🛡️ Attorney 911: Bradford County’s Leading Hazing Litigation Experts
Serving Bradford County Families from Our Houston, Austin & Beaumont Offices
🚨 Hazing in Bradford County: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Bradford County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume that when their child joins a fraternity or sorority, the organization will uphold basic standards of decency and safety.
But the reality is terrifying. Hazing happens right here in Bradford County. It happens at universities near Bradford County. And it happens at the same fraternities and sororities that operate chapters across Florida and the nation.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening near Bradford County, and it could be happening to your child.
If your child has been hazed in Bradford County or at any university near Bradford County, you have legal rights. We will fight for you.
📞 Bradford County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Immediate Help
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Bradford County Families:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Bradford County from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. We will travel to Bradford County for your case.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Bradford County and Beyond
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
Hazing is not:
- “Tradition”
- “Team building”
- “Brotherhood” or “sisterhood”
Hazing is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter or murder
Hazing Happens in Bradford County and Nearby Universities
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Bradford County, Florida. Hazing occurs at universities near Bradford County, including:
- University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
- Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
- University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
- Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL)
- University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
- Florida International University (Miami, FL)
- And many others across the state
The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters at these universities operate near Bradford County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — these are the same organizations we’re suing in our $10 million case. They have the same hazing cultures near Bradford County.
⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened to Our Client — And Why It Matters to Bradford County
This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Could Be Your Child.
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure for three nights and four days.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:
| Activity | What Happened | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose — sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics | Torture — considered a war crime when used on enemy combatants |
| 500+ Squats | Forced to perform 500+ squats as punishment | Caused muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) leading to kidney failure |
| 100+ Pushups | Forced to perform 100+ pushups | Extreme physical exertion causing injury |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles | Physical assault; risk of serious injury |
| Forced Eating | Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting | Risk of choking, aspiration, internal injury |
| Post-Vomiting Continuation | Forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress after vomiting | Reckless disregard for health and safety |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours | Exhaustion leading to accidents and health risks |
| Psychological Torture | Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour | Humiliation, fear, psychological trauma |
| Cold Weather Exposure | Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather | Risk of hypothermia |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times | Psychological abuse and degradation |
The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. It can cause:
- Acute kidney failure (as our client experienced)
- Cardiac arrest from electrolyte imbalances
- Permanent kidney damage
- Death
Our client’s symptoms:
- Severe muscle pain
- Difficulty walking
- Brown urine (myoglobinuria — classic sign of muscle breakdown)
- Very high creatine kinase levels (confirms muscle damage)
- Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
The Institutional Failures That Allowed This to Happen
1. Pi Kappa Phi National Knew About the Hazing Crisis — And Did Nothing
In our lawsuit, we allege that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “a hazing crisis” and failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite this knowledge.
This wasn’t the first time. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption. Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between Andrew’s death and our client’s hospitalization to fix their culture. They did nothing.
Same fraternity. Same negligence. 8 years apart.
2. University of Houston Knew Hazing Was Happening — And Did Nothing
In 2017, another student at University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. UH knew hazing was dangerous at their fraternities. They knew students could be seriously injured.
They had 8 years to implement real oversight. They did nothing.
In 2025, our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing at a different fraternity — Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing occurred in a building owned by the University of Houston.
Same university. Same failure. 8 years apart.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions — Bradford County Families Can Too
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These are not theoretical — they are happening right now. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Bradford County victims.
Landmark Hazing Verdicts & Settlements
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ Million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ Million |
Bradford County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases WIN. The same legal principles apply to your case.
⚖️ Bradford County Victims’ Legal Rights: What Florida Law Says About Hazing
Florida’s Anti-Hazing Law: Chad Meredith Act (Florida Statute § 1006.63)
Florida has strong anti-hazing laws. The Chad Meredith Act (named after a University of Miami student who drowned during a hazing incident) makes hazing a felony in certain circumstances.
Definition of Hazing in Florida:
Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.
Criminal Penalties in Florida:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury (felony) | Up to 5 years in prison |
| Hazing causing death (felony) | Up to 15 years in prison |
Civil Liability:
Victims of hazing in Florida can sue for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Consent is NOT a Defense:
Like Texas, Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Bradford County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our $10 million case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture; failed to enforce policies |
| University | Failed to protect students; knew about prior hazing incidents; premises liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes |
Bradford County families: These same defendants can be held liable for hazing at universities near Bradford County.
📋 What Bradford County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Immediate Steps: Preserve Evidence and Protect Your Rights
If your child has been hazed in Bradford County or at a university near Bradford County, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and your legal rights have time limits.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Seek Medical Attention | Get your child to a doctor or hospital immediately | Document injuries; protect health |
| 2. Preserve All Evidence | Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts, GroupMe chats | Critical for building your case |
| 3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership or university administrators | They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability |
| 4. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Avoid posting about the incident or your child’s condition | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 5. Contact an Attorney Immediately | Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free consultation; know your rights |
| 6. Report to Authorities | Consider filing a police report or Title IX complaint | Creates official record; may support criminal charges |
Evidence Checklist: What to Save
| Evidence Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, locations, clothing, objects used |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other victims, bystanders, witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules, membership agreements |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fee receipts |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment status, scholarships |
🎯 Why Bradford County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case — We Know How to Win
We are not just talking about hazing — we are actively fighting this battle in court right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston gives us real-time experience that other firms can’t match.
Bradford County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies and institutional defendants think. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to beat them at their own game.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which gives us the ability to pursue hazing cases in federal court. This is critical for cases involving national fraternities and universities — including cases near Bradford County.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas and New York
We are licensed in both Texas and New York. This is a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered in New York.
5. 25+ Years of Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of trial experience. We have handled multi-million dollar cases, including the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We know how to take on large institutions and win.
6. We Travel to Bradford County
We serve clients nationwide, including Bradford County. We will travel to Bradford County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
7. Se Habla Español
We have bilingual staff and provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish. Bradford County Hispanic families affected by hazing are welcome.
8. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Bradford County Families
We understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
📞 Bradford County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here
If your child has been hazed in Bradford County or at a university near Bradford County, you need immediate, aggressive legal representation.
Call Attorney 911 now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Bradford County from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. We will fight for your family — no matter where the hazing occurred.
🔥 A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Bradford County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all other fraternities with chapters near Bradford County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in settlements.
If your chapter harms students near Bradford County, we will pursue every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston that hospitalized our client? Shut down.
Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ A Message to Universities Near Bradford County
To the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Florida A&M University, University of South Florida, Florida International University, and all other institutions near Bradford County:
You have a duty to protect your students.
When you own fraternity houses, you have premises liability.
When you know about prior hazing incidents, you have institutional knowledge.
When you fail to implement real oversight, you have negligent supervision.
The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017. They did nothing.
If you fail to protect students near Bradford County, you will be held accountable.
📅 Bradford County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing victims often delay reporting due to:
- Shame and embarrassment
- Fear of social retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Not recognizing it as hazing
- Pressure to stay quiet
But evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And statutes of limitations run out.
Florida law gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit after a hazing injury.
Bradford County families: Don’t wait. Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🎓 Bradford County Parents: Protect Your Child’s Future
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It causes:
- PTSD and anxiety
- Depression and suicidal ideation
- Academic decline
- Lost scholarships
- Damaged career prospects
- Lifelong trauma
Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And future students deserve protection.
At Attorney 911, we don’t just fight for money — we fight for accountability, for change, and for the safety of Bradford County students.
🏆 Bradford County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
You have rights.
You have power.
You have Attorney 911.
Call us now. Let’s fight this battle together.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ — Serving Bradford County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont