If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new horizons, and to learn in a safe environment. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. The promises of brotherhood or sisterhood turned into a nightmare of physical and psychological torment. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: you are not alone. We’re here to help families in City of Lexington fight back, to turn despair into definitive action, and to hold every responsible party accountable.

At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates for justice, particularly when it comes to the devastating impact of hazing on young lives. Our expertise, honed over more than two decades, is dedicated to aggressively representing victims and their families, ensuring that the institutions and individuals responsible for such heinous acts face the full force of the law. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we extend our specialized hazing litigation services to families in City of Lexington and across the nation, leveraging our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions to provide unparalleled representation.

The pain and fear you might be feeling are palpable, but so too is the power of legal action when spearheaded by an experienced and relentless team. We have seen firsthand the devastating effects of hazing, and we are not merely theoretical in our approach; we are actively fighting this battle right now in court, seeking justice for victims. The recent $10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a testament to our commitment, showcasing our data-driven litigation strategy and our unwavering pursuit of accountability on behalf of every hazing victim. We bring that same aggressive, compassionate, and results-oriented approach to families in City of Lexington.

The Unseen Battle: Hazing in America

Hazing remains a pervasive, insidious crisis within student organizations across the country, from fraternities and sororities to sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC programs. What many perceive as harmless “pranks” or “traditions” has escalated into systematic abuse, psychological torment, and life-threatening physical demands. This is not about camaraderie; it’s about control, humiliation, and often, extreme violence that leaves lasting scars, both visible and invisible.

We know the statistics are grim: over half of all students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and since the year 2000, not a single year has passed without at least one hazing-related death in the United States. Yet, a staggering 95% of students who are hazed never report it, paralyzed by fear of retribution, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, enabling institutions and national organizations to turn a blind eye until tragedy strikes.

The reality is that these incidents are not isolated occurrences. They are often the result of deeply ingrained cultures, unchecked power dynamics, and a profound failure of oversight from the very institutions entrusted with our children’s safety – universities and national organizations alike. These entities frequently claim ignorance or express shock when hazing is exposed, but our investigations consistently reveal a pattern of deliberate indifference, inadequate policies, and a prioritization of reputation over student well-being.

Hazing is a legal emergency, often requiring immediate and decisive action to preserve evidence and protect victims’ rights. The emotional and physical toll it exacts can be catastrophic, ranging from severe physical injuries and permanent disabilities to profound psychological trauma, academic failure, and even wrongful death. For families in City of Lexington whose children attend colleges throughout Virginia or elsewhere, these dangers are very real, and the need for expert legal intervention is paramount. We are here to meet that need, serving as the first responder to your legal emergency and fighting tirelessly to bring light to the darkness of hazing.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

City of Lexington Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This case happened in Houston, a major metropolitan area not unlike many places where students from City of Lexington might attend college. The same hazing happens at universities throughout Virginia and across the country. The same fraternities operate near City of Lexington. The same negligence exists at institutions your children might attend. And we will fight for City of Lexington families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

On November 21, 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This lawsuit is not just another case; it is the cornerstone of our commitment to holding accountable every entity responsible for hazing injuries. It is a live, ongoing battle that exemplifies our firm’s aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to hazing litigation.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. What he endured was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student.

From Ralph Manginello 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.”

From Lupe Pena 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 media immediately picked up on the story. Click2Houston (KPRC 2), ABC13 (KTRK), Hoodline, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media all covered the lawsuit, exposing the horrific details of the abuse. Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement, confirming the chapter’s closure but revealing a shocking lack of remorse.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a stark, terrifying warning for parents and students everywhere, including those in City of Lexington:

• Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, with various chapters at universities your children might attend in Virginia.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client are likely happening at fraternities across the country, including those near City of Lexington.
• Universities, like the University of Houston, often fail to protect students and share liability when hazing occurs on their watch or on their property.
• If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel.

The University of Houston, in a statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of “a clear violation of our community standards,” mentioning potential criminal charges. Pi Kappa Phi National, in their own statement, confirmed closing the chapter due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” and chillingly concluded, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This phrase alone speaks volumes not of remorse, but of a calculated strategy to weather the storm and resume operations.

This case is new. It is ongoing. It is a real and current example of how Attorney911 leverages deep legal expertise, aggressive tactics, and unwavering dedication to pursue justice for hazing victims against powerful institutions. Just as we are fighting in Houston, we are prepared to bring that same fight to City of Lexington, ensuring that no family endures such injustice in silence.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in City of Lexington, and indeed across the country, may have a vague understanding of hazing, recalling media portrayals from movies or anecdotes from their own college days. The truth, however, is far more sinister than innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. Hazing today is often systematic, brutal, and explicitly designed to break individuals, strip them of their dignity, and assert absolute control. It is not “boys being boys”; it is often assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and tragically, sometimes manslaughter or murder.

The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured, as detailed in our lawsuit and corroborated by media reports, paints a chilling picture of modern hazing:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: KHOU 11 and Houston Public Media reported that Leonel was “simulated waterboarded with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics and forced to run under the threat of being waterboarded. This is not a prank; waterboarding is recognized internationally as a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. It was inflicted on a college student trying to make friends.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. The Houston Chronicle noted he was then “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.” This is a deliberate act of degradation and a direct attack on physical well-being.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Our lawsuit details relentless physical abuse, including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, and repeated 100-yard crawls. The Houston Chronicle specifically mentioned victims being “struck with wooden paddles.” These sessions were designed to push pledges beyond their physical limits, leading to injuries like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis. Another pledge even lost consciousness during these forced workouts on October 15, yet the hazing continued.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Beyond the physical, Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were stripped to their underwear in cold weather and subjected to threats of physical punishment or expulsion if they didn’t comply. This level of psychological warfare can leave deep, lasting emotional scars.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to exhaustion. This tactic contributes to physical breakdown and impairs judgment, making victims more vulnerable.

The medical consequences of such abuse are severe. Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, leading to acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, a classic sign of this life-threatening condition, and he required a four-day hospitalization. This is the same medical condition Attorney911 has successfully litigated before, and Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases. Without prompt medical attention, this condition can lead to permanent kidney damage or death.

But beyond the immediate physical dangers, hazing inflicts profound psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. As ABC13 reported, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a poignant testament to the climate of fear and intimidation hazing perpetrators cultivate. This is the reality of hazing in America today, a reality that families in City of Lexington must confront and fight against. We are ready to stand with you.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, the responsibility rarely rests with just a few individuals. Our systematic approach to hazing litigation means we meticulously identify and pursue every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring all liable parties are held accountable. This approach, exemplified in our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, targets not just the direct perpetrators but also the institutions that enable such abuse. For families in City of Lexington, understanding who can be held responsible is the first step toward seeking justice.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical defendants we pursue in hazing cases:

• The Local Chapter (e.g., University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): This is the direct perpetrator of the hazing. The chapter organizes, plans, and executes the abusive activities. We hold the chapter responsible vicariously for the actions of its members and for its own negligence in fostering a dangerous environment.
• Chapter Officers (e.g., Fraternity President, Pledgemaster): These individuals, by virtue of their leadership roles, are directly responsible for the activities within the chapter. They often direct or sanction the hazing. We specifically name them in lawsuits, ensuring personal accountability for their decisions and actions. In the Bermudez case, the fraternity president and pledgemaster are among the 13 individual defendants.
• Individual Members: Any member who participated in, facilitated, or even witnessed the hazing and failed to intervene can be held liable. The lawsuit names multiple current members who participated in the abuse. Each individual’s actions, however small, contribute to the overall pattern of harm.
• Former Members & Spouses: Hazing often extends beyond the immediate college campus, sometimes occurring at off-campus residences. In our Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, a former member and his spouse are named because significant hazing sessions allegedly occurred at their residence. This expands the net of liability to anyone who provides a venue or allows such activities to occur on their property.
• The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): This is often where the “deep pockets” are found. National fraternities and sororities have a legal and moral obligation to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure the safety of their members. When they fail, despite clear warnings and a history of incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death in Pi Kappa Phi’s own history), they are directly liable for negligent supervision and institutional indifference. Pi Kappa Phi National’s immediate suspension and dissolution of the UH chapter, coupled with allegations from KHOU 11 that they knew about “a hazing crisis,” strongly indicate their awareness and failure to act.
• The University or College (e.g., University of Houston): Universities have a duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise control over the environment where hazing occurs. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where the hazing took place. This establishes clear premises liability. Furthermore, universities are responsible for overseeing Greek life, investigating reports of misconduct, and implementing policies to prevent hazing. The University of Houston had actual notice of hazing dangers, as evidenced by a prior hazing hospitalization at UH in 2017 involving a different fraternity. Their failure to act decisively after that incident, and their continued ownership of the property where hazing occurred, makes their liability undeniable. The UH Board of Regents is also named, representing the governing body’s ultimate oversight failure.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often individual defendants, there are insurance policies – general liability, institutional liability, homeowner’s, and personal liability policies. These policies provide the funds necessary to compensate victims for their injuries. Our team, with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both former insurance defense attorneys, possesses invaluable insight into how these companies operate, allowing us to effectively pursue maximum benefits.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice. It’s not about targeting a single perpetrator; it’s about holding an entire system of negligence and complicity accountable. For families in City of Lexington battling the trauma of hazing, knowing that every responsible party – from the individual who wielded a paddle to the university president who allowed a dangerous culture to fester – will be held accountable offers a crucial pathway to healing and systemic change.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families facing the unimaginable aftermath of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is often about the possibility of meaningful compensation. Can we truly hold powerful fraternities, national organizations, and universities accountable? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Attorney911 points to a powerful track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the nation. These landmark cases serve as irrefutable proof that justice can be won, and the message to institutions is clear: hazing costs millions.

These precedent-setting cases provide compelling evidence for families in City of Lexington:

• STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total Recovery $10.1 Million+
  • Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. The compensation for his family included a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and its individual members.
  • Significance for City of Lexington: This case sets a direct precedent for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held liable for millions, even when the university is not directly involved in the hazing at an off-campus house, but fails in oversight. The massive payout shows how seriously courts and legal systems view these harms.
• MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  • Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where incorrect answers led to more drinking. His BAC was 0.495. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
  • Significance for City of Lexington: This case proves that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts against fraternities for hazing deaths, sending a powerful message that “tradition” is no excuse for preventable tragedies. It also shows that criminal convictions can occur alongside civil victories.
• TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)
  • Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old student, died after suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual involving rapid, forced alcohol consumption. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Settlements in this case, including with Penn State, are estimated to exceed $110 million.
  • Significance for City of Lexington: This case highlights the potential for astronomical payouts when the evidence of egregious misconduct is overwhelming and institutional cover-ups are exposed. The fact that security cameras captured everything was crucial, emphasizing the importance of evidence preservation in your case in City of Lexington.
• ADAM OAKES — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
  • Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old student, died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking during a Delta Chi event. His family recently reached a $4 million+ settlement with multiple parties.
  • Significance for City of Lexington: This very recent settlement proves continued willingness of institutions to pay substantial amounts in hazing deaths.
• ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  • Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old, died from forced alcohol consumption during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event. This is the SAME national fraternity as our ongoing Bermudez case. While the settlement amount remains confidential, 9 fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed.
  • Significance for City of Lexington: The Coffey case is a smoking gun for Pi Kappa Phi’s pattern of negligence. It demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This long-standing awareness and subsequent failure to prevent further harm dramatically strengthen our pursuit of punitive damages in the Bermudez case, and serve as a warning to other fraternities that such histories will be exposed and punished.

These cases are not just legal victories; they are pivotal moments that have driven legislative change across the country. The “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania, and “Collin’s Law” in Ohio have all made hazing a felony and increased penalties, partly thanks to the relentless pursuit of justice by families and attorneys like ours.

For families in City of Lexington, these multi-million dollar outcomes demonstrate that your fight for justice is not in vain. The strategies and precedents established in these cases are directly applicable to hazing incidents at colleges and universities that students from City of Lexington attend. We stand ready to leverage this proven track record and our aggressive litigation approach to ensure your family also receives the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in City of Lexington

For families and victims in City of Lexington, understanding the legal landscape is crucial in the pursuit of justice for hazing. While our firm is based in Texas, where the Bermudez case is actively being litigated, the fundamental principles of hazing laws and civil liability extend nationwide. Many states have specific anti-hazing statutes, and federal civil rights claims, coupled with general negligence laws, apply regardless of the specific location of the incident. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions empower us to pursue your case wherever the hazing occurred, including any university or organization in the vicinity of City of Lexington.

Let’s demystify some key aspects of the law that empower hazing victims:

1. What is Hazing? The Legal Definition
Most states, including Virginia, base their anti-hazing laws on similar principles found in the Texas Education Code § 37.151, which defines hazing broadly. It includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding). Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was struck with wooden paddles, directly violating this.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics that subject the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect mental or physical health. Leonel’s 500 squats, bear crawls, and cold-weather exposure clearly fall under this.
• Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. Forcing Leonel to eat until he vomited, then continuing physical exertion, directly violates this.
• Involves any activity that induces a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Involves coercing a student to consume drugs or excessive alcohol leading to intoxication.

The egregious acts suffered by Leonel Bermudez—including waterboarding, forced excessive exercise, forced ingestion, and physical assault—fit multiple definitions of hazing under Texas law, and would likely align with legal definitions in Virginia and other states. This strong legal foundation is vital for any hazing lawsuit.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154)
This is one of the most crucial elements for hazing victims. Fraternities and universities often try to argue that “the student consented” or “knew what they were signing up for.” Texas law, like that in many other states, unequivocally rejects this argument: “It is not a defense… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means that even if a student “agreed” to participate, the illegal nature of hazing overrides any alleged consent. Attorney911 aggressively uses this statute to dismantle the defense’s primary argument, ensuring the focus remains on the perpetrators’ illegal actions, not the victim’s coerced participation.

3. Criminal Penalties & Organizational Liability
Hazing isn’t just unethical; it’s a crime. In Texas, hazing can be classified as a Class B Misdemeanor, leading to jail time and fines. If serious bodily injury occurs (as with Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor. If death results, it’s a State Jail Felony. These criminal charges often run parallel to civil lawsuits, bolstering the claim of wrongdoing.
Furthermore, an organization itself can face fines, denial of the right to operate, and forfeiture of property if it “condones or encourages” hazing or if its members commit hazing. This directly targets the local chapter and the national organization.

4. Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges
Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in a conviction, victims can still file civil lawsuits to recover damages. Here are some of the key civil claims we pursue:

• Negligence: This is often the cornerstone of a hazing lawsuit. We argue that institutions (universities, national fraternities) had a duty of care to protect students, they breached that duty by allowing hazing, and this breach directly caused the injuries.
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in our UH case) or a fraternity housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions to exist on their premises.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters or when universities fail to monitor Greek life activities, allowing hazing to flourish unchecked.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional physical harm.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For acts so outrageous and extreme (like waterboarding or severe mental torment) that they cause severe emotional anguish.

For families in City of Lexington, understanding these legal avenues means understanding that there are powerful tools available to secure justice. These civil claims exist in varying forms in every state, and our federal court authority means your case can proceed regardless of local criminal prosecution decisions. We leverage these laws to not only secure compensation for our clients but to also force systemic change, making campuses safer for future generations.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in City of Lexington

When your family in City of Lexington faces the unimaginable trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. This is not a typical personal injury case; it requires a unique blend of aggressive litigation, a deep understanding of institutional dynamics, and a profound commitment to justice that transcends mere monetary compensation. Attorney911 offers unmatched advantages that set us apart as the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families in City of Lexington.

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now: The Bermudez Case
This is our primary differentiator. We are not just talking about hazing; we are leading the charge. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live, ongoing case that showcases our expertise and commitment. When you hire Attorney911, you’re not getting a firm that hopes to handle hazing cases someday; you’re getting attorneys who are actively engaged in highly complex, multi-defendant hazing litigation at this very moment. Families in City of Lexington receive the same level of aggressive, cutting-edge representation.

2. Unparalleled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña possess a strategic advantage that few plaintiff firms can offer: they are former insurance defense attorneys.

• Ralph Manginello, our managing partner with over 25 years of courtroom experience, worked for defense firms, learning their strategies firsthand.
• Lupe Peña, our associate attorney with 12+ years of experience, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, where he defended insurance companies against a wide array of claims.
  This means we know exactly how the defense thinks. We understand their tactics, their playbook, and their weaknesses. We’ve seen their internal strategies for minimizing payouts and denying claims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and maximize compensation for our clients, creating an unfair advantage for hazing victims in City of Lexington.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions
Hazing often involves national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. Our admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and other federal districts across the country means we have the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal court, which can be critical when national organizations are involved. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities headquartered in other states. This broad jurisdictional reach ensures that geographical distance from City of Lexington is not a barrier to justice.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: The BP Texas City Explosion
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion in 2005 demonstrates our firm’s capacity to take on and win against the largest corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases, which often involve complex institutional negligence claims against powerful national fraternities and multi-billion-dollar universities. We are not intimidated by large legal teams or vast corporate resources.

5. Specialized Expertise in Relevant Injury Types: Rhabdomyolysis & Wrongful Death
Our team has direct experience with the medical conditions often associated with severe hazing. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making us uniquely qualified to understand and litigate injuries like those suffered by Leonel Bermudez. We also have extensive experience in wrongful death litigation, providing compassionate yet aggressive representation for families who have lost loved ones to hazing. These are not merely abstract concepts for us; they are real injuries and real losses we are fighting to rectify.

6. Se Habla Español: Serving City of Lexington’s Diverse Communities
We understand that language should never be a barrier to justice. Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that Spanish-speaking families in City of Lexington receive comprehensive legal services, from initial consultation to courtroom representation, without any communication hurdles. We are committed to providing culturally sensitive and accessible legal support to all families affected by hazing.

7. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy
Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with IRS EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and insurance structures. This “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine” allows us to precisely identify every entity behind the Greek letters, so we know exactly who to sue when hazing happens. We don’t guess; we know. This aggressive, data-driven approach is what allowed us to quickly target every responsible party in the Bermudez case. We are applying this same intelligence network to identify and hold liable any organization that harms students, everywhere.

8. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost to You
We understand that families in City of Lexington grappling with the trauma of hazing may be under significant financial strain. This is why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This eliminates any financial barrier to accessing top-tier legal representation, allowing you to focus on your family’s healing while we handle the fight for justice. You literally pay us nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

9. Compassionate & Aggressive Representation: We Care About Your Family
Our reputation is built on balancing aggressive, results-driven advocacy with genuine compassion for our clients. Testimonials from our clients consistently highlight our firm’s commitment to treating them “like family” and our transparent communication throughout the process. Ralph Manginello, a father of three and a deeply involved community member, understands firsthand what’s at stake when a family’s child is harmed. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we fight tirelessly because we truly care. We will travel to City of Lexington for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

At Attorney911, we believe that every hazing incident is a call for justice. We have the experience, the knowledge, the resources, and the unwavering commitment to answer that call for families in City of Lexington.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for City of Lexington Families

If your child in City of Lexington has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, quick and strategic action is essential to protect your child’s legal rights and build a strong case for justice. We understand that this is likely one of the most difficult times in your family’s life, but taking these steps can make a profound difference.

Here’s what you should do right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention (If Not Already Done):
First and foremost, prioritize your child’s health. If they have suffered any physical or psychological harm due to hazing, ensure they receive a thorough medical evaluation immediately.

• Documentation is key: Every doctor’s visit, every emergency room trip, every diagnosis, every prescription, and every medical bill is vital evidence. Even if injuries seem minor, get them documented.
• Follow medical advice: Adhere strictly to all treatment plans, physical therapy, and counseling recommendations. Consistent medical care strengthens your claim directly.
• For psychological trauma: Seek a mental health professional for evaluation and support. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are very real consequences of hazing and require professional intervention.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Absolutely Everything:
Hazing is often conducted in secret, and perpetrators will quickly destroy evidence once an incident is reported. You must act swiftly to preserve all potential evidence:

• Texts and Group Chats:
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Screenshots of all text messages (SMS), iMessages, GroupMe chats, WhatsApp messages, and other messaging app conversations related to the hazing. These are often digital smoking guns.
  • Look for direct instructions, threats, derogatory comments, meeting times, and discussions about hazing activities.
• Social Media:
  • DO NOT DELETE ANY POSTS. Take screenshots of any relevant social media posts, stories, photos, or direct messages (Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, X DMs).
  • Look for posts from other members, pledges, or witnesses that might corroborate hazing activities or reveal the perpetrators’ attitudes.
  • CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT POST ABOUT THE INCIDENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. This includes your child, other family members, and friends. Anything you post can and will be used against you by the defense to undermine your credibility or severity of injuries. Assume every post is visible to opposing counsel.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Any photos or videos your child, other pledges, or witnesses may have captured of hazing activities, injuries, or the hazing location.
  • Take current photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) as they heal. Document the progression or any lasting scars.
  • Take photos of any relevant locations – the fraternity house, event locations, specific rooms, or outdoor areas where hazing occurred.
• Documents:
  • Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “expectations,” or other physical documents given to your child.
  • Copies of enrollment records, tuition bills, and scholarship information.
• Witness Information:
  • Collect names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it – other pledges, friends, bystanders, former members who later spoke out.

3. Do NOT Engage with the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers Without Legal Counsel:
This is paramount. These organizations and their legal teams are not on your side; their primary goal is to minimize their liability.

• Decline to give any statements (written, verbal, or recorded) to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their attorneys without your lawyer present. They will try to get you to say things that can harm your case.
• Do NOT sign any documents from the organization, the university, or their insurers. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
• Do NOT confront perpetrators directly. This can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize your safety or your case.

4. Consider Reporting to Authorities:
Depending on the severity of the hazing:

• Local Law Enforcement: If physical assault, sexual assault, branding, or life-threatening situations occurred, report it to the police. This initiates a criminal investigation which can complement your civil case, as seen in the Gruver and Piazza cases. The University of Houston spokesperson has already mentioned “potential criminal charges” in our ongoing case.
• University Administration: Report the incident to the university, specifically mentioning that you are also pursuing legal action. Be prepared that university investigations prioritize institutional interests, but it is a necessary step.
• Title IX Office: If the hazing involved gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, report it to the university’s Title IX office.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: The Statute of Limitations is Critical.
Time is of the essence. In most states, including Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including hazing injuries) is two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death claims, it’s two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you forever lose your right to sue.

• Evidence disappears: Digital trails are erased, witnesses leave, and memories fade.
• Organizations destroy records: Companies will actively purge damaging records.
• Protection for your child: We can immediately send “preservation letters” to all responsible parties, legally requiring them to retain all evidence related to the incident.
• Free Consultation: We offer a 24/7 free consultation. You can speak with an experienced hazing litigation attorney who can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your options without any financial obligation.
• Distance is not a barrier: Even if you’re in City of Lexington and we’re based in Houston, we offer video consultations and will travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

Your child didn’t deserve this. Your family deserves justice. By taking these decisive steps now, you empower us to fight effectively on your behalf and hold those responsible for this inexcusable abuse accountable.

Contact Us: Your Immediate Call to Action for City of Lexington

🚨 City of Lexington Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

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

The emotional toll of hazing is immense, and the thought of pursuing legal action against powerful institutions can feel daunting. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases from the ground up, how to expertly identify and pursue every liable entity, and how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. City of Lexington families get the same aggressive, compassionate, and unwavering representation that we bring to every case.

City of Lexington Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for City of Lexington Hazing Emergencies.

We understand the financial burden and emotional stress you may be facing. That’s why we work on a Contingency Fee basis – $0 upfront for City of Lexington families. You pay us nothing unless and until we secure compensation for you. This means there’s no financial risk to you in seeking justice. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential.

What City of Lexington Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already. Document everything, no matter how minor it seems. This is crucial for linking injuries to the hazing.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, photos, videos, social media posts, pledge manuals, and witness names. Do not delete anything. Consider this your digital crime scene.
3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials, or their lawyers without first consulting with us. They are not on your side and will attempt to minimize their liability.
4. DO NOT post anything about the incident on social media. Everything you post can and will be used against you.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY. The statute of limitations (typically two years) starts running from the date of injury. Evidence disappears, witnesses move on, and memories fade. Don’t let valuable time slip away.

We Serve City of Lexington Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While Attorney911 operates from our Texas offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, hazing is a nationwide scourge, happening at colleges and universities just like those that students from City of Lexington might attend. Our reach extends far beyond state lines, positioning us as an indispensable resource for hazing victims across America:

• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. This is particularly crucial when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across state borders.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds bar licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage and broader legal standing when litigating against national fraternity organizations that may be headquartered in other states.
• Video Consultations: For families in City of Lexington, geographical distance is no obstacle. We readily offer secure and convenient video consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with our experienced attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• Travel Commitment: When needed, our legal team will travel to City of Lexington for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We are committed to being wherever justice demands.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life alone. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions near City of Lexington
• City of Lexington sports teams
• Marching bands at Virginia universities
• ROTC programs and military academies
• Any club or organization at schools your child might attend that uses abuse as a form of “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you were a pledge or member of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston and witnessed or experienced the hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez, we know there are more of you. Our client was not the only one subjected to this abuse. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15; others were forced into waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical exertion. You have rights too. We can represent you, and your testimony can be critical in holding this organization accountable.

As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

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