If you’re reading this, your family in City of Richmond may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a network, and prepare for a bright future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were brought to the brink of physical and psychological collapse, or even worse, taken from you forever. We’re here to help families in City of Richmond fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and fraternities.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear – it’s all overwhelming. You might be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could happen, and who could possibly be held responsible. You are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, stands with victims and their families in City of Richmond and across the nation, bringing aggressive, data-driven litigation to hold every responsible party accountable.

The Haunting Echoes in City of Richmond: A Crisis That Hits Home

Hazing isn’t a problem confined to faraway campuses; it’s a crisis that affects families and students right here in City of Richmond. Our children leave the comfort of their homes in City of Richmond, heading to universities across Virginia and beyond, full of hope and ambition. They expect to be safe, to be nurtured, to engage in healthy, character-building activities. Instead, many find themselves trapped in cycles of abuse disguised as “tradition.”

Statistics paint a grim picture: over 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and tragically, since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. Even more chilling is that 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misplaced loyalty. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, putting more students from City of Richmond and communities like ours at risk.

Families in City of Richmond send their children to esteemed institutions such as the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Union University, all with active Greek life and student organizations. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and severe injuries nationwide maintain chapters at or near these City of Richmond-area universities. The deeply disturbing practices that hospitalized our client in Houston are not unique; they are prevalent in fraternities and sororities that recruit students from City of Richmond. We believe that colleges and universities near City of Richmond face the same Greek life oversight challenges that allowed hazing to occur at the University of Houston. This is why we are committed to extending our fight against hazing to victims and families in City of Richmond.

The Landmark Case That Ignites Our Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is more than just a lawsuit; it is the embodiment of everything Attorney911 stands for. It’s a live, active fight in Harris County Civil District Court that demonstrates our aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to hazing litigation. This isn’t a theoretical battle for us; we are in the trenches right now, demanding accountability, and we are ready to bring that same dedication to families in City of Richmond.

For families in City of Richmond: This is what hazing looks like today. This is what happened just weeks ago in Houston, and it could happen to your child. The same national fraternities operate near City of Richmond. The same negligence exists at institutions your children attend. We will fight for City of Richmond families with the same aggression and conviction we are bringing to this $10 million lawsuit.

The Unfolding Story of Leonel Bermudez

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. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was an horrific ordeal of systematic abuse and torture that lasted for weeks, leaving him hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed,” our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13. “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.” Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis – the breakdown of muscle tissue – and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization. He was passing brown urine, a stark indicator of the muscle damage his body endured.

Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, powerfully stated 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.” This sentiment drives us in every hazing case we take, including those involving families from City of Richmond.

The Hazing Activities: A Chilling Reality

The lawsuit filed in November 2025 details a litany of disturbing acts, including:

Waterboarding: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, a method of torture that simulates drowning. This was not a prank; it was an act of terror.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue running sprints through his own vomit, clearly in physical distress.
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included over 100 push-ups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed. He was also subjected to being struck with wooden paddles. On October 15, just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization, another pledge lost consciousness during these forced workouts.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In another incident, a pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.

Institutional Indifference: How We Hold Them Accountable

The University of Houston, the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, and individual fraternity members are all named as defendants in our $10 million lawsuit. KHOU 11 reported that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Houston Public Media confirmed the University of Houston spokesperson called the investigated events “deeply disturbing” and representative of a “clear violation of our community standards,” also noting “potential criminal charges” for those responsible.

Significantly, the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters announced on their website that they had closed their Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025 – a mere seven days before our lawsuit was filed. This conscious act demonstrates their awareness of wrongdoing and an attempt to limit liability, even as they disingenuously stated, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This lack of remorse, coupled with a documented history – including the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at an FSU Pi Kappa Phi event – reveals a pattern of negligence and a systemic failure to protect students.

We recognize that universities like those near City of Richmond and national Greek organizations have the power to stop this abuse. They have policies, they have oversight, and they have the responsibility to ensure student safety. When they fail, when they choose reputation over humanity, we are here to ensure they pay the price.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in City of Richmond, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless dares. We are here to shatter that misconception. What Leonel Bermudez endured, and what countless other students across America – including those from City of Richmond – suffer, is far beyond harmless rites of passage. It is systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation.

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”
IT IS:

Assault and Battery: Direct physical harm, often with intent.
Torture: Inflicting severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, to punish or coerce. Waterboarding, as seen in the Bermudez case, is unequivocally torture.
Reckless Endangerment: Disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the mental or physical health of others.
Felony Hazing: In many states, including Texas, hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death is a felony offense.
Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, it transforms into a case of wrongful death, often involving gross negligence or criminal acts.

The forms of hazing are as twisted as the minds that perpetrate them. Our experience and the details of the Bermudez case reveal the disturbing reality:

Category	Examples	Medical Consequences
Physical Abuse	Beatings, paddling (with wooden paddles), branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion (e.g., 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides”), forced calisthenics, hitting.	Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure (as in Bermudez’s case), broken bones, concussions, internal bleeding, heat stroke, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, permanent physical deformities, traumatic brain injury.
Forced Consumption	Binge drinking, consumption of entire bottles of alcohol (as in Andrew Coffey’s death), eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns), ingesting non-food substances.	Alcohol poisoning, aspiration, ruptured organs, digestive system damage, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, esophageal tears, severe gastrointestinal distress.
Waterboarding/Drowning	Simulated drowning with hoses.	Panic attacks, severe respiratory distress, near-drowning, cardiac arrest, long-term psychological trauma, PTSD.
Psychological Torture	Humiliation, degradation (carrying sexual objects, forced stripping), verbal abuse, isolation, sleep deprivation, death threats, threats of social ostracism or expulsion.	PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, psychosis, loss of self-esteem, chronic insomnia, eating disorders, impaired academic performance, difficulty forming trusting relationships, social withdrawal, substance abuse.
Sexual Abuse	Forced nudity, sexual acts, sexual assault (often under duress of alcohol or threats).	Lifelong psychological trauma, PTSD, sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections.
Exposure	Cold weather exposure (e.g., forced stripping in cold), heat exposure, confinement in small spaces.	Hypothermia, frostbite, severe heat stroke, dehydration, respiratory problems.

This is not about harmless fun; it is about power, control, and inflicting pain. Many of the activities Leonel endured would be considered criminal acts outside the context of a fraternity, yet they are normalized under the guise of “brotherhood.” We are dedicated to exposing this truth and ensuring that hazing rituals are recognized for what they are: dangerous, illegal acts of abuse.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Party Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of an effective hazing lawsuit is identifying and pursuing every entity responsible for the harm. As demonstrated in the Bermudez case, hazing is rarely the fault of just one individual or organization. It’s often a complex web of negligence, complicity, and active participation. We sue everyone who had a hand in the hazing or allowed it to happen, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice for City of Richmond families.

1. The Local Chapter and Members

Direct Perpetrators: The individual fraternity or sorority members who actively planned, encouraged, or participated in the hazing activities. These include the chapter president, pledgemaster, and other active members.
Leadership Responsibility: Chapter officers, particularly the president and pledgemaster, hold significant responsibility as they directly oversee and direct pledge activities. They are responsible for the well-being of their pledges and for ensuring compliance with anti-hazing policies.
Premises Liability: In the Bermudez case, some hazing occurred at a former member’s residence, leading us to name the former member and his spouse as defendants for allowing the abuse to happen on their property. This principle extends to individuals who own or control property where hazing takes place.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

Systemic Failure: National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi oversee hundreds of chapters across the country. They create anti-hazing policies, provide training, and are supposed to ensure their local chapters adhere to safe practices.
Failure to Supervise: When hazing occurs, it often points to a failure of national leadership to effectively supervise and monitor their local chapters. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters alleges they “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
Pattern of Negligence: The Pi Kappa Phi National organization had a direct precedent of a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey). Despite this, they failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, which can significantly increase the punitive damages awarded.
Deep Pockets: National organizations typically hold substantial assets, endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them a primary target for significant damage awards.

3. The University or College

Duty to Protect: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, ensure their safety, and provide a safe learning environment. This includes oversight of student organizations, Greek life, and campus housing.
Premises Liability: Crucially, in the Bermudez case, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This makes the University of Houston the landlord of the very premises where torture took place, greatly strengthening the case for premises liability and negligent supervision. Universities that own or control fraternity houses have added responsibility.
Institutional Knowledge: As seen with the University of Houston, there was a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 with another fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha). This means the university had direct knowledge of hazing risks on its campus and failed to implement adequate safeguards. This demonstrates institutional negligence and deliberate indifference to student safety.
Failure to Act: Universities have the power to regulate, suspend, or even ban fraternities. When they fail to use this authority to prevent hazing, they become complicit.
Abundant Resources: Universities typically possess substantial financial resources, including endowments and insurance, enabling them to pay significant settlements and verdicts.

4. Insurance Carriers

Underlying Coverage: The ultimate source for large settlements and verdicts often comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, the universities, and sometimes the individual members (homeowner’s or renter’s insurance).
Insider Knowledge: Our firm, with attorneys like Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena who previously worked as insurance defense lawyers, possesses unparalleled insight into how these companies operate. We understand their tactics for minimizing payouts and we know how to dismantle their defenses to maximize recovery for victims.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every possible avenue for accountability is explored. For City of Richmond families who have suffered due to hazing, we go beyond suing just the college kids; we target the powerful institutions that enabled and perpetuated the abuse, ensuring they bear the full financial and legal consequences of their dangerous negligence.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the potential for financial recovery is a crucial step towards justice. The precedents set by past hazing cases demonstrate that juries and courts are willing to award multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to victims and their families. This isn’t just about compensation; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable and sending an unequivocal message that hazing will not be tolerated. The same legal strategies and determination apply to cases involving students from City of Richmond who have been victims of hazing.

These landmark cases prove that hazing has a steep financial cost when challenged by aggressive legal representation:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died in March 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. The subsequent legal actions resulted in a groundbreaking financial outcome:

Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million.
The national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and individual members settled for $7.2 million.
In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally.
This case is a powerful testament that universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators will be held financially responsible. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver was an 18-year-old freshman who died in September 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495, more than six times the legal limit. A jury later awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. This case directly led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. The verdict sends a clear message: juries are outraged by hazing and will compensate victims generously.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Estimated Settlements: $110 Million+
Timothy Piazza’s tragic death in February 2017 shook the nation. After being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night, he suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding from multiple falls. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras inside the house captured the horrific events. While confidential, settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million, marking one of the largest hazing outcomes in U.S. history. This case also led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, establishing stricter penalties and immunity for reporting.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Confidential Settlement
Crucially, this case involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, as our current Bermudez lawsuit. Andrew Coffey died in November 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family later reached a confidential civil settlement. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi has a hazing-related death on its record from 2017 will be devastating for their defense against Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit. It proves a pattern of negligence and a failure to address deadly hazing in their organization for eight long years.

5. Other Significant Cases:

Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi, 2021): A recent October 2024 settlement for over $4 million for Oakes’ wrongful death due to forced alcohol consumption.
University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017): A previous $1 million lawsuit was filed after a UH student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing. This history proves that the University of Houston had direct knowledge of hazing issues on its campus well before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization.

The Message to City of Richmond: You Can Win Big

These multi-million dollar outcomes send a powerful and clear message: hazing is not tolerated, and the institutions and individuals who enable it will pay. The same legal strategies, the same vigorous pursuit of justice, and the same commitment to securing maximum compensation that led to these results are what we bring to every hazing case, including those for families in City of Richmond. We believe that when it comes to defending the safety and dignity of our children, no price is too high for accountability.

Texas Law Protects You: Debunking the “Consent” Myth

For families in City of Richmond, understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is essential. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for hazing are largely consistent across the nation, and similar anti-hazing laws exist in most states, including Virginia. Furthermore, our ability to pursue cases in federal courts, combined with our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), gives us a powerful reach to take on national fraternities and universities no matter where they are headquartered or where the hazing occurred.

One of the most insidious defenses employed by fraternities and universities when confronted with hazing allegations is that the victim “consented” to participate. They might claim, “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “Everyone was doing it voluntarily.” This argument attempts to shift blame from the perpetrators to the victim, absolving the institution of responsibility.

However, in Texas, and in many states, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Our state’s law unequivocally rejects this flimsy justification.

Texas Hazing Law: Education Code Sections 37.151-37.157

The Texas Education Code is a powerful tool in our fight against hazing, and similar statutes are robustly applied elsewhere.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:

Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like with wooden paddles), branding, calisthenics (such as 500 squats to exhaustion), or any activity that subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health.
Forced consumption: Requiring a student to consume food, liquid, alcohol (like in the Andrew Coffey case), or any substance that poses an unreasonable risk of harm.
Sleep deprivation and exposure: Forcing students to endure sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather), or confinement in small spaces.
Sexual humiliation: Activities involving sexual objects or degrading acts.

The egregious acts Leonel Bermudez endured – waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, and physical beatings – directly violate multiple provisions of this statute, clearly constituting criminal hazing under Texas law.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is the game-changer. The Texas Education Code explicitly states:

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

This critical provision means that no matter what the fraternity members, the national organization, or the university claims about “voluntary participation,” the law says otherwise. You cannot “consent” to criminal acts like assault, battery, or torture. The power dynamics of hazing, coupled with the immense social pressure to fit in, negate any true consent. This means that City of Richmond students, even if they seemingly went along with the hazing, cannot be blamed for the harm they suffered.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing face significant criminal charges:

Class B Misdemeanor for participating in hazing.
Class A Misdemeanor for hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure).
State Jail Felony for hazing causing death (like in the Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza cases).
The University of Houston spokesperson even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case, highlighting the severity of the alleged conduct.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Not only individuals but organizations can be penalized. If a fraternity “condones or encourages hazing,” or if its members commit hazing, the organization itself can face fines, denial of the right to operate, and forfeiture of property. This is why we hold both the local chapter and the national organization liable.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Beyond the criminal implications, hazing opens the door to powerful civil lawsuits where victims and their families can seek significant financial compensation. These civil claims, which exist across all states, include:

Negligence Claims: Arguing that universities, national fraternities, and individuals breached their duty of care to protect students, leading to injuries.
Premises Liability: Holding property owners, such as the University of Houston in the Bermudez case, responsible for dangerous conditions (like hazing) occurring on their property.
Negligent Supervision: Claiming that national organizations and universities failed to adequately supervise their chapters or Greek life, allowing hazing to flourish.
Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who physically harmed the victim.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Seeking damages for severe psychological trauma caused by outrageous conduct.

For City of Richmond families, this means that even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in convictions, a robust civil case can still proceed to secure justice and compensation for your child. The law is on your side, and we are here to arm you with its full power.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for City of Richmond Families

When tragedy strikes and your child is a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team that understands the gravity of the situation, knows the intricate legal landscape, and possesses the relentless drive to fight powerful institutions. Attorney911 is that team, uniquely positioned to serve families in City of Richmond and across the nation. We are not just attorneys; we are legal strategists, investigators, and unwavering advocates.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantages:

Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in Harris County. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is a live demonstration of our aggressive representation, data-driven approach, and commitment to accountability. This isn’t theoretical; it’s tangible, ongoing proof that we mean business. The exact same strategies and dedication are available to our clients in City of Richmond.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable “insider baseball” knowledge. Having worked for insurance companies and national defense firms like Litchfield Cavo LLP, they understand exactly how the opposition thinks, strategizes, devalues claims, and attempts to avoid payouts. This foresight allows us to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery. Mr. Peña’s nearly 12 years of experience defending across multitudinous practice areas including products liability, personal injury defense, construction law, and commercial disputes, combined with Mr. Manginello’s 25+ years in the courtroom, translates into an “unfair advantage” for our clients in City of Richmond.
Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our admission to the U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) grant us the ability to pursue national fraternities, universities, and their assets anywhere in the country. Hazing is a national problem, and we have the national reach to fight it, serving City of Richmond families regardless of geographic distance.
Extensive Litigation Experience Against Major Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation (2005), which claimed 15 lives and injured 180+, demonstrates our capacity for handling complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate entities. This experience is directly applicable to taking on well-funded national fraternities and universities in City of Richmond and beyond.
Unparalleled Hazing Intelligence Database: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including over 125 IRS-registered entities with EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. This data allows us to precisely identify every liable party – whether it’s the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 that we sued in the Bermudez case, or a chapter linked to a university near City of Richmond. For example, our data shows the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area contains 188 Greek-related organizations. This meticulous research means we hit the ground running, targeting every entity that needs to be held accountable.
“Se Habla Español”: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Pena who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that language barriers never stand in the way of justice. We provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients, making our firm accessible to a diverse array of families in City of Richmond.
Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost to City of Richmond Families: We understand that the financial burden of a hazing injury or wrongful death can be immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay us absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures that financial concerns never prevent a City of Richmond family from seeking justice.
Willingness to Travel: Even though our headquarters are in Houston, we are committed to serving hazing victims nationwide, including City of Richmond. We conduct remote consultations via video and are prepared to travel to City of Richmond for depositions, mediations, and trials when necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to justice for your child.
Empathetic and Client-Centered Approach: We are not an impersonal legal factory. Our Google reviews, with an average of 4.9 stars from over 250 reviews, consistently highlight our compassionate approach. Clients often remark, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” We treat City of Richmond families not as a case number, but as individuals deserving of fierce advocacy. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are fathers themselves; they understand what’s at stake when a child is harmed by hazing.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a dedicated, experienced, and strategically agile team ready to fight for your child’s rights and your family’s future, no matter how powerful the institutions you face.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for City of Richmond Families

The moments immediately following a hazing incident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, swift and strategic action is critical to preserving evidence and building a strong legal case. For families in City of Richmond, these steps can make all the difference in holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your child’s physical and psychological well-being is paramount.

Get to Safety: Remove your child from the dangerous environment immediately.
Emergency Medical Care: If there are any signs of physical injury, distress, or unusual behavior (like Leonel Bermudez’s inability to move or passing brown urine), seek emergency medical attention at a facility like VCU Medical Center or Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in City of Richmond. Do not delay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, may have delayed symptoms. Explain clearly to medical staff that the injuries resulted from hazing.
Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Seek immediate counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional in City of Richmond. This not only aids in recovery but also provides crucial documentation of emotional and psychological damages.

2. Preserve Every Piece of Evidence

Hazing perpetrators and institutions will often attempt to destroy or hide evidence. This is where your immediate action becomes critical.

Document Injuries: Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, discoloration like brown urine) as soon as they appear and throughout the healing process.
Save All Communications: Collect screenshots of every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes threats, instructions, plans, discussions about the hazing, and any communications after the incident. Even seemingly innocuous messages could be vital.
Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of any other pledges, active members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or have relevant information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Keep Documents: Preserve pledge manuals, schedules, rules, fraternity codes, and any other documents given to your child.
Record Details: Encourage your child to write down everything they remember about the hazing incidents as soon as possible, including dates, times, locations, names of participants, specific acts, and their emotional and physical reactions. Details can fade over time.
Financial and Academic Records: Keep records of all medical bills, therapy invoices, academic transcripts showing impact on grades or enrollment, and any lost wages or internship opportunities.

3. Do NOT Communicate Without Legal Counsel

This is a critical warning.

Do Not Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not speak with chapter leaders, national representatives, or alumni. They are not on your side and will likely try to gather information, minimize the incident, or pressure your child into silence.
Do Not Talk to University Administrators Alone: While reporting to Title IX or student conduct offices may be necessary, do so only after consulting with an attorney. University officials, even well-meaning ones, are primarily focused on protecting the institution. Any statements made can be used against your child.
Do Not Sign Anything: Never sign any waivers, releases, or confidentiality agreements presented by the fraternity, national organization, or university without a lawyer reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your rights to legal action.
Stay Off Social Media: Do not post anything about the hazing incident, your child’s injuries, or your legal plans on any social media platform. The defense will monitor these accounts and use anything they find against your case. Advise your child to do the same.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

Call Us Now: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of injury, and similar deadlines exist in Virginia. For wrongful death claims, it’s two years from the date of death. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities can be lost if you delay.
Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and it’s an opportunity to understand your child’s rights and explore your legal options with zero upfront cost.
Remote Assistance: Even if you are in City of Richmond, you can contact us. We offer video consultations and are committed to traveling for depositions, mediations, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Your child’s courage in coming forward can protect countless others. By acting swiftly and strategically, you empower us to build the strongest possible case and achieve the justice your family deserves.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in City of Richmond

When the nightmare of hazing becomes your family’s reality in City of Richmond, you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. You need an advocate who understands the stakes, knows the opposition’s playbook, and is relentless in the pursuit of justice. You need Attorney911.

We are ready to respond to your legal emergency in City of Richmond with the same unwavering commitment and expertise we bring to our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Your child deserves justice, and we are equipped to fight for it.

City of Richmond 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 RICHMOND VICTIMS TOO.

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

CITY OF RICHMOND FAMILIES – CALL NOW – FREE CONSULTATION

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for City of Richmond hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak directly with our team, not an answering service.

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for City of Richmond families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This eliminates any financial barrier and aligns our success directly with yours.

What City of Richmond Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already – document everything at VCU Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, or any medical facility in City of Richmond.
PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names. Do not delete anything!
DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel. Insist on having your attorney present.
DO NOT post on social media about the incident. Anything you post can be used against you.
CALL US IMMEDIATELY – The statute of limitations (typically 2 years) is a strict deadline. Evidence disappears fast, and witnesses forget. Every moment counts.
City of Richmond FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier – we offer video consultations and travel to City of Richmond for necessary meetings, depositions, and trials.

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

While our primary offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, hazing knows no geographical boundaries. It happens at colleges and universities in City of Richmond, throughout Virginia, and across America. We are fully equipped to evaluate and represent your City of Richmond case regardless of where the incident occurred, utilizing:

Federal court authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions, often critical for national defendants.
Dual-state bar licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage against national fraternities and universities headquartered anywhere in the country.
Video consultations: City of Richmond families can easily meet with our attorneys remotely from the comfort of their home.
Travel commitment: We are prepared to travel to City of Richmond for key phases of your case, ensuring comprehensive local representation without needing a local storefront office.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life near City of Richmond. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities like the University of Richmond, VCU, or Virginia Union.
City of Richmond sports teams at local schools or colleges.
Marching bands or other performing arts groups associated with City of Richmond institutions.
ROTC programs throughout Virginia.
Clubs and organizations at City of Richmond schools.
Military academies or any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

Lupe Pena said it best: “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.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT.

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