If you are reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. They were hazed. They were injured, perhaps even permanently scarred, physically or emotionally. You’re searching for answers, for justice, for a way to fight back. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Carroll County fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It’s an act of violence, a betrayal of trust that can leave devastating, lifelong consequences. In Carroll County, where our communities take pride in our strong values and the safety of our children, the thought of such abuse occurring at institutions close to home or where our children attend college is deeply unsettling. We know the pride we feel in sending our young adults off to pursue higher education, whether it’s at nearby Appalachian State University, Radford University, Virginia Tech, or further afield to institutions across the country. We expect them to learn, grow, and explore, not to be subjected to brutal and humiliating rituals.

We are Attorney911. We are a team of legal emergency lawyers dedicated to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in Carroll County. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean that distance is never a barrier to justice. We are actively fighting the battle against hazing right now, and we are ready to bring that fight to Carroll County.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight Happening Right Now

We don’t just talk about hazing; we fight it. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston in Harris County Civil District Court. This isn’t a theoretical exercise; it is an ongoing, aggressive pursuit of justice that demonstrates exactly what we stand for.

This case is a stark warning for parents in Carroll County: this is what hazing looks like today, and this could happen to your child. Leonel Bermudez, the victim in our lawsuit, was a young man with big plans. He was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, but was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi with the dream of finding belonging, community, and brotherhood. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that led to him being hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We want every parent in Carroll County to understand what happened to Leonel, because the same dangerous fraternities operate at universities that children from our community attend. The same institutional failures that allowed this to happen in Houston exist nationwide.

When Leonel was finally able to return home after one particularly brutal hazing session, he was so exhausted and in so much pain that, as our managing partner Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “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.”

He was passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown. His creatine kinase levels were alarmingly high. This isn’t just about fun gone wrong; this is life-threatening medical trauma caused by extreme physical exertion, forced consumption, and psychological torture.

Within weeks of Leonel’s hospitalization being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended by its national headquarters. Shortly thereafter, the chapter members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals. But for Leonel, the damage was already done.

Our $10 million lawsuit names not only the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, but also the local chapter, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing activities to occur at their private residence. This comprehensive approach is how we ensure every responsible party is held accountable.

As our 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.” That is our commitment to Carroll County families. Your unique case could be the catalyst for change, preventing others from suffering the same fate.

For more details on this active case, we encourage you to read the news coverage:

• ABC13 (KTRK): Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• KHOU 11 (KPRC 2): $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
• Hoodline: University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

Many parents in Carroll County might still think of hazing as harmless pranks or silly dares, but those days are long gone. What our child Leonel Bermudez endured, and what countless other students across America face, is outright torture. It is designed to break young people down physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In our current lawsuit, some of the horrific acts of hazing Leonel was subjected to include:

• Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating drowning. This is a technique considered torture when used against enemy combatants; it has no place in a university setting.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. After lying in his own vomit-soaked grass, he was then forced to continue running sprints while in clear physical distress. This is dehumanizing and designed to cause severe physical discomfort.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He faced forced “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “repeated 100-yard crawls” in addition to hundreds of push-ups and squats. The workout that led to his hospitalization involved over 100 push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed, all under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. One pledge even lost consciousness during these grueling sessions. Such forced exertion pushed our client to the brink of kidney failure.
• Physical Assault: He was struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t “tradition,” it is assault and battery.
• Psychological Torture: Leonel was forced 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. These acts are purely designed to humiliate, degrade, and psychologically torment.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was repeatedly forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion that impacted his ability to function.

This is what hazing looks like in 2025. It is a systematic campaign of fear, abuse, and degradation. It leads to conditions like rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down and can cause kidney failure, just as it did for Leonel. It causes alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, and often, death. Hazing is not a game; it is a crime with devastating human costs, both physical and psychological.

Who Is Responsible When Hazing Occurs?

When your child is suffering from the trauma of hazing, the first question on your mind is often “How can this happen?” The second is “Who is going to pay for this?” We want parents in Carroll County to know that when hazing happens, there are many parties who can and should be held responsible. Our aggressive, data-driven approach means we identify every entity behind the Greek letters and every institutional failure.

In our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we have named a comprehensive list of defendants to ensure complete accountability:

1. The Local Chapter: This includes the specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved, as they are the direct organizers and perpetrators of the hazing activities. They are typically responsible for creating and maintaining the harmful environment.
2. Chapter Officers and Individuals: The leaders of the local chapter, such as the president, pledgemaster, and other executive board members, often direct or facilitate the hazing. Furthermore, every individual member who participates in, encourages, or fails to report illegal hazing activities can be held personally liable for their actions. In our current lawsuit, we have named 13 individual fraternity members.
3. Former Members and Spouses: Hazing often extends to off-campus locations. As we’ve seen in the Bermudez case, former members who host hazing events at their homes, and even their spouses who knowingly permit such acts on their property, can be held responsible under premises liability laws.
4. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: These national bodies oversee hundreds of chapters across the country. They are responsible for setting anti-hazing policies, providing training, and ensuring their local chapters adhere to those standards. When they fail to adequately supervise their chapters, ignore warning signs, or have a documented history of hazing, they can be held liable for negligent supervision and for fostering a dangerous culture. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a major defendant in our current case.
5. The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to provide a safe environment for their students. This duty extends to regulating and overseeing Greek life organizations, especially when those organizations operate on university-owned property, as was the case with the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision, for failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, for ignoring prior incidents, and for premises liability if hazing occurs on their property.
6. Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. These entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and can be held liable if hazing occurs on their property.
7. Insurance Carriers: Each of these responsible parties typically carries liability insurance. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena have insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate. We know their tactics, their playbooks, and how to negotiate effectively to secure the maximum possible payout for our clients.

When we take on a hazing case in Carroll County, we cast a wide net, because true accountability means holding every single person and entity responsible for their role in the pain and suffering of hazing victims. This is how we ensure justice, and it’s how we send a clear message: hazing will not be tolerated.

What These Cases Win: A Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Settlements and Verdicts

The question we often hear from families in Carroll County is, “Can we really win against powerful fraternities and universities?” The answer is a resounding yes. We have a deep understanding of the precedent-setting hazing cases across the country that have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These cases prove that when a victim’s story is heard, and when institutions are held accountable, justice can be served. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is directly aligned with these precedents.

Consider these landmark cases:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Totaling $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation ritual. His family received substantial settlements, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals. This case resulted in the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  This is a direct parallel to our current lawsuit, demonstrating that institutions and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability for hazing injuries and deaths.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC over six times the legal limit after being forced to participate in a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” drinking game. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This tragedy also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
  This case shows that juries are willing to award substantial sums for hazing, especially when egregious conduct is involved, which our client Leonel Bermudez experienced.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)
  Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after consuming 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes and repeatedly falling during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. The settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million. The incident spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
  While Leonel Bermudez survived, the conduct he faced—waterboarding, extreme physical abuse—is equally egregious and could lead to similar outcomes if the case proceeds to trial.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Client
  Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State, died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” in which he was forced to drink a full bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential settlement.
  This case is a critical precedent for us, as it involves the very same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. It demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi has a documented, deadly history of hazing, showing an undeniable pattern of negligence that our firm will leverage in Leonel’s case.

These cases send an unambiguous message: hazing has severe consequences for the perpetrators and the institutions that enable it. They lead to not just financial payouts, but also criminal convictions, chapter closures, and fundamental changes in state laws. For parents in Carroll County, these multi-million dollar outcomes should reassure you that fighting back is not only possible but often successful. Our firm is prepared to pursue the same level of accountability for your family.

Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims: Consent is Not a Defense

As Carroll County families grapple with the emotional fallout of hazing, they often confront a common misconception: that their child somehow “consented” to the abuse. We want to be absolutely clear: under Texas law, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Our state’s anti-hazing statutes are designed to protect students from precisely this kind of insidious argument.

The Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157) meticulously defines hazing and outlines the severe penalties for those who engage in it. This comprehensive legal framework is one of the strongest in the nation, providing a robust foundation for pursuing civil claims on behalf of victims in Carroll County and across Texas.

Let’s break down some key provisions that directly benefit hazing victims:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act… subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.”
  This definition covers a wide range of harmful activities, including:

  • Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel Bermudez endured).
  • Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics: These specifically cover the forced early morning drives, stripping in cold weather, and extreme exercises that led to Leonel’s kidney failure.
  • Forced consumption: Requiring students to consume food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm, directly addressing the forced eating and waterboarding in our current case.
    The specific, detailed accounts of hazing Leonel Bermudez suffered fall squarely within this legal definition, making our case, and similar cases for Carroll County victims, extremely strong.

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is not just a policy violation; it’s a crime in Texas.

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury – which includes conditions like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This means individuals involved in cases like Leonel’s could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, perpetrators could face 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. The University of Houston itself mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement regarding our current lawsuit, underscoring the severity of these legal repercussions.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): This is crucial. Organizations themselves can be found guilty of hazing if they “condone or encourage” it, or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate, and forfeiture of property. This means national fraternities, local chapters, and even housing corporations can be held directly responsible.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is the crown jewel of Texas anti-hazing law. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
  This provision shuts down the most common and manipulative defense tactic used by fraternities and universities: claiming the victim “voluntarily participated” or “knew what they were getting into.” The Texas Legislature understood the power dynamics, peer pressure, and psychological manipulation inherent in hazing. They unequivocally said that a student cannot legally consent to being brutalized, abused, or endangered in the name of “brotherhood” or “tradition.” This is a powerful shield for victims and a sword for their advocates.

Beyond State Lines: While we highlight Texas law, it’s important for Carroll County families to know that similar anti-hazing laws exist in many states. Furthermore, regardless of specific state statutes, civil claims like negligence, premises liability, negligent supervision, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress are recognized nationwide. Our admission to the U.S. District Court and dual state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us the authority to pursue federal claims and litigate against national organizations wherever they are based, empowering us to fight for Carroll County victims no matter where the hazing incident occurred.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Carroll County Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions you will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a passionate advocate, a skilled litigator, and a strategic partner who understands the intricate landscape of hazing litigation. We believe Attorney911 offers unmatched advantages for families in Carroll County.

Here are the key differentiators that set us apart:

• We Are Actively Fighting Banning Hazing Right Now: The most compelling proof of our expertise is our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This isn’t just a resume builder; it’s our daily work. We are in the trenches, fighting this battle, gathering evidence, dealing with the defendants, and pushing for justice. Carroll County families get a firm that is current, aggressive, and battle-tested in the hazing arena.
• Decades of Combined Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including high-stakes mass tort litigation like the BP Texas City refinery explosion. Lupe Pena adds over a decade of personal injury and commercial litigation experience. This is not just theoretical knowledge; it’s a proven track record of fighting and winning against powerful corporate and institutional defendants.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant portions of their careers working for insurance companies and national defense firms. This “insider knowledge” is an unfair advantage for our clients. We know exactly how insurance adjusters and defense lawyers think, strategize, evaluate claims, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for hazing victims. This means we are uniquely equipped to navigate the complex insurance policies of national fraternities, universities, and housing corporations.
• Federal Court Admissions and Dual-State Bar Licenses: Hazing often involves national fraternities and universities in different states. Our admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and Ralph’s experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, allows us to pursue cases in federal courts, which can be essential for nationwide litigation. Furthermore, Ralph’s dual-state bar admissions in Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations that may be headquartered or have significant operations in other states. This means we can effectively represent Carroll County families whether the hazing occurred in Virginia or across the country.
• Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with IRS EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. When hazing occurs, we don’t guess who is responsible; we already know every liable entity behind the Greek letters. This allows us to move fast and decisively, identifying every housing corporation, alumni chapter, and national organization to ensure we sue every responsible party. We apply this same rigorous data analysis to every case we take, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice for Carroll County victims.
• Deep Understanding of Hazing-Specific Injuries: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel Bermudez’s. We understand the complex medical implications of injuries like kidney failure, traumatic brain injury, and severe alcohol poisoning often seen in hazing incidents. This medical knowledge is crucial for accurately assessing damages and working with a network of medical experts to build an irrefutable case for maximum compensation.
• Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We understand that parents in Carroll County are approaching us at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Our firm operates with empathy, warmth, and a commitment to treating every client like family. As many of our Google reviews attest, we provide consistent communication, answer every question, and ensure our clients feel supported and informed throughout the entire legal process. We genuinely care about preventing future harm and holding those responsible accountable.
• No Upfront Cost – Contingency Fees: We believe that access to justice should not be limited by financial constraints. For hazing cases, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire us. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This eliminates the financial risk for Carroll County families and levels the playing field against well-funded universities and national organizations. (You can learn more about this in our video: How Contingency Fees Work).
• Bilingual Services (“Se Habla Español”): Our staff is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Carroll County. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal services to all who need us.
• Willingness to Travel and Remote Consultation: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are committed to serving Carroll County families. We travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. For initial consultations and ongoing communication, we offer convenient video conferencing options, ensuring that you can access our expertise from the comfort of your home in Carroll County.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is not only experienced and aggressive but also deeply committed to getting justice for hazing victims. We don’t just advocate; we dedicate ourselves to turning your nightmare into a victory that saves future lives.

What to Do Right Now if Your Child Has Been Hazed

If you are a parent in Carroll County whose child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. We understand you are scared, angry, and overwhelmed. But acting quickly and decisively can make all the difference in protecting your child’s rights and building a strong legal case.

Here is actionable guidance on what you should do right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if Injuries Seem Minor: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. Even if visible injuries are not apparent, or if your child downplays their symptoms, get them to a doctor or emergency room immediately. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries from forced consumption may not manifest fully for hours or days. A medical professional can assess their condition, ensure they receive proper care, and, crucially, create a vital paper trail of their injuries. Keep all medical records, hospital discharge papers, and billing statements.

   • For guidance on why this is critical, watch our video: Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical (Note: While this video is about car accidents, the principle of immediate medical documentation is identical and critical for hazing).

2. Preserve Absolutely All Evidence – Document Everything: Hazing is often conducted in secrecy, but digital footprints abound. Immediately secure and preserve anything that might relate to the hazing:

   • Text Messages & Group Chats: Take screenshots of all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, or any other digital communications related to the fraternity/sorority, pledgeship, or hazing. Do NOT delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing.
   • Photos & Videos: Any images or videos of the hazing activities themselves, the hazing location, or your child’s injuries at various stages of healing (bruises, marks, signs of illness) are invaluable.
   • Social Media Posts: Take screenshots of any social media posts made by fraternity/sorority members that might allude to hazing, even if subtly.
   • Documents: Save any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the organization.
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or were aware of it.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact the hazing had on your child’s grades, registration, or scholarships.
   • Our video Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? provides excellent tips on leveraging your phone as a powerful evidence tool.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers: This is one of the most critical warnings we can give Carroll County families. Once you suspect hazing, do not let your child or yourself engage in any further discussions with:

   • Fraternity/sorority leadership or national representatives.
   • University administrators (deans, Greek life advisors, student affairs).
   • Their lawyers or insurance representatives.
     These entities are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect their organization and minimize liability. Anything you say can and will be used against you. They are expert at manipulating victims into providing statements that weaken their own case. Let your attorney handle all communications.
   • Learn more about this crucial step by watching: Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident and Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case.

4. Do NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media: The defense will scrutinize every aspect of your child’s social media presence. Anything posted online, even positive updates from before the hazing or casual photos, can be twisted to undermine their claims of injury or distress. Advise your child to stay completely off social media regarding the incident. Do not delete old posts, as this can be seen as spoliation of evidence.

   • See our video: Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately: Time is of the essence. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, is generally two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. While this may seem like a long time, crucial evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy or “lose” records. The sooner you engage legal counsel, the stronger your case will be.

   • Learn why timing matters here: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?.

We understand this is a traumatic time for Carroll County families. By following these steps and reaching out to experienced legal counsel immediately, you can ensure that your child’s rights are protected and that those responsible for their pain are held accountable.

Carroll County Families: Call Us Now – The Consultation is Free. We Are Ready to Help.

If your child has been subjected to hazing at a university near Carroll County, across Virginia, or anywhere in America, please reach out to us immediately. We know that fear, anger, and confusion can make taking the first step difficult, but we are here to make that step as easy and reassuring as possible.

We are Attorney911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, your legal emergency lawyers. We are leading the fight against hazing with our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are prepared to bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to your family in Carroll County.

You have legal rights. Your child deserves justice.

Here’s how you can connect with us right now:

📞 CALL OUR 24/7 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

This line is answered around the clock, because legal emergencies, especially those involving the trauma of hazing, don’t adhere to business hours.

💻 EMAIL US DIRECTLY: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: attorney911.com

What You Can Expect When You Contact Us:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free, and completely confidential. We will listen to your story with empathy and understanding, without judgment. There is no obligation, just a commitment to equip you with information.
• No Upfront Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. Our interests are fully aligned with yours; if you don’t recover, we don’t get paid.
• Remote & Accessible Consultations: We understand that Carroll County families may not be able to travel to our Texas offices. We offer convenient video consultations, allowing you to meet with our attorneys from your home.
• We Travel to You: For critical depositions, meetings, or trial, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Carroll County or wherever your case demands. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• Bilingual Support: Our team offers full services in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and comfortable counsel for Spanish-speaking families in Carroll County. Se habla español.

To the families in Carroll County: Whether your child attends one of Virginia’s respected institutions like the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech, or has gone off to college in another state, the threat of hazing is real. These national fraternities and sororities operate across the country, and their dangerous “traditions” can follow students wherever they go. Some of the closest universities to Carroll County that might have these same Greek life challenges include Radford University, Appalachian State University, and Wake Forest University, to name a few. We want to be clear that if your child has been impacted at any institution, we can help.

The time to act is now. Every day that passes can make it harder to gather crucial evidence. You don’t have to face this nightmare alone. Let us be your advocates, your fighters, and your voice for justice.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us help you turn your family’s pain into power.