights too. We can represent you, just as we represent Leonel.

As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless others, depends on the courage to speak up. Let Attorney911 be your unwavering advocate.

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