If you’re 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, to build character, to find a community. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We know the fear, the anger, and the profound sense of betrayal you must be feeling. We are here to help families in Cherokee County fight back against the insidious problem of hazing that continues to plague our colleges and universities.
We understand what you’re going through because we are actively fighting this battle right now for Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was brutally hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What happened to Leonel is a stark, terrifying example of how hazing has evolved from “harmless pranks” into systematic torture that destroys young lives. We filed a $10 million lawsuit against the fraternity, its national organization, and the University of Houston, demonstrating our relentless pursuit of justice and accountability.
This is not a theoretical fight for us. It is a live, active battle in Harris County Civil District Court. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies we use in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we bring to hazing victims and their families in Cherokee County and across the nation.
**We are Attorney 911, and we are committed to holding every institution and individual responsible for hazing injuries and deaths accountable.**
## The Nightmare Became Real: Leonel Bermudez’s Story
Just imagine for a moment the kind of systematic abuse you are about to read. This is not some isolated incident from decades past. This is what happened in a fraternity house in Houston, Texas, in the fall of 2025 – just weeks ago. This could happen to your child, attending a college far from home, hoping to find acceptance and camaraderie. Leonel Bermudez’s experience with the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston is a chilling testament to the dangers lurking within Greek life. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student, someone who wasn’t under their direct supervision.
On September 16, 2025, Leonel accepted a bid from the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation that ultimately landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
We, Attorney 911, specifically Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21, 2025, against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, its national headquarters, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not just a case; this is our firm’s declaration against hazing.
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.” This is the harrowing reality of hazing: it impacts not just the student, but their entire family, pulling them into a medical emergency they never anticipated.
Lupe Pena echoed our firm’s commitment, stating, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This is our ethos: to advocate aggressively for our clients, not just for their compensation, but to ignite change and prevent further tragedies.
### The Hazing Timeline: A Descent into Torture
What Leonel endured was a meticulously orchestrated campaign of abuse. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the horrific events leading up to his hospitalization:
* **September 16, 2025:** Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing begins immediately.
* **September 16 – November 3, 2025:** This period encompasses weeks of relentless physical and psychological torment.
* **Early Morning Marching:** Leonel was often forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to extreme exhaustion which is a form of hazing.
* **Constant Degradation:** He was compelled to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a constant reminder of the humiliation he was expected to endure.
* **Threats and Coercion:** Non-compliance with any of the demands was met with threats of physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity, creating an environment of fear and absolute obedience.
* **October 13, 2025:** In a particularly disturbing incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, all while other fraternity members casually prepared for a meeting. This reveals the chilling normalization of torture within the chapter.
* **October 15, 2025:** A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered, a clear alarm signal that was tragically ignored by the fraternity leadership.
* **Multiple Occasions:** Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where water was sprayed directly into his face during physical activities. This egregious act, recognized internationally as torture, was inflicted upon a young man trying to find a social outlet.
* **Forced Consumption:** He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly sadistic twist, he was forced to continue running sprints in his own vomit-soaked grass.
* **Physical Abuse:** He was compelled to participate in extreme calisthenics, including over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. He was subjected to high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-your-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. During these grueling exercises, he was forced to recite the fraternity creed, adding psychological pressure to the physical strain.
* **Being Struck with Wooden Paddles:** In a barbaric act of physical battery, Leonel was struck with wooden paddles.
* **November 3, 2025 – The Breaking Point:** Leonel, already physically and mentally broken, was subjected to a particularly brutal round of exercises as punishment for missing an event. He pushed himself past the point of consciousness, collapsing and unable to stand without help. He crawled home, desperate for respite.
* **November 6, 2025 – Hospitalization:** Leonel’s condition worsened dramatically. His mother, witnessing his severe pain and the alarming “brown urine” he was passing (a classic symptom of severe muscle breakdown), rushed him to the hospital.
* **November 6-10, 2025:** Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The long-term implications of this injury are serious, including potential chronic kidney disease and the need for future dialysis or even a kidney transplant.
* **November 14, 2025:** Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. This act of “closure” came just days before our lawsuit was filed, a transparent attempt to mitigate damage and distance the national organization from the local chapter’s crimes.
* **November 21, 2025:** We filed a $10 million lawsuit. The media immediately picked up the story, exposing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston’s negligence.
This extensive timeline of abuse, all directed at someone who was supposed to be embraced by a new community, underscores the profound betrayal and criminal behavior that defines modern hazing.
## What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes
For many, the word “hazing” still conjures images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. Perhaps a bit of light-hearted humiliation, a messy scavenger hunt, or an extra chore. However, Leonel Bermudez’s case, and countless others like it nationwide, shatters this outdated misconception. What he endured, and what thousands of students in Cherokee County and across America are still enduring, is not just pranks. It’s often systematic torture, assault, battery, and reckless endangerment, sometimes leading to death.
### The Disturbing Reality:
* **Physical Abuse:** Hazing often involves extreme physical exertion, beatings, paddling, branding, or forced exposure to harsh conditions. Leonel’s experience with 500 squats, 100 push-ups, bear crawls, being struck with wooden paddles, and forced exposure to cold while being hosed down perfectly illustrates this. These aren’t just uncomfortable; they are designed to break a person down physically, leading to severe medical consequences like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as seen in Leonel’s case.
* **Forced Consumption:** This extends beyond simple binge drinking to forced ingestion of large quantities of alcohol, non-alcoholic liquids, or unpalatable foods until vomiting. The coercion to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of illness, and then to be forced to continue physical activity in one’s own vomit, as Leonel experienced, is a grotesque form of torture. This type of hazing is directly linked to cases of fatal alcohol poisoning, like that of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University.
* **Psychological Torture and Humiliation:** Hazing aims to strip individuals of their dignity and self-worth. Leonel was forced to carry sexually suggestive objects, an act designed to humiliate him constantly. The hog-tying of another pledge for over an hour, face down with an object in his mouth, highlights the extreme psychological degradation involved. Sleep deprivation, isolation, and verbal abuse are common tactics used to break a pledge’s will, leaving lasting trauma, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
* **Simulated Waterboarding:** This is a particularly heinous act, literally designed to mimic drowning and instill extreme fear. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” When performed by American military personnel, it is condemned as a war crime. Yet, it was inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez, a civilian, by his peers in a fraternity house. This act alone demonstrates the extreme and criminal nature of modern hazing.
* **Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion:** Being forced to drive members during early morning hours or endure grueling late-night sessions strips pledges of their sleep, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. This impairs judgment, increases vulnerability to other forms of abuse, and can directly contribute to physical collapse and injury.
### The Devastating Medical Consequences:
The consequences of hazing are far from minor. Leonel Bermudez’s diagnosis of **rhabdomyolysis** and **acute kidney failure** is a stark reminder of these dangers. Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This myoglobin clogs the kidneys, leading to their failure. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, difficulty walking, and the tell-tale “brown urine” that Leonel passed, indicative of muscle damage. He spent four days in the hospital, and the long-term risk of chronic kidney disease or even the need for dialysis remains.
Other common severe medical consequences documented in hazing incidents include:
* **Alcohol Poisoning:** The leading cause of hazing deaths, often from forced binge drinking.
* **Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):** From beatings, falls, or forced physical activities.
* **Hypothermia/Hyperthermia:** From forced exposure to extreme cold or heat.
* **Cardiac Arrest:** From extreme physical exertion, especially when combined with dehydration or pre-existing conditions.
* **Sexual Assault Injuries:** Physical and psychological trauma from forced sexual acts.
* **Long-term Mental Health Issues:** PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation are common and debilitating psychological injuries that can last a lifetime.
When we talk about hazing, Cherokee County families need to understand that this isn’t about “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It’s about organized criminal activity that seeks to dominate, humiliate, and torture young people in the name of belonging. These are not just “boys being boys”; these are acts of severe violence with life-altering and often fatal consequences.
## Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable
When a child in Cherokee County is victimized by hazing, it’s natural to point fingers at the immediate perpetrators. However, experience shows us that hazing is rarely an isolated act by a few bad apples. It is a systemic failure, often enabled by a web of complicit individuals and institutions. Our and our Cherokee County hazing lawyers strategy, exemplified in the Bermudez case, is to cast a wide net, ensuring that every entity with responsibility, authority, or financial means is held accountable.
### The Defendants in the Bermudez Case, and in Yours:
1. **The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu):** This is where the hazing originates. The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is directly responsible for planning, executing, and perpetuating the abusive activities. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Chapter orchestrated the waterboarding, forced exercise, and psychological torment.
2. **Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster):** These individuals bear direct and immediate responsibility. The president, as the chapter’s highest elected official, is responsible for the overall conduct and safety of members. The pledgemaster or new member educator directly oversees and often designs the “pledge process,” which includes hazing. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment. We will identify and pursue these individuals in every Cherokee County hazing case.
3. **Individual Fraternity Members:** Every member who actively participated in, witnessed, or even facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes members who stood by and did nothing, those who verbally abused pledges, or those who created the environment where hazing thrived.
4. **Former Members and Their Spouses/Property Owners:** This is a crucial aspect of our Bermudez lawsuit. Some of the most severe hazing sessions, including the hog-tying incident, occurred at a former member’s residence. We have named this former member and his spouse as defendants, holding them accountable for allowing their property to be used for unlawful and dangerous activities. This expands the scope of liability beyond current students, recognizing that alumni often play an influential, and sometimes culpable, role. This is vital in Cherokee County where specific locations may be used.
5. **The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.):** This is often where the “deep pockets” are found. National fraternities charter, regulate, and provide oversight for their local chapters. They collect dues, provide insurance, and set policies. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of hazing’s deadly consequences due to the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter. Despite eight years to address this systemic issue, they failed, leading directly to Leonel’s hospitalization. Our lawsuit alleges they “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They are vicariously liable for the actions of their chapters and negligent in their supervision.
6. **The University or College (University of Houston):** Universities have a legal and moral duty to protect their students. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Furthermore, the university had actual knowledge of hazing dangers on its campus, having dealt with a 2017 case where a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing by another fraternity. Despite this prior incident, they failed to implement effective safeguards. Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, and premises liability. This applies to your local Cherokee County institutions.
7. **The University System’s Governing Body (UH Board of Regents):** As the ultimate governing authority, the Board of Regents is responsible for the overall policies and oversight of the university. Their failure to ensure a safe environment for students makes them a legitimate target in hazing lawsuits, ensuring full institutional accountability.
8. **Insurance Carriers:** Behind every organization and often individuals, there are insurance policies. These are the ultimate source of compensation. National fraternity organizations carry substantial liability insurance. Universities have extensive institutional coverage. Property owners (like the former member and his spouse) may have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these complex policies and ensure maximum recovery for our clients.
### Why This Comprehensive Approach Matters for Cherokee County Families:
Hazing is driven by secrecy. The institutions involved — fraternities, universities, and individuals — will always attempt to deflect blame and minimize their liability. By naming every conceivable defendant, we ensure that:
* **No one escapes accountability:** We prevent entities from hiding behind corporate veils or claiming ignorance.
* **Maximum compensation:** We target all potential sources of financial recovery, ensuring our clients receive the full compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost earnings, pain, and suffering.
* **Systemic Change:** Holding top-level institutions and their governing bodies responsible is the most effective way to force meaningful change in hazing culture.
When your child is hazed in Cherokee County, we don’t just sue the kids who did it. We pursue the entire chain of command, from the students on the ground to the national executives who condoned it, and the university administrators who allowed it.
## What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Cherokee County Families
For Cherokee County families grappling with the devastation of hazing, the question of “what can we achieve?” is paramount. We want you to know that justice is not only possible but has been delivered in the form of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. These precedent-setting cases serve as powerful proof that aggressive legal action can hold powerful institutions accountable and secure significant compensation for victims. Our own $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez stands firmly within this tradition, sending an unequivocal message to fraternities and universities: hazing will cost you dearly.
Here are some of the landmark cases that pave the way for victims in Cherokee County:
### 1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
**Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+**
* **What Happened:** In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University’s Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) chapter, was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a ritual. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
* **The Outcome:** The university settled with the family for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national, along with individual members, settled for an additional $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally.
* **Significance for Cherokee County:** This case shows that universities and national fraternities are both on the hook for millions. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent. It also underscores that individual perpetrators, like chapter officers, cannot escape personal liability.
### 2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
**Total Recovery: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict**
* **What Happened:** Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC of 0.495) after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly.
* **The Outcome:** A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Criminal charges followed, with some members facing prison time for negligent homicide. The tragedy also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
* **Significance for Cherokee County:** This proves that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar verdicts against fraternities for hazing deaths. It also highlights how these cases can drive significant legislative change, creating stronger protections for students.
### 3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
**Total Recovery: $110 Million+ (Estimated)**
* **What Happened:** Timothy Piazza, a Penn State sophomore, died from injuries sustained after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs multiple times and fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911, capturing everything on security cameras.
* **The Outcome:** The confidential settlement is estimated to be over $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
* **Significance for Cherokee County:** This case sets the high-water mark for hazing settlements, especially when irrefutable evidence like video footage emerges. It proves that when the facts are clear, institutions will pay an exorbitant price to avoid public trial.
### 4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
**Significance: Same National Fraternity as Bermudez Case**
* **What Happened:** Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University, where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
* **The Outcome:** Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family also reached a confidential civil settlement.
* **Significance for Cherokee County:** This is a critical precedent for the Bermudez case as it involves the **same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi**. It unequivocally proves that the national organization had full knowledge of its deadly hazing culture as far back as 2017. Their failure to prevent Leonel’s hospitalization eight years later demonstrates a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, greatly bolstering our arguments for punitive damages.
### How These Precedents Empower Cherokee County Victims:
* **Validation of Suffering:** These multi-million dollar outcomes affirm the severe physical, emotional, and financial toll hazing takes on victims and their families.
* **Accountability for Institutions:** They prove that universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators cannot hide behind tradition or deflect blame. Our Cherokee County hazing lawyer will make them pay.
* **Driver for Change:** Many of these tragedies have directly led to stronger anti-hazing laws, like the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana or the Timothy J. Piazza Law in Pennsylvania, pushing for systemic reform across the nation.
* **A Clear Path to Recovery:** For families in Cherokee County who are reeling from hazing, these cases offer a glimmer of hope that justice, both compensatory and punitive, is achievable. Our firm has achieved significant multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts for clients in cases involving catastrophic injuries, just like yours.
The legal framework and the precedents are clear: hazing is a crime, and it is a costly one for those who perpetrate and enable it. We are equipped with this knowledge, and with the direct experience of fighting these battles, to pursue the maximum possible compensation for hazing victims in Cherokee County.
## Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Cherokee County
For families in Cherokee County facing the aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. While hazing perpetrators and institutions often rely on victims’ ignorance of their rights, Texas law provides robust protections and explicit avenues for accountability. Our firm, deeply rooted in Texas, leverages these statutes alongside common law principles to deliver justice.
Crucially, while our firm is based in Texas, many of the legal principles discussed here—such as negligence, premises liability, and intentional torts—apply nationwide. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) mean we can pursue hazing cases across the nation, bringing the full force of federal law and our strategic experience to bear on behalf of Cherokee County victims, no matter where the hazing occurred or where the national organization is headquartered.
### The Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157
Texas has one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing laws, explicitly defining hazing and outlining severe penalties.
#### What Constitutes Hazing? (§ 37.151)
Texas law defines “hazing” as an intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of membership or affiliation, if the act:
* **Involves physical brutality:** Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel Bermudez’s experience of being struck with wooden paddles directly falls under this.
* **Involves endangerment:** Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like being forced to strip in cold weather and hosed), confinement, or excessive calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 push-ups) that subject a student to unreasonable harm or adversely affect mental or physical health. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are a direct result of these activities.
* **Involves forced consumption:** Of food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs. Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a clear violation.
* **Induces action violating the Penal Code:** Any activity that causes a student to commit a crime.
* **Coerces consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol:** Leading a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated. Many hazing cases involve this element.
The breadth of this definition ensures that almost any abusive act committed in the name of initiation falls under the umbrella of illegal hazing.
#### Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152)
Texas law doesn’t just prohibit hazing; it criminalizes it:
* **Class B Misdemeanor:** For merely engaging in hazing, or soliciting/aiding it.
* **Class A Misdemeanor:** If hazing causes **serious bodily injury**. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning his tormentors could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
* **State Jail Felony:** If hazing causes **death**. This applies in tragic cases like Max Gruver or Timothy Piazza.
The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement regarding Leonel’s case, signaling that law enforcement is involved and the perpetrators face serious consequences.
#### Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)
Organizations themselves, not just individual members, can be penalized:
* **Fines up to $10,000.**
* **Denial of the right to operate on campus.**
* **Forfeiture of property.**
This is crucial for holding local chapters and even national organizations directly responsible for fostering a culture of hazing.
#### **Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154) — This is CRITICAL!**
This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas hazing law for victims. 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 shatters the common defense used by hazers and institutions: “He went along with it,” or “He could have just left.” The law understands the immense peer pressure, coercion, and fear of ostracism that pledges face. It recognizes that in such a power imbalance, genuine consent is impossible. This principle greatly strengthens a victim’s standing in both criminal and civil proceedings, protecting Cherokee County hazing victims.
#### University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155)
Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and forces institutions to acknowledge hazing rather than sweep it under the rug.
### Beyond Texas Law: Civil Liability Theories for Cherokee County Victims
Even if hazing occurs in a state without explicit criminal hazing laws, victims still have robust legal avenues through civil litigation. These are the claims we pursue:
* **Negligence:** This is the cornerstone of many personal injury cases. We argue that institutions (university, national fraternity) and individuals had a duty of care to protect students, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), this breach caused injuries, and those injuries resulted in damages.
* **Premises Liability:** If hazing occurs on university property, or private property where the owner knew or should have known about dangerous activities, the property owner can be held liable. The fact that the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel was waterboarded made this a strong claim against them. This protects Cherokee County students if hazing happens at a location near you.
* **Negligent Supervision:** This applies when organizations or individuals fail to adequately supervise their members or events. National fraternities are liable for failing to oversee their chapters, and universities are liable for failing to monitor Greek life activities effectively.
* **Assault and Battery:** These are intentional torts. Every individual who physically struck, forced consumption, or intentionally tormented a pledge can be sued for assault (apprehension of harmful contact) and battery (actual harmful contact).
* **Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED):** Reserved for truly outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress. Waterboarding and systematic psychological torture clearly meet this high legal bar.
* **Vicarious Liability:** This doctrine holds an employer or principal responsible for the actions of their employees or agents. A national fraternity can be held vicariously liable for the hazing committed by its local chapter members if they act within the scope of their membership.
**For Cherokee County families, these laws and legal theories mean that you are not powerless.** You have a right to hold individuals and institutions accountable for the immense harm caused by hazing. The law is on your side, and we are here to wield it aggressively on your behalf.
## Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Cherokee County Hazing Victims
When your family in Cherokee County faces the unthinkable horror of a hazing injury or death, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the unique complexities of these cases, has proven experience in the courtroom, and possesses the strategic insight to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions. We are Attorney 911, and we believe we are that firm.
Our commitment to hazing victims is not theoretical; it’s being forged in the fires of active litigation right now in the $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case embodies everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and unwavering pursuit of accountability. The same ferocity and expertise we bring to our Texas clients, we extend to families in Cherokee County and across the nation.
Here’s why Cherokee County families should choose Attorney 911:
### 1. **Battle-Tested Experience & Courtroom Acumen**
* **25+ Years of Courtroom Experience:** Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two decades of trial experience. He’s not afraid of a fight and has spent his career in courtrooms across Texas and federal jurisdictions. This extensive background provides a critical advantage against well-funded defendants who often try to avoid trial.
* **Multi-Billion Dollar Litigation Against Major Corporations:** Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion mass tort litigation demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. Hazing cases against national fraternities and universities demand this level of experience.
### 2. **Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook, Because We Wrote It**
* **Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:** Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant portions of their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unparalleled advantage. They know exactly how the other side thinks, strategizes, values claims, and attempts to minimize or deny payouts. Lupe, particularly, having worked for a national insurance defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands the intricate defense tactics employed by the very entities we now sue. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, counter their arguments, and push for maximum compensation.
### 3. **Unmatched Reach: Nationwide Service for Hazing Victims**
* **Federal Court Admissions:** Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority means we can pursue cases in federal courts anywhere in the country, providing a critical avenue when national fraternities or universities are involved across state lines.
* **Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York):** Ralph’s licensure in New York, a global financial hub and home to many national organizations, offers a strategic edge when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in diverse jurisdictions. This means your Cherokee County hazing lawsuit can leverage a broader legal and jurisdictional landscape.
* **We Travel to You:** While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Cherokee County and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for convenience and will travel to Cherokee County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed.
### 4. **Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise**
* **Active $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit:** We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are actively litigating a high-stakes case right now. This means our strategies are current, our knowledge is fresh, and our commitment is absolute.
* **Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure Cases:** Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are specific types of catastrophic injuries Ralph Manginello has prior experience litigating, demonstrating a unique expertise in complex medical hazing cases.
* **Institutional Accountability:** We understand the nuances of holding universities and national organizations liable, leveraging their own policies, past incidents, and failures of oversight against them.
### 5. **Empathetic and Client-Centered Approach**
* **Parent-Facing Compassion:** We understand the emotional devastation hazing causes. Our tone is always empathetic, warm, and focused on helping worried parents navigate one of the most terrifying moments of their lives. We treat your family like our family. As one client, Chad Harris, said, “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.”
* **Fluent Spanish (Se Habla Español):** Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Cherokee County and beyond receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultations to courtroom proceedings. This is vital in our diverse communities.
* **Open and Consistent Communication:** Our team, including dedicated staff members like Leonor and Amanda, ensures clients are kept informed at every step. “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case,” noted client Dame Haskett.
### 6. **No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fee Basis**
* **You Don’t Pay Unless We Win:** We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means Cherokee County families pay $0 upfront to hire us. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. This critical payment structure removes the financial burden, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we fight for justice against well-resourced opponents.
* **We Take the Risk:** This arrangement aligns our interests completely with yours. We are invested in your success, bearing the significant costs of litigation so you don’t have to. For more details on how this works, we encourage you to watch our explainer video: “How Contingency Fees Work” at [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
### Client Testimonials: You Are Not Alone
Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews speaks volumes about our dedication and results. Read what our clients say:
* *”My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”* — Ambur Hamilton
* *”What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!”* — Chad Harris
* *”Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.”* — Chelsea Martinez
When you choose Attorney 911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team that sees your child as a person, not a paycheck, and who will fight aggressively to bring them justice and hold the powerful accountable. We bring the combined forces of experience, insider knowledge, and unwavering commitment to every case, including yours in Cherokee County.
## What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Cherokee County Families After a Hazing Incident
If your child in Cherokee County has been subjected to hazing, the immediate aftermath can be a whirlwind of confusion, fear, and anger. Knowing what steps to take, and what pitfalls to avoid, is crucial to protecting your child’s health, their rights, and the viability of any future legal action. We are here to guide you through this difficult time.
Remember, the clock starts ticking the moment the hazing occurs. Delay can jeopardize your ability to seek justice. Here’s a clear, actionable guide for Cherokee County families:
### Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention
Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute priority.
* **Seek Medical Care Immediately:** Even if injuries seem minor or hidden, get professional medical attention. Hidden injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), internal organ damage, or concussions may not be immediately apparent. Document everything. As Ralph Manginello often emphasizes, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.” Watch more here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4H9X-4M9X0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4H9X-4M9X0) (Though a car accident video, the principle applies).
* Go to the emergency room, a walk-in clinic, or your family doctor.
* Be honest and detailed with medical staff about **how** the injuries occurred. State clearly that the injuries were a result of hazing.
* Have all symptoms, physical and psychological, thoroughly documented.
* **Assess Mental Health:** Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Look for signs of PTSD, anxiety, depression, withdrawal, fear, or suicidal ideation. Seek counseling or therapy from a licensed mental health professional.
* **Remove from the Environment:** If your child is still in a hazardous environment, ensure their immediate safety. This may mean bringing them home from college or moving them to a safe space.
### Step 2: Preserve All Evidence — “Document Everything!”
The success of your case hinges on the evidence we can gather. Hazing perpetrators and institutions will often attempt to destroy or obscure evidence. You must act quickly and methodically. As Ralph Manginello urges, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” Watch his video on “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).
* **Medical Records:** Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results (blood tests showing elevated CK levels for rhabdomyolysis, for example), therapy notes, and billing statements. Keep these organized and secure.
* **Photos and Videos:**
* **Injuries:** Photograph every bruise, cut, scrape, burn, or physical symptom at all stages of healing. For example, document the “brown urine” if your child experienced rhabdomyolysis.
* **Hazing Locations:** If safe to do so, document the places where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, etc.).
* **Physical Evidence:** Any items used in the hazing (paddles, specific clothing, alcohol containers) should be photographed, though it’s advised not to collect anything yourself as that might compromise the chain of custody.
* **Communications:** This is often the most critical evidence.
* **Screenshots:** Take screenshots of all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, DMs on X (formerly Twitter), or any other social media communications related to the hazing. This includes direct threats, instructions, degrading comments, or even seemingly “innocent” communications that set up hazing events. These are often deleted quickly by perpetrators.
* **Emails:** Save and forward to yourself any emails related to pledge activities, fraternity rules, or communications from university officials.
* **Witness Information:** Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for other pledges, fraternity members who might be willing to speak out, or any bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
* **Documents:** Preserve pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or any other documents provided by the fraternity or university that outline expectations during the pledge period.
* **Financial Records:** Keep track of medical bills, transportation costs for treatment, any lost wages if your child missed work, and receipts for any other expenses incurred due to the hazing.
* **Academic Records:** Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
### Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTS”
These actions can severely damage your case.
* **DO NOT Delete Anything:** Never delete text messages, social media posts, or any digital evidence, even if they seem irrelevant or embarrassing. Deleting evidence can be seen as “spoliation” and can harm your case.
* **DO NOT Talk to Perpetrators or Fraternity/Sorority Leadership:** Any conversations with them will likely be used against you. They are not on your side.
* **DO NOT Sign Anything:** Never sign documents, waivers, or statements provided by the fraternity, sorority, university, or their legal representatives without consulting your own attorney first. These documents are designed to protect them, not you.
* **DO NOT Post on Social Media:** Refrain from posting anything about the incident on social media. Avoid posting photos of your child appearing “fine” or engaging in normal college activities, as the defense will use these to argue they weren’t truly harmed. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” (though about car accidents, the principle is vital here) highlights this danger.
* **DO NOT Give Statements to University Administration Alone:** Universities have a vested interest in protecting their reputation. Their investigations are often aimed at minimizing liability. Consult with an attorney before providing any official statements.
* **DO NOT Delay Seeking Legal Counsel:** The statute of limitations (typically a 2-year deadline in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death cases) runs quickly. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” at [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) explains this urgency.
### Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
This is the most critical step.
* **Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7):** We offer free, confidential consultations to Cherokee County families. Our team is available around the clock because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.
* **Email Us:** You can also reach us at ralph@atty911.com.
* **Remote Consultations for Cherokee County:** We offer video consultations for families who cannot travel to our Houston, Austin, or Beaumont offices. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
* **Let Us Handle It:** Once hired, your attorney will handle all communication with the fraternities, universities, and their legal teams. This protects you from manipulation and ensures your rights are safeguarded. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” (applicable to any opposing party) stresses this.
Taking these immediate steps will significantly strengthen your child’s case, protect their rights, and lay the groundwork for holding those responsible accountable. You and your child deserve justice, and we are here to fight for it.
## Contact Us: Your Legal 911 for Cherokee County Hazing Victims
If your family in Cherokee County is reeling from the trauma of a hazing incident, you are experiencing a legal emergency. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation for justice. We are Attorney 911, and we are ready to respond with immediate, aggressive, and professional help.
**We are actively in the fight right now.** Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the waterboarding and kidney failure of Leonel Bermudez is not theoretical; it is our proof that we know how to secure justice in these horrific cases. The same strategic prowess, insider knowledge gleaned from defending insurance companies, and relentless pursuit of accountability that we bring to our Texas clients, we extend to you in Cherokee County.
### Don’t Wait. Time is Critical.
Hazing incidents are often shrouded in secrecy, and evidence can disappear quickly. The statute of limitations, typically two years for personal injury and wrongful death claims in most states, means that every moment counts. Your child’s future, and the opportunity to prevent similar tragedies, depends on swift action.
**Cherokee County Families — Your Legal Emergency Hotline:**
# 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for families in Cherokee County who need urgent legal assistance for hazing incidents.
**Email Us Anytime:**
* **ralph@atty911.com**
* **lupe@atty911.com**
**Visit Our Website:**
* **attorney911.com**
### Our Commitment to Cherokee County Hazing Victims:
* **Free, Confidential Consultation:** Your initial call or email is always free. We’ll listen to your story, assess the details of the hazing incident, and discuss your legal options without any obligation.
* **No Upfront Fees — Contingency Basis:** We understand that the financial burden of a medical emergency or a prolonged legal battle can be overwhelming. We take all hazing cases 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.
* **We Come to You:** While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve Cherokee County and victims nationwide. We conduct video consultations to make the process convenient for you, and our team will travel to Cherokee County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.
* **Spanish-Speaking Services (Se Habla Español):** With fluent Spanish-speaking attorneys like Lupe Pena on our team, we ensure that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Cherokee County.
### Your Call Can Make a Difference:
* **For Your Child:** Secure the compensation needed for medical care, therapy, lost educational opportunities, and the profound pain and suffering they have endured.
* **For Other Students:** Your case can send a powerful message, forcing institutions to change their policies and preventing future hazing tragedies in Cherokee County and beyond. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”
* **For Accountability:** Hold every individual and institution responsible—from the fraternity members and their local chapter to the national organization and the university—accountable for their negligence and criminal actions.
**To the perpetrators and enablers of hazing in Cherokee County and across America:** You can no longer hide behind “tradition” or claim ignorance. We know your structures, we know your insurance policies, and we know your leadership. We have seen what you have been doing, and we are coming for you. The chapter that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez is shut down, and we are just getting started.
**Cherokee County families, if your child has been subjected to hazing, please do not suffer in silence. Pick up the phone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Let us be your legal 911.**