If you’re reading this, your family in Bath County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening acts known as hazing. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Bath County fight back.
At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates for justice, particularly for the silent victims of hazing in Bath County and across the nation. Families in Bath County, Virginia, deserve to know that when their children attend universities, whether local institutions like Washington and Lee University or Roanoke College or larger statewide hubs like Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, they are safe. Yet, the reality of hazing often shatters this trust. We bring our aggressive representation and data-driven litigation strategy to every case, ensuring that every entity responsible for hazing injuries in Bath County is held accountable.
The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: A $10 Million Fight for Justice
Just recently, in November 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court that embodies everything we stand for. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just a legal battle; it’s a stark warning to fraternities, universities, and individuals who believe they can inflict torture under the guise of “tradition.” We are actively fighting this battle right now, and we will bring the same relentless pursuit of justice to your family in Bath County.
The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning for Bath County Parents
Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a bright young man planning to transfer to the University of Houston in Spring 2026. He wasn’t even an enrolled student yet, but he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an horrific seven weeks of systematic abuse, designed to break his spirit and body.
Leonel’s experience is a chilling example of just how far hazing rituals have devolved. He was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, hog-tied with an object in his mouth, forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be forced to continue exercising in his own vomit. He endured extreme physical punishments including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion.
The physical exertion on November 3, 2025, pushed Leonel’s body past its breaking point. He collapsed, unable to stand, and later crawled up the stairs into his home. Days later, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, leaving him with potential long-term kidney damage. As Mr. 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.”
Within weeks of this incident being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended, and on November 14, 2025, it was permanently closed by the national organization. The University of Houston, which owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse took place, issued a statement calling the events “deeply disturbing.” Criminal referrals were initiated. Despite these actions, Pi Kappa Phi National openly stated they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a clear indication of their continued disregard for accountability.
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. Leonel’s story is a powerful testament to the severity of modern hazing, a warning to parents in Bath County that this level of abuse can happen anywhere, even at institutions their children might attend. And it’s proof that Attorney911 is the firm that fights back. As Mr. Peña eloquently stated to 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.”
Media Coverage That Exposed the Truth
When Leonel’s story came to light, it garnered significant media attention, validating the horrific claims and bringing the issue into the public eye. Bath County families should know that we actively work with media to ensure these stories are told and institutions cannot hide.
- ABC13 (KTRK) in Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
- KHOU 11 provided extensive coverage on November 21, 2025: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle covered the lawsuit on November 22, 2025: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
- Houston Public Media reported on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”
We also closely analyzed the defendant’s own public response, the Pi Kappa Phi National website report on November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.” This statement includes critical admissions of “violations” and the national organization’s desire to “return to campus,” which is highly significant in our litigation strategy.
What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”
For parents in Bath County, the image of hazing often conjures up harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the sad, horrifying reality is far darker. As Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically illustrates, hazing today is often systematic torture, designed to degrade, humiliate, and endanger students, pushing them to the brink, and sometimes, over it. This isn’t about fostering brotherhood or tradition; it’s about power, control, and outright abuse. It’s often criminal, and it leaves deep, lasting scars, both physical and psychological.
The Brutal Reality: Waterboarding and Extreme Physical Abuse
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, endured what many would consider acts of torture. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, a practice recognized internationally as a form of torture. He was physically struck with wooden paddles. He was subjected to extreme calisthenics—hundreds of push-ups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, and protracted 100-yard crawls—until his muscles began to fail. Another pledge even lost consciousness during these grueling workouts.
These acts aren’t just physically demanding; they’re designed to inflict pain, exhaustion, and submission. They place students at an “unreasonable risk of harm,” as specified in anti-hazing laws. The outcome for Leonel was severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a direct, life-threatening consequence of this forced, extreme physical exertion. It’s not a game; it’s a medical emergency waiting to happen.
Degradation and Psychological Torment
Hazing isn’t purely physical. It’s a calculated assault on a student’s mental and emotional well-being. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times, a clear act of sexual humiliation. He suffered sleep deprivation, forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leaving him constantly exhausted. He was also subjected to forced eating rituals, consuming milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, and then forced to continue exercising in his own vomit. This level of degradation is psychologically damaging and leaves emotional wounds that can last a lifetime. Another pledge was even hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This is not about camaraderie; it’s about systematic abuse designed to strip pledges of their dignity and autonomy.
The Lingering Scars: Medical and Mental Trauma
The medical consequences of hazing can be devastating. For Leonel, it was rhabdomyolysis, leading to acute kidney failure and a four-day hospitalization. This aggressive muscle breakdown can lead to permanent organ damage or even be fatal. It’s a condition often seen in military recruits pushed beyond their physical limits, not by fellow students.
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, hazing leaves deep psychological scars. Victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and a lasting inability to trust others. Shame, embarrassment, and fear of retaliation—just like Leonel’s stated fear of retribution—can prevent students from coming forward, exacerbating their trauma. These are not just “college experiences”; they are life-altering traumas that demand justice.
The Statistics Speak Volumes
Parents in Bath County need to know that hazing is an pervasive problem, not an isolated incident:
- 55% of students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.
- A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, embarrassment, or misplaced loyalty.
This crisis occurs not just in fraternities and sororities, but in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student groups at universities and colleges our Bath County children attend. These aren’t just statistics; they represent shattered lives and broken families. When your child attends a university, whether it’s closer to home in Bath County, like Radford University, or further afield at a major university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same national fraternities and sororities with documented histories of hazing maintain chapters throughout Virginia.
Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable
When hazing leaves a student hospitalized or, tragically, takes a life, families in Bath County need to know that accountability extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. Our aggressive, data-driven strategy at Attorney911 ensures we identify and pursue every single entity with legal responsibility. We understand Bath County parents want to know who is responsible, and we’re here to tell you that there is usually a network of culpable parties.
The Local Chapter and Individual Perpetrators
The most direct responsibility often lies with the local fraternity or sorority chapter that orchestrated and carried out the hazing. In the Bermudez case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston actively engaged in and enforced the hazing rituals. This includes:
- Chapter Officers: Individuals in leadership roles, such as the President, Pledgemaster, and other executive board members, who direct or condone these activities. These individuals are directly responsible for the abuse they inflict or allow.
- Current Members: Any member who actively participates in hazing, encourages it, or fails to intervene when witnessing it.
- Former Members and Their Spouses/Hosts: In Leonel’s case, hazing even occurred at the residence of a former member and his spouse, making them potentially liable for premises liability and facilitating the abuse.
It’s crucial for Bath County families to understand that individuals, particularly chapter officers, can face severe personal legal and financial consequences. Daylen Dunson, a former chapter president of Pi Kappa Alpha, was recently ordered to personally pay $6.5 million in the Stone Foltz case (December 2024), demonstrating that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s corporate veil.
National Fraternity and Sorority Organizations
Behind the Greek letters in Bath County are powerful national organizations with vast resources, policies, and a responsibility to oversee their chapters. These national organizations are often liable for hazing incidents for several reasons:
- Failure to Supervise: They have a duty to monitor their chapters and ensure compliance with anti-hazing policies. When hazing occurs, it often points to a failure of this oversight.
- Knowledge of Prior Incidents: Many national fraternities have a documented history of hazing scandals, injuries, and deaths across their many chapters. Pi Kappa Phi, for example, had a student, Andrew Coffey, die from alcohol poisoning during a hazing event in 2017—eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes “actual notice” and a pattern of negligence.
- Inadequate Policies and Training: Their anti-hazing policies and training may be insufficient or poorly enforced, contributing to a culture where hazing thrives.
- Financial Resources: National organizations typically hold significant assets and comprehensive liability insurance policies, often reaching into the tens of millions of dollars. These “deep pockets” are critical targets for recovering substantial damages.
Universities and Colleges
Universities and educational institutions near Bath County have an undeniable responsibility for the safety and well-being of their students. Their liability in hazing cases can stem from:
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or supervised property (like the fraternity house in Leonel’s case), the university has a duty to provide a safe environment. They own the “torture chamber.”
- Negligent Supervision of Greek Life: Universities regulate Greek life and have a duty to oversee fraternities and sororities. Their failure to adequately monitor, investigate, or punish hazing makes them complicit. The University of Houston, for instance, had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017, proving they had prior notice of the problem.
- Deliberate Indifference: When a university knows or should know about hazing activities and fails to take reasonable steps to prevent them, they exhibit deliberate indifference, making them legally liable.
- Failure to Enforce Policies: Universities often have explicit anti-hazing policies, but if these are not consistently enforced, students remain at risk.
Insurance Carriers: The Deep Pockets
Ultimately, the significant financial recovery in hazing cases often comes from the various insurance policies held by these responsible parties:
- National Organization’s Liability Insurance: These policies are designed to cover large claims against the fraternity.
- University’s Institutional Insurance: Colleges and universities carry extensive insurance to protect against liability claims.
- Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: Individual members, particularly those hosting hazing events at their residences, may have coverage that can be tapped.
- Individual Liability Policies: Some individuals may carry personal liability umbrellas.
As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate. We know their tactics, their valuation methods, and their strategies for minimizing payouts. We use this unique insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize your family’s recovery, proving to Bath County families that we will aggressively pursue every possible avenue for justice.
What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Is Possible
For families in Bath County struggling with the aftermath of hazing, the thought of taking on powerful fraternities and universities can be daunting. But we are here to tell you that justice is not only possible but has been achieved in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country. These cases serve as powerful precedents, demonstrating that our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier, but a strong, justifiable demand for accountability. The same legal strategies apply to Bath County cases.
Stone Foltz: A $10.1 Million+ Statement at Bowling Green State University
Total Recovery: $10,100,000+
- Defendant: Bowling Green State University
- Amount: $2.9 Million
- Defendant: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity + Individuals
- Amount: $7.2 Million
In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol as part of hazing. He died of alcohol poisoning, leaving his family devastated. The legal battle that followed resulted in a staggering $2.9 million settlement from the university and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and individuals, totaling over $10.1 million. This case is crucial because it demonstrates a major university and national fraternity paying millions for hazing-related death, validating our $10 million demand for Leonel’s severe injuries. Furthermore, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was ordered to personally pay $6.5 million, emphasizing individual accountability.
Maxwell Gruver: A $6.1 Million Verdict for a Felony Offense at LSU
Total Recovery: $6,100,000 Jury Verdict
In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University, died after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—more than six times the legal limit. A jury later awarded the Gruver family an impactful $6.1 million verdict. This case proved that juries will deliver massive awards when presented with compelling evidence of egregious hazing. It also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of civil litigation to drive legislative change.
Timothy Piazza: An Estimated $110 Million+ Settlement at Penn State
Total Recovery: $110,000,000+ (estimated from multiple settlements)
Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity, died in February 2017 after a brutal hazing ritual. He was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from a traumatic brain injury. The Piazza family secured an estimated $110 million+ in settlements, a monumental figure illustrating the scale of accountability when hazing is properly litigated, especially with strong evidence like the security footage that captured the entire incident. This case also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
Andrew Coffey: The Same Fraternity, Eight Years Ago
Defendant: Pi Kappa Phi (Same Fraternity as in Bermudez Case)
Tragically, just like Leonel Bermudez, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge at Florida State University, died in November 2017 during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon and died of alcohol poisoning. This incident led to criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the chapter. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, the key takeaway for Bath County families is this: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of hazing deaths. They had eight years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix their culture. They did nothing. This pattern of negligence is a critical component of our current lawsuit and supports a strong demand for punitive damages.
Adam Oakes: Over $4 Million Settlement at Virginia Commonwealth University
Total Recovery: Over $4,000,000 Settlement
In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a Delta Chi pledge at Virginia Commonwealth University, died from alcohol poisoning after a hazing event. His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually settled for over $4 million in October 2024. This case, closer to Bath County in Virginia, further reinforces that hazing litigation leads to significant financial recoveries and often inspires legislative action to prevent future tragedies.
Why This Matters for Bath County Families
These multi-million dollar outcomes send a clear message: hazing is not tolerated, and those responsible will pay dearly. Bath County families should know:
- Your case can win big: Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is grounded in these precedents, proving that justice with substantial compensation is attainable.
- Institutions are held accountable: Not just individuals, but universities and national fraternities are consistently made to pay.
- Egregious conduct increases awards: The horrifying details of waterboarding and extreme physical abuse in Leonel’s case make it highly likely for significant jury awards.
- Justice drives change: These lawsuits often lead to new anti-hazing laws, making campuses safer for future students.
The same legal strategies and determination that achieved these results will be applied to your case in Bath County. We will fight for your family with the same fury and expertise, making sure that every institution—from national fraternities with chapters at universities near Bath County to the universities themselves—gets the message loud and clear.
Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights
For families in Bath County seeking justice against hazing, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are generally consistent nationwide. Moreover, our federal court authority means we can pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred, bringing Texas-level aggressive representation to Bath County.
Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157
Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country, and these statutes are our roadmap for holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.
Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act… that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation,” or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:
- Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, or placing harmful substances on the body. (In Leonel’s case: being struck with wooden paddles, simulated waterboarding.)
- Harmful activity: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (In Leonel’s case: sleep deprivation, forced stripping in cold weather, 500 squats, 100+ pushups leading to kidney failure.)
- Forced consumption: Of food, liquids, or alcohol that creates unreasonable risk. (In Leonel’s case: forced eating of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting.)
- Criminal acts: Any activity inducing a student to violate the Penal Code.
- Coerced consumption of drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in or fail to report hazing can face severe criminal charges:
- Class B Misdemeanor: For basic hazing, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
- Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
- State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, potentially 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly noted the “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case, confirming the criminal nature of such acts.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be held liable if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 and the denial of the right to operate on campus. This is why Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston are named defendants in our lawsuit.
Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect for Bath County families. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This unequivocally blocks the common defense claim that the victim “signed up for it” or “could have left.” You cannot consent to criminal activity.
Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution
Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Bath County to pursue substantial compensation for damages. Many legal theories apply:
- Negligence Claims: We prove that the university, national organization, and individuals had a duty of care to protect students, that they breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and that this breach directly caused the injuries and resulting damages.
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house) or other defendants, they can be held responsible for failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to properly oversee Greek life on their campus. Both Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston have a history of failing here.
- Assault and Battery: These intentional torts can be brought against individuals who physically or offensively touch a victim without consent (e.g., waterboarding, paddling).
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly “outrageous” conduct that causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological torment and humiliation Leonel suffered.
- Wrongful Death Claims: In tragic cases where hazing results in death, families can sue for loss of companionship, financial support, and other damages.
For Bath County families, it’s essential to understand that these civil claims often exist regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or successful. Our focus is on recovering comprehensive compensation for your child’s physical and emotional suffering, medical bills, lost educational opportunities, and future quality of life. We will tirelessly apply these civil and criminal legal frameworks to your case, just as we are for Leonel Bermudez.
Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Bath County and Beyond
When facing the trauma of hazing, families in Bath County need more than just a lawyer; you need fierce, experienced advocates who understand the complex landscape of hazing litigation. At Attorney911, we are precisely that firm. We bring unparalleled expertise, a proven track record, and a genuine commitment to justice for every victim and family we represent. While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, actively traveling to locations like Bath County when justice demands it.
25+ Years of Courtroom Battle-Tested Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, brings over 25 years of intensive courtroom experience to every case. He is a seasoned trial attorney who has faced down massive corporate defendants in complex litigation, including the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion case that resulted in 15 deaths and over 180 injuries. This background proves our capacity to take on the largest institutions – from national fraternities with hundreds of chapters to large public universities similar to those in Virginia near Bath County. Ralph’s background in journalism also equips him with a unique ability to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories that resonate with juries.
Former Insurance Defense Insiders: We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña (he/him/his) are former insurance defense attorneys. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage for your family in Bath County. Mr. Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, where he learned firsthand how large insurance companies evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We’ve seen their internal playbooks, their tactics to lowball victims, their methods to delay claims, and their strategies to wear down plaintiffs. Now, we use that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and maximize recovery for our hazing victims. When Bath County defendants try to silence victims, we know exactly how they’ll try to do it, and we are ready to fight back.
Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses
Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) provide us with critical federal court authority. This means we are equipped to pursue hazing cases against national fraternities and universities across state lines, including in Bath County, Virginia. National Greek organizations rarely operate within the confines of a single state; their liability is often national in scope. Our ability to litigate in federal courts gives us a strategic edge, ensuring we can hold national entities accountable no matter where they are headquartered.
Unwavering Commitment: From Our Hearts to Your Family
At Attorney911, we are deeply committed to the victims of hazing and their families. This isn’t just a job for us; it’s a mission. Ralph, as a father of three, understands personally what is at stake when a child is harmed. We approach every case with empathy, compassion, and a fierce dedication to securing justice. Our Google reviews, with a 4.9-star rating and over 250 testimonials, frequently highlight how we treat our clients like family, providing consistent communication and fighting relentlessly for the maximum possible settlement. 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.”