If you’re reading this in City of Chesapeake, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college expecting to make friends, build a future, and embrace new opportunities. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and severely injured by the very people they sought to join. We’re here to help families in City of Chesapeake fight back against the insidious spread of hazing that plagues our universities and community organizations.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear for your child’s well-being – it’s overwhelming. You might be searching online at 2 AM, desperate for answers, for someone who understands, for someone who can help. We want you to know that you are not alone, and help is available. Attorney911 is a legal team forged in the crucible of high-stakes litigation, with the empathy to understand your pain and the relentless drive to achieve justice for your child.

Our firm, Attorney911, is on the front lines, fighting against hazing right now. We are actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members after a young man was waterboarded, force-fed, subjected to extreme physical torture, and hospitalized with acute kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical – this is happening in a courtroom in Texas today. The same aggressive, data-driven strategy we employ in that landmark case is available to families in City of Chesapeake whose children have suffered from hazing.

The Landmark Case: A Wake-Up Call for City of Chesapeake

Hazing isn’t a distant problem. It’s a dangerous reality happening in cities like City of Chesapeake, in dorm rooms, fraternity houses, and off-campus residences near you. Our current case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, should serve as a stark warning to every parent and institution in City of Chesapeake. It exposes the raw, brutal truth of modern hazing and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding every responsible party accountable.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez and His Harrowing Ordeal

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He merely sought to join a fraternity. Instead, he endured weeks of systematic abuse that culminated in his hospitalization.

In an interview with ABC13, Attorney Ralph Manginello recounted the chilling aftermath for Leonel: “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 could be your child, your family, your nightmare unfolding in City of Chesapeake.

The Hazing Unveiled: Rituals of Cruelty

The lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and the involved individuals paints a picture of extreme cruelty, not camaraderie. Leonel was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: As reported by KHOU 11, he endured “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose” while performing calisthenics. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This isn’t a prank; it’s a war crime, inflicted on a young student.
• Extreme Physical Torture: The Houston Chronicle detailed the forced “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to perform 100+ pushups and 500 squats while reciting fraternity creeds, under constant threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. Another pledge reportedly lost consciousness during these grueling workouts on October 15, yet the hazing continued.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. This was immediately followed by forced sprints, forcing him to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass – a deliberate act of degradation.
• Paddling: The lawsuit explicitly mentions “being struck with wooden paddles,” a classic symbol of barbaric hazing.
• Psychological Humiliation: He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times and strip to his underwear in cold weather. In another horrifying incident on October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

This is what modern hazing looks like, and it demands accountability from everyone involved, from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that enable such environments. The national fraternity has over 150 chapters across America, and colleges and universities in and around City of Chesapeake may host these same organizations.

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The immediate aftermath of this brutal hazing led to severe, life-threatening injuries for Leonel. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was found to be “passing brown urine,” a clear indicator of rhabdomyolysis. This is a dangerous condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that overwhelm the kidneys. He was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and spent three nights and four days in the hospital, requiring intensive medical intervention. The long-term risks of permanent kidney damage remain a serious concern.

Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, demonstrating our profound understanding of these complex medical injuries and their devastating impact on victims and their families.

Institutional Excuses and Our Response

University of Houston’s spokesperson acknowledged the events as “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” mentioning “potential criminal charges.” Pi Kappa Phi National, in their own press release, closed the Beta Nu chapter just seven days before our lawsuit was filed, admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They then stated, unsettlingly, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”

This corporate-speak reveals a profound lack of genuine remorse and a calculated attempt to minimize liability. They’re not sorry; they’re strategizing. This is why our firm, Attorney911, does not just talk about hazing; we actively fight it. We identified all liable parties – the university, its board of regents, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual members – and filed a $10 million lawsuit. This is the level of aggressive and thorough representation City of Chesapeake families deserve.

The Hazing Crisis: When “Tradition” Becomes Torture in City of Chesapeake

The horrific experience of Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident. Across the United States, and tragically, at institutions near City of Chesapeake, “hazing” has evolved far beyond harmless pranks into deliberate psychological and physical torture, often with devastating, life-altering, or even fatal consequences.

For many parents in City of Chesapeake, the term “hazing” evokes images of silly antics or mild inconveniences from generations past. We want to be clear: modern hazing bears no resemblance to harmless initiation rituals. It is assault, battery, torture, psychological abuse, and often, life-threatening recklessness.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

Based on cases we litigate and incidents across the country, modern hazing frequently involves:

• Extreme Physical Abuse: This goes beyond simple calisthenics. We see forced, relentless physical exertion designed to cause exhaustion and injury, often coupled with beatings, paddling, branding, or harmful substances. Leonel Bermudez’s forced 500 squats and wooden paddle strikes are horrifying examples.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking is rampant, with pledges forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. But it extends to non-alcoholic substances too, like eating rotten food, consuming large quantities of milk until vomiting, or ingesting other disgusting or harmful items.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days on end, forced to perform tasks through the night, leading to extreme fatigue, impaired judgment, and vulnerability.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, constant verbal abuse, isolation, and threats are commonplace. This can lead to severe mental trauma, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. The forced sexual humiliation Leonel endured is a prime example.
• Sexual Abuse: A disturbingly common element, ranging from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to sexual assault. Jokes or “rituals” often contain misogynistic or homophobic undertones.
• Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As seen in the Bermudez case, this cruel and illegal tactic involves spraying water directly onto a victim’s face, simulating the sensation of drowning. It is a known torture technique.
• Exposure to the Elements: Forcing pledges to endure extreme heat or cold with minimal clothing, or confining them in small, uncomfortable spaces.
• Servitude and Isolation: Requiring pledges to clean, run errands, or provide services for active members, often isolating them from family and non-Greek friends.

These are not “boys being boys” or “character-building exercises.” This is criminal behavior that shatters lives and devastates families in City of Chesapeake and beyond.

The Deceptive Face of Greek Life

Many institutions in and around City of Chesapeake have a vibrant Greek life culture. Universities showcase impressive Greek statistics, touting community service hours and high GPAs. Parents in City of Chesapeake send their children to colleges expecting a positive experience, trusting these organizations to uphold values of leadership and scholarship.

However, behind the polished facades and recruitment brochures, a dangerous subculture often thrives, perpetuated by organizations that prioritize secrecy and “tradition” over safety and human dignity. Greek organizations, with their national oversight bodies, inter-chapter relationships, and alumni networks, create complex structures often designed to deflect blame when hazing occurs. This complexity can intimidate families in City of Chesapeake seeking justice.

The Statistics Are Alarming

• Prevalence: Over half of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing. This isn’t rare; it’s systemic.
• Underreporting: An astounding 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, driven by fear of retaliation, shame, and loyalty to the group. This silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse.
• Fatalities: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. These are preventable tragedies that devastate families. These are not statistics; they are parents whose lives have been shattered.
• Beyond Fraternities: While fraternities are often in the spotlight, hazing affects sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations. It is an institutional problem, not limited to one type of group.

For parents in City of Chesapeake, this means understanding that the colleges your children attend—whether a large state university, a private college, or a regional institution like those around City of Chesapeake—could harbor these dangerous practices. These risks exist at places like Regent University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Christopher Newport University, all within reachable distance for students from City of Chesapeake. The same national fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories across the country have active chapters at these institutions.

Who is Responsible? Holding Every Enabler Accountable for Hazing in City of Chesapeake

When a child is seriously injured or dies due to hazing, the immediate blame understandably falls on the individual perpetrators. However, our extensive experience in hazing litigation, including the landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, proves that accountability extends far beyond the students directly involved. We pursue every entity that enabled, encouraged, or failed to prevent the hazing, including those in City of Chesapeake.

The Defendants in Our $10 Million Lawsuit Include:

1. The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): The direct perpetrators who organized and conducted the hazing. Their actions are the most immediate cause of harm.
2. Individual Fraternity Members: This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, other chapter officers, and any active or former members who participated in, condoned, or failed to stop the hazing. In a critical move, we also named a former member and his spouse because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence, introducing premises liability for off-campus locations.
3. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): They have millions in assets and an overarching responsibility for their chapters. They knew about the deadly dangers of hazing (Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017) and had the ultimate authority to prevent such incidents. Their failure to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis” makes them deeply liable. Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 campuses nationwide, meaning our data-driven approach allows us to track these powerful organizations that operate across City of Chesapeake.
4. The University (University of Houston and UH Board of Regents): The University of Houston owned and controlled the fraternity house where significant portions of the hazing took place. They possessed the power to regulate, supervise, suspend, or remove Greek organizations. Crucially, the University of Houston also had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had actual knowledge of the risk and failed to act. This institutional negligence and failure to protect students falls squarely on the university’s shoulders. Colleges and universities that receive students from City of Chesapeake have a similar duty of care and can be held responsible.
5. The Housing Corporation (Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation): This entity owns and manages the physical property for the fraternity. They also have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment.

Our strategy is clear: we identify every single entity connected to the hazing incident and bring them into the lawsuit. This multi-pronged approach ensures that there are “deep pockets” from which to recover significant damages for our clients, but more importantly, it holds everyone who enabled the abuse accountable. It sends an unmistakable message that complicity will not be tolerated.

For families in City of Chesapeake, this means we will meticulously investigate the incident, identify all responsible parties from individuals to national organizations and local universities, and pursue maximum compensation to ensure justice is served.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof that Hazing Cases Win

The question often arises: “Can we really win against such powerful institutions?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Across the country, hazing victims and their families have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, forcing institutions to reckon with their negligence and changing laws in the process. These cases set a powerful precedent and demonstrate the significant financial and legal risk fraternities, sororities, and universities face when they allow hazing to occur. The same potential for substantial recovery exists for victims in City of Chesapeake.

Here are just a few examples that underscore the power of aggressive hazing litigation:

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

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+

Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old Bowling Green State University student, died in 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. His family ultimately secured a combined $10.1 million in settlements. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. This is Ohio’s largest public university hazing payout in history.

Even more recently, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in a separate judgment. This demonstrates that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind the corporate veil of the fraternity; they can and will be held personally accountable.

Relevance to City of Chesapeake: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent. It shows that serious hazing incidents, even those not resulting in death, warrant multi-million dollar compensation. It also highlights that universities are significant defendants in these cases.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

In 2017, LSU freshman Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, more than six times the legal limit) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing ritual. A jury later awarded his family $6.1 million.

His death spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony and increasing penalties.

Relevance to City of Chesapeake: This verdict proves that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial sums. It further illustrates how these cases can drive significant legal reform, impacting anti-hazing laws in every state, including Virginia.

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

Total Estimated Payout: $110 Million+

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State student, died in 2017 after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the entire horrific ordeal. The settlements in this case, though confidential, are estimated to exceed $110 million.

Piazza’s death also led to the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening anti-hazing legislation.

Relevance to City of Chesapeake: The Piazza case demonstrates that when evidence is strong and accountability is pursued aggressively, settlements can reach astronomical figures. It underscores the importance of securing and preserving all available evidence in a hazing case.

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

The Same Fraternity as Our Client

Tragically, in 2017, just eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.

Relevance to City of Chesapeake: This is the most devastating precedent for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that the national organization had actual knowledge of the deadly dangers of hazing within its chapters as early as 2017. Their failure to prevent another serious incident with Leonel Bermudez eight years later demonstrates a profound and dangerous pattern of negligence – a critical factor for punitive damages. Pi Kappa Phi has chapters nationwide, and if one is near City of Chesapeake, they have a documented history of failing to protect their pledges.

These are just a few examples. The message is clear: whether it leads to injury or death, hazing carries a colossal price tag, and Attorney911 is expert at ensuring that price is paid. For families in City of Chesapeake, these precedents mean that aggressive legal action is not only possible but has a proven track record of success.

Texas Law Protects You: Challenging Hazing in City of Chesapeake

While Attorney911 is based in Texas, the laws we leverage and the strategies we employ are applicable nationwide. Virginia, where City of Chesapeake is located, also has strong anti-hazing laws, and our federal court admissions allow us to pursue justice across state lines. Understanding the legal framework is crucial for any family in City of Chesapeake facing the aftermath of hazing.

Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Laws

Virginia, like Texas, has explicit definitions of hazing and penalties for those who engage in it. The state’s anti-hazing laws have been strengthened over the years, partly due to the tragic death of Adam Oakes in 2021 at Virginia Commonwealth University, which led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia. This law mandates anti-hazing education and reporting transparency for universities. This local context for City of Chesapeake families demonstrates that the state is actively working to combat hazing.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws, portions of which could serve as a model for other states, and are principles we apply to cases nationally:

1. The Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing both physical and psychological abuse, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and any activity that subjects a student to an “unreasonable risk of harm” for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. Many elements of the hazing Leonel Bermudez endured directly violate this statute. The physical brutality, forced calisthenics, and forced consumption categories are clearly met.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a criminal offense in Texas. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can range from a Class B Misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony (for hazing that causes death). Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would likely qualify as “serious bodily injury,” making the perpetrators eligible for Class A Misdemeanor charges, carrying up to a year in jail. The University of Houston spokesperson even noted “potential criminal charges.”

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can be held liable, facing fines and even denial of the right to operate on campus if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their officers or members commit hazing. This is why we sued Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most critical aspects of Texas law, and one that every City of Chesapeake family should know. 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 is a powerful legal shield against the common defense argument that “he knew what he was getting into” or “he could have just left.” The law understands that the power dynamics and peer pressure inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means that even if a student from City of Chesapeake felt compelled to participate, they cannot be blamed for the resulting harm.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Beyond criminal charges, aggressive civil litigation allows victims and their families in City of Chesapeake to seek substantial financial compensation for their suffering. We typically pursue claims based on:

• Negligence: This is broadly applicable in all states. We argue that the universities, national fraternities, and local chapters had a duty to protect students, breached that duty by allowing hazing, and directly caused the injuries, resulting in provable damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the UH case), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This could apply to dorms, fraternity houses, or other university facilities near City of Chesapeake.
• Negligent Supervision: National organizations must adequately supervise their chapters, and universities must oversee Greek life. When they fail, and a student from City of Chesapeake is harmed, they are liable.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often causes severe emotional distress, which is a compensable claim. This covers the PTSD, anxiety, and long-term psychological damage many victims suffer.

The strength of these combined legal avenues means that regardless of whether criminal charges are filed in City of Chesapeake or the perpetrators are held criminally liable, families can still pursue and win substantial civil claims to recover economic and non-economic damages.

Why Attorney911? Your Advocates in City of Chesapeake’s Battle Against Hazing

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only experienced and aggressive but also deeply empathetic. You need attorneys who understand the complex and often clandestine world of Greek life and institutional negligence. You need Attorney911. We bring a unique blend of qualifications and a proven track record to every hazing case, ready to fight for families in City of Chesapeake.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, the lead attorneys at Attorney911, are former insurance defense attorneys. This is an unparalleled advantage for our clients, including those in City of Chesapeake.

• Ralph Manginello (male): With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph knows the tactics insurance companies and large institutions use to deny or minimize claims. He’s seen their playbook from the inside and now uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize client recovery. His background includes multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against powerful corporate defendants like BP after the Texas City explosion, demonstrating his capacity to take on even the most formidable opponents.
• Lupe Peña (male): Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, defending insurance companies and corporate defendants across various practice areas. He learned firsthand how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to lowball victims. Now, he applies that insider knowledge to benefit hazing victims, anticipating defense arguments and building impenetrable cases. His ability to “Outwork, Outsmart, and Outfight” the other side is a testament to this strategic advantage.

For families in City of Chesapeake, this means we anticipate every move the university, local fraternity, or national organization’s high-powered lawyers will make. We speak their language, understand their budgets, and know their pressure points.

Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admission

While we are headquartered in Houston, our reach and authority extend nationwide, including City of Chesapeake.

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts. This means we can pursue cases against national organizations or institutions with interstate ties in federal court, a tactical advantage for hazing cases that often involve entities across multiple states.
• Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York): Ralph’s admission to both the Texas and New York State Bars provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities, many of which are headquartered or incorporated in other states. This gives us flexibility and leverage that many local City of Chesapeake law firms may not possess.

Unwavering Commitment to Hazing Victims

Our commitment to hazing victims like Leonel Bermudez is not just professional; it’s personal.

• Active Litigation: We are not theoretical. We are fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. This active, ongoing case is proof of our dedication and expertise.
• Specialized Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases—the very injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. This deep medical and legal understanding is crucial for maximizing recovery for catastrophic hazing injuries.
• “Se Habla Español”: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients and families in City of Chesapeake, breaking down language barriers to justice.
• Dedicated & Compassionate Staff: Our team is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about our clients. We treat City of Chesapeake families like our own, providing constant communication and support throughout their legal journey.
• Contingency Fees: We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing any family in City of Chesapeake to access top-tier legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. We will cover all litigation costs and expenses, and if we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime.

We Come To You, City of Chesapeake

Although our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is no barrier to justice. We regularly travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials across the country. For families in City of Chesapeake, we offer remote video consultations and are fully prepared to come to you to build the strongest possible case.

When institutions, national fraternities, or insurance companies try to silence hazing victims in City of Chesapeake, we take it to court. We understand the specific cultural nuances, regulatory landscapes, and consumer behaviors in City of Chesapeake, and we adapt our strategies to resonate deeply within your community while delivering nationally recognized legal prowess. Choose Attorney911 to be your fierce advocate, fighting for justice and accountability in City of Chesapeake.

What to Do Right Now: Critical Steps for City of Chesapeake Hazing Victims

If your child in City of Chesapeake has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do—and don’t do—can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. We understand the shock and emotional toll, but acting swiftly and strategically is paramount. Our team at Attorney911 is here to guide you through these challenging first steps.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute priority.

• Remove Your Child from the Situation: If your child is still in a hazing environment, remove them immediately. Their safety is non-negotiable.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor or “just sore” (like Leonel Bermudez initially felt), seek professional medical attention immediately. Go to an emergency room in City of Chesapeake, a local urgent care clinic, or your family doctor.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms, and the circumstances surrounding them are thoroughly documented in medical records. This creates an immediate, objective record of the harm. Mention that the injuries are due to hazing.
  • Be Specific: Describe every symptom, no matter how small. For example, if there’s dark urine, mention it. If there’s excessive muscle pain, note it. These details are vital.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence Immediately

Evidence can disappear quickly. You must act to preserve it.

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests (blood work, MRI, CT scans), and bills. This includes follow-up doctors and any psychological counseling.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Take photos of all injuries, bruises, cuts, burns, or other physical marks. Document the progression of healing over time.
  • If any photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves exist (even if taken by others), save them securely.
  • DO NOT delete any photos or videos, even if they seem irrelevant.
• Communications: This is often the most critical evidence in hazing cases.
  • TEXT MESSAGES: Save every text message related to the hazing. This includes direct messages, group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram), and any messages revealing plans, threats, or peer pressure.
  • SOCIAL MEDIA: Take screenshots of any relevant posts, messages (Instagram DMs, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger), or stories. Pay attention to posts from other members that might corroborate hazing activities.
  • EMAILS: Preserve any emails from the organization, university, or individual members related to pledge activities.
• Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written instructions given to your child.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or even active members who might be willing to cooperate. They may be scared, so approach them carefully.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTS”

These actions can severely harm your case.

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, social media posts (even your own), photos, or emails. This can be considered destruction of evidence and used against you.
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/University Alone: Do not give statements to fraternity leadership, national organization representatives, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting with your own attorney first. They are NOT on your side; they are gathering information to protect their institution. Anything you say can be twisted and used against your child.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, national organization, or university. These documents may waive your child’s legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident on social media. Avoid discussing the hazing, your child’s injuries, or your legal intentions. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can undermine your credibility or claim. Attorney911 has YouTube videos that emphasize the critical importance of avoiding common mistakes that can ruin your injury case, such as posting on social media (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While understandable, confronting the individuals involved can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize physical evidence or witness cooperation.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

The single most important step after ensuring safety and preserving evidence is to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney.

• Time is Critical: There are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations), typically two years from the date of injury or death. Evidence also disappears quickly. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized November 6, and we filed the lawsuit within weeks – that’s how fast you need to move. Our YouTube video on Texas Statutes of Limitations further explains these critical deadlines (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c).
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. We are available 24/7.
• Remote & Travel Options for City of Chesapeake Families: While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including City of Chesapeake. We offer secure video consultations and will travel to City of Chesapeake for depositions, hearings, and client meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to the organization. This silence only protects the perpetrators. By taking these steps and contacting our firm, you are not only fighting for your child’s justice but also taking a powerful stand against hazing and potentially preventing future tragedies in City of Chesapeake.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in City of Chesapeake

If your child in City of Chesapeake has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. This isn’t just about obtaining compensation; it’s about holding those responsible accountable, changing a dangerous culture, and preventing another family from enduring this nightmare. You have witnessed firsthand what hazing looks like, and you now know there are attorneys actively fighting this battle. Attorney911 is ready to fight for you.

City of Chesapeake Families: Pick Up the Phone. We Are Here.

We know how overwhelming this can be. You’re scared, angry, and perhaps even unsure what to do next. Let us bear that burden. Our team acts fast, first, and decisively for hazing victims and their families across the nation, and we are ready to bring that dedication to City of Chesapeake.

Your Legal Emergency Hotline for City of Chesapeake Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Call us 24/7 for a FREE, confidential consultation. Do not hesitate. Time is of the essence. We know scared parents in City of Chesapeake are searching for answers at all hours, and we are ready to provide them.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

1. Immediate Response: Our team is available 24/7 because hazing emergencies don’t keep business hours.
2. Free Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free. There is no obligation, just answers and a clear path forward.
3. Empathy and Understanding: We listen to your story with compassion, without judgment. We understand the unique emotional toll of hazing.
4. Expert Evaluation: We will quickly assess the details of your child’s hazing incident, explain your legal rights, and discuss the best course of action.
5. Contingency Fee Basis: We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all court costs and litigation expenses. You only pay us if and when we win your case. This ensures that every family in City of Chesapeake can afford top-tier legal representation, regardless of financial hardship. Our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains this in detail (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
6. Nationwide Reach, Local Service: While based in Texas, we leverage federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and modern communication technology (video consultations) to serve hazing victims in City of Chesapeake and across America. For critical stages of litigation like depositions or trials, we will travel to City of Chesapeake and be by your side.

We Are Fighting for Other Victims, and We’ll Fight for You.

Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our aggressive stance against hazing. Attorney Lupe Peña eloquently stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your courage in coming forward can protect countless other students in City of Chesapeake.

Whether your child attends a university in Virginia, like Regent University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, or Christopher Newport University, or elsewhere, the dangers of hazing are universal. The national fraternities and universities that allow this abuse must be held accountable.

Don’t let the institutions silence your child. Don’t let them sweep this under the rug. Your fight is our fight.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let Attorney911 be your voice, your strength, and your unrelenting advocate against hazing in City of Chesapeake.