If you’re reading this in Cumberland County, 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 passions, and to build a foundation for their future. Instead, they were tortured, degraded, and potentially left with life-altering injuries because of hazing. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is here to help families in Cumberland County fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed this nightmare to unfold. We are legal emergency lawyers, and when a crisis like this strikes, we move first, fast, and decisively to protect your child and seek justice.

When your child leaves Cumberland County to attend college, whether it’s at a local institution, one of New Jersey’s many esteemed universities, or even across state lines, you send them with the expectation that they will be safe. You trust that the institutions of higher learning, the Greek organizations they might join, and the individuals within those groups will uphold a basic standard of care. Sadly, for countless families across New Jersey and the nation, that trust is shattered by the brutal reality of hazing. This isn’t just about harmless pranks or foolish traditions; it’s about systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that can leave deep, lasting scars, or even steal a young life entirely. The horrifying truth is, hazing is a crime, and it’s happening right here, impacting students in Cumberland County and beyond.

We at Attorney911 are committed to ensuring accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries and deaths. We employ a data-driven litigation strategy, aggressively representing hazing victims and relentlessly pursuing justice. We believe that by holding these institutions and individuals responsible, we can help prevent future tragedies and send a clear message: hazing will not be tolerated.

The Haunting Echoes of a Nightmare: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez and Why It Matters to Cumberland County Families

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the living proof of everything we stand for at Attorney911. This is a $10 million lawsuit we filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is new, it is ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly what kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims.

Cumberland County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like Today. This Is Why We Fight.

Leonel Bermudez’s story is a chilling reminder of the dark side of Greek life that impacts students across America, including those who have left their homes in Cumberland County to pursue higher education. What happened to Leonel happened in Houston, but the same patterns of abuse, the same “traditions,” and the same institutional failures occur at universities near Cumberland County and operate across the nation. We are fighting for Leonel with every resource we have, and we will bring that same aggression and dedication to Cumberland County families who suffer similar nightmares.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, this fact did not spare him from weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing after he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025.

As Mr. Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and 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 in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, a classic sign of the muscle breakdown ravaging his body.

The Horrors Exposed: Hazing Activities Inflicted on Leonel Bermudez

The lawsuit details a litany of horrific hazing acts that paint a stark picture of modern fraternity abuse:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel and other pledges were subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics. Pledges were forced to run repeatedly under the constant threat of being waterboarded. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is not tradition; this is torture, akin to a war crime.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. After vomiting, they were often forced to continue running sprints while in clear physical distress and were made to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Activities included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. They were struck with wooden paddles. Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising, under threat of immediate expulsion. On October 15, just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during these forced workouts, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he recovered. Despite this alarming incident, the hazing continued.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and was sprayed with a hose. He was made to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In another incident, a different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant, along with an enforced dress code, study hours, and weekly interviews.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive fraternity members during early morning hours led to chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s body ultimately gave out under the relentless abuse. He suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where muscle tissue rapidly breaks down, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream. This led to acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that put him in the hospital for four days. He passed brown urine, a classic indicator of myoglobin in the urine from muscle destruction. The long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains.

As Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, we immediately recognized the severity of Leonel’s condition and the implications for his future health.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Denial and Damage Control

• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Their own website statement on November 21, 2025, proudly announced, “Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” However, this closure came just seven days before our $10 million lawsuit was filed. This isn’t remorse; it’s damage control. They also stated, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership,” revealing a coordinated effort to manage the fallout. Even more troubling, they concluded by saying, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” indicating a brazen lack of accountability and a plan for business as usual. This national organization, with over 150 chapters across America, had already seen a student, Andrew Coffey, die at their Florida State chapter in 2017 due to hazing. For them to claim they “take all allegations of hazing seriously” is frankly insulting.
• University of Houston: A UH spokesperson admitted to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They further stated, “The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement… any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” While seemingly contrite, UH knew about hazing on its campus. Back in 2017, another student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at a different fraternity at UH. The University knew. They owned the fraternity house where the Pi Kappa Phi hazing occurred. They had the power to prevent this, and they failed.

Why Leonel’s Case Resonates in Cumberland County

1. Hazing Knows No Postal Code: The same fraternities that operate at the University of Houston have chapters at universities throughout New Jersey, including those students from Cumberland County might attend. The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are replicated in Greek life chapters nationwide.
2. Universities Are Complicit: Just as the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where egregious hazing occurred, universities near Cumberland County have the same power and responsibility to oversee Greek life. When they fail, they are liable.
3. National Organizations Are Aware: Pi Kappa Phi National closed its UH chapter instantly, proving they know the severity of the problem. These national organizations, which sanction chapters at institutions all over New Jersey, cannot claim ignorance when hazing happens.
4. One Victim’s Courage Protects Many: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Leonel’s courage in speaking out will shed light on these dark practices, and a successful outcome in his case will send a powerful message that could protect other students, even those from Cumberland County.
5. $10 Million Sends a Message: The significant damages sought in this lawsuit serve as a loud, clear warning to all fraternities, universities, and individuals: the price for torturing our kids is monumental. Cumberland County families have the power to send the same message when their children are harmed.

This is the reality of hazing: it is not “boys being boys”; it is assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. Tragically, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the organization. This silence is what allows this vicious cycle to continue. Institutions know about it, and they primarily act only when a life is lost or severely impacted, often then rushing to manage public perception and limit their liability rather than genuinely changing their culture.

Beyond the Stereotypes: What Hazing Really Looks Like

The public imagination often conjures images of silly pranks or mildly embarrassing stunts when it hears the word “hazing.” But for families in Cumberland County, as for Leonel Bermudez’s family, the reality is far darker. Hazing is not harmless camaraderie; it is systematic abuse designed to break down individuals, enforce submission, and maintain a dangerous power dynamic. We need to dismantle these harmful misconceptions and understand the true, brutal nature of hazing today.

Debunking the Myths: Hazing is Not Teambuilding, It’s Torture

• Myth 1: It’s “just tradition” or “part of college life.”
  • Reality: When “tradition” involves waterboarding, physical beatings, forced consumption, and sleep deprivation, it ceases to be tradition and becomes criminal assault. No tradition justifies harming anyone, especially young, vulnerable students.
• Myth 2: It builds character and fosters brotherhood/sisterhood.
  • Reality: Bondage built on shared trauma and fear is not true brotherhood or sisterhood. It cultivates an environment of secrecy, intimidation, and cover-ups. True leadership and camaraderie come from mutual respect, not from degrading and abusing peers.
• Myth 3: Students can simply say no or leave if they don’t like it.
  • Reality: Victims face immense psychological pressure, peer pressure, and fear of social ostracization or retaliation. The desire to belong, to achieve a goal they’ve been working towards, or to maintain friendships can compel them to endure unimaginable abuse. As Texas law clearly states, consent is not a defense because, under duress, true consent is impossible.

The Chilling Spectrum of Hazing: Examples from Real Incidents

From the egregious acts Leonel Bermudez endured to other documented incidents nationwide, hazing spans a terrifying range of activities:

• Physical Abuse:
  • Beatings and Paddling: As Leonel experienced with wooden paddles, this involves direct physical violence. Other forms include punching, kicking, or forcing painful stances.
  • Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: Intense and prolonged physical exertion like 500 squats and 100+ pushups until collapse, leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • Branding and Burning: Actual physical branding or burns inflicted with cigarettes or other hot objects, leaving permanent scars.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform tasks at all hours, or subject them to constant disturbances, leading to physical and mental deterioration.
• Forced Consumption:
  • Binge Drinking and Chugging: Forcing excessive alcohol consumption, often without breaks or with high-proof liquors, leading to alcohol poisoning, comas, and death (as seen tragically in the cases of Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza).
  • Eating Until Vomiting: Forcing mass consumption of unpleasant or excessive foods like milk, hot dogs, or peppercorns until students become violently ill.
  • Consumption of Non-Food Substances: Making pledges eat or drink vile, unsanitary, or dangerous substances.
• Psychological Torture:
  • Humiliation and Degradation: Forced public nudity, carrying degrading objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual items), verbal abuse, name-calling, or enduring prolonged taunts.
  • Isolation and Exclusion: Deliberately isolating pledges from friends, family, or normal social interaction.
  • Threats: Threatening physical harm, social ostracization, or academic failure if pledges do not comply.
  • Scavenger Hunts and Kidnappings: Often leading pledges into dangerous situations or leaving them stranded.
• Sexual Abuse:
  • Forced Nudity or Sexual Acts: Requiring pledges to pose nude, engage in unwanted sexual acts, or be subjected to sexual assault.
  • Sexual Harassment: Jokes, comments, or actions of a sexual nature that are unwelcome and create a hostile environment.
• Exposure:
  • Cold Weather Exposure: Forcing pledges to strip or stay outdoors in freezing temperatures, leading to hypothermia (as Leonel endured).
  • Heat Exposure: Forcing pledges into extreme heat or prolonged physical activity in hot conditions, leading to heatstroke.
  • Confined Spaces: Locking pledges in small, dark, or uncomfortable spaces.
• Servitude and Personal Service: Forcing pledges to clean, run errands, drive members around endlessly, or provide personal services, fostering a master-servant dynamic.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences

The purpose of hazing is to inflict pain and suffering. The consequences are often catastrophic:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: The specific and life-threatening condition Leonel Bermudez suffered, caused by extreme muscle breakdown.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The direct cause of death in many hazing fatalities, including Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or concussions, TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or pre-existing conditions exacerbated by hazing.
• Internal Injuries: From beatings, falls, or forced consumption.
• Sexual Assault Trauma: Leading to severe long-term psychological and physical damage.
• Long-Term Psychological Trauma: Hazing frequently leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, trust issues, academic decline, and substance abuse. Leonel’s “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” is a stark example of this psychological impact.
• Death: The ultimate, tragic consequence that far too many families have faced.

For families in Cumberland County, understanding these realities is the first step toward protecting your children and knowing when to seek help. Hazing is a violation of human dignity, a danger to health, and a breach of trust. When it occurs, it demands aggressive legal intervention.

A Web of Responsibility: Who is Liable When Hazing Occurs

When hazing leaves a student from Cumberland County injured or dead, those responsible are often a complex web of individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and even universities themselves. Unlike a simple car accident where liability might be limited to one driver, hazing cases often involve multiple culpable parties who can each be held accountable. At Attorney911, we are experts in identifying every potential defendant and pursuing justice from all angles. Our current $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez demonstrates our commitment to this thorough approach, naming university entities, national organizations, local chapters, and individual perpetrators.

The Chain of Negligence: Identifying Every Liable Party

We believe that when hazing causes harm, everyone who enabled, participated in, or allowed that harm to occur must be held responsible. This includes:

1. The Individual Perpetrators:

   • Who they are: These are the fraternity or sorority members, pledges, or alumni who actively organize, lead, or participate in the hazing acts. In the Bermudez case, we named the fraternity president, the pledgemaster, and 13 individual members. We even identified a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing sessions at their private residence, highlighting that accountability extends beyond the campus walls.
   • Why they’re liable: They are directly responsible for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and criminal hazing. Their actions are the direct cause of the victim’s physical and psychological injuries. As the Stone Foltz case tragically showed, an individual chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million, proving that no one can hide behind the group when engaging in such egregious behavior.
   • What we pursue: Personal assets, and where applicable, coverage from homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

2. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter):

   • Who they are: This is the specific on-campus fraternity or sorority chapter where the hazing occurred.
   • Why they’re liable: The chapter, as an entity, directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. It fosters a culture that allows such abuse to flourish and fails to protect its members and pledges. It often violates its own bylaws, university policies, and state anti-hazing laws.
   • What we pursue: Chapter assets, and most importantly, the liability insurance policies held by the chapter itself.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):

   • Who they are: The parent organization that grants charters to local chapters, sets national policies, and claims to provide oversight. Pi Kappa Phi, for example, boasts over 150 chapters across America. These national organizations have chapters at colleges and universities near Cumberland County.
   • Why they’re liable: National organizations often have a documented history of hazing incidents, yet consistently fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, or educate their members effectively. The Andrew Coffey case, where a Pi Kappa Phi pledge died in 2017, provides undeniable proof that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its organization over eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Despite this, their “culture of hazing” continued, leading to Leonel’s injuries. When they admit to “violations” and close a chapter as quickly as Pi Kappa Phi did at UH, it’s an admission that they know wrongdoing occurred and they have a duty to prevent it.
   • What we pursue: Their substantial assets, endowments, and vast liability insurance policies, which are often in the millions. These represent the “deep pockets” necessary for significant compensation.

4. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston, UH Board of Regents):

   • Who they are: The educational institution that hosts Greek life organizations on its campus, regulates student conduct, and has a duty to provide a safe environment for its students, including those from Cumberland County. In many cases, like Leonel’s, the university may even own the fraternity house where the hazing took place.
   • Why they’re liable: Universities can be held liable for:
     • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor Greek life activities, turn a blind eye to obvious hazing, or not responding to previous incidents. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, yet failed to prevent Leonel’s injuries.
     • Premises Liability: When a university owns, controls, or maintains the property where hazing occurs, they have a duty to ensure it is safe. If dangerous conditions (like hazing) are allowed to fester on their property, they are responsible. This angle is particularly strong in the Bermudez case because UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house.
     • Breach of Contract: Implicitly or explicitly guaranteeing a safe educational environment.
     • Failure to Discipline: Not taking appropriate action against known hazing activities or perpetrators.
   • What we pursue: The university’s endowments, substantial financial resources, and comprehensive liability insurance policies.

Attorney911’s Data-Driven Approach: Knowing Who to Sue

We don’t guess who might be responsible for hazing. We know. Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we already know “who’s who” in the corporate structure, allowing us to immediately identify every entity behind the Greek letters and every individual who contributed to the harm. This intelligence is crucial for complex hazing litigation so we know exactly who to sue.

For families in Cumberland County, this means we can quickly and efficiently determine all potentially liable parties, whether the hazing occurred at a sprawling state university like Rutgers, a private college in Philadelphia or New York, or any other institution your child might attend. No matter the location, our expertise in identifying a broad range of defendants is critical to maximizing potential recovery for your family.

The Cost of Cruelty: What Hazing Cases Win

For families in Cumberland County confronting the aftermath of hazing, the thought of legal action can feel overwhelming. Beyond the emotional toll, there are significant financial burdens, from hospital bills and therapy to tuition wasted and lost future earnings. However, our track record and the national landscape of hazing litigation prove that justice, in the form of substantial compensation, is achievable. These precedents send a powerful message: hazing costs millions, and institutions and individuals will pay.

Precedent-Setting Verdicts and Settlements—They Will Pay

The cases below are not just statistics; they are stories of families who fought back and won, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that forced change and accountability. These successful outcomes provide a clear roadmap for what is possible for hazing victims in Cumberland County.

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

   • Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million.
     • University Settlement: The Foltz family secured a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history, demonstrating a university’s significant liability when hazing occurs on its watch.
     • Fraternity & Individual Settlements: An additional $7.2 million was paid by the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and other individuals involved. In a later, groundbreaking ruling in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay a personal judgment of $6.5 million, demonstrating that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind the fraternity’s corporate veil.
   • What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died of acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event.
   • Relevance to Cumberland County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liabilities, and that individuals can be held personally responsible. The same national Greek organizations that operated at BGSU have chapters at universities in and around Cumberland County.

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

   • Total Recovery: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict.
   • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 (six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study,” where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers.
   • Legal & Legislative Impact: This case resulted in a substantial jury verdict and led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” which made hazing a felony in Louisiana, underscoring the legal system’s serious response to fatal hazing.
   • Relevance to Cumberland County: Gruver’s case proves that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, even when the immediate cause is alcohol poisoning. The facts of Leonel Bermudez’s case—waterboarding, extreme physical abuse, severe medical injury—are arguably even more egregious and would likely incite similar outrage from a Cumberland County jury.

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

   • Total Recovery: Estimated $110 Million+ through multiple settlements.
   • What Happened: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding 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 brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras.
   • Legal & Legislative Impact: This case involved criminal charges against 18 fraternity members, leading to convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing, and resulted in the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
   • Relevance to Cumberland County: Piazza’s case is a powerful example of how strong evidence (like the detailed allegations in the Bermudez case) leads to monumental settlements. The sheer scale of the recovery sends an unmistakable message regarding institutional culpability.

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

   • Total Recovery: Confidential settlement.
   • What Happened: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night,” where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. Tragically, this is the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
   • Relevance to Cumberland County: The Coffey case is a smoking gun against Pi Kappa Phi National. They knew about deadly hazing in their chapters from 2017. Their failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later establishes a clear pattern of negligence and conscious indifference, which drastically strengthens our case for substantial damages, including punitive damages. This national fraternity, like others, has chapters at institutions across New Jersey, including those whose students hail from Cumberland County.

Damages and Compensation: What Your Cumberland County Family Is Entitled To

A successful hazing lawsuit aims to recover both economic and non-economic damages, and in egregious cases, punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoers.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses resulting directly from the hazing incident. For a Cumberland County family, these can include:

  • Medical Expenses: Hospitalization, emergency room visits, doctor consultations, ongoing treatments, future medical care for long-term complications (like Leonel’s kidney monitoring), physical therapy, and mental health counseling.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity: Income lost due to injuries, inability to work, or long-term disability affecting future career prospects.
  • Lost Academic Investment: Tuition, fees, and other educational costs for semesters disrupted, forced withdrawals, or scholarships lost.
  • Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Travel for medical appointments, equipment, and other incidentals.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible losses that are harder to quantify but profoundly impact the victim’s life:

  • Pain and Suffering: The physical pain endured during the hazing, the recovery process, and any chronic conditions.
  • Mental Anguish and Emotional Distress: The severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation, and the fear of retaliation (like Leonel’s documented fear).
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities, social events, or aspects of life that were once cherished, particularly during formative college years.
  • Disfigurement: Permanent scars, burns, or physical alterations resulting from the hazing.
  • Loss of Consortium: For family members, loss of companionship and support from the victim.
  • In New Jersey, as in Texas, there is no cap on pain and suffering in personal injury cases (unlike some other types of legal claims), allowing for full compensation for the profound suffering caused by hazing.

• Punitive Damages: These are awarded not to compensate the victim, but to punish the defendants for grossly negligent, reckless, or malicious conduct, and to deter similar behavior in the future.

  • Hazing, by its very nature, often involves conduct that is intentional, outrageous, and displays a conscious indifference to the safety of others. Waterboarding a college student, forcing physical exertion to the point of organ failure, or ignoring obvious signs of distress are precisely the types of actions that warrant punitive damages.
  • The pattern of negligence by Pi Kappa Phi National (after Andrew Coffey’s death) and the University of Houston (after the 2017 hazing hospitalization) are compelling arguments for punitive damages against both institutions. In New Jersey, punitive damages are capped at five times the compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater, but careful calculation of economic and non-economic damages can still lead to substantial punitive awards against multiple defendants.

The Message to Cumberland County: This Can Be Your Fight, Too

These precedent cases offer hope and a clear path forward for families in Cumberland County. They demonstrate that the legal system can deliver justice and that financial accountability is a powerful deterrent against hazing. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not just a fight for one student; it’s a battle for every student from Cumberland County who deserves to be safe at college.

Your Shield and Sword: New Jersey and Federal Law Protect You

For families in Cumberland County dealing with the devastating impact of hazing, understanding your legal rights is critical. While our firm is rooted in Texas, our expertise extends nationwide. New Jersey has robust anti-hazing laws, and federal statutes also provide important protections. We will leverage every aspect of the law to hold those accountable who have harmed your child. Remember, the law is on your side, and you do not have to fight this battle alone.

New Jersey’s Strong Stance Against Hazing: “Timothy’s Law”

New Jersey has one of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing laws, often referred to as “Timothy’s Law” (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-15 et seq.), named after Timothy Piazza, whose tragic death at Penn State spurred legislative action across many states, including here in New Jersey. This law provides a robust framework for criminal and civil liability.

Key Provisions of Timothy’s Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-15):

• Definition of Hazing: New Jersey’s law broadly defines hazing as any method of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, that causes or is likely to cause, bodily injury to any student or other person or damage to the property of any student or other person.
  • Cumberland County Application: This broad definition ensures that the physical and psychological abuses suffered by victims, even if they don’t explicitly fit every category, fall under the scope of illegal hazing. This applies to high schools, colleges, and other student organizations in and around Cumberland County.
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Serious Bodily Injury: If hazing results in “serious bodily injury,” it is elevated to a crime of the third degree. This can result in significant prison time and substantial fines.
  • Bodily Injury (less severe): If hazing results in “bodily injury,” it is a crime of the fourth degree, also carrying potential prison sentences and fines.
  • General Hazing: Even if no bodily injury occurs, hazing is a disorderly persons offense.
  • Cumberland County Application: New Jersey’s law carries much harsher criminal penalties than many other states, making it a powerful tool for prosecuting perpetrators and creating a strong deterrent. The “potential criminal charges” hinted at by the University of Houston in Leonel’s case are a very real threat under New Jersey law.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-16):
  • Just like in Texas, New Jersey law explicitly states: “The express or implied consent of the victim of hazing is not a defense to a prosecution under this act.”
  • Cumberland County Application: This is absolutely critical. Any fraternity, sorority, or university claiming a student from Cumberland County “consented” to the hazing rituals has no legal standing. The law recognizes that true consent cannot be given under duress, peer pressure, or the threat of social exclusion.
• Organizational Liability (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-17):
  • An organization, including a fraternity or sorority, can face criminal charges and penalties if its members or leadership engage in or permit hazing. This can include fines, suspension, or revocation of recognition.
  • Cumberland County Application: This directly impacts local chapters and national organizations with chapters in New Jersey, holding the entire entity responsible, not just individual members.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Your Right to Compensation

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in acquittal, victims and families in Cumberland County can still pursue substantial compensation through civil lawsuits. The legal standard for civil liability is lower than for criminal cases, making it a powerful avenue for justice.

1. Negligence Claims:

   • Applies to Everyone: This is the most common civil claim and applies to individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
   • Elements: We must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care (e.g., to provide a safe environment), breached that duty (e.g., by permitting hazing), and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
   • Cumberland County Application: Universities have a duty to protect their students, Greek organizations have a duty to ensure safe practices, and individuals have a duty to not harm others. These duties were clearly breached in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, and in countless other hazing incidents.

2. Premises Liability:

   • Where Hazing Occurred: If hazing takes place on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH fraternity house in Leonel’s case) or a private residence (like the former member’s home), the property owner or controller may be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment or allowing dangerous activities to occur.
   • Cumberland County Application: Many fraternity and sorority houses, even in New Jersey, are owned or overseen by universities or housing corporations. If hazing occurs there, the property owners can be held responsible.

3. Negligent Supervision:

   • Institutional Failure: National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters, and universities have a duty to supervise Greek life. Their failure to enforce policies, monitor activities, or respond to warnings constitutes negligent supervision.
   • Cumberland County Application: The documented failures of Pi Kappa Phi National (after Andrew Coffey’s death) and the University of Houston (after the 2017 hazing) are glaring examples of negligent supervision that we will leverage to establish liability.

4. Assault and Battery:

   • Individual Acts: Any physical act of violence, unwanted touching, or forced action (such as waterboarding, paddling, or forced consumption) constitutes assault and battery.
   • Cumberland County Application: Each individual who directly inflicted harm or instigated it can be sued for these intentional torts.

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED):

   • Outrageous Conduct, Severe Harm: This claim applies when the defendant’s conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress.
   • Cumberland County Application: The psychological torment, humiliation, and terror experienced by hazing victims, particularly in cases involving torture like waterboarding and degradation, clearly meet the standard for IIED.

These civil claims ensure that even if criminal charges do not proceed or are unsuccessful, victims and their families from Cumberland County can still secure significant financial compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering.

Federal Protections: Extending Our Reach to Cumberland County

Our firm’s admission to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us a strategic advantage in pursuing national entities. This means we can litigate cases in federal venues where they often encompass defendants across state lines, which is often the reality in hazing cases involving national fraternities.

Additionally, federal statutes may play a role:

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Hazing that involves sexual assault, harassment, or gender-targeted abuse can fall under Title IX, providing an additional avenue for accountability against universities.
• Civil Rights Claims: In some instances, hazing may violate a student’s civil rights, particularly if it involves discrimination based on protected characteristics.

For Cumberland County families, these layers of legal protection mean that distance is not a barrier to justice. We will use New Jersey’s comprehensive anti-hazing laws, coupled with federal legal avenues and our nationwide reach, to build the strongest possible case for your loved one.

A Legacy of Impact: Why Attorney911 Is Your Choice for Cumberland County Hazing Litigation

When tragedy strikes and hazing shatters your family in Cumberland County, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a seasoned, relentless advocate who understands the nuances of this complex litigation. At Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we operate with a unique blend of empathy, strategic insight, and proven courtroom prowess. We understand the specific challenges facing families in Cumberland County, whether your child attends a university in New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York, or any institution across the country. We are not just Texas-based; we are nationwide in our commitment to justice for hazing victims.

Unparalleled Expertise and Insider Knowledge

Our firm stands apart due to the distinct and complementary skill sets of our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. Both are male, which is an important detail for client perception, and both bring a wealth of experience that is directly applicable to hazing litigation.

Ralph P. Manginello: The Aggressive Litigator and Former Insurance Defense Insider

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph is a battle-tested trial attorney with over two decades of experience fighting in courtrooms. This means he has the proven ability to take cases all the way to a jury, a critical factor when dealing with institutions that often try to delay or evade responsibility.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: This is one of our most potent weapons. Ralph worked on the defense side for insurance companies, giving him firsthand knowledge of their strategies, tactics, and how they attempt to minimize or deny claims. He understands their playbook intimately, and he now uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, including those in Cumberland County.
• Experience Against Massive Corporations: Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with seemingly limitless resources—precisely the kind of defendants (national fraternities, major universities) involved in hazing cases.
• Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas and New York) and Federal Court Authority: This is a strategic advantage for national hazing litigation. His admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals means we can pursue federal cases, an important avenue when hazing involves national organizations operating across state lines. His New York bar admission is especially strategic for litigation involving national organizations often headquartered in the Northeast or mid-Atlantic states.
• Journalism Background: Ralph’s Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin equipped him with the skills to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories persuasively—abilities crucial for exposing the truth in hazing cases where organizations attempt to conceal information.
• Hazing-Specific Focus: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel Bermudez’s), Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and university accountability, making him uniquely qualified to navigate these complex cases for Cumberland County families.
• Personal Connection: As a father of three and a youth sports coach, Ralph understands the pressures young people face and the devastating impact hazing can have on a family.

Lupe Eleno Peña: The Insurance Defense Strategist and Bilingual Advocate

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe (who is male, despite the name) worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. He now uses this invaluable “battlefield intelligence” to fight for victims.
• 12+ Years of Litigation Experience: Lupe further strengthens our team with over a decade of experience, particularly in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases—the tragic outcomes often seen in severe hazing incidents.
• Finance Background and Business Acumen: His pre-law career in finance and his B.B.A. in International Business provide a keen understanding of economic damages, future earning capacity calculations, and corporate structures. This is vital when pursuing substantial compensation from multi-million dollar national fraternities and universities.
• Fluent in Spanish (Se Habla Español): For Cumberland County’s diverse community, including its Hispanic families, Lupe’s fluency in Spanish provides an invaluable service, eliminating language barriers and ensuring that Spanish-speaking clients receive comprehensive legal support and understanding throughout their legal journey.
• Aggressive Philosophy: Lupe’s approach—to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side”—is exactly what’s needed to take on powerful institutions that are accustomed to having their way.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form an “insurance counter-intelligence system,” offering an unfair advantage to victims from Cumberland County facing well-funded defendants.

Our Commitment to Cumberland County Families

1. Nationwide Reach, Local Focus: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Cumberland County and nationwide. Our federal court admissions allow us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, and our willingness to travel means we will come to Cumberland County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed. For families who cannot travel, we offer convenient and secure video consultations.
2. No Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee): We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident can be immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This removes financial barriers and allows any family in Cumberland County to access top-tier legal representation.
3. Active Litigation, Not Just Theory: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court right now with our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t a hypothetical; it’s tangible proof of our commitment and expertise.
4. Empathy and Relentless Advocacy: We treat Cumberland County families like our own. We understand the emotional devastation of hazing. Our approach balances professional aggression with genuine compassion. As some of our over 250 Google reviews (4.9-star average) attest, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
5. Comprehensive Service: From evidence preservation (using tools like cell phones to document everything) to navigating complex institutional structures, we handle every aspect of your case. We anticipate the defendant’s tactics, leverage precedent-setting outcomes, and ensure your story is told powerfully.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re joining forces with a team that has already proven its ability to take on and defeat large, entrenched institutions. We will bring the same level of aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to your Cumberland County hazing case, just as we are doing for Leonel Bermudez.

Charting Your Path Forward: What to Do Right Now

If your child in Cumberland County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It can be a confusing, frightening, and emotionally overwhelming time. However, acting quickly and strategically can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. We’ve compiled a clear, actionable guide to help your family navigate these challenging first steps.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

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

• Remove Your Child from the Danger: If they are still in a hazing environment, get them out immediately. Safety comes first, always.
• Seek Medical Care IMMEDIATELY: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child resists because of shame or fear, seek professional medical attention.
  • Go to the Emergency Room: For significant injuries, or if any symptoms like extreme pain, confusion, vomiting, or like Leonel’s dark urine appear, go to the nearest emergency room in Cumberland County or wherever your child is located. The medical documentation from a hospital is invaluable evidence.
  • See a Doctor/Specialist: For less severe but still concerning injuries, or for follow-up, see a family doctor or specialist.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Keep every receipt, bill, and medical record. Delays in seeking treatment will be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries were not severe or not related to the hazing.
• Seek Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Connect your child with a therapist or counselor specializing in trauma. Mental health records are crucial evidence of emotional distress and PTSD.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

In hazing cases, evidence can disappear rapidly, and organizations often work quickly to cover their tracks. Start an organized effort to gather and preserve everything related to the incident. As Ralph Manginello constantly advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

• Medical Records: Gather all emergency room reports, hospital discharge summaries, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), prescribed medications, and bills.
• Visual Evidence:
  • Photos and Videos of Injuries: Document your child’s injuries at all stages of healing—bruises, cuts, burns, swelling. Take high-resolution photos and videos.
  • Hazing Locations: Take photos or videos of the areas where hazing occurred (fraternity house, basement, park, off-campus residence).
  • Physical Evidence: If there are any objects used in the hazing (like wooden paddles, specific clothing, strange substances), photograph them, and if safe and legal, preserve them.
• Digital Communications (CRITICAL!):
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: This cannot be stressed enough. Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, emails—these often contain direct evidence of hazing activities, instructions, threats, and cover-up attempts.
  • Screenshot Immediately: Take screenshots of all relevant conversations, group chats, social media posts, and even deleted messages from temporary apps like Snapchat if possible. Back everything up to multiple locations.
  • Witness Communications: Any messages from other pledges, witnesses, or fraternity members discussing the hazing.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. They may fear retaliation, so gathering this information carefully is important.
• Documents from the Organization: Any pledge manuals, rules, schedules, codes of conduct, or communications given to your child by the fraternity/sorority or the university.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing: medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work, and any academic costs (tuition for a semester dropped, lost scholarships).
• Academic Records: Document your child’s academic standing before and after the incident to show any adverse impact on grades, enrollment, or potential scholarship losses.

Step 3: Critical “Don’ts” to Protect Your Case

The defense will exploit any missteps, so avoid these common mistakes:

• DO NOT Delete ANYTHING: Again, digital evidence is paramount. Deleting messages can be seen as spoliation of evidence and can severely damage your case.
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers ALONE: They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect themselves and minimize their liability. Any statements you give without legal counsel present can be used against you. This includes university administrators, campus police, or Title IX investigators.
• DO NOT Sign ANY Documents: Do not sign waivers, releases, confidentiality agreements, or any other paperwork from the organization or the university without having your lawyer review it first.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or family posts on social media can and will be used against you. Avoid discussing the incident, your feelings about it, or even posting “happy” content that could imply an injury isn’t serious. Stay silent online until advised by your attorney.
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While understandable, direct confrontation can escalate the situation and complicate legal action.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – Time is Critical!

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, embarrassment, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to the organization. However, every day you wait jeopardizes your legal rights.

• Statute of Limitations: In New Jersey, personal injury lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
• Evidence Disappears: Text messages get purged, social media accounts are deleted, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy or “lose” incriminating documents.
• Attorney911’s Urgent Response: Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized on November 6, and we filed the lawsuit within weeks. This immediate action is how you protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a successful case.

We understand the fear and hesitancy that often accompanies these situations. But you don’t have to carry this burden alone. Our experienced team is ready to step in, provide guidance, and aggressively pursue justice for your Cumberland County family.

Cumberland County Families: You Are Not Alone. Call Us Today.

If you’re a parent in Cumberland County whose child has suffered the horrific consequences of hazing, whether at a university in New Jersey or elsewhere, we know this is likely one of the most terrifying and emotionally draining experiences of your life. Your child went to college to build a future, not to be tortured, abused, or permanently scarred. Your trust in these institutions was betrayed. We understand the pain, the anger, and the desperation you’re feeling. We are here to help turn that raw emotion into decisive action and unwavering accountability.

At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are ferocious advocates who believe that no student, especialy those from Cumberland County, should ever endure the brutality of hazing. We are currently embroiled in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing that led to kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical; it’s a fight we are actively winning right now. We will bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to your Cumberland County family.

Cumberland County Families: Your Call Is Our Emergency.

We understand that seeking legal help can feel daunting, especially when processing immense trauma. But remember, the clock is ticking, and evidence can disappear. We make it easy and risk-free to get the expert help you need.

📞 CALL US NOW FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for Cumberland County hazing emergencies. You can reach us any time, day or night, and speak directly with our team.

No Upfront Costs: Justice Should Never Be Out of Reach

We take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means:

• $0 Upfront for Cumberland County Families: You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
• Level the Playing Field: This financial model ensures that even the most powerful universities and national fraternities cannot outspend your right to justice.

(To learn more about how contingency fees work, watch our video: How Contingency Fees Work)

We Serve Cumberland County Hazing Victims — No Matter Where the Incident Occurred

While our offices are based in Texas, don’t let geography be a barrier to justice. Hazing is a national crisis, and we represent victims from across the country, including Cumberland County, New Jersey.

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases with defendants operating across state lines, a common scenario with national Greek organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, our reach extends strategically across key regions directly relevant to managing national fraternity litigation.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience and privacy in Cumberland County, we offer secure video consultations. You can meet with our attorneys from the comfort of your home.
• We Travel to You: For critical depositions, important meetings, and trial, our attorneys will travel to Cumberland County or wherever your case demands. Distance is simply not a barrier to achieving justice.

We represent victims of hazing in all settings, not just fraternities and sororities. If your child was hazed in a sports team, marching band, ROTC program, or any other student organization at a high school or university in or near Cumberland County, we can help.

To Other Victims of Hazing: Your Voice Matters. Your Story Can Save Lives.

To any student who has witnessed or experienced hazing – perhaps you were an unwitting participant, or you were subjected to the same abuses as Leonel Bermudez and others – we know how difficult it is to come forward. There is immense pressure to remain silent, driven by fear, loyalty, or shame. But as Lupe Peña reminds us, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your courage could be the catalyst that prevents another Cumberland County family from enduring this agony. If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or any other hazing incident, please reach out. We are here to listen, to protect you, and to fight for you.

(For guidance on preserving crucial evidence, watch our video: Using Your Phone to Document Evidence)

The time to act is now. Don’t let fear or delay extinguish your right to justice. Contact Attorney911 today.