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 City of Hopewell, Virginia, fight back.

We understand what you’re going through, City of Hopewell. The fear, the anger, the confusion – these emotions are natural when a child you love has been betrayed by the very institutions meant to protect them. When your child steps onto a college campus, whether it’s closer to home at schools like Richard Bland College of William & Mary or Virginia State University, or further afield at major universities across the state or nation, you expect safety and growth. You send them off hoping they’ll find their place, build lifelong friendships, and prepare for a bright future. You do not expect them to be subjected to brutal, humiliating, and life-threatening hazing rituals.

Unfortunately, the dark reality of hazing is pervasive, reaching campuses far and wide, including those that students from the City of Hopewell area often attend. This isn’t just about “boys being boys” or harmless traditions; it’s about systemic abuse, institutional negligence, and a culture of silence that puts young lives at risk. That’s why we, Attorney911, have dedicated ourselves to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families, ensuring that every responsible party is held accountable.

We are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it. Right now, our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for the horrific hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. This case, filed in November 2025, is a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice and our data-driven litigation strategy. What happened to Leonel could happen to a student from City of Hopewell, and we are here to tell you that you don’t have to face this nightmare alone.

The Haunting Echoes of “Tradition”: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not just a legal battle; it is a stark, chilling warning for every parent in City of Hopewell. Leonel was a young man with aspirations, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston in Spring 2026. He wasn’t even an enrolled student yet, but he was targeted, recruited, and subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that nearly cost him his life.

His story is a vital illustration of the brutal reality of modern hazing, and why families in City of Hopewell need to understand the true threats lurking beneath the veneer of college social life.

According to a lawsuit filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, Leonel accepted a bid to join the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an escalating nightmare of physical and psychological torment. These were not innocent pranks; these were deliberate acts of degradation and torture.

The Chilling Details of Hazing: A Warning for City of Hopewell Families

The hazing Leonel endured paints a grim picture of the realities our college-bound children can face. City of Hopewell families, imagine your child being subjected to any of the following, as Leonel was:

Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Yes, you read that correctly. Leonel was subjected to simulated waterboarding, being sprayed directly in the face with a garden hose while he was forced to perform calisthenics. This is a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants, yet it was perpetrated against a young man seeking brotherhood. As Houston Public Media reported, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
Forced Eating Until Vomiting, Then More Abuse: He was compelled to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. But the torment didn’t stop there. Immediately after vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while visibly distressed, and then made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass. This wasn’t merely humiliating; it was a deliberate act of physical and psychological degradation.
Extreme Physical Punishment Beyond Endurance: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. He endured high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These activities were not about fitness; they were about breaking pledges physically and mentally. He was made to recite the fraternity creed while excruciatingly exercising, under constant threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. One particular session on November 3, 2025, pushed him so far that he collapsed, unable to stand without help.
Being Struck with Wooden Paddles: As if the other abuses weren’t enough, Leonel was also struck with wooden paddles, a clear act of assault and battery.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and then sprayed with a hose. He was made to wear a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. In another shocking incident, a different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion enforced compliance.
Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Required to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, his body and mind were pushed to the brink of exhaustion.

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The toll on Leonel’s body was catastrophic. On November 3, after the extreme hazing session, he crawled home and went to bed. Attorney Manginello recounted to 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.”

In the hospital, doctors confirmed Leonel was suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which then overwhelm and injure the kidneys. His mother observed the classic symptom: “passing brown urine,” a clear sign of muscle breakdown. He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment. Without timely intervention, rhabdomyolysis can lead to permanent kidney damage or even death.

The Institutional Response: Too Little, Too Late

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025, just
seven days before our lawsuit was filed, the national organization officially closed the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Their public statement acknowledged “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This swift action, taken before our suit became public, speaks volumes about their awareness of the wrongdoing and their attempt to mitigate liability.

The University of Houston spokesperson also acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating to Houston Public Media, “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 statement from the university itself suggests criminal activity took place.

However, these responses came only after a student was severely injured. Both institutions had prior knowledge of hazing dangers, yet failed to prevent this tragedy. Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership, despite the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017, allowed these dangerous “traditions” to persist. The University of Houston, despite a student suffering a lacerated spleen from hazing in 2017, failed to protect Leonel.

Why This Case Resonates with City of Hopewell Families

Leonel’s story is a powerful warning for families in City of Hopewell. Whether your child attends a college known for its robust Greek life, like Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond or the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, or a smaller institution such as Richard Bland College of William & Mary right in our backyard, the threat of hazing is real and pervasive.

The same national fraternities that operate near universities in City of Hopewell are the ones whose chapters nationwide have been implicated in countless hazing incidents, injuries, and deaths. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, and our lawsuit alleges a “pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally.” The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are not unique to Houston; they are often deeply ingrained in Greek life culture across the country.

Attorney Lupe Peña captured our firm’s mission perfectly when he told ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Our fight for Leonel Bermudez is a fight for every student in City of Hopewell, Virginia, who deserves to pursue higher education without fear of torture and abuse.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and into the Brutality

For many parents in City of Hopewell, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or lighthearted initiations, perhaps something out of an old college movie. But that is a dangerously outdated and misleading perception. Today’s hazing has evolved into something far more sinister, a culture of abuse that leaves physical and psychological scars, and all too often, tragically ends lives. It is a systematic process of degradation, control, and violence, frequently fueled by alcohol and a perverse sense of power.

From our deep experience in hazing litigation, including the ongoing Leonel Bermudez case, we see patterns of abuse that shock the conscience. Hazing is not about building character; it’s about breaking individuals down.

Categories of Modern Hazing: A Breakdown that Affects City of Hopewell Students

Hazing is deliberately designed to strip pledges of their individuality, instill fear, and force unquestioning loyalty through suffering. Here’s a look at the categories of hazing we regularly confront:

Physical Abuse: This is direct infliction of bodily harm. In Leonel’s case, it included being struck with wooden paddles and forced into extreme calisthenics (100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, high-volume suicides, 100-yard crawls) until his muscles broke down, leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Other common physical abuses include beatings, branding, burning, forced contact with dangerous substances, and sleep deprivation leading to physical collapse. If your child attends a university near City of Hopewell, such as Virginia State University or the University of Richmond, they are not immune to these dangers if they participate in Greek life or other organizations.
Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, but can extend to other disgusting or dangerous substances. Leonel was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting, and then made to continue exercising and lie in his own vomit. Excessive binge drinking is the leading cause of hazing deaths, leading to alcohol poisoning. This can also include forcing pledges to eat non-food items, rotten food, or overwhelming quantities of food.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This targets the mind, leaving lasting emotional wounds. Leonel was compelled to strip to his underwear in cold weather and was sprayed with a hose. He had to carry a fanny pack filled with “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied, face down, with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to degrade, embarrass, and break the will of the victim. Long-term effects often include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and a profound loss of trust.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days, forced to perform tasks or study late into the night, and awakened for early morning workouts or duties. This profound lack of sleep impairs judgment, increases vulnerability, and can lead to serious physical and mental health crises, as it did with Leonel who was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, enduring severe exhaustion.
Sexual Harassment and Abuse: This reprehensible form of hazing can involve forced nudity, unwanted sexual contact, carrying sexually degrading items, or performing sexual acts. While Leonel’s fanny pack was degrading, other cases involve outright sexual assault, which is a horrifying reality of some hazing cultures.
Isolation and Seclusion: Limiting contact with the outside world, controlling information, and fostering a sense of complete dependence on the group, isolating pledges from family and friends in City of Hopewell who could intervene.
Servitude and Demeaning Tasks: Being forced to perform chores, clean, or act as personal servants for older members, such as driving members around at all hours. This reinforces the power imbalance and strips away personal dignity.

The True Cost: Medical and Psychological Trauma

The injuries sustained from hazing extend far beyond scrapes and bruises. As Leonel’s case vividly demonstrates, the medical consequences can be severe. Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries from falls or assaults, hypothermia or heatstroke from exposure, and even cardiac arrest from extreme exertion are all documented outcomes.

Yet, the invisible wounds are often just as devastating. Victims, including students from City of Hopewell, frequently suffer from:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The repeated exposure to physical and psychological trauma can trigger severe anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty functioning.
Severe Anxiety and Depression: A sense of fear, hopelessness, and worthlessness can engulf victims, impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Suicidal Ideation: The overwhelming pressure, humiliation, and despair can lead some victims to contemplate or attempt suicide.
Academic Decline: The physical exhaustion, psychological distress, and time demands of hazing often cause grades to plummet, and students may drop out or lose scholarships.
Substance Abuse: Some victims turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the trauma, perpetuating a dangerous cycle.

The Ominous Silence: Why Victims Don’t Speak Out

Despite the severity, an overwhelming majority of hazing incidents go unreported. Why?

Fear of Retaliation: Victims often fear physical reprisal, social ostracization, or damage to their reputation or future career prospects. Leonel Bermudez himself was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” as reported by ABC13.
Shame and Embarrassment: The degrading nature of hazing leaves victims feeling ashamed and guilty, making it difficult to come forward.
Code of Silence: A deeply ingrained “code of silence” within organizations pressure members not to report, often reinforced by threats or loyalty oaths.
Normalizing the Abuse: Over time, victims can become desensitized to the abuse, viewing it as a “necessary” part of initiation or a shared experience. They may genuinely believe it’s “normal.”
Loss of Future Opportunities: Many students fear that reporting hazing could lead to the organization’s suspension, potentially career-damaging, or their own expulsion.

This culture of silence allows hazing to flourish unchecked, putting more students at risk, even those from the City of Hopewell area who seek a vibrant college experience. It’s a culture we are determined to dismantle, one lawsuit at a time.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable in City of Hopewell Hazing Cases

When a student from City of Hopewell is injured or dies due to hazing, the responsibility extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. At Attorney911, we believe in holding every single entity accountable that enabled, condoned, or failed to prevent the abuse. Our aggressive, data-driven strategy ensures that we identify and pursue all liable parties, leaving no stone unturned. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case exemplifies this comprehensive approach.

Here’s a detailed look at who can be held responsible in a hazing incident, just as we are doing in our landmark case:

1. The Local Chapter: The Direct Perpetrators

The fraternity or sorority chapter directly involved in the hazing is always a primary defendant. They are the ones who planned, organized, and executed the abusive rituals.

Bermudez Case Example: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston is a direct defendant because its members and officers orchestrated and carried out the brutal hazing of Leonel.
City of Hopewell Application: If a chapter at a university near City of Hopewell, such as Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond or the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, engages in hazing, that chapter and its leaders will bear direct responsibility.

2. Individual Perpetrators: Members, Pledgemasters, and Officers

Every individual who actively participated in, directed, or witnessed and failed to intervene in a hazing incident can be held personally liable. This includes the chapter’s leadership structure. In Leonel’s case, we named:

The Fraternity President: As the highest authority in the chapter, the president bears significant responsibility for the actions of its members.
The Pledgemaster: This individual is specifically tasked with overseeing the “pledge education” process, making them directly responsible for hazing activities.
Current and Former Members: Any member who participated in the hazing, or even stood by and allowed it to happen, can be sued for assault, battery, negligence, or aiding and abetting.
Former Member and His Spouse: Crucially, in the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse were named defendants because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This opens up avenues for premises liability.
City of Hopewell Application: This means that if students from City of Hopewell are involved in hazing, not only the active members but also alumni who host events or encourage the behavior can face litigation. The Stone Foltz case precedent, where the chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment, highlights the severity of individual responsibility.

3. The National Organization: Enabling the Culture of Abuse

National fraternities and sororities, despite having anti-hazing policies, often carry significant liability for incidents at their local chapters. They are responsible for overseeing, training, and disciplining their chapters.

Bermudez Case Example: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a key defendant. Our lawsuit alleges they “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” The death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017 provided them with actual notice of the deadly consequences of their culture, yet they failed to prevent Leonel’s hospitalization eight years later.
City of Hopewell Application: The same large national fraternities and sororities with chapters around City of Hopewell, throughout Virginia, and across the nation, are equally susceptible to this liability. They have substantial assets and insurance policies, making them significant “deep pockets” targets for accountability.

4. The University or College: A Duty to Protect Students

Educational institutions have an inherent duty to protect their students, a responsibility that extends to the activities of Greek organizations and other student groups on their campus.

Bermudez Case Example: The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are major defendants. This is particularly damning because UH owned the fraternity house where some hazing occurred, giving them undeniable control and oversight. Furthermore, a prior hazing incident in 2017 at UH involving another fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha), where a student suffered a lacerated spleen, meant the university had prior, actual knowledge of hazing dangers on its campus and failed to prevent future incidents.
City of Hopewell Application: Universities in or near City of Hopewell, like Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, or James Madison University, can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or maintaining unsafe premises. If they own the land or buildings used by Greek life, their liability is dramatically increased.

5. Alumni Organizations and Housing Corporations: The Financial Backers

Many Greek chapters are supported by alumni organizations and housing corporations that own or manage the fraternity or sorority houses. These entities often have significant assets and insurance.

Bermudez Case Example: The Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. is a named defendant. These corporations are essential to the fraternity’s operations and can be held liable for failing to ensure a safe environment.
City of Hopewell Application: We meticulously track these entities across Virginia and nationwide to ensure every possible responsible party is identified. Our extensive database of IRS-registered Greek organizations, including their EINs and addresses, allows us to pinpoint these often-hidden players.

6. Insurance Carriers: The Ultimate Deep Pockets

Ultimately, much of the compensation in these major hazing cases comes from the various insurance policies held by the defendants.

National Organization’s Liability Insurance: These often have multi-million dollar limits.
University’s General Liability Insurance: Covers institutional negligence.
Housing Corporation’s Property and Liability Insurance: Covers incidents on their premises.
Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance of Individual Defendants: Can cover personal liability for their actions.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña have invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, how they value claims, and the tactics they use to minimize payouts. This allows us to anticipate their moves and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients, including families in City of Hopewell.

By aggressively pursuing all these avenues of accountability, we send a clear message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those who perpetrate or permit it will pay a steep price. This comprehensive strategy is exactly what we bring to every hazing case, for every victim, including those in City of Hopewell.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for City of Hopewell Families

The question always arises for families in City of Hopewell dealing with the aftermath of hazing: can we truly win? Can we hold these powerful institutions accountable? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Our commitment to fighting for Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit is underpinned by a strong foundation of precedent-setting multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country. These cases prove that justice can be achieved and that hazing carries enormous financial and legal consequences.

These harrowing stories are not just legal victories; they are human tragedies that spurred monumental changes, both in law and in the culture surrounding Greek life. They serve as a powerful beacon of hope for City of Hopewell families seeking justice and a stark warning to any organization contemplating hazing.

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

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old Bowling Green State University student, died in March 2021 after a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol and later died from acute alcohol poisoning. The outcome was groundbreaking:

$2.9 Million paid by Bowling Green State University.
$7.2 Million paid by Pi Kappa Alpha National and various individuals. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
Additionally, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay Stone’s family $6.5 million – demonstrating that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind the fraternity’s corporate veil.

Relevance to City of Hopewell: Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly aligned with this precedent, even though Leonel survived. If a University can be held accountable for millions, institutions near City of Hopewell, like the University of Richmond or William & Mary, face similar exposure.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died in September 2017 during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to consume excessive alcohol. He died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495, six times the legal limit.

His family secured a $6.1 Million jury verdict.
This case led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony and significantly increasing penalties.

Relevance to City of Hopewell: This jury verdict demonstrates that when a case goes to trial, angry jurors will award millions for hazing deaths. The outrage a jury in City of Hopewell would feel, seeing the brutal facts of hazing, is immense.

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

Estimated Recovery: $110 Million+

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State student, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. He was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell repeatedly down a flight of stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from a traumatic brain injury.

The family’s confidential settlements are estimated to exceed $110 Million.
This case was instrumental in the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, a landmark piece of legislation.

Relevance to City of Hopewell: This case, heavily documented by security cameras, shows that strong evidence of egregious conduct can lead to astronomical recoveries. It also inspired legislative change, something our firm actively pursues.

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

Same Fraternity as Our Case

Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU student, died in November 2017 during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. He died of acute alcohol poisoning.

Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed.
The family reached a confidential civil settlement.

Relevance to City of Hopewell: This is a smoking gun for the Bermudez case and for any current or future hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew their chapters were capable of deadly hazing. They had eight years between Coffey’s death and Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix their culture. They did nothing. This establishes a pattern of knowing disregard, supporting significant punitive damages that could impact students in City of Hopewell.

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

Settlement: $4 Million+

Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old VCU freshman, died in February 2021 after a Delta Chi hazing event involving extreme alcohol consumption. The initial lawsuit sought $28 million.

His family settled for over $4 million in October 2024.
This case led to Adam’s Law in Virginia, requiring hazing education and reporting.

Relevance to City of Hopewell: This local Virginia tragedy highlights that hazing is a severe problem right here in our state, affecting families like yours. The substantial settlement and new state law demonstrate that justice is possible within Virginia’s legal system for hazing victims.

Local University of Texas at Austin / Sigma Chi (2025)

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed

In November 2025, a lawsuit was filed regarding the hazing-related death by suicide of an 18-year-old freshman at “UT Austin” from Sigma Chi fraternity. This breaking news, filed the same week as our Bermudez case, further underscores the ongoing crisis of Greek life in Texas and its devastating consequences.

Relevance to City of Hopewell: This simultaneous Texas hazing death case reveals the pervasive and deadly national hazing problem.

The Message to Universities and Fraternities Affecting City of Hopewell

These multi-million dollar recoveries send an unambiguous message: hazing will not be tolerated. For City of Hopewell families considering legal action, these cases prove several critical points:

Universities are Accountable: Institutions near City of Hopewell, whether it’s Virginia State University or the University of Virginia, can and will be held liable for their negligence in overseeing Greek life.
National Organizations are Not Immune: The “deep pockets” of national fraternities, including those with chapters around City of Hopewell, can be compelled to pay millions for their failure to protect students.
Individual Perpetrators Pay: As the Dunson judgment shows, those directly involved in hazing can be held personally responsible for massive damages.
Hazing Cases Drive Change: These lawsuits not only secure justice for victims but also force legislative reform and cultural shifts, aiming to make campuses, including those where City of Hopewell students enroll, safer for all.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not just a quest for compensation; it is a continuation of this national fight to end hazing, ensuring that the brutal “traditions” never claim another victim. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies that achieve these landmark results are what we bring to every City of Hopewell family we represent.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights in City of Hopewell Hazing Cases

For families in City of Hopewell grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, where hazing laws provide a robust framework for victim protection, similar anti-hazing statutes exist across most states. Furthermore, federal civil rights claims and general negligence principles apply regardless of location, giving us federal court authority to pursue your case wherever the hazing occurred.

However, let’s explore the key elements of Texas law, which reflects a growing national consensus on fighting hazing, and how it directly empowers victims, including those from City of Hopewell.

The Texas Anti-Hazing Law: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation, which provide powerful tools for both criminal prosecution and civil litigation.

1. A Comprehensive Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing almost any act that endangers a student for initiation, membership, or affiliation purposes. This includes acts occurring “on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others.” The definition explicitly covers:

Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body. (Leonel’s case involved being struck with wooden paddles and waterboarding, fitting this definition.)
Endangerment to Health or Safety: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities that subject a student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect mental or physical health. (Leonel’s experience with 100+ push-ups, 500 squats to the point of kidney failure, stripping in cold weather, and sleep deprivation falls squarely here.)
Forced Consumption: Food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk or adversely affect health. (Leonel being forced to eat hot dogs, milk, and peppercorns until vomiting directly violates this.)
Violations of Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to commit a crime.
Coerced Alcohol or Drug Consumption: Forcing a student to consume alcohol to intoxication or any drug.

City of Hopewell Application: While Virginia has its own anti-hazing laws (like Adam’s Law), the comprehensive nature of the Texas definition illustrates the types of behaviors that are universally recognized as hazing and subject to severe penalties, whether in Richmond, Blacksburg, or City of Hopewell.

2. Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):
Texas hazing laws carry serious criminal consequences, indicating society’s strong condemnation of these acts.

Class B Misdemeanor: Simply “engaging in hazing,” soliciting, encouraging, or aiding hazing, or failing to report hazing carries penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes “serious bodily injury” (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) can lead to up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes “death” can result in 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

City of Hopewell Application: The University of Houston spokesperson’s reference to “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case highlights this critical intersection of civil and criminal law. Virginia’s “Adam’s Law” also includes felony hazing charges for causing serious injury or death, demonstrating a similar legal philosophy.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law doesn’t just target individuals; it holds organizations accountable. A fraternity, sorority, or other student group commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property.

City of Hopewell Application: This provision is crucial for holding local chapters and even national organizations responsible, just as we are doing with Pi Kappa Phi National and the Beta Nu chapter.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is CRITICAL for City of Hopewell Victims.
Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of Texas law is its explicit rejection of the “consent” defense:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common, insidious argument from fraternities and universities that “he agreed to participate” or “he knew what he was signing up for.” Texas law recognizes that the dynamics of hazing, involving coercion, peer pressure, and a desire to belong, negate true consent. Forced consent to illegal or dangerous activities is simply not valid. Virginia law also rejects consent as a defense to hazing.

City of Hopewell Application: This legal principle is vital for any City of Hopewell family whose child was hazed, as it eliminates one of the primary defenses often used by perpetrating organizations.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Chief administrative officers of Texas institutions must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This mandates transparency and provides a paper trail for investigations.

City of Hopewell Application: While reporting mechanisms may differ, universities everywhere have a responsibility to act on hazing, and documentation is key for future legal action.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges aim to punish perpetrators, civil lawsuits empower victims from City of Hopewell to recover damages and rebuild their lives. Our firm leverages multiple civil liability theories:

Negligence Claims: We argue that the university, national organization, and individual members had a “duty of care” to Leonel, that they “breached” this duty through their actions or inactions, causing his injuries and resulting in significant “damages.” This applies universally, including for students attending colleges near City of Hopewell, like a student at Virginia Commonwealth University or William & Mary.
Premises Liability: Because the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, they face direct liability as property owners who allowed a dangerous condition (hazing) to exist on their premises. This is a critical factor we investigate in every case, especially for institutions that control fraternity housing around City of Hopewell.
Negligent Supervision: We allege that the national organization failed to adequately supervise its local chapter, and the University of Houston failed to properly oversee its Greek life system, leading to the hazing.
Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, such as striking with paddles or forcibly spraying with a hose.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The outrageous nature of the hazing (e.g., waterboarding, forced humiliation) against Leonel supports claims for severe emotional distress suffered by the victim.
Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing death, families can pursue wrongful death claims for the loss of their loved one, including mental anguish, loss of companionship, and financial support.

City of Hopewell Application: These civil claims exist in Virginia and across the United States. Your City of Hopewell hazing case can proceed regardless of local criminal prosecution decisions. We are adept at navigating these complex legal waters to ensure your family receives full compensation.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for City of Hopewell Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape, the cultural nuances of Greek life, and the tactics of powerful institutions. You need a team that knows how to fight and win. For families in City of Hopewell, Attorney911 offers unparalleled expertise, drawing on decades of experience and a deep commitment to justice for hazing victims.

Here’s why we are the obvious choice, even if you are in City of Hopewell, Virginia, and we are based in Houston, Texas:

1. Active, Aggressive Hazing Litigation: We’re in the Fight RIGHT NOW

The Bermudez Case is Our Proof: We are not just talking about hazing; we are leading the charge. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, live legal action where we are holding a national fraternity and a major university accountable for horrific hazing that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
City of Hopewell Benefit: This direct, current experience means we bring cutting-edge strategies, a deep understanding of hazing dynamics, and proven aggression to every client, including those in City of Hopewell. We understand the unique challenges of these cases because we are immersed in one of the most significant hazing lawsuits in the country.

2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: We Know Their Playbook

Ralph P. Manginello (Managing Partner): Ralph honed his skills working on the defense side for insurance companies. He saw firsthand how they minimize claims, build defenses, and strategize against injured victims. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients. His experience against massive corporate defendants, including in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation, proves our capacity to take on any institutional defendant, including universities and national fraternities.
Lupe Eleno Peña (Associate Attorney): Lupe previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He defended insurance companies, gaining intimate knowledge of their valuation methods, delay tactics, and denial strategies across various practice areas, from product liability to commercial litigation. Now, he applies this “battlefield intelligence” to benefit hazing victims, ensuring we “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the other side.
City of Hopewell Benefit: When institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University or national fraternities with chapters near City of Hopewell deploy their legal teams and insurance adjusters, we already know their strategies. This “unfair advantage” means we can anticipate their moves, counter their arguments, and push for the maximum possible settlement or verdict for your family in City of Hopewell.

3. Nationwide Reach and Federal Court Authority: Distance is No Barrier

Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdictions across the country, should the circumstances warrant it. Many hazing cases involve national organizations, making federal court a strategic option.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph’s bar admissions in Texas AND New York provide a strategic advantage, especially when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in different states.
Willingness to Travel: We will travel to City of Hopewell for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Modern technology (video consultations, secure document sharing) bridges the geographic gap for day-to-day communication, making our expertise accessible to anyone, anywhere.
City of Hopewell Benefit: You don’t need a local City of Hopewell firm that may lack specialized hazing experience. Our firm brings national-level expertise and litigation power directly to your case, no matter where you are located.

4. Hazing-Specific Expertise with Proven Results

Rhabdomyolysis Cases: Ralph has direct, specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing, precisely mirroring Leonel Bermudez’s medical condition. This means we understand the complex medical aspects and the long-term implications for victims of extreme physical hazing.
Institutional Accountability: Our firm knows how to build cases against not only the local chapter but also the national organization, the housing corporation, university administration, and individual perpetrators. We demonstrated this in our comprehensive complaint for Leonel.
Precedent Success: We draw strength from precedent-setting multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases like Stone Foltz ($10.1M+), Maxwell Gruver ($6.1M jury verdict), and Timothy Piazza ($110M+). We use these to guide our strategy and inform our demands for City of Hopewell families.
City of Hopewell Benefit: Your family benefits from attorneys who have already confronted these exact medical and institutional challenges. We aren’t learning on your dime; we’re applying proven methods.

5. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach

Empathetic and Humble: We understand the trauma hazing victims and their families endure. Our tone is warm, educational, and empathetic. We speak directly to parents, not in cold legal jargon. Our Google reviews consistently praise our communication and genuine care, with clients saying things like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
Bilingual Services: Fluent in Spanish, Lupe Peña ensures that Hispanic families in City of Hopewell and across Virginia can access justice without language barriers.
Contingency Fees: We believe cost should never be a barrier to justice. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and allows families in City of Hopewell to fight powerful defendants without financial risk.
City of Hopewell Benefit: You and your child will be treated with respect and understanding, and your case will be handled by a team that genuinely cares about your well-being and is invested in securing the best outcome for you.

When choosing a hazing attorney for your family in City of Hopewell, you need a firm that combines aggressive litigation with empathetic understanding, insider knowledge with nationwide reach, and a clear track record of fighting and winning against the biggest names in the game. You need Attorney911. We are ready to bring our expertise to your family’s fight, just as we did for Leonel Bermudez.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for City of Hopewell Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in City of Hopewell has been victimized by hazing, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic and overwhelming. You’re likely consumed by anger, fear, and a desperate need for answers. In these critical moments, your actions can significantly impact your child’s recovery and your potential legal case. We urge you to take immediate and decisive steps to protect your child and preserve your legal rights.

Time is of the essence. Hazing organizations and negligent institutions often move quickly to control the narrative and suppress evidence. You need to act faster.

First, and Most Crucial: Prioritize Your Child’s Well-being

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If your child has sustained any physical injury, or is exhibiting symptoms like severe pain, persistent vomiting, disorientation, or unusual urine color (like Leonel’s brown urine indicating rhabdomyolysis), get them to an emergency room or doctor immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, medical professionals can detect hidden damage. This is not just for health; it’s critical for documenting injuries.
- For City of Hopewell families: Take your child to John Randolph Medical Center or another local medical facility without delay. Ensure all symptoms and events leading to the injury are clearly communicated to medical staff.
Seek Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Look for qualified therapists or counselors specializing in trauma. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common. Prioritize their mental recovery.
- For City of Hopewell families: Contact local mental health services or seek referrals from trusted pediatricians who can connect you with trauma-informed care in the area.

Second: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

In hazing cases, evidence can disappear quickly. Organizations destroy records, members delete messages, and witnesses move on. You must become a meticulous record-keeper. As Ralph Manginello constantly advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”

Medical Records: Obtain every single medical record related to the hazing. This includes:
- Emergency Room reports
- Hospitalization records (like Leonel’s 4-day stay)
- Doctor’s notes
- Lab results (especially blood tests for rhabdomyolysis markers like creatine kinase, and urine tests)
- Physician referrals
- Therapist or counselor notes and reports
- All bills and payment records for medical and mental health treatment.
Photos and Videos:
- Take clear, well-lit photos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. Document the progression over days and weeks.
- If any photos or videos of the hazing itself exist (taken by your child, or sent by others), preserve them immediately. These are invaluable.
- Photograph the location if known, especially if structures or conditions played a role.
Digital Communications (CRITICAL): This is often the smoking gun in hazing cases.
- DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Even if it seems insignificant.
- Screenshot everything: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, Facebook posts, emails, or any other digital communication where hazing activities were discussed, planned, or referenced. This includes messages from pledges, active members, alumni, or university officials.
- Download or back up entire chat histories.
- Note dates and times.
Witness Information:
- Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, students, alumni, or anyone who may have witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it. Encourage them to contact us directly.
Organizational Documents:
- Save any “pledge packets,” manuals, codes of conduct, schedules, or rules given to your child by the organization or university.
- Keep records of applications, bids, or acceptance letters.
Financial and Academic Records:
- Gather documents showing any lost wages from missed work, lost scholarships, or disruption to academic coursework.
- Preserve academic records to show any decline in performance during or after the hazing period.

Third: Know What NOT to Do

These mistakes can severely damage your child’s case:

DO NOT Delete Any Communications or Posts: Deleting evidence, even if you think it’s incriminating or embarrassing, is highly detrimental and could be considered spoliation of evidence.
DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Organization without Legal Counsel: Do not talk to fraternity/sorority members, leaders, or alumni. Do not talk to university administrators (Title IX officers, Greek Life advisors, Deans) without first consulting with us. They are not on your side; they are protecting the institution. Any statement you give can be used against you.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, university, or their representatives without our review. You could inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or you post online can and will be used against you. Avoid discussing the incident, your child’s injuries, or any aspect of a potential lawsuit on social media. Avoid posting photos that could be misconstrued (e.g., photos showing your child “looking fine” months after the incident).
DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of the injury or death. While this may seem like a long time, crucial evidence disappears quickly. The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case.

Finally, and Most Importantly: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

The moment you suspect hazing has occurred, call us. We offer a free, confidential consultation to families in City of Hopewell. We will listen to your story, assess your situation, and provide immediate, actionable guidance.

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline, 24/7: # 1-888-ATTY-911
Email us: ralph@atty911.com
Schedule a Video Consultation: We understand traveling may be difficult, so we offer remote consultations to families in City of Hopewell.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows your family in City of Hopewell to focus on healing, knowing that you have aggressive, experienced advocates fighting for justice on your behalf.
Don’t let distance be a barrier. We serve hazing victims nationwide, bringing our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel to ensure that students from City of Hopewell receive the same expert representation as our clients in Houston.

Contact Us: Your Child Deserves Justice, City of Hopewell

If you are a parent in City of Hopewell, Virginia, and your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you are likely feeling a tempest of emotions: fear, anger, betrayal, and a fierce determination to protect your child. We understand. These are not moments for hesitation. They are moments for decisive action. Justice delayed can be justice denied, as evidence vanishes, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire.

We are Attorney911, and we are here for you. We are aggressively fighting the ongoing hazing crisis, as shown by our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We are ready to bring that same level of dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of accountability to your child’s case in City of Hopewell.

Your Child’s Nightmare Was Real. Our Fight for Justice Will Be Too.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, plain and simple. It is a betrayal of trust by individuals, by Greek organizations, and by the universities that permit such savagery to occur on their watch. Whether your child attends Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Old Dominion University in Norfolk, or any institution further afield, they deserve to be safe. When that safety is shattered by hazing, we will hold every responsible party accountable.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Hopewell Hazing Case?

Active and Proven Hazing Expertise: We are actively litigating a major hazing case right now. This is not theoretical experience; this is real-time legal warfare against powerful institutions.
Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how the other side thinks, strategizes, and attempts to deny or devalue claims. We use that insider knowledge to prepare your case for maximum recovery.
Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims across the country, including those in City of Hopewell. We offer video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to City of Hopewell for meetings, depositions, and trials as needed.
No Upfront Fees: We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely no money out of pocket. We only get paid if we win your case, aligning our goals directly with yours.
Comprehensive Client Support: We handle all communication with the fraternities, sororities, universities, and their legal teams. We guide you through the process, investigate thoroughly, gather all necessary evidence, and build a compelling case. We will empower you and your child, turning their pain into powerful advocacy.
Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, enabling us to serve the diverse communities of City of Hopewell and ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.

Connect with Attorney911 Today, City of Hopewell

The emotional toll of hazing is immense, but the legal fight does not have to be. Let us carry that burden for you. Your child’s voice deserves to be heard, and those who harmed them must be held responsible.

Don’t wait. Every moment that passes can jeopardize your case. Evidence gets lost, memories fade, and the clock ticks on the statute of limitations.

For immediate, confidential help, call our Legal Emergency Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

You can also reach us directly via email:
ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website for more information:
attorney911.com

Your fight is our fight. Let us help your family in City of Hopewell find justice and begin the journey toward healing. Enough is enough.