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. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Galax fight back.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Galax is known for its vibrant old-time mountain music and strong community ties. It’s a place where families expect their children to grow up safe and find positive pathways to adulthood. Many children from Galax will pursue higher education at institutions across Virginia, such as Virginia Tech, Radford University, the University of Virginia, or even schools further afield. Parents in Galax send their young adults off to college with hopes of academic achievement, new friendships, and personal growth – not the nightmares of hazing.

Yet, despite its serene surroundings, Galax families are not immune to the harsh realities of college hazing that plague campuses nationwide. The very same national fraternities and sororities that have caused profound harm elsewhere have chapters at universities many Galax students attend. The heartbreaking stories of abuse, injury, and even death that dominate national headlines are not isolated incidents; they are a stark warning for every parent in Galax. We understand that distance can feel like a barrier, but your fight for justice is not confined by geography. Our firm represents hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in Galax, Virginia.

Whether your child attends a university in Virginia, or elsewhere, the dangers of hazing are universal. We are actively fighting these battles right now, demonstrating our commitment to aggressive, data-driven litigation. Our recent $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university illustrates precisely what kind of firm we are: relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims. We will bring the same dedication and strategic power to families in Galax whose children have suffered from this reprehensible abuse.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Galax Families Need Us

Hazing in college is not the harmless prank many still imagine it to be. It is systematic abuse, torture, and sometimes, it is murder. For families in Galax, this reality can be incredibly difficult to accept, especially when they’ve entrusted their children to universities and Greek organizations, expecting safety and community.

Historically, Galax has been a community built on trust and mutual support. The idea that institutions meant to educate and nurture would allow such destructive behavior is deeply disturbing. Students from Galax often attend schools where traditions run deep, and unfortunately, these traditions can sometimes mask dangerous hazing practices. The cultural landscape of Greek life at institutions such as Virginia Tech or Radford, which many Galax high school graduates attend, mirrors many national trends where hazing is secretly perpetuated under the guise of brotherhood or sisterhood.

The statistics are alarming and underscore the pervasive nature of hazing:

• Over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.
• Hazing incidents can lead to lifelong physical injuries, severe psychological trauma, and even death.

These aren’t just numbers; they represent shattered lives and heartbroken families, families just like yours in Galax who believed their child would be safe. We represent victims of hazing in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations. If your child has been subjected to such abuse, we are here to help.

The Landmark Case: The $10M Fight We’re Bringing to Galax

This is not a hypothetical fight; it’s happening right now. Our attorneys are relentlessly pursuing justice in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This case is the anchor of our mission, clearly demonstrating our aggressive approach to hazing litigation. What happened here serves as a potent warning about the pervasive nature of hazing and underscores our commitment to representing victims nationwide, including families in Galax.

Galax Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

This particular incident occurred in Houston, Texas, but the same patterns of abuse, the same institutional failures, and the same national organizations exist on campuses attended by students from Galax. We want parents in Galax to understand that the tragedy that struck one family in Houston could just as easily touch yours. And we will bring the same strategic aggression for justice to your case, no matter where it occurs.

Here’s why this case is so critically important for families in Galax:

Media Coverage and Defendants:

The lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., was filed on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court. It seeks $10 million in damages. The defendants include:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• University of Houston
• UH Board of Regents
• The Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, and 13 other individual fraternity members
• A Former Member AND His Spouse (where hazing occurred)

This case has garnered significant media attention, with reports from multiple local news outlets:

• ABC13 Houston: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges (November 21-22, 2025)
• KHOU 11: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations (November 21, 2025)
• Houston Chronicle: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit (November 22, 2025)
• Houston Public Media: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing (November 24, 2025)

Interestingly, even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, issued a statement: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston (November 21, 2025). This statement, as we will discuss, serves as a crucial admission of wrongdoing.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez and His Harrowing Experience

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student at the time. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was an agonizing weeks-long ordeal of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

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.”

Lupe Pena emphasized the firm’s motivation to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The details of Leonel’s hazing are horrific and expose the true brutality of these so-called “traditions”:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Pledges were “simulated waterboarded with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics. They were forced to run repeatedly under threat of being waterboarded. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and others were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were forced to continue running sprints in physical distress, often made to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were struck with wooden paddles. On November 3, 2025, after missing an event, Leonel was forced into an extreme workout until he became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to exhaustion.

The medical consequences were equally severe. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream, which can cause acute kidney failure. Leonel passed brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and had very high creatine kinase levels, confirming the damage. He spent four days in the hospital, and the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely equipped to handle such complex medical claims.

The Institutional Responses and Admissions

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National provide crucial insights into their liability:

• University of Houston: A spokesperson stated publicly, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement… any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission that UH acknowledges the severity of the conduct and the potential for criminal wrongdoing. KHOU 11 also reported that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” further strengthening the university’s premises liability.
• Pi Kappa Phi National: Their website stated they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure, seven days before our lawsuit was filed, is a clear admission of guilt and an attempt to distance the national organization from the local chapter’s actions. Their statement also included, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a comment that shows a profound lack of remorse and accountability.

Why This Case Matters to Galax Families

1. Warning for All Campuses: Hazing like this doesn’t just happen in big cities. The same national fraternities with these “traditions” operate at institutions across Virginia, from Virginia Tech to Liberty University and beyond. Galax students attending these schools face identical risks.
2. Institutional Complicity: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Universities near Galax have similar responsibilities to oversee Greek life and prevent abuse. When they fail, they are liable.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters quickly dissolved the chapter, proving they knew exactly what was wrong. The national organizations with chapters near Galax are aware of their chapters’ conduct and hold the power to stop it.
4. Victims Are Silenced: Leonel feared retribution. This fear is common among hazing victims everywhere, including those in Galax. We protect our clients and ensure their voices are heard without fear.
5. Your Case Can Save Lives: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” By pursuing justice, families in Galax can prevent future tragedies and force cultural change.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial claim sends a clear, undeniable message that the cost of torturing our children will be high. Galax families can demand similar accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, the image of hazing is a relic from movies, innocent pranks, or mere uncomfortable rituals. However, for families in Galax, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing is far more sinister, a dangerous and often criminal activity disguised as “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It is not “boys being boys.” It is systematic dehumanization and abuse that can lead to lifelong physical and psychological scars, or even death. Our landmark $10 million lawsuit clearly illustrates the brutal reality that institutions and individuals attempt to conceal.

Here’s a clear look at the terrifying face of hazing, based on our ongoing case and extensive experience:

1. Physical Brutality: This goes far beyond mild discomfort.
– Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: As in our current lawsuit, pledges are made to perform hundreds of push-ups, squats, and other grueling calisthenics until literal muscle breakdown, kidney failure, or collapse. This isn’t exercise; it’s physical torture.
– Paddling and Beatings: Visible in our current case, students are struck with wooden paddles, leaving bruises, welts, and often deep psychological wounds.
– Branding and Burning: In other incidents nationwide, victims have suffered permanent disfigurement from branding or forced contact with hot objects.
– Exposure: Forcing pledges outdoors in extreme cold or heat, sprayed with hoses while minimally clothed, or confined in small, uncomfortable spaces. Leonel Bermudez was made to strip to his underwear and continuously sprayed with water.

2. Forced Consumption: This is often deadly.
– Binge Drinking: Pledges are often forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol in short periods, a direct cause of numerous hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi) and Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta).
– Eating Until Vomiting: As seen in our case, pledges are made to eat or drink specific foods (like large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns) until they vomit, then sometimes forced to continue physical activities in their own vomit. This isn’t a prank; it’s a direct assault on the body designed to degrade and control.
– Non-Food Substances: In some extreme cases, pledges are forced to ingest non-food items, leading to serious internal injuries or poisoning.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation: The scars here may be invisible but are often the most profound and long-lasting.
– Simulated Waterboarding: A horrific aspect of our current case, this involves spraying water on a covered face to simulate drowning. This is a recognized form of torture, designed to induce extreme fear and helplessness.
– Degradation and Humiliation: Being forced to wear sexually explicit items (like the fanny pack in our case), being stripped, or made to lie in vomit-soaked grass are tactics designed to strip away dignity and assert dominance.
– Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are kept awake for extended periods, forced to perform tasks or drives late into the night, leading to disorientation, mental breakdown, and increased vulnerability.
– Threats and Intimidation: Constant threats of physical punishment, social ostracization, or expulsion from the group instill fear and silence victims. Leonel was explicitly threatened with expulsion if he did not comply with the extreme physical tasks.
– Power and Control Imbalance: Hazing creates an environment where older members have absolute control over new recruits, twisting the desire for belonging into a weapon of manipulation.

4. Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Sadly, this is a dark and disturbing component of hazing that is often underreported.
– Forced Nudity or Sexual Acts: Pledges may be forced into humiliating sexual acts, either with each other or with objects, or compelled to witness such acts.
– Sexual Objectification: Carrying sexually explicit items or performing degrading actions with them, as alleged in our active lawsuit, is a form of sexual abuse.

These are not isolated incidents; they are systematic tactics employed to “break down” pledges, control them, and ensure conformity. For a student from Galax, facing such abuse can trigger deeply rooted fears and shatter a sense of self-worth.

The medical ramifications extend far beyond temporary pain:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As in Leonel Bermudez’s case, extreme physical exertion can damage muscles, releasing toxins that lead to kidney failure and potentially death. This is a severe, life-threatening condition.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From falls, beatings, or concussions during physical activities.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or underlying conditions exacerbated by hazing.
• Mental Health Crises: PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation are common and long-lasting psychological consequences that often require extensive therapy.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have seen firsthand the devastating impact of these activities. We are committed to exposing every detail of hazing and ensuring that every party responsible for such horrors faces justice. We want families in Galax to understand that these are not minor transgressions; these are life-altering events that demand vigorous legal action.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing leaves a student from Galax injured or, tragically, dead, our firm believes that accountability must stretch beyond just the direct perpetrators. We aggressively pursue every entity that enabled, ignored, or contributed to the abuse. As our $10 million lawsuit demonstrates, we cast a wide net, ensuring that all liable parties, particularly those with the power and resources to prevent hazing, are held responsible.

Here’s who can and often will be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

1. The Local Chapter or Organization:

   • Why Liable: These are the immediate organizers and perpetrators of the hazing. The local chapter’s officers, particularly the president and pledgemaster, directly authorize and oversee the abusive activities. Individual members who participate in, encourage, or fail to stop the hazing are also directly responsible.
   • In Our Case: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and its officers (president, pledgemaster) are primary defendants for organizing and carrying out the abuse against Leonel Bermudez.

2. Individual Members:

   • Why Liable: Every student who actively participates in hazing, directs it, encourages it, or even stands by and allows it to happen without intervention, can be held personally liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.
   • In Our Case: Our lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity members. Chillingly, it also names a former member and his spouse because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who hosts or allows such activities on their property. This is particularly important for Galax students who might be hazed in off-campus housing or private residences that are seemingly disconnected from the university.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

   • Why Liable: These national bodies establish the rules, provide “risk management” training, and ostensibly oversee their local chapters. When they fail to adequately supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, or address a known pattern of abuse, they are liable for negligence, breach of duty, and often for the actions of their chapters under agency principles. They are also typically the “deep pockets” with substantial assets and liability insurance.
   • In Our Case: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a key defendant. They acknowledged “violations,” closed the chapter proactively, and KHOU 11 reported allegations that they failed to act despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.” This directly links to the Andrew Coffey death in 2017, proving a pattern of failed oversight.

4. The University or College:

   • Why Liable: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, especially when an organization is officially recognized or operates on university-owned property. Their liability can stem from:
     • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor or control Greek life organizations.
     • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, and the university knew or should have known about the dangerous activities.
     • Failure to Discipline: Not taking appropriate action against known hazing.
     • Creating a Dangerous Environment: Cultivating a campus culture that tolerates or enables hazing.
   • In Our Case: The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are direct defendants. KHOU 11 reported that hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” establishing direct premises liability. Furthermore, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (involving Pi Kappa Alpha), meaning they had clear knowledge of hazing risks on their campus and failed to act.

5. Housing Corporations:

   • Why Liable: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter house. These entities also have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and can be held liable if hazing occurs on their property.
   • In Our Case: The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation is named as a defendant, acknowledging its role in providing the venue for hazardous activities.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why Liable: While not direct perpetrators of hazing, insurance companies for the national organizations, universities, and individuals are crucial in providing the financial compensation for victims. Our goal is always to maximize recovery through all available policies.
   • Our Advantage: Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. They know precisely how insurance companies evaluate, defend, and attempt to minimize claims. This insider knowledge is a significant advantage for victims’ families in Galax, enabling us to anticipate defense strategies and aggressively pursue maximum compensation.

By meticulously identifying every potentially responsible party—from the individual student who inflicts harm to the university president who looks the other way—we ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We will not allow these powerful entities to evade responsibility; we will pursue every avenue to hold them accountable, whether the hazing occurred at a major university near Galax or elsewhere in the country.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Galax coping with the trauma of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is often, “Can we truly fight these powerful institutions, and what can we hope to achieve?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Hazing is a grave offense that can result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, holding responsible parties accountable and sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Our $10 million lawsuit is directly in line with these precedents, proving that aggressive legal action works.

The Message to Galax Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. The same results are possible, and necessary, for victims from Galax.

Here are some landmark hazing verdicts and settlements that underscore the financial and legal consequences of this abuse:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
– Total: $10.1 Million+
– What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was reportedly forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation and died from alcohol poisoning.
– Outcome: Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million. Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals settled for $7.2 million. The chapter was permanently expelled, and multiple members faced criminal convictions. In a separate, more recent development in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
– Relevance: This case directly supports our $10 million demand, showing that both universities and national fraternities face substantial liability. The individual judgment against a chapter president is a powerful deterrent, signaling that individuals, not just organizations, will pay.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
– Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
– What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was punished for incorrect answers.
– Outcome: A jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict. Several members were criminally charged, with one convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy also led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
– Relevance: This jury verdict demonstrates that when cases go to trial, juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums, especially for egregious conduct. It also highlights the potential for legal precedent to lead to state-level legislative reform.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
– Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Multiple Settlements)
– What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, 19, suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras. He died from his injuries.
– Outcome: The family achieved multiple settlements, estimated to total over $110 million. 18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convicted of involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was enacted in Pennsylvania.
– Relevance: While a death case, it illustrates the massive financial penalties for institutional negligence when there is clear, undeniable evidence of egregious hazing. It highlights the power of compelling evidence, such as the video in Piazza’s case which led to such a high settlement figure, similarly, the detailed actions in our active case paint a vivid picture of brutality.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
– Total: Confidential Settlement
– What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. This was a Pi Kappa Phi chapter – the same national fraternity involved in our current lawsuit.
– Relevance: This is a crucial precedent for our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that the national organization has a documented history of deadly hazing incidents, establishing a clear pattern of negligence and foreseeability. They had eight years between Coffey’s death and Bermudez’s hospitalization to enact change, and they demonstrably failed.

Summary of High-End Settlements and Verdicts:
These are not isolated instances; they form a powerful pattern:

• Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi): $110,000,000+
• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10,100,000+
• Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6,100,000

These cases confirm that families of hazing victims—whether they result in injury or tragic death—can, and do, secure substantial awards. For families in Galax, this means that every university, every Greek organization, and every individual involved in hazing must face the full financial consequences of their actions. Our firm knows how to leverage these precedents to ensure justice for your child.

Hazing Laws Protect Galax Victims: Understanding Your Rights

For families in Galax, understanding the legal landscape around hazing is critical, especially when facing institutions that may try to downplay or dismiss their child’s experience. While our firm is based in Texas, where our current landmark case is being litigated, anti-hazing laws, civil liability theories, and federal protections extend across state lines, applying to hazing incidents that may occur in Virginia or any other state where Galax students attend college.

It’s vital to remember that consent is never a defense to hazing, particularly when it leads to serious injury. This principle is enshrined in law because students are often coerced, manipulated, or intimidated into participating, making true consent impossible.

Texas Hazing Laws (Education Code § 37.151-37.157):
While this is Texas law, it reflects the intent and spirit of anti-hazing legislation across much of the United States.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, membership, etc. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, forced calisthenics (like the 500 squats in our case), forced consumption of food or alcohol, and any activity violating the Penal Code.
  • Relevance to Galax: The acts against Leonel Bermudez—waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, wooden paddles, forced eating to vomiting—meet multiple criteria under such laws. The hazing your child experienced, wherever it occurred, likely falls under similar definitions and constitutes both criminal behavior and grounds for civil action.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing can be a misdemeanor or felony offense. Hazing causing serious bodily injury is a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail), and hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony (up to 2 years state jail).
  • Relevance to Galax: Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure constitute serious bodily injury. This means individuals involved could face criminal charges. Many states, like Virginia, have similar criminal statutes; for instance, Virginia’s hazing law can lead to severe penalties, especially if the act causes injury or death.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be fined, denied the right to operate, or have property forfeited if they condone or encourage hazing.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial legal provision. The law explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.”
  • Relevance to Galax: This legal principle prevents fraternities and universities from blaming the victim. No student, particularly under duress, can legally consent to torture or assault. This means, legally, they cannot claim your child “knew what they were signing up for” or “could have left.”

Civil Liability: Your Right to Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal prosecution, which aims to punish offenders, civil lawsuits focus on compensating the victim. Galax families can pursue compensation under several legal theories, which are generally consistent across all states:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. It argues that a party (the university, national fraternity, individual members) had a duty to protect your child, breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and this breach directly caused your child’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity housing corporation, and they failed to maintain a safe environment, they can be held liable. The fact that the University of Houston owned the fraternity house in our lawsuit is a critical aspect of their premises liability.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to properly oversee their local chapters, or when universities fail to adequately supervise Greek life, allowing hazing to flourish.
4. Assault and Battery: These claims directly apply to the physical acts of hazing (like paddling, forced physical violence, or waterboarding). Each individual who participated in or directed such acts can be sued for intentional harm.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological torture inherent in waterboarding or prolonged humiliation.
6. Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue significant compensation for their loss, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of future earnings and companionship.

Federal Protections:
Beyond state laws, hazing can violate federal civil rights. For instance, if hazing involves discrimination based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics, or if universities fail in their Title IX obligations to address sexual harassment or assault within the hazing context, additional federal claims may arise. Our firm’s attorneys are admitted to federal courts, giving us the authority to pursue these complex federal claims even from our Houston headquarters on behalf of Galax families.

For Galax families, this legal framework means that justice is attainable. Whether the hazing occurred at a Virginia university, or anywhere else, we use these powerful legal tools to hold every responsible entity fully accountable.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident is paramount. For families in Galax, who may feel overwhelmed and isolated, finding a firm with a proven track record, specific expertise, and a genuine commitment to justice is critical. Attorney911 stands as that champion. We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are specialists in hazing litigation, actively engaged in the fight right now.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice for families in Galax seeking justice for hazing:

1. Active Hazing Litigation Expertise: We’re in the Trenches Right Now.

   • We are currently prosecuting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical expertise; we are in court, fighting for a hazing victim who suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This case, with its horrifying details of waterboarding and extreme physical abuse, proves our aggressive, data-driven approach. Galax families get this exact same, battle-tested representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook.

   • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge. Ralph, with 25+ years of experience, and Lupe, with 12+ years, both began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. Lupe, specifically, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: They know exactly how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance carriers think, strategize, and try to deny or minimize claims. They anticipate defense tactics and use that knowledge to dismantle arguments and maximize client recovery. This “insurance counter-intelligence system” is a formidable advantage for your case.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses:

   • Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state and federal court authority is a strategic advantage for hazing cases, which often involve national organizations headquartered in various states.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: We can pursue legal action in the most favorable jurisdictions, bypassing state limitations for certain claims, and ensuring national fraternities, wherever they are chartered, face accountability.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants:

   • Ralph Manginello was involved in the BP Texas City Explosion Litigation (2005), a multi-billion-dollar mass tort case against one of the world’s largest corporations. This experience handling complex, high-stakes litigation against powerful entities is directly applicable to challenging universities and national fraternities.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: We are not intimidated by large institutions or their high-priced legal teams. We have the experience and resources to take on formidable opponents and win.

5. Data-Driven Litigation: We Know Who to Sue.

   • We don’t guess; we leverage precise intelligence. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. This allows us to identify and pursue every liable entity, ensuring comprehensive accountability—from local chapters to national headquarters and even housing corporations.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: When your child is hazed at a university attended by Galax students, we can quickly identify the entire network of responsible parties, ensuring no one escapes liability.

6. True Personal Investment & Compassion:

   • Our firm is built on the philosophy that every client in Galax is treated like family. We approach every hazing case with profound empathy and righteous fury. Ralph Manginello, a father of three, and Lupe Pena, a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, deeply understand what’s at stake when a child is harmed.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: You are not just a case number. We see your child as a person whose life has been irrevocably altered, and we fight as if they were our own.

7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Basis.

   • We work on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers for families in Galax, allowing you to access top-tier legal representation without added stress. Learn more about our contingency fees here.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: Your focus should be on your child’s recovery, not legal bills. We bear the financial risk, aligning our success directly with yours.

8. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español):

   • Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Galax can communicate effectively and comfortably, without language barriers impeding their access to justice.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: We serve all members of the diverse community in Galax, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the legal process.

9. Willingness to Travel and Remote Consultations:

   • Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Galax for depositions, client meetings, or trials as needed.
   • Benefit for Galax Families: You get the expertise of a nationally recognized hazing litigation firm, whether your child was hazed in Virginia, or another state.

Attorney911 is more than a law firm; we are advocates, investigators, and relentless fighters for hazing victims. For families in Galax searching for help in the aftermath of hazing, our combination of active litigation, insider knowledge, and unwavering commitment makes us the unequivocal choice.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Galax Families

If you or your child in Galax has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action is essential to protect your legal rights and build a strong case. We understand you’re scared, angry, and searching for help. Follow these immediate steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if Injuries Seem Minor:
– Why: Even if physical injuries appear minor, conditions like rhabdomyolysis (as in our active lawsuit) or psychological trauma may not manifest immediately. A medical professional can diagnose injuries, initiate treatment, and, crucially, create official documentation of the harm.
– Action: Go to an emergency room, a doctor, or a mental health professional. Clearly state that your injuries are a result of hazing. Keep all medical records, doctor’s notes, billing statements, and prescription information. This is foundational evidence for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence – EVERYTHING:
– Why: Evidence can disappear or be destroyed quickly, especially when organizations know they are implicated. Every detail is a piece of the puzzle.
– Action:
– Photographs and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. Photograph the location where hazing occurred, if possible. Document any physical evidence related to the hazing (e.g., alcohol containers, degrading objects, damaged property). If your child is hospitalized and unable to take photos, have a trusted friend or family member do so. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence.
– Communications: Crucially, do not delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communications between your child and fraternity/sorority members, pledges, or university staff. These often contain direct evidence of hazing instructions, threats, or peer pressure. Download and back up everything.
– Documents: Save any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or initiation documents provided by the organization.
– Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for any other pledges, active members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
– Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for expenses related to treatment, and any documentation of lost wages or academic fees incurred due to the hazing.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:
– Why: Universities, national fraternities, and their legal teams are not on your side. They will try to minimize liability, gather information from you that could harm your case, or pressure you into signing away your rights.
– Action:
– Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership or members about the incident.
– Do NOT give statements to university administration (including Greek Life offices or student conduct boards) without first consulting with an attorney.
– Do NOT sign any documents from the organization, university, or their insurance companies. These could be waivers of liability.
– Do NOT post anything about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used against you to discredit your claims. Learn more about client mistakes that can ruin your case.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Time is Critical:
– Why: Most personal injury cases, including hazing lawsuits, have a strict time limit (statute of limitations) for filing a claim. In many states, this is typically two years from the date of injury or death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever. Even if you have time, memories fade, and evidence disappears.
– Action: Do not delay. Call our firm immediately. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized on November 6 and we filed the lawsuit within weeks. This swift action protects your rights and ensures critical evidence is secured. Understand Texas Statutes of Limitations here, similar timelines apply nationwide.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free, Confidential Consultation:
– Why: You need expert legal guidance from a firm that understands the intricacies of hazing litigation and is already actively fighting these battles.
– Action:
– Call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911.
– Email us: ralph@atty911.com.
– For Galax families, distance is not a barrier. We offer confidential video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Galax for depositions, client meetings, or trial if needed.

Taking these steps will empower you and your family in Galax to fight back effectively against those responsible for the hazing and ensure that your child receives the justice and compensation they deserve.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Galax

If your child in Galax has become a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency, and you need immediate action. We understand the profound emotional and physical toll hazing can take, and we are here to provide aggressive, compassionate, and results-driven legal representation. We are actively fighting the battle against hazing in a multi-million-dollar lawsuit right now, and we extend that same unwavering commitment to justice to families across America, including right here in Galax.

Galax Families: You have legal rights, and we are ready to fight for them.

We know the pain, anger, and fear that hazing can inflict. We are built to stand by your side, providing immediate, expert level assistance. Do not face well-resourced universities and national fraternities alone.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline for Galax Hazing Victims NOW:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for families in Galax experiencing a hazing emergency.

Why You Should Pick Up The Phone Right Now:

1. Free Consultation, No Obligation: Your first conversation with us is completely free and confidential. We will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explain your options without any cost or commitment.
2. Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. Our legal fees are paid only if we win your case. This removes any financial barrier to seeking justice for your child. Learn how contingency fees work here.
3. Time is Critical (Statute of Limitations): Legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, can expire quickly. In many states, you typically have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and organizational records can be lost or destroyed. Acting immediately is crucial to preserving your rights and building the strongest possible case.
4. We Come to You (Virtually or In Person): While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Galax. We offer convenient video consultations so you can discuss your case from the comfort of your home. For more complex stages of litigation (depositions, mediations, or trial), our attorneys are prepared to travel to Galax as needed. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
5. You Need Advocates Against Powerful Institutions: Universities and national fraternities have vast resources, legal teams, and insurance companies dedicated to minimizing payouts. You need experienced, aggressive attorneys who understand their tactics and know how to fight back. Our team, with former insurance defense attorneys, offers this critical advantage.

What We’ll Do for Your Galax Family:

• Launch an Immediate Investigation: We will gather all critical evidence, from medical records to digital communications, before it can be lost or destroyed.
• Identify All Responsible Parties: We will meticulously uncover every individual, chapter, national organization, and institution responsible for the hazing, leveraging our extensive intelligence database.
• Aggressively Pursue Maximum Compensation: We will fight for comprehensive damages, including medical expenses, lost academic opportunities, psychological trauma, pain and suffering, and punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
• Protect You from Intimidation: We will handle all communications with the universities, fraternities, and insurance companies, shielding you from their attempts to minimize your claim or coerce you.
• Fight for Accountability and Change: Your case can send a powerful message, not just for your family, but for future students in Galax and beyond, helping to prevent others from enduring similar abuse.

Hazing is not just a campus issue; it’s a profound betrayal of trust. If your child from Galax has been caught in its brutal grip, don’t suffer in silence. Attorney911 is your trusted ally, ready to navigate the complexities of hazing litigation and deliver justice.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Let us be your legal emergency hotline. Let us help you turn your pain into power, and ensure those responsible for your child’s suffering are held accountable. Enough is enough.