If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in District of Columbia fight back.

We understand the deep distress that settles over families in District of Columbia when a child leaves for college, hoping for growth and new experiences, only to encounter the trauma of hazing. Whether your child attends a university right here in District of Columbia, or at a major institution across the United States, the risk of hazing looms large, threatening their physical and psychological well-being. Our firm, Attorney911, stands ready to assist families in District of Columbia and nationwide who have been impacted by the devastating effects of fraternity and sorority hazing. We are actively fighting these battles in court today, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach to every family we represent, no matter where they are located.

For District of Columbia Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a present and dangerous reality on campuses across America. The stories we hear are not just isolated incidents; they are part of a deeply entrenched culture of abuse. Just weeks ago, in Houston, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit that starkly illustrates the brutality and profound negligence that continues to plague Greek life. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just a lawsuit; it is a testament to the aggressive representation we provide and a beacon of hope for families in District of Columbia. It is a warning to every fraternity, every university, and every individual who thinks they can get away with torturing our children.

This case happened in Houston, Texas, at the University of Houston, but the same fraternities operate across the nation, including at colleges and universities near District of Columbia. The same hazing rituals, the same “traditions” that hospitalized our client, happen at fraternities and sororities in your community. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to spiral out of control at the University of Houston exists at institutions near District of Columbia, making them equally liable when they fail to protect students. And we pledge to fight for District of Columbia families with the same ferocity and dedication we are bringing to this landmark Houston case.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights Back Against Hazing at University of Houston

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical case study or a historical example; this is a live, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court. This case is the centerpiece of everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries and deaths.

The Defendants in our $10 Million Lawsuit:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): The local chapter that directly orchestrated and carried out the hazing.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The national organization, for its failure to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and address a known “hazing crisis.”
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity owning and controlling the property where some of the hazing took place.
• University of Houston: For its institutional negligence, its ownership of the fraternity house, and its failure to prevent hazing despite prior incidents on campus.
• UH Board of Regents: The governing body of the university, for its oversight failures.
• Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, and 11 Current and Former Members: Individuals directly involved in perpetrating or enabling the hazing, including one former member and his spouse who allowed hazing at their private residence.

Leonel Bermudez: The “Ghost Rush” Tortured by Pi Kappa Phi

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush,” a prospective fraternity member who wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet. He was planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. Yet, he was recruited by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed his acceptance of a bid on September 16, 2025, was weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment.

As his attorney, Ralph Manginello, recounted 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.”

Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and had very high creatine kinase levels, confirming extensive muscle damage. He suffered life-threatening injuries that could have long-term consequences, including permanent kidney damage. His story is a stark warning to every family in District of Columbia.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not merely disturbing; they exemplify barbaric practices that have no place in any educational institution. For weeks, Leonel and other pledges were subjected to:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Pledges were “simulated waterboarded with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, and forced to run under threat of waterboarding. This is torture, a practice condemned as a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon young college students.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. After vomiting, he was compelled to continue running sprints while visibly in distress, lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these exertions and continued until he could not stand without assistance. He was also reportedly struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, threatened with physical punishment and expulsion for non-compliance, and made to strip to his underwear in cold weather. Another pledge was even hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion that impacted his daily life.

These are not “pranks” or “traditions.” These are acts of assault, battery, and torture that caused grave physical harm.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Denial, Distance, and Future Plans

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025 – just seven days before we filed our $10 million lawsuit – the national organization officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. Their public statement acknowledged “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” and even “thank[ed] the University of Houston for its collaboration.” Most chillingly, their statement concluded by saying, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This statement, confirming violations and expressing plans to return, speaks volumes about their priorities.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson, in a statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting an ongoing internal investigation in coordination with law enforcement. While these statements acknowledge wrongdoing, they come only after a student was hospitalized and a lawsuit was imminent.

What This Means for District of Columbia Families:

• Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, underscoring their power to regulate and their ultimate responsibility when they fail to prevent such abuse. Institutions near District of Columbia have the same power and the same liability.
• National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s swift closure of the chapter indicates they knew the severity of the situation. This awareness extends beyond one chapter; these national fraternities, including those with chapters near District of Columbia, are aware of the risks and often fail to prevent them.
• Victims Fear Retribution: Our client, Leonel, is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is a powerful, dangerous component of hazing culture, silencing victims and allowing abuse to continue. Students in District of Columbia face the same pressures.
• One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: As Attorney Lupe Peña stated, “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, supported by diligent legal action, can indeed protect future students in District of Columbia and beyond.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and Into the Trauma

When we talk about hazing, many might picture harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the tragic reality, vividly demonstrated by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far darker. Hazing today is overt abuse, psychological torture, and often life-threatening physical torment. For parents in District of Columbia, it’s crucial to understand that what your child experiences may be far more brutal than you can imagine.

This is not some harmless rite of passage. This is assault. This is battery. This is torture. It is reckless endangerment, and in too many cases, it leads to manslaughter or murder.

The True Face of Hazing in District of Columbia and Across America:

• Physical Abuse: This includes beatings with wooden paddles, branding with hot objects, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, sleep deprivation, and extreme exposure to the elements. These are just some tactics documented in Leonel’s case, resulting in muscle breakdown, organ failure, and severe injury.
• Forced Consumption: Beyond binge drinking, pledges are forced to consume large quantities of food or non-food items until they vomit, often immediately followed by strenuous exercise. This is designed to degrade and physically break down individuals.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and explicit threats are common. Leonel’s experience of carrying sexually explicit objects and witnessing other pledges hog-tied demonstrates the depths of psychological torment. This can lead to profound and lasting emotional damage, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sexual Coercion and Abuse: Although not explicit in the details of Leonel’s physical injuries, activities involving sexual objects or forced nudity are widely reported in hazing incidents and inflict deep, lasting trauma.
• Simulated Drowning: The waterboarding suffered by Leonel is a particularly abhorrent example, using the fear of drowning as a tool of control and terror. When a university-affiliated organization engages in acts widely condemned as torture, the line between “hazing” and criminal assault is obliterated.

The Devastating Consequences: What Hazing Inflicts

• Medical Emergencies: Cases like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are direct results of extreme physical hazing. Alcohol poisoning from forced binge drinking, traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls, hypothermia, cardiac arrest from exertion, and internal injuries from forced consumption are tragically common.
• Psychological Scars: Victims often suffer severe long-term psychological damage, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, and profound difficulty trusting others. Leonel’s documented fear of retribution is a chilling example of the psychological control exerted by hazers.
• Academic and Career Impact: Hazing can force students to withdraw from school, lose scholarships, experience significant drops in grades, or miss out on internships and career opportunities, fundamentally altering their life paths.
• Death: The most tragic outcome, hazing deaths, continue to occur with alarming regularity across the country. Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States, a horrifying statistic that underlines the severity of this crisis.

The Institutional Failure Behind the Trauma

• Widespread Problem: Hazing is not rare. Statistics show that over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations and 40% of student athletes experience hazing. This means that a child from District of Columbia joining a fraternity, sorority, or sports team faces a significant risk.
• Culture of Silence: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This culture of silence is fueled by fear, loyalty, and a misguided belief that it’s part of the experience. It allows hazing to fester and escalate without intervention.
• Universities and National Organizations Know: Despite their public statements, universities and national Greek organizations are acutely aware of the prevalence of hazing. They have policies, risk management protocols, and staff dedicated to these issues. Yet, too often, they fail to act decisively until a student is severely injured or dies. It is only then that chapters are “suspended” or “dissolved,” often with statements expressing “shock” over events they should have foreseen and prevented.

For families in District of Columbia grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding these brutal realities is the first step toward seeking justice. We are dedicated to exposing these truths and holding every responsible party accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable for Hazing in District of Columbia

When hazing occurs, it’s never just one person or one entity at fault. Our aggressive litigation strategy focuses on identifying and pursuing every single party that contributed to the injury or death of a student in District of Columbia, whether directly involved, negligently supervised, or institutionally complicit. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we are suing 13 individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, the housing corporation, the University of Houston, and its Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures that no one escapes accountability.

The Chain of Responsibility in Hazing Cases:

1. The Local Chapter: The direct perpetrators.

   • Application to District of Columbia: The specific fraternity or sorority chapter at a university near District of Columbia that organized and carried out the hazing. Their members are the ones actively engaging in the abusive behavior.
   • Why they are liable: Directly inflicted harm, broke anti-hazing policies.

2. Chapter Officers and Individual Members: Those who planned, led, and participated.

   • Application to District of Columbia: The President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager, and other leaders of the chapter, as well as every individual member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to stop the hazing. This includes former members who host events off-campus, like the former member and his spouse in Leonel’s case.
   • Why they are liable: Direct assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, criminal hazing violations. As proven in the Stone Foltz case, individuals can be held personally liable for millions, making them powerful deterrents.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: The “Deep Pockets” of Greek life.

   • Application to District of Columbia: Major national fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or Pi Kappa Alpha, have chapters at universities throughout District of Columbia and the surrounding region. These national organizations wield immense power and financial resources.
   • Why they are liable: They have a duty to supervise their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate training. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in our lawsuit) or prior hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s history after Andrew Coffey’s death), they are liable for negligent supervision, pattern of negligence, and institutional failure. They cannot claim ignorance when students are being waterboarded in their name.

4. The University or College: The institution with ultimate oversight.

   • Application to District of Columbia: Any university or college in or near District of Columbia where hazing occurs.
   • Why they are liable: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students. This liability is amplified if:
     • They own or control the property where hazing occurred (as the University of Houston did in Leonel’s case, where they owned the fraternity house).
     • They had prior knowledge of hazing on campus (as UH did, with a student hospitalized in 2017).
     • They failed to adequately supervise Greek life, enforce their own anti-hazing rules, or intervene when they had the power to do so.
     • Negligent retention of Greek life staff who failed to act.
     • Breach of contract if the student’s enrollment implies a safe environment.

5. The Housing Corporation: The separate entity managing property.

   • Application to District of Columbia: Often, Greek chapters have separate housing corporations responsible for maintaining and managing the fraternity or sorority house.
   • Why they are liable: Premises liability if they failed to maintain a safe environment or allowed dangerous activities on their property.

6. Insurance Carriers: The ultimate source of compensation.

   • Application to District of Columbia: The national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, and even personal homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies for individual perpetrators.
   • Why they are liable: They have a contractual obligation to cover damages arising from negligence or other covered incidents. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña know precisely how to navigate these policies to maximize recovery.

The Bottom Line for District of Columbia Families:
This is not about suing broke college kids. This is about holding multi-million dollar national organizations, well-funded universities, and their insurance carriers accountable for their failures. Our goal is to ensure that victims in District of Columbia receive full compensation for their injuries and that these powerful entities are forced to change their dangerous cultures.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million-Dollar Proof from Hazing Victims Nationwide

For families in District of Columbia contemplating legal action after a hazing incident, understanding the potential for substantial compensation is critical. Hazing cases, particularly those involving severe injury or death, consistently result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country. These precedents are not just numbers; they represent powerful statements of accountability against fraternities, universities, and individuals who allow such tragedies to occur. The same legal strategies, the same dedication to justice, apply to hazing victims in District of Columbia.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements — They Will Pay:

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

TOTAL: $10.1 Million+

• What Happened: In March 2021, at a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event, Stone Foltz, a new pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died days later from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled with the family for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha National, along with other individuals, contributed to an additional $7.2 million in settlements. In a separate and recent (December 2024) judgment, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to personally pay Stone’s family $6.5 million. This collective outcome represents one of the largest public university hazing payouts in Ohio history.
• Relevance to District of Columbia: Our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case is directly aligned with the Stone Foltz precedent. It clearly demonstrates that juries and institutions are willing to pay millions for hazing injuries and deaths, and that individual perpetrators can be held personally liable for substantial amounts.

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

TOTAL: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an incoming freshman at LSU, participated in a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.” He was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol while answering questions, with incorrect answers leading to more drinking. He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.495.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million in a civil lawsuit. The incident also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a crime in Louisiana.
• Relevance to District of Columbia: This verdict powerfully illustrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award significant compensation. It also underscores how these tragic cases can drive legislative change, impacting hazing laws across the country.

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

TOTAL: $110+ Million (Estimated Multiple Settlements)

• What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza participated in a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. He was forced to run “the gauntlet,” consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a fatal blood alcohol content of 0.36. After suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding from multiple falls down a flight of stairs, fraternity brothers observed his deteriorating condition for 12 hours before finally calling 911. He died days later. The entire incident was captured on security cameras.
• The Outcome: While confidential, settlements in this case are estimated to be over $110 million. Over a dozen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convicted of hazing and involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania subsequently passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Relevance to District of Columbia: The Piazza case shows that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, as it is in the Leonel Bermudez case with waterboarding and extreme physical abuse, settlements can reach astronomical figures. It also highlights the critical role of strong evidence (like video footage or detailed witness accounts) in maximizing case value.

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

⚠️ THE SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE.

• What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during “Big Brother Night.” He died from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family also reached a confidential civil settlement.
• Relevance to District of Columbia: This is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that the national organization has a documented history of hazing deaths. Eight years after Coffey’s death, they failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization from similar hazing. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and provides crucial support for punitive damages against the national organization.

The Message to District of Columbia Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations: Hazing Costs Millions.

These multi-million dollar outcomes send an unequivocal message: the days of accepting hazing as “tradition” are over. For any Greek organization or university operating near District of Columbia, these cases are a stark warning. The national organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Theta, and Pi Kappa Alpha, which have chapters at universities throughout the District of Columbia area, have already collectively paid hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation.

We bring these precedents, and the aggressive legal strategies behind them, to every hazing case we handle, including those for families in District of Columbia. We are committed to securing the maximum possible compensation for hazing victims while also compelling systemic change to protect future students.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights

For families in District of Columbia struggling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal framework that protects your child is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing jurisprudence are similar across states, and critical federal claims apply nationwide. Our comprehensive understanding of Texas hazing laws, coupled with our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), allows us to pursue justice for hazing victims in District of Columbia and across the country.

Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas has one of the nation’s most robust anti-hazing laws. The core of this legislation is found in the Texas Education Code, which broadly defines hazing and outlines severe penalties.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

• Involves physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or similar activity subjecting a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affecting mental or physical health.
• Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, or other substance creating an unreasonable risk of harm.
• Induces, causes, or requires a student to perform a duty or task violating the Penal Code.
• Involves coercing the student to consume a drug or an intoxicating amount of alcohol.”

Application to Leonel Bermudez’s Case: Every element of Leonel’s horrific experience—the physical brutality (paddles), forced calisthenics (500 squats, bear crawls leading to kidney failure), forced consumption (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns), exposure (cold weather, hose sprays), and sleep deprivation—falls squarely within this statutory definition. The extensive nature of the hazing directly violated clear Texas law.

Criminal Penalties: Serious Consequences for Perpetrators

Texas law outlines specific criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting, encouraging, or aiding hazing, or failing to report hazing with firsthand knowledge.
• Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury.
• State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death.

Application to Leonel’s Case: Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure constitute “serious bodily injury” under Texas law. This means the individuals involved in his hazing face Class A Misdemeanor charges, carrying up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson even highlighted “potential criminal charges” in their public statement, signaling their understanding of the criminal nature of the acts.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Holding Chapters Accountable

Texas law explicitly states that an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating permission, and forfeiture of property. This means that both the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization are clearly liable under Texas law.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): Dispelling a Common Myth

This is perhaps the most critical provision for hazing victims and their families in District of Columbia:

“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 powerful legal statement directly counters the most common defense offered by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to participate.” Texas law explicitly removes consent as a valid defense, recognizing that the power dynamics and coercion inherent in hazing negate true, voluntary consent. This legal principle is invaluable in protecting victims’ rights in District of Columbia and other states with similar laws.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Toward Full Compensation

Beyond criminal prosecution, Texas law provides multiple avenues for civil lawsuits to secure compensation for hazing victims. These civil claims apply to District of Columbia victims as well, as they are based on common law principles that exist in every state:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the cornerstone of most personal injury lawsuits. It requires proving that a duty of care was owed to the student (e.g., by the fraternity, university, or individual members), that this duty was breached through negligent acts or omissions (e.g., allowing hazing), that this breach caused the student’s injuries, and that the student suffered actual damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case where UH owned the fraternity house), they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment and allowing dangerous conditions (hazing) to exist.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations and universities that fail to adequately supervise local chapters or Greek life, especially when they know of a history of hazing.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be directly sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact (e.g., hitting with paddles, waterboarding, forced physical exertion leading to injury).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies when the hazing conduct is “extreme and outrageous,” causing severe emotional distress, as is clearly evident in Leonel’s case.

For District of Columbia Families: While the specifics of state hazing laws may vary, the core principles of civil liability remain consistent. Our firm leverages federal court authority and in-depth knowledge of negligence law to pursue your case, regardless of where the incident occurred in District of Columbia or across the nation. Your child’s injuries deserve to be acknowledged and compensated under the fullest extent of the law.

Why Attorney911 is the Clear Choice for District of Columbia Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. For families in District of Columbia, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise, but a unique blend of strategic advantages, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record of fighting powerful institutions. We are not just lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with the experience, knowledge, and sheer determination to win your case.

Our Unmatched Strategic Advantages:

1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of battle-tested experience from courtrooms across Texas and federal jurisdictions. This extensive trial experience means we are never afraid to take on formidable opponents like national fraternities and major universities, a crucial factor for District of Columbia families as universities will fight these claims aggressively.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unparalleled advantage for you. We know exactly how insurance adjusters and defense lawyers think, how they strategize to minimize payouts, and what tactics they deploy. Mr. Peña, having worked at a nationwide insurance defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands the internal mechanisms of these large entities. We use this invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery. For District of Columbia families, this means we anticipate their moves and counter them strategically.
3. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and hold bar licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual qualification provides a strategic advantage for hazing cases that often involve national fraternities headquartered in different states and incidents spanning multiple jurisdictions. For District of Columbia victims, this means we have the authority and flexibility to pursue your case in federal court, a critical avenue when dealing with national organizations.
4. Hazing-Specific Expertise – Actively Litigating Today: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are fighting it in court right now. Our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for Leonel Bermudez’s severe hazing injuries demonstrates our deep, current expertise in this complex area of law. We understand rhabdomyolysis cases, university negligence, and the tactics fraternities use. The same aggressive representation we are employing in Houston is available to District of Columbia hazing victims.
5. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City explosion that killed 15 workers and injured over 180. This experience proves our capacity to take on and win against the largest, most powerful corporate defendants, a direct parallel to challenging well-funded national fraternities and major universities in District of Columbia.
6. “Se Habla Español” – Bilingual Services for District of Columbia Families: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. This allows us to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients in District of Columbia, ensuring no language barrier impedes justice for hazing victims and their families. We understand the diverse cultural landscape of District of Columbia and strive to make our services accessible to all.
7. Client-Centered Approach – We Treat You Like Family: We understand the trauma you’re experiencing. Our culture is one of empathy, warmth, and relentless advocacy. As one testimonial states, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” We invest emotionally in every client, fighting for you in District of Columbia as if you were our own.
8. Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost to You: We understand that District of Columbia families are already facing immense emotional and financial strain. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that justice is accessible to everyone in District of Columbia, regardless of their economic situation. (See our video, “How Contingency Fees Work,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
9. Willingness to Travel & Remote Consultations: While headquartered in Houston, our commitment to justice extends nationwide. We offer video consultations for District of Columbia families, making it easy to connect with us without travel. Our attorneys are prepared to travel to District of Columbia for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice for your child.

Our Attorneys: Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña

Ralph P. Manginello is a seasoned trial attorney with over two decades of experience fighting for injured victims. His background includes defending insurance companies, giving him unique insight into the tactics you will face. With admissions to both the Texas and New York State Bars and the U.S. District Court, Ralph has the broad legal foundation necessary to take on complex, multi-jurisdictional hazing cases. His involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates his capacity to handle cases against massive corporate defendants—a skill directly applicable to battling national fraternities and powerful universities near District of Columbia. As a father of three, Ralph deeply understands the stakes when a child is harmed by hazing.

Lupe Eleno Peña brings over 12 years of litigation experience, including extensive time as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP. This insider perspective means he knows the precise strategies and valuation models used by insurance companies to deny or minimize claims. He now uses this “battlefield intelligence” to benefit victims, ensuring full compensation. Mr. Peña is a third-generation Texan and fluent in Spanish, enabling us to effectively serve the diverse communities of District of Columbia. His aggressive philosophy—”outwork, outsmart, outfight”—is exactly what District of Columbia hazing victims need against well-resourced opponents.

For District of Columbia families, we are more than just legal counsel; we are advocates, strategists, and unwavering allies in your fight for justice. We have the expertise to navigate the intricate legal landscape of hazing litigation, and the determination to hold every responsible party accountable.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for District of Columbia Hazing Victims and Families

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. For families in District of Columbia, panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses. However, swift and strategic action can profoundly impact the success of a legal claim. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help you protect your rights and build a strong case.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention – Immediately and Thoroughly

Your child’s health is the absolute priority. If they have suffered physical injury, seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are primarily psychological, medical documentation is paramount.

• Go to the ER or a doctor: Do not delay. Leonel Bermudez’s medical records, documenting rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, are central to his case. If your child is injured, get them to an emergency room in District of Columbia, or to their primary care physician, as soon as possible.
• Be explicit about the cause: Clearly state to medical professionals that the injuries resulted from hazing activities. This links the medical condition directly to the wrongful conduct.
• Keep all records: Retain every piece of medical documentation, including hospital records, ER reports, doctor’s notes, test results (like blood work for creatine kinase levels or urine tests for myoglobin), and bills. For psychological trauma, keep records from therapists or counselors.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Everything is Crucial

Hazers and institutions are often quick to destroy evidence. Your immediate action in preserving it is vital.

• Digital Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication. These often contain explicit instructions, threats, details of the hazing, or confessions of wrongdoing. (See our video, “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).
• Photos and Videos: Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing. If possible, secure any photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves or the locations where they occurred. Even seemingly innocuous photos (e.g., a photo of the fraternity house) can be valuable.
• Witness Information: Collect names and contact details for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or even individuals who might have indirect knowledge.
• Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications received from the fraternity, sorority, or university.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if applicable), and any academic expenses related to the incident.
• Social Media: Critically, do not delete any of your own social media posts, even if they seem unrelated. Defense attorneys will scour accounts for anything that can be used against your child. Conversely, screenshot any posts or comments from fraternity members that might be relevant. (See our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Other Side – Protect Your Rights

The fraternity, university, or their insurance companies will attempt to gather information or pressure your child.

• Silence is Golden: Do not speak directly with fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side; their goal is to protect their institution and minimize their liability.
• Decline Recorded Statements: Absolutely refuse to give any recorded statements to insurance adjusters or university representatives. They are trained to elicit information that can harm your case. (See our video, “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident,” in our video library).
• Do Not Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the organization, the university, or their insurance company. You may inadvertently waive crucial legal rights.
• Avoid Social Media Discussions: Refrain from posting about the incident on social media or discussing it online. Everything you post can and will be used against you.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Time is Critical

Every state has strict deadlines, called a “statute of limitations,” for filing lawsuits.

• Typically 2-3 Years: For personal injury, this window is often two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s typically two years from the date of death. (See our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c).
• Do NOT Wait: Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. Delaying action can jeopardize your entire claim. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, acted immediately; his hospitalization in early November 2025 led to a lawsuit filing within weeks. This immediate action is crucial for hazing cases in District of Columbia.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately – We Are Your First Responders

For families in District of Columbia, your search for justice begins with a phone call.

• Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your child’s hazing incident. We will evaluate the facts, explain your legal options, and answer your questions.
• Contingency Basis: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
• Remote Accessibility: We offer video consultations for District of Columbia families, and our team is prepared to travel to District of Columbia for depositions and trials to ensure you receive the dedicated representation you deserve.

District of Columbia families: You are not alone in this fight. We have the expertise, the experience, and the unwavering commitment to justice to stand by you and your child. Contact us now to begin the journey toward accountability and healing.

Call to Action for District of Columbia Families: Immediate Help is Available

District of Columbia Families: Has Your Child Been Hazed?

You are not alone. What happened to your child was not initiation; it was abuse. It was not “tradition”; it was a violation of trust and human dignity. We are Attorney911, and we are legal first responders for families like yours across the nation, including those right here in District of Columbia. We are actively fighting this battle against hazing in court today, and we are ready to bring that relentless fight to your child’s case.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 MILLION lawsuit. This isn’t just a case for us; it’s a mission. We know how to unearth the truth, build an unbreakable case, and hold powerful institutions accountable. The same aggressive, data-driven representation we are employing in Houston is available to hazing victims and their families in District of Columbia.

District of Columbia Families — Call Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation

The clock is ticking, and evidence can disappear quickly. Do not wait to seek legal guidance.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for District of Columbia hazing emergencies.

We understand the financial concerns that can arise during such a difficult time. That’s why we work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS – this means $0 upfront for District of Columbia families. You will not pay us any attorney fees unless and until we secure compensation for your child. We carry the financial risk of litigation so you don’t have to.

What District of Columbia Hazing Victims and Families Should Do Right Now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If your child has suffered any physical or psychological harm, ensure they receive prompt medical care. Document everything, and explicitly state that injuries are a result of hazing.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, email, photo, and video related to the hazing. Collect names and contact information of any witnesses. Do not delete anything.
3. DO NOT Communicate with Adversaries: Refrain from speaking to fraternity/sorority members, university officials, or their attorneys without consulting us first. Do not give any recorded statements or sign any documents.
4. Stay Off Social Media: Do not post about the incident on any social media platform. Anything your child shares online can be used against their case.
5. Contact Us Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases can be as short as two years, and evidence becomes harder to obtain over time. Our legal team can begin working on your child’s case right away.
6. Distance Is Not a Barrier: Even though our headquarters are in Houston, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in District of Columbia. We offer convenient video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to District of Columbia for depositions, client meetings, and trials as necessary.

We Serve Hazing Victims in District of Columbia and Across the Nation

Hazing is a pervasive problem that extends far beyond Greek life in District of Columbia. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges near District of Columbia.
• District of Columbia sports teams.
• Marching bands and other student organizations at District of Columbia universities.
• ROTC programs.
• Any organization that uses abuse under the guise of “initiation.”

If your child attends Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, American University, Gallaudet University, Catholic University, or any other institution in or around District of Columbia, they face the same risks as students across the country. The national fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Theta, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon—all with documented histories of severe hazing incidents and multi-million dollar payouts—have active chapters in university systems nationwide, including in District of Columbia.

To Other Victims of Hazing: You Are Not Alone.

In our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel was not the sole victim; other pledges were also subjected to severe abuse, including one who collapsed and lost consciousness. We know this pattern of collective abuse is rampant.

If you or someone you know has been victimized by hazing in District of Columbia, we urge you to come forward. As Lupe Peña emphasized in the Bermudez case, “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 decision to speak up could prevent others from enduring similar trauma.

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

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