If you’re reading this in Clarke County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your lives. Your child went off to college, expecting to make lifelong friends and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening harm, all in the name of “tradition.” The nightmare of hazing is real, and it’s happening on campuses across America, including those where students from Clarke County pursue their higher education. We are here to help families like yours fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow this torture to continue.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear for your child’s future – these emotions can be overwhelming. You may feel alone, wondering how to stand up to powerful institutions. But you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is a beacon of hope for hazing victims and their families in Clarke County and across the nation. We are currently embroiled in a high-stakes, $10 million lawsuit against a major fraternity and a large university for hazing that hospitalized our client with severe, debilitating injuries. This is not theoretical for us; we are in the fight right now, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to every case we handle. We believe in holding every responsible entity accountable, from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that enable such atrocities.

The Haunting Reality: Hazing’s Dark Shadow Over Clarke County Students

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys” or “character building.” It is systematic abuse, psychological torture, and often, physical assault that can have lifelong consequences or even lead to death. For students from Clarke County, attending colleges and universities either locally or across the country, the risk of hazing is a stark reality that parents often do not recognize until tragedy strikes.

Whether your child attends Shenandoah University, Lord Fairfax Community College (now Laurel Ridge Community College), or travels further afield to institutions like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or James Madison University, they may encounter Greek life. National fraternities and sororities, sports teams, clubs, and even academic organizations at these institutions can harbor cultures of hazing. Our experience shows that the same dangerous “traditions” that caused severe injuries in Houston can manifest anywhere, including at colleges popular with students from Clarke County.

Statistics paint a grim picture: over half of all students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and tragically, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the United States every single year since 2000. What makes this crisis even more insidious is that 95% of students who are hazed never report it, often due to fear, shame, or pressure from their peers. This culture of silence allows hazing to fester, becoming an open secret that institutions often ignore until a student is severely injured or killed.

We have seen firsthand the devastating impact of this silence. Parents in Clarke County send their children off to college with dreams of academic achievement and personal growth. They trust that these institutions will provide a safe and nurturing environment. That trust is often betrayed, leaving families heartbroken and searching for answers in the darkest hours. This betrayal is precisely why we do what we do. We turn your pain into power, forcing accountability from those who turn a blind eye to the suffering of our children.

Landmark Case: Our $10 Million Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston

We don’t just talk about the horrors of hazing; we actively combat it in court. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently litigating a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025. This case is not just a legal battle; it is a declaration of war against the culture of hazing and a testament to our firm’s aggressive, thorough, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

Clarke County families, what happened in Houston is a stark warning. The same fraternities that operate at universities near you, the same institutional failures, and the same horrific hazing tactics are prevalent across the country. Our fight in Houston is your fight, and we are ready to bring the same intensity and expertise to any hazing case originating from Clarke County or involving students from our community.

The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning for Every Family

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What was supposed to be an exciting new chapter in his life quickly devolved into weeks of systematic abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed,” Attorney Ralph Manginello told 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 spent three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis—a breakdown of muscle tissue—and acute kidney failure. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign that his muscles were literally dissolving and poisoning his kidneys. This trauma carries the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. His only “crime” was wanting to join a fraternity.

The Horrific Hazing Exposed

Our lawsuit details the gruesome reality of Leonel’s ordeal, exposing hazing tactics that far exceed mere “pranks”:

Waterboarding: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while performing calisthenics. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is not a college tradition; it is a human rights violation.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. His tormentors then forced him to continue running sprints through his vomit, lying in the “vomit-soaked grass.”
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He was forced to continue until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. These activities directly led to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Being Struck with Wooden Paddles: Physical assault was a direct component of his hazing experience.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made 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 on October 13, a different pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.” These acts are designed to degrade and break a person’s spirit.
Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his physical exhaustion.

Institutional Cover-Up and Accountability

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. Just a week later, on November 14, 2025 – before our lawsuit was publicly filed – they officially closed the Beta Nu chapter, claiming “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This swift action, often seen in hazing cases, indicates a clear consciousness of guilt and an attempt to control the narrative before legal action escalates. Their public statement even thanked the University of Houston for its “collaboration.”

The University of Houston, despite owning the very fraternity house where some of this hazing occurred, and having a documented history of hazing incidents on its campus (including a 2017 case where a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen), initially called the events “deeply disturbing.” They promised an investigation and “potential criminal charges.” These statements, while seemingly supportive, also serve to deflect responsibility and are often part of a coordinated defense strategy.

Our lawsuit targets everyone: Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization (which boasts 150+ chapters across America, including those near Clarke County educational institutions), its local chapter and housing corporation, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence. This multi-layered approach ensures that every culpable party, regardless of their position or perceived immunity, faces accountability.

As Attorney Lupe Peña 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 is our ethos. This $10 million lawsuit is not just for Leonel Bermudez; it’s a testament to our commitment to changing the landscape of hazing forever.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Clarke County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the experiences of students like Leonel Bermudez reveal a far darker, more sinister reality. Hazing in modern fraternities, sororities, and other organizations is often synonymous with assault, battery, psychological torture, and reckless endangerment. It is designed to degrade, control, and break down individuals, rather than build them up.

Here’s a closer look at the types of hazing incidents that victimize students, often with devastating physical and psychological consequences:

Physical Hazing: Pushed to the Brink and Beyond

Physical hazing is far more than strenuous exercise. It includes coerced physical activity that is excessive, dangerous, or causes injury. This often involves:

Forced Calisthenics: Enduring hundreds of push-ups, squats, or “suicides” until one’s body breaks down. This directly led to Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle fibers are released into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney failure.
Beatings and Paddling: Direct physical violence, including striking with hands, objects, or paddles, can cause bruises, lacerations, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Extreme Exposure: Forced exposure to the elements, such as being stripped in cold weather or left in isolated locations without proper attire. This can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or heatstroke.
Sleep Deprivation: Requiring pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform late-night tasks, or drive while exhausted, which impacts physical and mental health.
Forced Consumption: This can include binge drinking, chugging dangerous amounts of water, or eating non-food items, leading to alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, or severe gastrointestinal distress. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited and then continue physical activity in his own vomit.
Dangerous Stunts: Coerced participation in dangerous activities that carry a high risk of injury, such as climbing or risky physical challenges.

Psychological Hazing: The Invisible Wounds

Often more insidious and long-lasting than physical injuries, psychological hazing targets a victim’s mental and emotional well-being. It includes acts designed to instill fear, shame, and powerlessness:

Humiliation and Degradation: Publicly embarrassing individuals, forcing them to wear humiliating clothing, or engaging in demeaning acts, as Leonel Bermudez experienced with the “fanny pack of sexual nature.”
Isolation: Excluding pledges from social contact, limiting communication with family or friends, or forcing them to spend time in confined spaces.
Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, intimidation, insults, and threats of physical harm or social ostracization. Leonel was explicitly threatened with expulsion if he did not comply.
Coercion and Manipulation: Exploiting vulnerabilities, pressuring individuals to act against their morals, or imposing an oppressive hierarchy that strips away personal agency.
Simulated Abuse: Acts like mock kidnappings, interrogations, or, in Leonel’s case, simulated waterboarding, which psychologically mimic actual torture.

The psychological toll of hazing can be profound, leading to severe anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation. These invisible wounds can impact a student’s academic performance, social relationships, and overall mental health for years, echoing problems faced by some of our clients from Clarke County.

Sexual Hazing: The Most Vile Form of Abuse

Sexual hazing involves any coerced sexual activity or sexual debasement. This can range from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to sexual assault. The trauma from sexual hazing is often immense and deeply personal, leaving victims with lasting psychological scars. The inclusion of “objects of a sexual nature” in Leonel’s fanny pack points to the degrading and sexually charged nature that hazing can take.

The True Cost: Medical Consequences

The medical fallout from hazing can be terrifying. Beyond the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure that afflicted Leonel Bermudez, hazing can lead to:

Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or violent shaking.
Internal Organ Damage: From physical assaults or extreme physical exertion.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: From physical overexertion or heart conditions exacerbated by stress.
Infections: From injuries that are not properly treated or from exposure to unsanitary conditions.

For students from Clarke County who are injured in such a manner, immediate medical attention is paramount, followed by meticulous documentation of every single injury and treatment.

This is the reality of hazing today. It preys on young people seeking acceptance and belonging, transforming that desire into a vehicle for abuse. We are dedicated to exposing these practices and ensuring that every perpetrator and every enabling institution faces the full force of justice.

Who Is Responsible? Holding All Culpable Parties Accountable

When hazing occurs, it is rarely the fault of just one individual. A web of negligence and culpability often extends from the individual perpetrators to the highest levels of university administration and national fraternity leadership. Our aggressive approach ensures that no stone is left unturned and every responsible party is brought to justice. For families in Clarke County, understanding who can be held accountable is the first step toward seeking justice.

The Individual Perpetrators

These are the students who physically and psychologically inflict the hazing. In our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, we have named 13 individual fraternity members, including:

The Chapter President: Often the ultimate authority figure in the local chapter, responsible for ensuring compliance with rules and safety.
The Pledgemaster: Directly responsible for designing and executing the pledge process, including hazing activities.
Current Active Members: Those who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in hazing activities.
Former Members: In Leonel’s case, former members and even a spouse are named because hazing occurred at their off-campus residence, making them liable for allowing unsafe conditions on their property.

These individuals can be held personally liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of anti-hazing laws. As the $6.5 million judgment against a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president in the Stone Foltz case proved, individual perpetrators cannot always hide behind the fraternity’s corporate veil; they can be personally decimated financially.

The Local Chapter

The local fraternity or sorority chapter is directly liable for the actions of its members and for promoting a culture where hazing is permissible. This includes:

Direct Liability: For organizing and conducting hazing activities sanctioned by the chapter.
Vicarious Liability: For the torts (wrongful acts) committed by its members during chapter-sanctioned events.
Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on chapter-controlled property.

The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities, despite having “anti-hazing” policies, are frequently found liable for hazing incidents due to their failure to adequately supervise, train, and control their local chapters. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical point:

Actual or Constructive Knowledge: National organizations often have a documented history of hazing incidents across their chapters (as Pi Kappa Phi does with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), establishing that they knew or should have known about the deadly patterns.
Failure to Supervise: Negligent oversight of local chapters, often reflected in inadequate training programs, lax enforcement of anti-hazing rules, or insufficient monitoring.
Deep Pockets: National organizations typically possess substantial assets, endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them critical targets for significant compensation.

Their decision to quickly close the University of Houston chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization demonstrates a clear awareness of their liability and an attempt to mitigate damages. They cannot claim ignorance when their immediate response is to dissolve the offending chapter.

The University or College

Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and ensure a safe learning environment. When hazing occurs, especially in university-owned or controlled facilities, the institution itself can be held liable:

Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university property (as the Pi Kappa Phi house was “University-owned”), the institution has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision/Oversight: Universities have the authority to regulate Greek life, investigate complaints, and intervene when hazing occurs. Failure to do so, especially with prior knowledge of hazing problems on campus (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing at UH), constitutes negligence.
Failure to Enforce Policies: If a university has anti-hazing policies but fails to enforce them, it can be held responsible for the consequences.
Contractual Breach: Students pay tuition and fees with the expectation of a safe campus experience. Hazing can represent a breach of this implied contract.

The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are named defendants in our lawsuit because, despite knowing hazing was a problem on its campus and owning the very property where some of the abuse unfolded, they failed to protect Leonel Bermudez.

Other Entities

Depending on the specifics of the case, other entities can also be held responsible:

Housing Corporations: Entities that own or manage fraternity or sorority houses can be liable for premises safety.
Alumni Boards/Advisors: Alumni who actively participate in, condone, or enable hazing can also be named defendants.
Insurance Carriers: These are often the ultimate “deep pockets,” providing coverage for all the above entities. Our firm’s attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, both have extensive experience working on the “other side” for insurance defense, giving us invaluable insight into how insurance companies evaluate claims and how to maximize payouts.

For families in Clarke County seeking justice, our comprehensive approach means identifying and pursuing every single entity that bears even a sliver of responsibility for your child’s injuries. We do not rest until every dollar of compensation is secured.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Clarke County Families

The question parents in Clarke County often ask when contemplating legal action is, “Can we really win?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Hazing litigation has a powerful track record of securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against fraternities, universities, and individuals. These victories send a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated and provide critical compensation for victims and their families.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is rooted in a strong foundation of legal precedent. These landmark cases prove the immense value juries and courts place on the lives and well-being of hazing victims:

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

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+

Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol in what was described as a “Big/Little” initiation. His family ultimately secured over $10.1 million in settlements: $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, personally.

Significance for Clarke County Families: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that universities and national fraternities are willing to pay millions, and that individuals can be held personally accountable for staggering amounts. Despite Leonel surviving, his severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) justify a similar compensation level, especially given the egregious nature of the hazing.

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

Total Payout: $6.1 Million Verdict

Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual called “Bible Study,” where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million in a civil lawsuit. Additionally, criminal charges were filed, leading to convictions including negligent homicide and prison time for some members. This tragedy also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Significance for Clarke County Families: This jury verdict underlines the emotional impact hazing cases have on jurors and their willingness to award substantial damages. It highlights that both civil and criminal accountability are possible, and that legislative change often follows high-profile hazing cases.

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

Total Payout: $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)

Timothy Piazza, a Penn State freshman, died after falling down stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras. The Piazza family ultimately secured over $110 million in confidential settlements from the fraternity and university. Numerous fraternity members were charged, with several convicted of crimes including involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in his memory.

Significance for Clarke County Families: This case demonstrates the immense compensation possible when evidence is strong and the conduct is thoroughly documented. The combination of criminal convictions, massive civil settlements, and legislative reform highlights the multifaceted impact that persistent legal action can have. Our firm believes that Leonel’s case, given its detailed allegations and the egregious nature of the hazing, could lead to a similar impactful outcome.

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

Significance: SAME FRATERNITY as Bermudez Case

Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi (the same national fraternity as in our Houston case) at Florida State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night.” His death led to criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, the fact that Pi Kappa Phi has a hazing death on its record is critically significant for our current litigation.

Significance for Clarke County Families: This is a smoking gun in our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case. It unequivocally proves that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had actual notice of the deadly consequences of hazing within its chapters in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was severely injured by hazing in another Pi Kappa Phi chapter. This pattern demonstrates their conscious indifference and bolsters our claims for punitive damages.

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

Total Payout: $4 Million+ Settlement

Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU. His family, who initially sought $28 million, recently settled for over $4 million in October 2024. This case also led to criminal charges and the creation of “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, focusing on hazing prevention and reporting.

Significance for Clarke County Families: This recent settlement reinforces the multi-million dollar value of hazing cases and highlights that even if a lawsuit doesn’t go to trial, significant settlements are achievable. Especially in a neighboring state, this demonstrates a regional commitment to addressing hazing.

These precedents underscore a crucial truth for families in Clarke County: the legal system, when navigated by experienced and aggressive attorneys, can deliver substantial justice. These cases are not just about monetary compensation; they are about forcing systemic change, ensuring that other students from Clarke County do not suffer the same fate, and honoring the victims by holding powerful institutions accountable.

Texas Law Protects You: A Shield for Clarke County Victims

For families in Clarke County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm fights cases nationwide, our deep roots and extensive experience in Texas law provide a powerful framework for hazing litigation. Crucially, many of the protective provisions of Texas law are mirrored in legislation across other states, bolstering our ability to represent victims no matter where the hazing occurred.

Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas boasts comprehensive anti-hazing laws, making it one of the toughest states on hazing. These laws provide both criminal penalties for perpetrators and an explicit framework for civil lawsuits.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership, if the act:

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like Leonel being struck with wooden paddles).
Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or calisthenics: Anything that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health (e.g., Leonel’s forced 500 squats, waterboarding, stripping in cold weather, sleep deprivation).
Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances, leading to unreasonable risk of harm (e.g., Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting).
Involves activities violating the Penal Code: This includes assault, battery, and other criminal acts.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): The individuals involved in hazing face significant criminal charges:

Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in or encouraging hazing.
Class A Misdemeanor if hazing causes serious bodily injury (which Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure certainly qualify as), carrying up to a year in jail.
State Jail Felony if hazing causes death, with up to two years in state jail.
The University of Houston spokesperson even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case, demonstrating that institutions understand the criminal implications.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Critically, organizations themselves can be penalized if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines, denial of operation, and forfeiture of property. This means local chapters and national organizations face direct legal consequences.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most powerful provisions of Texas law and directly confronts a common defense tactic in hazing cases. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means that any argument from a fraternity or university that Leonel “voluntarily participated” or “knew what he was getting into” is legally invalid. This legal shield is invaluable for victims from Clarke County, ensuring that their exploitation is not excused by coerced participation.

Civil Liability: Beyond the Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish perpetrators, civil lawsuits focus on compensating victims for their suffering and losses. For Clarke County families, a civil lawsuit provides the pathway to recovery and accountability.

Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury claims. We would argue that the university, national fraternity, and local chapter owed a duty of care to your child (to provide a safe environment), they breached that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., failing to prevent hazing), and this breach directly caused your child’s injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case, where the Pi Kappa Phi house was university-owned), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain safe premises and allowing dangerous conditions (such as pervasive hazing) to exist.
Negligent Supervision: This applies particularly to national organizations and universities that fail to properly supervise and monitor the activities of their chapters and student groups. Given Pi Kappa Phi’s history (Andrew Coffey’s death) and UH’s prior hazing incident (Jared Munoz), claims of negligent supervision are extremely strong.
Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harm a student can be sued directly for assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual physical harm). This allows for direct personal accountability.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, especially psychological torture and simulated waterboarding, can give rise to claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, compensating for profound psychological harm.

These civil liability theories are available to hazing victims in virtually all states, meaning our expertise extends far beyond Texas borders. We regularly invoke similar legal principles to pursue claims wherever a student from Clarke County may have been harmed. The laws are there to protect victims; we are here to wield them on your behalf.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation in the aftermath of a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions a family in Clarke County will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a tireless advocate, a seasoned strategist, and a compassionate partner who understands the unique complexities and sensitivities of these cases. Attorney911 is all of this and more. We are recognized as national leaders in hazing litigation, and our qualifications stand out for families seeking justice for their children.

Actively Fighting Hazing: Proof, Not Promises

Most law firms talk about “handling” hazing cases. We are actively—right now, today—litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; it’s a live, ongoing battle. This case, the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, embodies everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and unwavering commitment to accountability. What we learn and achieve in this case directly benefits every hazing victim we represent, including your child from Clarke County. Our hands-on experience in the trenches of current hazing litigation means you benefit from immediate, up-to-the-minute strategies.

Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook

Our firm’s unique strength lies in the background of our two lead attorneys:

Ralph P. Manginello: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph is a formidable trial lawyer. Crucially, he started his career on the insurance defense side. He learned firsthand how insurance companies, the ultimate “deep pockets” in these cases, strategize, evaluate claims, and work to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. His experience against massive corporate defendants in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation demonstrates his capacity for high-stakes battles against powerful institutions – exactly what’s needed against universities and national fraternities.
Lupe Eleno Peña: Also a former national insurance defense attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, Lupe further amplifies our strategic advantage. He spent years defending insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims, gaining an intimate understanding of their internal playbooks, valuation methods, and delay tactics. He knows how they assess risk, what evidence makes them nervous, and how they attempt to lowball victims. Now, he uses this “battlefield intelligence” to expertly counter their strategies and ensure our clients receive maximum compensation.

Together, Ralph and Lupe offer an unparalleled “insurance counter-intelligence system.” They’ve been on the other side of the table, making them uniquely equipped to anticipate, outmaneuver, and defeat the defense tactics used by fraternities, universities, and their multi-billion-dollar insurance carriers.

Nationwide Reach with Local Understanding

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our expertise and reach extend nationwide. We represent hazing victims from Clarke County and across America.

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have federal civil rights litigation experience, allowing us to pursue cases in federal courts anywhere in the country.
Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered in states like New York or with significant operations there.
Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are prepared to travel to Clarke County or any location necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trials, ensuring that your local presence does not hinder your claim.
Remote Consultations: For families in Clarke County, we offer convenient and secure video consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with us from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Data-Driven Litigation: We Know Who to Sue

We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. Our firm maintains one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, legal names, EINs, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every potential defendant—from the local chapter to the national housing corporation, and the national headquarters itself—ensuring that no responsible party escapes accountability. We can track specific national brands across Texas metros and campuses without guessing. When hazing happens, we already know who to sue, allowing us to move swiftly and decisively.

For example, our database includes:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515, located in Frisco, Texas. This is the very entity behind the UH chapter we are currently suing.
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation with EIN 371768785 in Missouri City, Texas.
Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc with EIN 133048786 in College Station, Texas.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated with EIN 882755427 in San Marcos, Texas.

We track local chapters, alumni groups, house corporations, and honor societies, knowing that behind the Greek letters, there are tax-exempt corporations with assets and insurance policies. This rigorous data approach is applied to every hazing case, allowing us to build an impenetrable case against every liable party.

Compassion, Communication, and Contingency Fees

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families. Our approach is deeply empathetic, warm, and parent-facing. We view our clients from Clarke County not as cases, but as individuals from families needing our utmost support. Our bilingual staff (Se Habla Español) ensures that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Clarke County.

We operate on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases: you pay $0 upfront. We cover all case expenses, and you only pay us if and when we win your case. This eliminates the financial burden and risk, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we fight for justice. As our past clients attest, we prioritize consistent communication, treating you like family throughout the entire process.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is actively, aggressively, and successfully fighting hazing right now. It means choosing attorneys with insider knowledge of the defense’s tactics. It means choosing a partner who will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice and maximum compensation for your child.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Clarke County Families

If your child has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are crucial. The actions you take – or fail to take – can significantly impact the strength of any future legal claim. It is vital to act swiftly and strategically. This guide provides immediate, actionable steps for parents in Clarke County seeking help for their child.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

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

Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If your child is still in a hazing situation, remove them immediately. Their safety is paramount, regardless of any perceived loyalty or fear of retribution.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, get them thoroughly examined by a doctor. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, can have delayed symptoms.
- Document Everything: Ensure all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments are meticulously documented. Keep copies of every medical bill, record, and statement. These records are the backbone of any legal claim.
- Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Seek therapy or counseling from a qualified mental health professional. Documentation of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress is crucial for non-economic damages.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – Immediately!

Evidence in hazing cases is often volatile and can disappear rapidly. Time is of the essence.

Do NOT Delete Anything: Warn your child not to delete any text messages, social media posts, GroupMe chats, Snapchat threads, emails, or any other digital communications related to the hazing. These are often invaluable “smoking guns.”
Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of all relevant conversations, photos, and videos. Save them to multiple secure locations (cloud storage, external hard drive).
- Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing exist, secure them immediately. Document your child’s injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) as they heal. Our firm encourages clients to “continue taking pictures also as you heal up.”
Identify Witnesses: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, participated in it, or might have knowledge of it (other pledges, fraternity members, bystanders). Their testimony can be critical.
Preserve Physical Evidence: If clothing, personal items, or other physical objects were involved in the hazing, preserve them. Do not wash or discard them.
Document the Location: Take photos or videos of the hazing location, whether it’s a fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, or other venue.

Step 3: Avoid Communication with Responsible Parties without Counsel

This is a critical step to protect your child’s rights.

Do NOT Speak to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: Do not engage directly with the local chapter president, pledgemaster, alumni advisors, or national representatives. They are not on your side and will likely try to extract information or coerce silence.
Do NOT Speak to University Administrators Alone: While you may feel compelled to report the incident to the university, do so only after consulting with an attorney. University officials, even well-meaning ones, have a primary duty to protect the institution, not your child. Any statements made can be used against a future legal claim.
Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
Limit Social Media Activity: Advise your child to immediately cease posting anything related to the incident or even their general activities on social media. Everything posted can be (and often is) used by the defense to discredit claims of injury or emotional distress. Do not delete existing posts, but refrain from new ones.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7. We offer free, confidential consultations to families in Clarke County and across the nation.
Act Quickly: There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Texas and many other states. If you wait beyond this deadline, you may lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities are lost with every passing day.
Remote Consultations Available: For families in Clarke County, we offer video consultations and are prepared to travel for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Step 5: Consider Filing a Police Report or Title IX Complaint

While your attorney will advise on the best course of action, these are important avenues:

Police Report: Depending on the severity of the hazing and your location, a police report may be appropriate. Criminal charges can run parallel to civil lawsuits and can strengthen your case.
Title IX Complaint: If the hazing had a sexual component or involved gender-based discrimination, a Title IX complaint with the university could be an option. Our attorneys can guide you through this process.

You and your child did not deserve this. You have suffered enough. Now is the time to take decisive action. By following these steps and partnering with Attorney911, you ensure that your family in Clarke County has the strongest possible chance for justice and accountability.

Call Us Now: Your Path to Justice Begins Here

If your child in Clarke County has been victimized by hazing, you are facing a terrifying emergency. You need legal representation that is immediate, aggressive, and deeply experienced in this complex and sensitive area of law. You need a team that hears your story, understands your pain, and is prepared to fight tirelessly against powerful fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies.

We are Attorney911. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. And we are actively fighting hazing right now.

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our unwavering commitment. We know the tactics of these organizations, we understand the legal landscape, and we have a proven track record of securing significant compensation for victims like Leonel Bermudez. For families in Clarke County, we offer the same dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of justice.

No matter where the hazing occurred – whether at a university popular with Clarke County students in Virginia, or across the country – we can help. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice in virtually any jurisdiction. We regularly conduct remote consultations via video, making us accessible to any family in Clarke County. When necessary, we travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to your claim.

Clarke County Families: Your Free Consultation Awaits

We understand that pursuing legal action can seem daunting, especially when your family is already dealing with trauma. That’s why we make the process as straightforward and risk-free as possible:

Zero Upfront Costs: We handle all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 to hire us. We cover all investigation and litigation expenses. You only pay us if and when we win your case. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Free Consultation, 24/7: Your initial consultation is always confidential and completely free. You can speak directly with our experienced hazing litigation attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, anytime, day or night.
Se Habla Español: Our bilingual team is ready to serve Spanish-speaking families in Clarke County, ensuring seamless communication and understanding throughout the legal process.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and crucial legal deadlines (like the two-year statute of limitations in many states) can expire. Every day you delay could compromise your child’s case.

Take the First Step Towards Justice:

📞 Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

No hazing victim from Clarke County should suffer in silence. Your bravery in coming forward, coupled with our aggressive legal action, can make a difference—not just for your child, but for countless others who might otherwise become the next victim. Let us be your champions. Let us bring your pain to light. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves. Enough is enough.