If you’re reading this in City of Charlottesville, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Perhaps your child went off to college, bright-eyed and full of hope, only to be met with abuse and cruelty disguised as “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” Instead of finding camaraderie, they found torture. Instead of building character, they endured humiliation. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: we’re here to help families in City of Charlottesville fight back against the insidious culture of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we are not just legal advocates; we are a beacon of hope for hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in City of Charlottesville. We believe that no student should ever be subjected to physical or psychological abuse in the name of tradition. We are actively fighting this battle in courtrooms today, demonstrated by our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just a legal brief for us; it’s a deeply personal mission to seek justice for those who have been wronged and prevent future tragedies.

The Landmark Case That Proves We Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This case happened just weeks ago, fresh in the public consciousness, and it serves as a stark warning to parents in City of Charlottesville about the brutal realities of modern hazing. It’s a testament to everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and holding every responsible party accountable.

The victim in our current lawsuit is Leonel Bermudez. 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. What he endured exemplifies the dark side of Greek life that many parents simply can’t imagine.

Here’s what happened to Leonel, as exposed in our lawsuit and corroborated by multiple media outlets:

• Systematic Torture: From September 16, 2025, when he accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi, until November 3, 2025, Leonel was subjected to weeks of relentless abuse.
• Waterboarding: He was waterboarded with a garden hose – sprayed in the face while performing calisthenics, simulating drowning. This is a form of torture, a method outlawed in warfare, inflicted upon a young man seeking friendship.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific act of degradation, he was forced to continue running sprints while physically distressed and made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: As punishment for a missed event on November 3, Leonel was forced to perform 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this, under threats of immediate expulsion if he stopped.
• Medical Catastrophe: He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where doctors confirmed he was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending three nights and four days in the hospital. The long-term risks include permanent kidney damage.
• Psychological Trauma: Leonel continues to fear retribution for speaking out, a common and heartbreaking reality for hazing victims.

This case is not theoretical for us; it is happening right now in Harris County Civil District Court. We have aggressively filed a $10 million lawsuit naming the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president and pledgemaster, as defendants. Within weeks of the hazing being reported, the chapter was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated.

When families in City of Charlottesville search for answers at 2 AM, feeling scared and angry, they need to know that a legal team exists that not only understands their pain but is actively fighting against the very same abuses they are experiencing. We bring the same aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to every case, including those from City of Charlottesville.

You can read more about the unfolding case in these reputable news sources:

• ABC13 Houston (November 21-22, 2025)
• KHOU 11 (November 21, 2025)
• Houston Chronicle (November 22, 2025)
• Houston Public Media (November 24, 2025)

We also acknowledge Pi Kappa Phi National’s own statement regarding the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter, accessible here. Their words, and the statements from the University of Houston, often speak volumes about their awareness and response to such “deeply disturbing” events.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in City of Charlottesville, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or demanding tasks. But the reality, as Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically illustrates, is far more sinister. Hazing today, particularly in fraternities and other student organizations, is often outright torture and abuse. It is not about building character; it is about breaking individuals down.

This is what modern hazing looks like, and what your child in City of Charlottesville might face:

• Extreme Physical Harm: It’s not just a few push-ups. It’s hundreds of squats until muscles break down, it’s forced calisthenics in the cold with a hose, it’s brutal workouts that lead to kidney failure. It can involve beatings, paddling with wooden objects, and physical exertion beyond the limits of human endurance.
• Forced Consumption: This often means binge drinking to the point of alcohol poisoning, consuming non-alcoholic liquids until vomiting, or ingesting noxious substances. In Leonel’s case, it was milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forcing him to continue exercising in his own vomit.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This can involve sleep deprivation, isolation, verbal degradation, forced nudity, carrying sexually explicit objects, and public humiliation designed to break a person’s spirit. The hog-tying incident described in our lawsuit, where a pledge was bound with an object in his mouth for over an hour, is a horrifying example.
• Simulated Drowning: Waterboarding, as our client endured, is a recognized form of torture. It inflicts the terror of drowning without actual submersion, leaving lasting psychological scars.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep patterns and academic performance, is a common tactic that leads to physical and mental exhaustion.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: While not explicitly detailed as sexual assault in the Bermudez case, the requirement to carry sexually explicit objects as described in his lawsuit clearly demonstrates a pattern of sexual humiliation, which is deeply damaging and unacceptable.
• Retaliation and Intimidation: Victims are often threatened with physical punishment or expulsion from the organization if they don’t comply or if they report the hazing. This fear of retribution, as our client faces, silences many victims.

The Medical Consequences Are Real and Devastating: Hazing isn’t just emotionally damaging; it inflicts severe physical injuries.

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As suffered by Leonel, this condition can lead to permanent organ damage or death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A common factor in hazing deaths across the country, including that of Andrew Coffey at Pi Kappa Phi’s own Florida State chapter.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From falls, beatings, or other physical assaults.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Broken Bones, Burns, Internal Injuries: Direct results of physical abuse.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation are common and long-lasting psychological impacts of hazing.

The statistics are chilling: Over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and tragically, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States since 2000. Yet, over 95% of students who are hazed never report it. This silence allows the abuse to continue. This is why our work in City of Charlottesville and nationwide is so crucial.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

For families in City of Charlottesville, identifying who is to blame for hazing injuries can feel overwhelming. Hazing incidents are rarely the fault of just one “bad apple.” They are often the result of systemic failures and a culture of complicity. At Attorney911, our aggressive approach ensures that every entity, from the individual perpetrator to the highest levels of oversight, is held responsible.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we cast a wide net, naming every party that contributed to Leonel’s suffering. This is the blueprint we follow for every hazing case, including those originating from City of Charlottesville:

1. The Local Chapter: This is usually the easiest target. The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted Leonel’s hazing. This includes the chapter as an entity and its officers (president, pledgemaster) who directed or allowed the activities, as well as individual members who actively participated.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant because they, like most national Greek organizations, have policies against hazing but consistently fail to enforce them. They knew about a “hazing crisis,” as alleged in our lawsuit based on their actions, and have a documented history of severe incidents, including the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017. Their failure to act decisively after prior tragedies makes them complicit. They possess substantial assets and insurance, making them a “deep pocket” crucial for meaningful recovery.
3. The University or College: The University of Houston is a key defendant because it owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities have a duty to keep their students safe and a responsibility for activities occurring on their property or under their general oversight. UH knew about prior hazing incidents on its campus (a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen in 2017 from a different fraternity), indicating a foreseeable risk they failed to mitigate. Universities have endowments and extensive insurance coverage needed for multi-million dollar recoveries. Institutions near City of Charlottesville, such as the University of Virginia, James Madison University, or Virginia Commonwealth University, and others, face these exact same responsibilities.
4. The Housing Corporation: In many cases, a separate housing corporation owns the fraternity house. We named the Beta Nu Housing Corporation because they owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred and failed to prevent it. These entities often have their own insurance.
5. Individual Members and Alumni: Beyond the chapter officers, any individual member who participated in, permitted, or failed to prevent the hazing can be held liable. In Leonel’s case, we even named a former member and his spouse because hazing occurred at their private residence, implicating them under premises liability. This shows how we pursue accountability beyond just students.
6. Insurance Carriers: While not direct perpetrators of hazing, insurance companies ultimately pay the settlements and verdicts. National organizations, universities, housing corporations, and even individuals (through homeowners or renters insurance) carry policies that cover these types of liabilities. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers evaluate and defend against claims, giving our clients a significant advantage in City of Charlottesville.

For families in City of Charlottesville, it’s crucial to understand that we are not afraid to take on these powerful institutions. We believe that this systematic negligence, from individual members forcing a student to waterboard to national organizations failing to enforce policies, must be met with aggressive legal action. This is not about persecuting college students; it’s about forcing institutions to prioritize student safety over reputation.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points

For hazing victims and their families in City of Charlottesville, the path to justice can seem daunting. But our work, and the legal precedents set by other brave families, clearly demonstrate that accountability is achievable, and the stakes are incredibly high for those who perpetuate or enable hazing. We regularly secure multi-million dollar outcomes because juries and judges, when presented with the horrific truth of hazing, demand justice.

These landmark cases prove that hazing costs millions. The same legal strategies that won these victories apply directly to your case in City of Charlottesville.

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

TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+
Stone Foltz died in March 2021 after a horrifying Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual where he was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol.

• Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million.
• Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals settled for $7.2 million.
• A former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was later ordered to pay $6.5 million in a personal liability judgment in December 2024. This proves that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind their organization’s corporate structure.
  This case, totaling over $10.1 million in recovery, directly supports our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case. It sets a clear benchmark for what is possible even when the victim is no longer with us.

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

TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT
In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event called “Bible Study,” where pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly.

• A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
• The incident also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
  This verdict sends an undeniable message: juries will punish hazing, and they will do so severely.

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

TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Confidential Settlements)
Timothy Piazza, 19, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event known as “the gauntlet,” where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He fell multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours.

• While the settlement amount is confidential, estimates place it well over $110 million.
• 18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter.
• This tragedy spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  The Piazza case highlights that when there is strong evidence of egregious conduct and institutional cover-up (like security camera footage that documented everything), the financial consequences can be staggering.

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

SAME FRATERNITY AS BERMUDEZ CASE
In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University.

• 9 fraternity members were criminally charged.
• The chapter was permanently closed.
• His family reached a confidential settlement.
  This case is a smoking gun in our Bermudez lawsuit. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters years ago. The fact that eight years later, Leonel Bermudez suffered life-threatening injuries in a Pi Kappa Phi chapter shows a pattern of grotesque negligence and conscious indifference by the national organization.

Adam Oakes, Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

TOTAL: $4+ MILLION SETTLEMENT
Adam Oakes died in February 2021 after a Delta Chi hazing event at Virginia Commonwealth University. His family originally sought $28 million and recently settled for over $4 million, with significant portions going to his “Love Like Adam” Foundation and a cash settlement to his parents in October 2024. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

Why these precedents matter for City of Charlottesville families:

• Proof of Concept: These cases demonstrate that victims and their families can and do win multi-million dollar recoveries against powerful fraternities and universities.
• National Pattern: They show that hazing is a widespread, systemic issue not confined to one institution or one state. The tactics and negligence are tragically common at institutions often attended by students from City of Charlottesville.
• Deterrence and Change: These lawsuits, coupled with criminal convictions and legislative reforms like the Max Gruver Act, the Timothy J. Piazza Law, and Collin’s Law, are slowly but surely changing how states and institutions view hazing. A strong message from City of Charlottesville can further this crucial change.
• Our Aggression is Justified: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary; it is rooted in these established precedents and the sheer egregiousness of the conduct.

When your child in City of Charlottesville is abused by a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization, remember these outcomes. They illustrate the financial value placed on a student’s safety, life, and well-being, and they empower you to demand nothing less for your family.

Texas Law Protects You: A Framework for Justice

While we are headquartered in Texas, the fundamental legal principles that govern hazing cases in our state are largely consistent with laws found across the United States. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual Texas and New York bar licenses mean we can pursue hazing claims anywhere in the nation, including City of Charlottesville, Virginia.

For families in City of Charlottesville, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While Virginia has its own specific anti-hazing laws, the spirit and intent are often similar to Texas law, which provides a robust foundation for accountability.

Texas Anti-Hazing Law (Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

Texas law clearly defines and prohibits hazing, making it a criminal offense with significant civil implications.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality: such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body. We saw multiple forms of this in the Bermudez case, from wooden paddles to extreme physical exertion.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health or safety. Leonel’s 500 squats, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and forced cold exposure fall squarely under this definition.
• Involves forced consumption: of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that subject the student to unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is a prime example.
• Involves activity that is a violation of the Penal Code. Many hazing acts are also criminal assaults, batteries, or other offenses.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is one of the most critical aspects of Texas law:

“It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “They knew what they were signing up for,” or “They could have left.” Texas law explicitly states that a student cannot legally consent to being hazed. Your child in City of Charlottesville cannot consent to abuse, just as they cannot consent to assault. This legal truth is a powerful tool in advocating for victims.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Hazing can lead to serious criminal charges:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, leading to up to a year in jail. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall into this category.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, leading to up to two years in state jail. This applies to tragic cases like Stone Foltz and Maxwell Gruver.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Organizations themselves can be penalized, including fines up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus. This allows us to target the fraternity chapter and even the national organization directly.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not brought or are dismissed, City of Charlottesville victims have strong grounds for civil lawsuits to recover damages. Our litigation strategy employs multiple civil liability theories:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the defendants (individuals, chapter, national organization, university) owed a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty by allowing or perpetrating hazing, and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case at UH) or the fraternity housing corporation, they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to properly oversee their chapters and to universities that fail to adequately monitor Greek life activities on campus.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, including physical beatings, forced consumption, or simulated drowning.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing often involves extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Waterboarding, for example, is inherently outrageous.
6. Vicarious Liability: This doctrine holds an entity responsible for the actions of its agents. Thus, a national fraternity can be held vicariously liable for the hazing actions of its local chapter members.

These civil claims allow us to pursue comprehensive compensation for your child in City of Charlottesville, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in City of Charlottesville

When your family in City of Charlottesville faces the trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only experienced but also deeply committed to justice. At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are relentless advocates for victims, transforming pain and outrage into powerful legal action. Our unique approach and credentials make us the definitive choice for families in City of Charlottesville seeking accountability.

Here’s why Attorney911 stands out and why we are uniquely positioned to fight for hazing victims in City of Charlottesville:

1. Direct, Aggressive Hazing Litigation Experience: We aren’t just hypothetically interested in hazing cases. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing that resulted in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical; we’re in the trenches right now, fighting the very battle your family may be facing. This hands-on, recent experience is invaluable.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook: Both our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Peña, began their careers working for insurance defense firms. This means they’ve seen the other side’s strategies, tactics, and settlement calculations from the inside. They know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities will attempt to deny, delay, or minimize your claim. Now, they use that insider knowledge to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition for our clients in City of Charlottesville.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Hazing cases often involve national fraternities and universities, demanding a legal team with broad reach.
   • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, giving us the authority to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, regardless of where in City of Charlottesville the incident occurred.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when taking on national fraternity organizations that may be headquartered in different states. This nationwide capability is critical for City of Charlottesville families facing national entities.
4. Battle-Tested Litigation Against Massive Corporations: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion showcased his capacity to take on immense corporate defendants. This experience directly translates to hazing cases, where we confront powerful universities and national organizations with vast resources.
5. Deep Expertise in Related Injury Types: Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases, exactly the medical condition suffered by Leonel Bermudez. Lupe has extensive experience in wrongful death, dram shop (alcohol liability), and catastrophic injury cases—all highly relevant to severe hazing incidents. This specialized knowledge ensures every aspect of your child’s injuries is understood and aggressively pursued.
6. “Se Habla Español”: Bilingual Staff for City of Charlottesville’s Diverse Community: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our team is bilingual. This ensures that Spanish-speaking families in City of Charlottesville, who may face additional barriers when navigating the legal system, receive comprehensive, clear, and empathetic representation without language hindering access to justice.
7. Client-Centered Approach and Communication: We understand that facing a lawsuit after a traumatic hazing incident is overwhelming. Our clients are not just case numbers; they are family. We pride ourselves on consistent, clear communication, keeping you informed at every step. You will not be left wondering what’s happening with your child’s case. As one client, Dame Haskett, shared, “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”
8. Contingency Fees: $0 Upfront for City of Charlottesville Families: We believe access to justice should never be limited by financial means. We take hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are a percentage of the recovery we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. This aligns our interests directly with yours and allows families in City of Charlottesville to pursue justice against well-funded adversaries without financial risk.
9. Relentless Pursuit of Accountability: We don’t just seek compensation; we seek to change the culture that enables hazing. From our aggressive discovery process (as outlined in our internal strategy files, which rigorously track organizational data) to our willingness to go to trial, we are committed to making sure those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.

What sets us apart for City of Charlottesville victims is our real emotional investment. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing. We come to City of Charlottesville for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed, ensuring distance is never a barrier to justice. We see your child as a person – not a paycheck – and we will fight fiercely for City of Charlottesville families, because we truly care.

Our Google My Business reviews reflect our dedication, with a 4.9-star rating based on over 250 testimonials. Clients consistently praise our professionalism, responsiveness, and how we treat them like family. For example, Chad Harris noted, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Charlottesville Families

If your child in City of Charlottesville has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll is immense, taking swift, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving evidence and building a strong legal case. We understand you’re scared, angry, and confused – we are here to guide you.

Here’s what you should do right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even for “Minor” Injuries: Your child’s health is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor or the focus is on psychological trauma, get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room in City of Charlottesville immediately. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, may not be immediately apparent. This also creates an official medical record, which is crucial evidence.

   • Document everything: Ask for copies of all medical records, discharge papers, lab results, and billing statements. Note down every symptom, even if it seems small.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Document, Document, Document: Hazing thrives in secrecy. Your ability to document the abuse is powerful.

   • Take Photos and Videos: If safe to do so, photograph visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), the location where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, specific room), and any objects used in the hazing. Document the healing process over days and weeks. Our video, “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence,” emphasizes the importance of this step (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).
   • Save ALL Communications: Text messages (SMS, GroupMe, WhatsApp), Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, emails, calendar invites, or any digital communications related to pledge activities or the incident are crucial. Do NOT delete anything, even if it seems incriminating to your child or others. The other side will accuse you of spoliation of evidence.
   • Identify Witnesses: Note down the names and contact information of other pledges, fraternity members who might have witnessed the hazing, or even bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Keep Physical Evidence: If clothing was damaged, stained, or removed during hazing, preserve it without washing or altering.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers Without Counsel: This is paramount. They are not on your side.

   • No Statements: Do NOT give any recorded or unrecorded statements to the fraternity, the university administration, or their insurance adjusters. They are trained to make you say things that will damage your case. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” applies directly here.
   • No Signatures: Do NOT sign any documents from the fraternity or university, as this may waive your legal rights.
   • No Social Media Posts: Do NOT post anything about the incident on social media. The defense will comb through your child’s social media for anything that can be used against them. Our short, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident,” highlights this critical mistake.

4. Consider Filing an Official Report (with legal guidance):

   • University Hazing Report: Most universities have a confidential hazing report system. We can advise you on whether and how to use it, ensuring your child’s rights are protected.
   • Law Enforcement Report: Depending on the severity of the hazing, it may constitute a criminal act. We can help you understand the implications of filing a police report in City of Charlottesville.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately: Time is of the essence.

   • Statute of Limitations: In Virginia, as in most states, there are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing a personal injury lawsuit, often two years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) explains this critical deadline.
   • Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather crucial evidence as memories fade and records disappear.
   • Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and it allows us to quickly assess your situation, explain your legal options, and begin protecting your rights.

Hazing victims often delay seeking help due to shame, fear, or misguided loyalty. Your child is not alone, and they are not to blame. What happened to them was abuse. Taking these steps provides them with the best chance for justice and accountability.

Call to Action for City of Charlottesville Hazing Victims and Families

🚨 City of Charlottesville Families: Has your child been hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for City of Charlottesville victims too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. City of Charlottesville families get the same aggressive representation.

City of Charlottesville Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for City of Charlottesville hazing emergencies. When you’re searching for help at 2 AM, we’re here.

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for City of Charlottesville families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

Why You Can Trust Attorney911 with Your Child’s City of Charlottesville Hazing Case:

• Proven Results: We are actively litigating a major hazing case, seeking multi-million dollar damages against a national fraternity and a major university. This is not hypothetical experience; it’s real-time action.
• Insider Knowledge: Our former insurance defense background means we anticipate and dismantle the defense strategies employed by fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies.
• Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses allow us to represent hazing victims across America, including City of Charlottesville, Virginia. We offer remote consultations and travel for cases as needed.
• Fierce Advocacy: We will aggressively pursue accountability for every liable party, from individual members to national organizations and universities.
• Compassionate Support: We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. Our approach is empathetic, prioritizing your child’s well-being while relentlessly pursuing justice. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

We serve City of Charlottesville hazing victims – and hazing victims nationwide.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life at the University of Virginia, James Madison University, or other institutions near City of Charlottesville. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities near City of Charlottesville.
• City of Charlottesville sports teams.
• Marching bands at City of Charlottesville universities.
• ROTC programs in City of Charlottesville.
• Clubs and organizations at City of Charlottesville schools.
• Military academies.
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

We know the national fraternities. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and many others operate at institutions throughout Virginia, including those your child in City of Charlottesville might attend. We track their corporate structures, their history of incidents, and their leadership. If they caused harm in City of Charlottesville, we know who to sue.

A message to any other victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We know you’re out there. Leonel was not the only victim. Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout, and others were subjected to the same horrific abuse. You have rights too. We can represent you. Please call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

If your child in City of Charlottesville has suffered from hazing, do not remain silent. Your courage can prevent others from suffering.

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

Call us, email us, or schedule a video consultation. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are ready to fight for you.