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, build a community, and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were subjected to rituals that nearly cost them their life, or worse. We understand what you’re going through. We are here to help families in Essex County, Virginia, fight back against the insidious problem of hazing that continues to plague our universities and devastate our communities.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is an act of violence, a betrayal of trust, and a violation of human dignity. It’s a dark secret that many institutions and organizations try to bury, but its consequences are tragically real, leaving victims with lasting physical and psychological scars, and in far too many cases, claiming their lives. Here in Essex County, families send their children off to institutions of higher learning with hopes and dreams, not anticipating that they will become victims of abuse disguised as tradition. We are here to ensure that when that trust is broken, those responsible are held fully accountable.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston, What Happens Everywhere

The story of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is a stark, recent reminder of the brutal reality of hazing in America. This case is not just a headline; it’s a testament to the aggressive, data-driven litigation strategy that we at Attorney911 bring to every hazing victim’s case. Leonel’s story unfolded in November 2025, when a $10 million lawsuit was filed against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a theoretical fight; it’s an active battle we are waging right now in a Harris County Civil District Court.

Leonel was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, during his pledge period, he endured weeks of systematic abuse that culminated in a horrifying incident that landed him in the hospital for four agonizing days. His story is a chilling example of just how far hazing rituals can go, and why families in Essex County need to understand the true nature of this danger.

The Unthinkable Details of Leonel’s Ordeal

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of terror:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Pledges were subjected to simulated waterboarding, sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a practice reminiscent of torture tactics.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even then, he was forced to continue running sprints, often lying in his own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Leonel was made to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and grueling exercises like “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls, all while reciting fraternity creeds under threat of expulsion. A fellow pledge even lost consciousness during one of these forced workouts.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was 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 severe exhaustion.

This horrific abuse led to Leonel’s collapse. He could barely move, crawling up the stairs of his home, his condition worsening each day. His mother rushed him to the hospital when he began passing brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, conditions that required three nights and four days of intensive hospitalization. He continues to face the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Immediate Aftermath and Our Response

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The University of Houston itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals.

But for us at Attorney911, an apology and a chapter closure are not enough. We immediately filed a $10 million lawsuit, naming not just the local chapter members but also the national fraternity, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, and its Board of Regents. We believe that accountability must reach every level of responsibility.

As Ralph 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 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.” And 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.”

This case is the proof that Attorney911 is not theoretical. We are not hypothetical. We are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court, demonstrating that we are aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims. This could happen to any family in Essex County, whose child might attend universities known for their Greek life just a drive away.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Essex County may still hold outdated notions of hazing—harmless pranks or mild inconveniences meant to build camaraderie. Leonel Bermudez’s story shatters these misconceptions. Hazing today is often brutal, calculated, and deeply psychologically damaging. It is rarely about “brotherhood” and almost always about power, control, and degradation.

The Disturbing Reality of Modern Hazing:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond a paddle on the backside. Leonel’s account includes waterboarding, forced extreme calisthenics (like 500 squats), being struck with wooden paddles, forced lying in vomit, and exposure to cold. Other documented cases involve beatings, branding, electrical shocking, and forced tattooing.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking remains a deadly hazing ritual, but it extends to forced consumption of massive quantities of food until vomiting, or even non-food items, leading to choking, aspiration, and severe internal damage.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation (like being forced to carry sexually explicit items or strip in public), sleep deprivation, isolation, verbal abuse, threats of expulsion or social ostracism, and constant degradation are hallmarks of modern hazing. These tactics leave deep, lasting emotional scars.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Often, hazing rituals involve forced nudity, sexual explicit acts, or simulated sexual encounters, leaving victims feeling violated and utterly dehumanized.
• Life-Threatening Risks: The activities are often designed to push pledges beyond their physical and mental limits, leading to serious medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel’s case), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and tragically, death.

According to national statistics, 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 95% of those who are hazed do not report it. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue. This is not just a “fraternity problem”; hazing occurs in sports teams, sororities, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations across America. The problem is far more widespread than many in Essex County might realize, affecting programs and institutions where trust in authority is paramount.

Who Is Responsible When Hazing Occurs?

When your child is victimized by hazing, the individuals who directly inflict harm are certainly responsible, but the circle of accountability extends far beyond them. We aggressively pursue every entity that allowed, enabled, or ignored the abuse. For families in Essex County, understanding this multi-layered liability is crucial to achieving justice.

The Many Parties We Hold Accountable:

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members: This includes the fraternity or sorority chapter itself, its president, pledgemaster, and any individual members who participated in, planned, or failed to prevent the hazing. These individuals are directly liable for assault, battery, and hazing. The Stone Foltz case in Ohio saw a $6.5 million judgment against a single chapter president, proving that individuals can be held personally accountable.
2. The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, often have millions in assets and insurance. They set policies, provide training, and oversee their local chapters. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing rules, despite a documented history of incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s history of hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey’s in 2017), they are directly liable for negligent supervision and for fostering a culture where hazing can thrive. Their public statements and actions, like closing a chapter only after a serious incident, often serve as damaging admissions.
3. The University or College: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and provide a safe environment. This responsibility is amplified when they own or control the property where hazing occurs, like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house. When a university has a documented history of hazing incidents (as UH did with a 2017 hazing hospitalization), their failure to implement effective safeguards constitutes institutional negligence. They can be held liable for negligent supervision, premises liability, and for violating their own codes of conduct.
4. The Housing Corporation: These entities often own and manage the physical property of fraternity and sorority houses. They have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises and can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions (like organized hazing) to exist on their property.
5. Alumni Boards and Advisors: Alumni often play a significant advisory and financial role in local chapters. If they have knowledge of hazing activities and fail to intervene, or if they actively promote a culture of hazing, they can also be held liable for their negligence or active participation.
6. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts typically come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes individual members and housing corporations. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys gives us a unique advantage in understanding how these policies work and how to maximize recovery from them.

We don’t guess who to sue; we know. Our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 metropolitan areas in Texas alone, including their IRS-registered legal names, EINs, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every entity behind the Greek letters, ensuring that when hazing happens in Essex County, no responsible party escapes accountability.

What These Cases Win: A Glimpse at Multi-Million Dollar Accountability

For families in Essex County reeling from the trauma of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful financial recovery is critical. These cases are not just about compensation; they’re about sending an unequivocal message that hazing will not be tolerated, and that institutions will pay dearly for their negligence. Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases are not outliers; they are increasingly the standard.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements That Paved the Way:

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021-2024): $10.1 Million+
  • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual. The various settlements included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and its members. Just this past December 2024, a $6.5 million personal judgment was awarded against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, proving individuals cannot hide. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  • Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a hazing event where wrong answers meant more drinking. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and his death even led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict shows that juries are outraged by hazing and will deliver substantial justice.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+
  • Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling numerous times down stairs during a hazing ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. The case resulted in criminal charges for 18 members, multiple convictions, and a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million. It also spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case exemplifies the massive accountability possible when evidence is strong and institutional negligence is laid bare.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  • Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” This is the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident, eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization, proves Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its ranks and failed to act.

These cases send a clear message: the cost of hazing, both in human lives and financial terms, is astronomically high. Whether it’s a death or a life-altering injury like Leonel Bermudez’s, the legal system is increasingly delivering justice that far exceeds what a simple insurance claim might offer. For any family in Essex County whose child has been impacted by hazing, these precedents demonstrate that their fight for justice is not only warranted but also has the potential for significant success.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Essex County

The legal landscape surrounding hazing is robust, particularly in Texas, where we’re fighting aggressively for victims like Leonel Bermudez. While Essex County is in Virginia, it is crucial for families to understand that similar anti-hazing laws exist across the United States. Furthermore, our federal court authority means we can pursue justice for hazing victims regardless of the state lines, bringing federal civil rights claims and powerful negligence claims wherever needed.

Key Aspects of Hazing Law:

1. Defining Hazing: It’s Broader Than You Think

Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization. This definition explicitly includes:

• Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body. (Leonel was struck with paddles.)
• Endangering activities: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or similar activity that subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health. (Leonel’s forced extreme exercise, cold weather exposure, and hose spraying fall squarely here.)
• Forced consumption: Food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that subject a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect health. (Forcing Leonel to eat until vomiting is a direct violation.)
• Illegal acts: Any activity that requires a student to perform a duty or task that violates the Penal Code. (Assault, false imprisonment are criminal.)
• Coercion to consume alcohol/drugs: Forcing consumption to intoxication levels.

Leonel’s incident satisfies multiple elements of this statutory definition, making it evident that his treatment was illegal hazing. Similar definitions and statutes are in place in Virginia and most other states, providing a strong legal foundation for victims nationwide.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense: The Law is Clear

This is perhaps the most critical legal point for hazing victims. Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to participate,” or “He knew what he was signing up for.” Texas law, like the anti-hazing laws in many states, directly rejects this argument. You cannot legally consent to be assaulted, tortured, or subjected to dangerous activities that risk your life. This means that if hazing occurred, the perpetrators and institutions cannot simply claim the victim was a willing participant to escape liability. This legal clarity is a powerful tool for justice, applicable to hazing cases throughout Essex County and across the nation.

3. Criminal and Civil Penalties: Justice on Multiple Fronts

Hazing is not just a violation of university rules; it is a crime in most states, including Texas and Virginia. In Texas, hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor, a Class A Misdemeanor for causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s kidney failure), and even a State Jail Felony for causing death. Perpetrators can face jail time, substantial fines, and organizational penalties such as denial of the right to operate and significant fines. The University of Houston spokesperson even highlighted “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek comprehensive compensation for their suffering. These civil claims include:

• Negligence Claims: Holding organizations and institutions liable for their failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent hazing, which resulted in injury.
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or fraternity housing corporation, they can be held liable for unsafe conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: Charging national organizations and universities for failing to adequately supervise local chapters or Greek life.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individual perpetrators for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering.

These legal avenues ensure that whether the hazing occurred at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, or any other institution a family from Essex County might send their child to, there are robust legal frameworks to pursue justice.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Essex County Hazing Cases

When you’re facing the nightmare of a hazing injury or death, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who understand the intricate strategies required to take on powerful institutions like national fraternities and universities. Attorney911 is built for this fight, offering families in Essex County an “unfair advantage” in hazing litigation nationwide.

Our firm is spearheaded by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, two attorneys with combined decades of litigation experience and unique backgrounds that make them unparalleled in this specialized field.

Meet Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™:

Ralph P. Manginello – The Battle-Tested Strategist

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph is a seasoned trial attorney who has dedicated his career to fiercely advocating for victims. His extensive experience means he isn’t afraid to take your case to court, a critical factor when dealing with defendants who often expect victims to settle quietly.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Critical insight into the opposition’s playbook. Ralph began his career working for insurance companies, giving him invaluable knowledge of how defense teams strategize, value claims, and attempt to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
• Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Experience: Ralph was deeply involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against a massive corporate defendant that resulted in 15 deaths and over 180 injuries. This experience demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against powerful corporate entities, just like national fraternities and universities.
• Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas and New York) & Federal Court Authority: Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York and admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This dual licensure and federal court authority provide a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered or operate across state lines. This means we can effectively fight for Essex County families impacted by hazing no matter where the national organization is based.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis and university accountability. He understands the unique medical and cultural aspects woven into hazing cases, making him uniquely equipped to handle the complexities.
• Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph is trained to investigate, gather facts, and craft compelling narratives – essential skills for uncovering hidden hazing rituals and presenting a persuasive case to a jury.
• A Father Who Understands: As a father of three, Ralph intimately understands the devastation a family faces when a child is harmed. This personal connection fuels his relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

Lupe Eleno Peña – The Insurance Insider

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe’s background is a mirror image of Ralph’s, making their combined insight a formidable force. He previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This experience means Lupe learned firsthand how large insurance companies evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Now, he uses that “battlefield intelligence” to dismantle their tactics and maximize recovery for our clients.
• 12+ Years of Litigation Experience: Lupe brings extensive experience across personal injury, commercial litigation, and construction law, providing a broad legal toolkit.
• Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Expertise: He has a proven track record of recovering millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases—precisely the types of outcomes that arise from severe hazing incidents.
• Finance Background and Business Acumen: Lupe’s pre-law career in finance and his B.B.A. in International Business give him a deep understanding of financial damages, economic losses, future earning potential, and the corporate structures of national organizations.
• Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): For the diverse communities in Essex County, Virginia, and across America, Lupe’s fluency in Spanish ensures that language is never a barrier to justice. We are proud to offer comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients.
• Aggressive Philosophy: Lupe’s approach is to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side,” an aggressive mentality essential for taking on entrenched institutions.

Our Strategy for Essex County Hazing Victims:

• Data-Driven Litigation: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered legal names, EINs, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every liable entity immediately, without guessing. The tactics employed effectively in Texas are scalable and applicable to Essex County due to the national nature of fraternities and universities.
• Remote Accessibility and Willingness to Travel: While our home base is in Houston, we proudly serve hazing victims in Essex County and across America. We offer video consultations, ensuring that geography is never a barrier to expert legal advice. For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Essex County to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.
• Contingency Fee Representation: We understand the financial strain that a hazing incident can place on families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we don’t get paid unless and until you win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing families from Essex County to stand toe-to-toe with well-funded national organizations and universities without the burden of hourly legal fees.
• A Personal Approach: We are not just lawyers; we are fiercely committed advocates. Our clients consistently praise our communication, responsiveness, and genuine care, noting that we treat them like family. For a parent in Essex County searching for help at 2 AM, this empathy and dedication can make all the difference.

“What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris. “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez. These are just some of the hundreds of 4.9-star Google reviews that reflect our commitment to our clients.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Essex County Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do or don’t do can significantly impact your ability to pursue justice. We understand that in a time of crisis, parents in Essex County feel overwhelmed, but taking these urgent steps can make all the difference.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention – Document Everything

• Seek Immediate Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, may not be immediately apparent. Tell medical providers exactly what happened to your child, emphasizing that the injuries are hazing-related.
• Document Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, diagnoses, and bills. This creates an indisputable record of the extent and cause of the injuries. For psychological trauma, document therapy sessions, diagnoses (PTSD, anxiety, depression), and medication.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Do Not Delete Anything

• Digital Communications are Key: Hazing often happens through digital channels. DO NOT DELETE ANY TEXT MESSAGES, GROUPME CHATS, SNAPCHAT MESSAGES, INSTAGRAM DMS, OR EMAILS. Screenshot everything. These communications can provide direct evidence of the hazing, including instructions, threats, and discussions among perpetrators.
• Photos and Videos: If possible, take photos or videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in the hazing. Continue to photograph the healing process. If your child is unable to do this, family members or trusted friends should.
• Hazing Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or messages distributed by the fraternity or organization.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or individuals who observed the hazing or its aftermath. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if applicable), and any educational expenses (e.g., tuition for a semester disrupted).

3. Critical Warnings: What NOT to Do or Say

• Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Officials Without Legal Counsel: They are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect the institution. Any statements you or your child make can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications.
• Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: Never agree to give a recorded statement to anyone from the organization or university. They are looking for anything they can use to minimize your claim.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without consulting with an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted online can and will be used against you. Avoid discussing the incident, your injuries, or the case on social media. Even innocent posts showing you “doing fine” can be used by the defense to argue your injuries aren’t severe.
• Do NOT Delete Anything: Destroying evidence (even seemingly innocuous messages) can lead to severe legal penalties and undermine your entire case.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Time is Critical: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. Similar deadlines exist in Virginia and other states. Evidence disappears quickly, memories fade, and your legal rights can expire. DO NOT WAIT.
• Free Consultation: Many law firms, including ours, offer free, confidential consultations. This allows you to discuss your case, understand your legal options, and get expert advice without any financial commitment. We serve Essex County and nationwide.
• An Attorney Levels the Playing Field: National fraternities and universities have extensive legal teams and resources. You need powerful advocates on your side who understand their tactics and know how to fight back.

Call Us Now: Your Legal Emergency Hotline

If you are a student or parent in Essex County, Virginia, and your child has been a victim of hazing, you are experiencing a legal emergency. We understand the fear, anger, and confusion you’re feeling right now. We are here to help. Our attorneys are actively fighting hazing in court today, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach to your child’s case, no matter where it occurred in the United States.

🚨 Essex County Families: Don’t Face This Alone. Call Attorney911 Now.

Your nightmare is real, but so is your right to justice. We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these complex cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to win against entities that believe they are untouchable. Families in Essex County deserve the same aggressive and unwavering representation.

Essex County Families — Call Now For a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. You will speak directly with an empathetic and knowledgeable professional who understands what you’re going through.

Our Promise to Essex County Families:

• No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire us. We don’t get paid unless and until you win your case. This ensures that every family, regardless of financial means, has access to top-tier legal representation.
• Nationwide Reach: While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national problem. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities across state lines, including those attended by students from Essex County.
• We Travel to You: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for your convenience, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Essex County for depositions, meetings, and trial appearances when necessary.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We will leave no stone unturned in identifying every liable party – from individual perpetrators to local chapters, national organizations, housing corporations, and university administrations. We know their tactics, and we will dismantle their defenses.
• Protecting Future Generations: Like Lupe Pena said, “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 case in Essex County can send a powerful message, making campuses safer for other students.

Whether the hazing involved a fraternity or sorority, a sports team, a marching band, ROTC, or any other student organization at a university near Essex County, we are here to help. You or your child didn’t deserve this. You deserve justice, accountability, and the compensation needed to heal and move forward.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us be your first responder to this legal emergency. We will fight for your Essex County family with everything we have. Enough is truly enough.