If you’re reading this in Delaware, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, expecting to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, or even worse. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Delaware fight back.

We are Attorney 911, and we are actively fighting hazing in America, right now, with families just like yours. We know this isn’t just a Texas problem; it’s a nationwide crisis that extends to college campuses, sports teams, and organizations across Delaware. Whether your child attends the University of Delaware, Delaware State, or any institution in the state, the danger of hazing is real, and the need for aggressive legal representation is critical.

This isn’t about blaming your child. It’s about holding accountable the fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals who are responsible for allowing this abuse to happen. We’re talking about organizations with real estate holdings, national insurance policies, and leadership that turns a blind eye until tragedy strikes. We know how to navigate the complexities of hazing litigation, and we are committed to bringing that expertise and dedication to families in Delaware.

The Hazing Crisis: It’s Not “Boys Being Boys” – It’s Abuse, Even in Delaware

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as a “boys will be boys” ritual or a harmless tradition. But as we’ve seen in horrific cases across the country, and as we are actively fighting in our current $10 million lawsuit, hazing is far from harmless. It’s often assault, battery, torture, and a reckless endangerment of young lives. This is happening at universities with Greek life chapters throughout Delaware, just as it happens everywhere else.

The tactics used are not innocent pranks; they are calculated forms of abuse designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and force conformity. These acts inflict severe physical and psychological trauma, leading to life-altering injuries and, far too often, death. The emotional toll on victims and their families in Delaware is immeasurable.

We know that many parents in Delaware send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to be challenged academically, and to grow into responsible adults. The idea that their child could be subjected to waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical torture, or psychological abuse by their peers and sanctioned organizations is unthinkable. But it is happening, and it can happen right here in our communities, at institutions their children might attend.

The Landmark Case: Our $10M Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – A Warning for Delaware Families

We want families in Delaware to understand the true nature of hazing, not through abstract statistics, but through a real, active case that our firm, Attorney 911, is fighting right now. This is a case that represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Weeks ago, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals involved in hazing a prospective member. This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly what kind of firm Attorney 911 is when it comes to fighting hazing: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless.

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet—he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer—accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was an egregious campaign of hazing that sent him to the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez? The Horrifying Truth:

The hazing Leonel endured was not a game. It included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: He was sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, a practice that simulates drowning and is recognized internationally as torture. The media has even called it explicit by stating “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Hog-tying: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Forced eating until vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while physically distressed, and even made to lie in his own vomit.
• Extreme physical torture: He was subjected to more than 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. This brutal regimen led to his muscles breaking down to the point where his kidneys failed.
• Psychological abuse: He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, threatened with physical punishment and expulsion for non-compliance, and made to strip to his underwear in cold weather.
• Sleep deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to severe exhaustion.

When Leonel finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs. His condition worsened over days until his mother, witnessing his brown urine, rushed him to the hospital. Our firm’s Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted this to ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

The Swift Response and Accountability:

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. University officials called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” Criminal referrals were initiated. Our $10 million lawsuit names the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members.

This case is current, it’s real, and it is happening in a court of law right now. It exemplifies that Attorney 911 is not a theoretical firm; we are actively fighting hazing, just as we would for families in Delaware whose children attend local institutions like the University of Delaware or Delaware State.

Why This Case Matters to Delaware Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including likely near institutions your children might attend in Delaware.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client could easily be happening at fraternities and sororities in Delaware.
• Universities in Delaware face the same institutional negligence and liability failures as the University of Houston.
• If your child is being hazed in Delaware, we will fight for you with the same aggression and expertise we’re bringing to this high-profile case.
• As Associate 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.” Your Delaware case could save lives.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many people in Delaware still hold outdated notions of hazing—thinking of it as harmless pranks or secret ceremonies. But as Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically illustrates, modern hazing is far more sinister. It is systematic abuse designed to inflict physical and psychological harm under the guise of “brotherhood” or “tradition.”

Here are the harsh realities:

• Physical Abuse: This goes beyond mere roughhousing. It includes beatings, paddling, branding, burning, and forced exercise to the point of collapse and organ failure, as seen in Leonel’s case.
• Forced Consumption: Pledges are often made to consume massive quantities of alcohol, leading to binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and even death. They might also be forced to eat until they vomit or ingest disgusting non-food substances. These are dangerous and often medically catastrophic acts.
• Sleep Deprivation: Demands for late-night tasks, early morning workouts, and disrupted sleep schedules are common, leading to severe physical and mental exhaustion that compromises judgment and health.
• Psychological Torture: This can be the most insidious form of hazing, involving humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and even simulated torture like waterboarding. The emotional scars can last a lifetime, manifesting as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
• Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexually degrading acts, and even sexual assault are documented forms of hazing that inflict profound and lasting trauma on victims.
• Exposure: Students may be forced into dangerous environments, exposed to extreme cold or heat, or confined in small, uncomfortable spaces.
• Servitude: Pledges are often required to perform endless errands, cleaning tasks, or act as personal drivers for members at all hours, further contributing to their exhaustion and dehumanization.

These horrifying activities are not isolated to certain regions; they occur in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations throughout America, including at universities and colleges across Delaware. The consequences are dire, ranging from rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure (like Leonel Bermudez), to traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and tragically, death. The psychological impact can include PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which can disrupt a student’s entire academic and life trajectory.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing occurs in Delaware, it’s not just the actions of a few individuals; it’s a systemic failure. We believe that every entity that participated in, allowed, or failed to prevent hazing should be held fully accountable. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we are pursuing compensation from a comprehensive list of defendants, and we use this same aggressive approach for families in Delaware.

Here’s who can be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

• The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities is always a primary defendant. Their members, including officers like the president and pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility for their actions and decisions.
• Individual Members: Every individual who participated in the hazing, directed it, or stood by and allowed it to happen can be held personally liable. This extends to former members and even their spouses if the hazing occurred at their private residence, as it did in the Bermudez case.
• The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure the safety of their members. When they fail in this duty, particularly with documented histories of hazing incidents, they become liable. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a defendant in the Bermudez case because they knew of a “hazing crisis” and failed to act. These national organizations operate in Delaware with chapters at institutions across the state.
• The University or College: Educational institutions, including those in Delaware, have a responsibility to protect their students from harm. If a university owns or controls the property where hazing occurs, fails to adequately monitor Greek life, or ignores prior warnings of hazing, they can be held liable. The University of Houston is a defendant in our case because they owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place and had a history of past hazing incidents on campus. This institutional negligence applies to institutions of higher education in Delaware as well.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and even individual member, there are insurance policies. These “deep pockets”—liability insurance, institutional insurance, and homeowner’s policies—are what allow for significant compensation. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña understand the intricacies of these policies and know exactly how to pursue them to maximize recovery for victims.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all parties who failed to protect your child are brought to justice. It’s not just about one person’s actions; it’s about a culture of negligence that allowed abuse to flourish.

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

The fight against hazing is often long and complex, but families deserve to know that justice is possible, and that substantial compensation can be awarded. We refer to precedent-setting verdicts and settlements to demonstrate that hazing costs institutions millions—figures that show our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not only justified but necessary. These same results are possible for families in Delaware.

Here are some of the landmark cases that set the standard for hazing litigation:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+. Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) and individuals settled for $7.2 million. The Foltz family’s attorney recently secured a $6.5 million personal judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, in December 2024, emphasizing that individual officers can be held personally liable. This case proves that our $10 million demand is right in line with similar incidents.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict. Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to play a drinking game called “Bible Study.” A jury found the fraternity and its members responsible, delivering a $6.1 million verdict. This verdict led to the creation of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of these cases to drive legislative change.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated). Timothy Piazza died after falling repeatedly down basement stairs while severely intoxicated during a “gauntlet” drinking ritual where he consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The family reached a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million, and the tragedy led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. The extensive video evidence in this case showed that overwhelming proof leads to massive outcomes.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case. Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night.” This occurred at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter, the same national fraternity involved in the Leonel Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident 8 years before Leonel’s hospitalization is critical “pattern evidence” proving Pi Kappa Phi National knew the dangers within their chapters and failed to act.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement. Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a liter of Jack Daniel’s bourbon during a pledge event. The family settled for over $4 million, and their advocacy resulted in “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

These cases send a clear message: the monetary value of a young life, or the lifelong suffering from severe injuries due to hazing, is immense. They also illustrate that both universities and national fraternities face significant financial penalties for their negligence. When considering a hazing incident in Delaware, these national precedents prove that justice, and substantial awards, are attainable.

Texas Law Protects You: Why Consent Is Never A Defense

For families in Delaware navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are often similar across states. In Texas, where our landmark Bermudez case is being fought, the law is particularly clear and strong in protecting hazing victims. Similar protections likely exist in Delaware, and our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases regardless of state lines.

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157):

The Texas Education Code explicitly defines and prohibits hazing, making it a serious offense with criminal penalties. This definition is broad, covering any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. Many hazing activities common in Delaware and beyond, such as forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical brutality, and exposure to the elements, fall squarely within this definition.

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing can lead to Class B misdemeanor charges, with penalties including up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. If hazing causes serious bodily injury—like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Tragically, if hazing causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony, carrying 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. These criminal penalties are distinct from civil lawsuits but can significantly impact a civil case.
• Organizational Liability: The law also holds organizations accountable, not just individuals. Organizations can face fines up to $10,000 and even be denied the right to operate on campus for condoning or encouraging hazing.
• University Reporting Requirements: Universities are mandated to report hazing incidents, with failure to do so resulting in criminal charges for administrators. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for transparency.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of anti-hazing law in Texas that applies to similar cases in Delaware. Defendants, including fraternities and universities, will often try to argue that the victim consented to the hazing, that “they knew what they were getting into,” or “they could have left at any time.”

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

This means your child in Delaware cannot legally consent to being hazed. The law recognizes that the power dynamics, peer pressure, and atmosphere of coercion inherent in hazing negate true consent. This provision is vital in dismantling the defense strategies often employed by powerful institutions.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges:

Beyond the criminal penalties, hazing victims and their families in Delaware can pursue civil lawsuits based on several legal theories:

• Negligence Claims: We can argue that the university, national fraternity, and individuals had a duty of care to ensure your child’s safety, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, directly causing injuries and damages. This is a foundational element in all personal injury cases.
• Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity, they can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition to exist. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was hazed, strengthening our premises liability claim.
• Negligent Supervision: National organizations must supervise their chapters, and universities must oversee Greek life. Failure to do so, especially when there’s a history of incidents, constitutes negligent supervision.
• Assault and Battery: Direct physical contact, like the wooden paddles or waterboarding Leonel endured, gives rise to claims of assault and battery.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, particularly acts like waterboarding, can lead to claims of IIED for the severe psychological trauma inflicted.

For families in Delaware, these civil claims are powerful tools for seeking justice and compensation, regardless of any criminal prosecutions. Knowing that legal precedent and statutory protection are on your side can empower you to fight back against the institutions that failed your child.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Obvious Choice for Delaware Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape, the cultural nuances of Greek life, and how to go toe-to-toe with powerful institutions. Attorney 911 is that firm, and we are ready to bring our expertise to families in Delaware.

Here’s why we are uniquely positioned to fight for your child’s justice:

• Active Litigation in a High-Profile Hazing Case: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are fighting it right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez is our flagship case, demonstrating our aggressive, data-driven approach. This active experience means we are immersed in the most current strategies and legal challenges in hazing litigation, and we will apply that same strategic focus to your Delaware case.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This means we’ve seen the other side’s playbook. We know how insurance companies, national fraternities/sororities, and universities value claims, build defenses, and try to minimize payouts. We use this insider knowledge to dismantle their strategies and maximize your compensation. As Lupe Peña experienced at a national defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, he knows how large organizations try to protect themselves against liability.
• Multi-Billion Dollar Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a mass tort case involving 15 deaths and 180+ injuries, demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants. The same skills required to take on BP are directly transferable to challenging powerful national fraternities and prestigious universities.
• Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: While headquartered in Houston, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Delaware. Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and both he and Lupe can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations. Ralph’s dual-state bar admissions in Texas and New York also provide a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities or universities with operations across various states. We have the authority and willingness to travel to Delaware for depositions, court proceedings, and to meet your family.
• Deep Understanding of Hazing Dynamics: Our team has specific expertise in hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel’s), Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and cases involving specific universities. We understand the unique pressures, cultural aspects, and psychological impacts that make hazing complex.
• Journalism & Investigation Background: Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism means he’s trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories—skills vital for exposing what institutions want to hide in hazing cases.
• Comprehensive Client Support: We understand that a hazing incident is a traumatic event. Our staff is bilingual (Se Habla Español), friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping victims. We offer free consultations, operate on a contingency fee basis (you pay $0 upfront, and we don’t get paid unless you win), and provide remote consultation options for Delaware families. We treat you like family, not just another case.
• Proven Track Record: Our firm’s 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews speaks to our consistent delivery of excellent results and client satisfaction. Testimonials highlight our aggressive advocacy, consistent communication, and success in securing justice.

When you choose Attorney 911 for your hazing case in Delaware, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team that combines aggression, experience, and deep compassion to fight for the justice your child deserves. We are ready to be your first responders to this legal emergency.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Delaware Hazing Victims and Families

If your child has been involved in a hazing incident in Delaware or is experiencing symptoms, acting quickly and strategically is paramount. The actions you take—or don’t take—in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact your legal case. We understand this is a terrifying and confusing time, but following these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. If there are physical injuries, signs of illness (like Leonel Bermudez’s brown urine, severe muscle pain, or difficulty moving), or any psychological distress, get professional medical help immediately. Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or a doctor. Even if injuries seem minor, get them documented. This creates an official record of the harm directly linking it to the hazing. Delaying treatment can be used by defendants to argue the injuries weren’t severe or weren’t related to the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence; Document Everything: In this digital age, evidence is crucial.

   • Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and therapy records.
   • Photos/Videos: Take clear photos and videos of any visible injuries, bruises, cuts, or symptoms at all stages of healing. If possible, safely document the hazing location or any items used in the hazing. Screenshots of hazing activities, whether on social media or group chats, are vital. “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”, advises Ralph Manginello.
   • Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes communications from members, pledges, and the organization itself. These often contain direct evidence of threats, coercion, or the hazing activities.
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of any other pledges, active members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Documents: Retain any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications received from the fraternity/sorority or university related to pledging.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. DO NOT Delete Anything: Under no circumstances should you delete text messages, social media posts, or any other digital evidence. This could be considered destruction of evidence and severely harm your case.

4. Limit Communication with the Organization or University: Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting with your own legal counsel first. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect the institution, not your child. Do not give any recorded statements. Do not sign anything they give you.

5. Stay Off Social Media: It is critical that your child, and you as their family, refrain from posting any information about the hazing incident on social media. Avoid comments, photos, or anything that could be misinterpreted or used against your case by defense attorneys. As one of our short videos warns, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident,” a critical piece of advice that is even more urgent for hazing victims.

6. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately: The clock is ticking. In most states, including Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of injury, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are known to destroy records.

   Do not wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, investigating the incident, and building a strong case.

   For Delaware families: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations, and our federal court authority, combined with a willingness to travel, means we can effectively represent victims in Delaware. Do not let the geography prevent you from seeking the best legal team for your child.

Contact Us: Your First Call for a Legal Emergency in Delaware

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Delaware, you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are Attorney 911, and we are ready to stand with you and fight for the justice your family deserves. Our active, high-stakes litigation in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is proof of our commitment and expertise in hazing law. We bring this same aggressive, data-driven approach to every family we represent, no matter where they are.

Delaware Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

We understand the fear, anger, and confusion you’re experiencing. Our legal team is available 24/7 to provide immediate, compassionate support and expert legal guidance.

📞 Dial 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Costs for Delaware Families: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront for our legal services. We only get paid if we win your case. Our interests are fully aligned with yours—we don’t get paid unless you get paid. This removes the financial barrier, ensuring that every family in Delaware, regardless of their circumstances, can access top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

We Serve Hazing Victims and Families Nationwide, Including Delaware:
While our roots are in Texas, with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends to Delaware and across the entire nation. We can prosecute hazing cases in federal courts, and our attorneys possess dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), providing strategic advantages when confronting national fraternities and universities operating in multiple jurisdictions. For families in Delaware, we offer convenient video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to your location for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to justice for your child.

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

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions across Delaware
• Sports teams at colleges and high schools in Delaware
• University and high school marching bands in Delaware
• ROTC programs and military academies serving Delaware students
• Clubs and other student organizations throughout Delaware

To Other Victims of Hazing: You Are Not Alone. We Can Help.

The Leonel Bermudez case reveals a horrifying truth—hazing is systematic, and it often involves multiple victims. Leonel was not the only one; another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during forced workouts, and many others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

If you or someone you know in Delaware has experienced hazing, whether from the same organization or another, your voice matters. Many victims suffer in silence due to fear, shame, or loyalty. But every individual who comes forward helps break the cycle of abuse and protects future students.

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

Call us. Let’s send a powerful message to every fraternity, sorority, and university in Delaware that hazing will no longer be tolerated. It’s time to bring all responsible parties to justice.

No matter the institution – from the University of Delaware to Delaware State University, or any campus across the state – if your child has been hazed, we are ready to fight for you.