If you’re reading this in Fairfax County, 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 network, and secure their future. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and left with physical and psychological scars that may last a lifetime. We are here to help families in Fairfax County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and devastate our young people.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys.” It is a brutal, dangerous, and often criminal act perpetrated by individuals and enabled by institutions that prioritize their reputation over the safety of our children. If your child has been the victim of hazing in Fairfax County or anywhere in America, know this: you are not alone, and you have powerful legal rights. We are Attorney 911, and we are actively fighting this battle right now in courts across the nation, working relentlessly to hold every responsible party accountable.

The story of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was brutally hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in November 2025, is a stark reminder of what hazing looks like today. His story is not unique, and similar nightmares unfold every year at universities near Fairfax County, including George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, James Madison University, and Virginia Commonwealth University, where Greek life chapters operate under the same national organizations that continue to pay out millions in hazing settlements.

We understand the mix of fear, anger, and confusion that grips a parent when their child becomes a hazing victim. We are here to guide you through this legal emergency, offering compassionate support while aggressively pursuing justice. We will leverage every piece of our data-driven intelligence and our battle-tested courtroom experience—gained from fighting massive corporations and national organizations—to ensure that what happened to your child in Fairfax County does not go unpunished.

The Bermudez Case: A $10 Million Fight We’re Leading Right Now

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the centerpiece of everything we stand for at Attorney 911. This $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, demonstrates our aggressive, thorough, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. This is a story that every parent in Fairfax County needs to hear, because the same tragedy can strike students attending colleges across Northern Virginia.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming spring semester. They did this to someone who was not even their student.

Starting September 16, 2025, when Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, he endured weeks of systematic abuse and torture. This was not harmless pranks; this was violent, dehumanizing hazing that pushed his body to its breaking point. The hazing activities detailed in our lawsuit are sickening:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating drowning, a practice considered torture.
• Hog-tying: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t isolated; it was part of the pattern.
• Forced eating until vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, and then made to continue exercising in their own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme physical punishment: Leonel was forced to perform 100+ pushups, 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 continued until he was so exhausted he could not stand without help.
• Psychological torture and sleep deprivation: He was forced to wear a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, threatened with physical abuse and expulsion, and constantly kept sleep-deprived by being made to drive fraternity members at all hours.

On November 3, 2025, after one particularly brutal hazing session, Leonel collapsed. He crawled home, too sore to move the next day, and his condition rapidly worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring intensive medical treatment and a four-day hospitalization. This is the same critical medical condition that Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating.

Within weeks of our firm reporting this egregious hazing, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, permanently closing the chapter. The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals. We then filed a $10 million lawsuit, naming the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual members who participated in, facilitated, or allowed this abuse.

This case, which has garnered extensive media coverage from outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, is proof that we are not theoretical. We are not hypothetical. We are actively fighting right now to bring justice to hazing victims. The institutions and individuals responsible for Leonel’s suffering are now facing the full force of our legal expertise, and Fairfax County families whose children endure similar abuse can expect the same aggressive representation from our firm.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Fairfax County, “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or benign initiations from movies. The grim reality is far more sinister. Hazing today is often an act of systematic torture, psychological manipulation, and grievous bodily harm that can, and tragically often does, lead to lifelong injury or death. This is not about camaraderie; it’s about power, control, and outright abuse under the guise of “tradition.”

We want parents in Fairfax County to understand that the dangerous behaviors our client, Leonel Bermudez, endured are common modern hazing tactics:

• Violence and Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling with wooden objects (as was done to Leonel), branding, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and often assault that directly causes injuries like broken bones, internal organ damage, or traumatic brain injury.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, often with specific types of alcohol or quantities that guarantee intoxication, is rampant. But it also includes forced eating until vomiting, consuming non-food items, or drinking harmful substances, as Leonel Bermudez was made to do.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: Pledges are often forced into prolonged, high-intensity workouts, “calisthenics,” or grueling physical tasks like “suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls, similar to those that led to Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. These activities push individuals past the point of physical collapse, posing severe risks to muscles, heart, and kidneys.
• Psychological Torture: This can be as damaging as physical abuse, involving humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and sleep deprivation. Forcing someone to carry sexually explicit objects, as Leonel was, or hog-tying an individual for extended periods, inflicts deep mental trauma.
• Sexual Hazing: Sadly, hazing can also include forced nudity, sexual acts, or the simulation of sexual acts. This category is particularly insidious and can leave victims with devastating psychological scars.

The medical consequences of these acts are not minor. Victims frequently suffer:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This is the direct result of muscle tissue breakdown, as was seen in Leonel’s case, which can be life-threatening and lead to permanent kidney damage.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, often involving forced, rapid consumption of high-proof alcohol.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or violent shaking, leading to lifelong cognitive and neurological issues.
• Internal Organ Damage: Such as a lacerated spleen (as in a prior University of Houston hazing incident), liver damage, or ruptured organs.
• Hypothermia, Heatstroke, Dehydration: From forced exposure to elements or lack of water during intense physical activity.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, demanding long-term therapy and medication.

Hazing is far more prevalent than many in Fairfax County realize. Statistics show that over half of students in Greek organizations and 40% of student-athletes experience hazing. What’s even more alarming is that 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retribution, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, putting more young people at risk.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When your child is victimized by hazing in Fairfax County, it’s natural to wonder who is truly to blame. The answer is often multifaceted, implicating not just the individual perpetrators but also the organizations and institutions that foster or permit such environments. At Attorney 911, our data-driven litigation strategy ensures that we identify and pursue every single responsible party, regardless of their size or influence.

As seen in the Bermudez case, where we’ve named 13 individuals alongside the national fraternity and a major university, we cast a wide net to ensure comprehensive accountability:

• Local Chapter Members and Officers: These are the individuals directly involved in planning, orchestrating, and executing the hazing activities. This includes the chapter president, pledgemasters, risk managers, and any active member who participated, encouraged, or failed to intervene. In severe cases like Leonel’s, these individuals face both civil lawsuits for assault and battery, as well as potential criminal charges. The $6.5 million judgment against an individual chapter president in the Stone Foltz case demonstrates that personal liability can be devastating.
• National Fraternity or Sorority Organizations: These national bodies, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, possess immense power and resources. They charter local chapters, set policies (including anti-hazing rules), collect dues, and often own the chapter houses. When hazing occurs, especially when there’s a pattern of abuse across their chapters (as demonstrated by Andrew Coffey’s death in a Pi Kappa Phi chapter prior to Leonel’s hospitalization), they can be held liable for:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee or control their local chapters.
  • Failure to Train: Not providing proper anti-hazing education or enforcing it.
  • Failure to Warn: Not warning chapters about known hazing risks or addressing persistent issues.
  • Direct Liability: If their policies or culture implicitly or explicitly encouraged hazing. These national organizations typically have large insurance policies and substantial assets, making them critical “deep pocket” defendants.
• Universities and Colleges: Institutions like the University of Houston, or local Virginia universities near Fairfax County like George Mason University or James Madison University, also hold significant responsibility. They have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, even when that protection extends to activities outside the classroom. Their liability can stem from:
  • Institutional Negligence: Failing to implement, monitor, or enforce anti-hazing policies, especially if they have a history of hazing incidents on campus (as UH did with a 2017 lacerated spleen case).
  • Premises Liability: If the hazing occurs on university-owned property, such as a fraternity house or campus grounds, the university has a duty to provide a safe environment. The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel was waterboarded, making their premises liability undeniable.
  • Negligent Supervision of Greek Life: Failing to adequately supervise or regulate Greek organizations operating on their campus.
  • Deliberate Indifference: If they knew or should have known about a hazing crisis and consciously failed to act, as alleged against Pi Kappa Phi National.
• Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards: Many local chapters are supported by housing corporations (which own and manage fraternity houses) and alumni advisory boards. These entities often have legal and financial ties to the chapter and can be held liable for:
  • Failure to Supervise: Neglecting their advisory and oversight responsibilities.
  • Premises Liability: If they owned the property where hazing occurred.
  • Funding and Influence: Providing financial support or exerting influence over chapter activities that fostered hazing.
• Individual Alumni or Non-Students: Sometimes, hazing activities are hosted or facilitated by alumni or non-students at off-campus residences. As we saw in the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse were named defendants because hazing occurred at their home. These individuals can be sued for premises liability, providing the means for hazing, or direct participation.
• Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds for multi-million dollar settlements often come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes homeowner’s or personal liability policies of individuals. Our firm’s background, with both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña being former insurance defense attorneys, gives us invaluable “insider” knowledge into how these carriers operate, strategize, and attempt to minimize payouts. We know their playbook, and we use it to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

At Attorney 911, we believe that when hazing causes injury or death, everyone who had a hand in it—or who could have stopped it but didn’t—must be held accountable. This complex web of responsibility demands an aggressive, experienced, and data-driven legal approach. For families in Fairfax County, this means we will meticulously unravel these connections to build the strongest possible case for your child.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Fairfax County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful financial recovery is crucial. These are not small claims; hazing cases, particularly those involving severe injury or wrongful death, can result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. We have the receipts, and these landmark cases prove that holding fraternities, universities, and individuals accountable is not just possible, but imperative. The same legal strategies and outcomes that led to these precedent-setting awards are available to hazing victims in Fairfax County.

Here are some of the landmark cases that underscore the financial and legal ramifications of hazing, setting a clear precedent for our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case and for any hazing case arising in Fairfax County:

• STONE FOLTZ – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+
  • What happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual. He died from alcohol poisoning.
  • The outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals settled for $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million personally. This landmark case resulted in the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. For families in Fairfax County, this directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case.
• MAXWELL GRUVER – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT
  • What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was subjected to a hazing ritual called “Bible Study” where he was forced to drink massive amounts of alcohol if he answered questions incorrectly. He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495.
  • The outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. In addition, six fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making felony hazing a crime in Louisiana. This verdict powerfully demonstrates that juries will not tolerate hazing and will award millions.
• TIMOTHY PIAZZA – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Multiple Settlements)
  • What happened: Timothy Piazza was a pledge forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. Severely intoxicated, he suffered a series of falls, including down a flight of stairs, causing a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from his injuries.
  • The outcome: Multiple confidential settlements, estimated to be over $110 million, were reached with Penn State and various fraternity entities and individuals. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case inspired the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania. This case proves that with strong evidence (which we have in the Bermudez case), settlements can reach astronomical figures.
• ANDREW COFFEY – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – SAME FRATERNITY AS BERMUDEZ
  • What happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event.
  • The outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil lawsuit filed by the Coffey family resulted in a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance to our case: This incident is crucial because Pi Kappa Phi National—the same national organization we are suing—had actual notice of a deadly hazing culture within its chapters. Our lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, occurring exactly 8 years later to the day, underscores Pi Kappa Phi’s pattern of negligence and failure to implement effective changes.
• ADAM OAKES – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – $4 MILLION+ SETTLEMENT
  • What happened: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi fraternity event involving heavy drinking.
  • The outcome: His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually settled for over $4 million, including a substantial donation to the “Love Like Adam Foundation.” This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring colleges to report hazing violations and provide hazing education. This result is directly relevant to families in Fairfax County, as it shows a major settlement against a national fraternity at a Virginia institution.

These cases are not isolated tragedies; they are a grim testament to a pervasive problem within Greek life and other student organizations. They also provide a powerful blueprint for successful hazing litigation. The aggregate payouts in these high-profile cases exceed $136 million, sending an unequivocal message to universities and national fraternities: hazing will cost you millions.

For hazing victims in Fairfax County, this means that the legal system provides a robust mechanism for seeking justice. Whether your child attends George Mason University, James Madison University, or any other institution, the same national fraternities (like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi) operate chapters with similar cultures and risks. We will use these precedents to build an unshakeable case for your family, demonstrating that compensation is not just possible, but deserved.

Texas Law Protects You: Fairfax County Victims Have Rights

For families in Fairfax County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is rooted in Texas, where hazing laws are particularly stringent, similar anti-hazing statutes exist in most states. Furthermore, federal civil rights claims and general negligence principles apply nationwide, meaning our experience in federal court and our willingness to travel ensure that hazing victims in Fairfax County receive the same aggressive representation as those in Texas.

In Texas, the state’s Anti-Hazing Law (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157) is one of the strongest in the nation and provides a powerful basis for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. It defines “hazing” comprehensively, criminalizes it, and, critically, clarifies that consent is NOT a defense.

What Constitutes Hazing Under Texas Law (and why it matters for Fairfax County victims):

• Broad Definition: Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if the act endangers mental or physical health. This covers a wide range of behaviors.
• Physical Brutality: This includes whipping, beating, striking (such as with wooden paddles, as in the Bermudez case), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
• Dangerous Activities: Acts involving sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather), confinement, or calisthenics (like the 500 squats and other exercises that caused Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis) that subject a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect their health.
• Forced Consumption: Forcing the consumption of food, liquid (like large amounts of milk or peppercorns), alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm.
• Criminal Acts: Any activity that requires a student to violate the Penal Code (e.g., assault, public intoxication, theft).

Criminal Penalties (Why this empowers victims): Hazing is a crime in Texas. Engaging in hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor, leading to jail time and fines. If hazing causes serious bodily injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), it becomes a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine). If it causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony (up to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine). Furthermore, anyone with firsthand knowledge who fails to report hazing also commits a Class B Misdemeanor. This legal framework means that university administrators, chapter advisors, and individual members can face not only civil lawsuits but also criminal charges, increasing the pressure for accountability.

Organizational Liability: The law holds fraternities, sororities, and other organizations responsible if they condone, encourage, or if any of their members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating privileges on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means we can directly target the very existence and financial stability of hazing organizations.

The ALL-IMPORTANT “Consent is NOT a Defense” Clause: 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 is crucial. When defendants try to argue that “he agreed to participate,” or “he could have left,” this statute unequivocally shuts down that defense. No student can legally consent to being a victim of a crime, especially when under duress, sleep deprivation, and peer pressure. This principle is vital for any hazing case, including those arising in Fairfax County, as it protects victims from victim-blaming tactics.

Civil Liability for Hazing (Unlocking Compensation): Beyond criminal penalties, hazing victims and their families in Fairfax County can pursue significant civil lawsuits for:

• Negligence: This is the most common civil claim, arguing that the university, national organization, or individuals failed in their duty of care to protect the student, leading to injury.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case) or the fraternity’s housing corporation, they can be held responsible for unsafe conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: Schools and national organizations have a duty to supervise their students and chapters. Failure to do so, especially when there’s a history of hazing, is a basis for liability.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who inflicted physical harm.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional trauma, a common outcome of hazing.
• Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue wrongful death claims for their immense loss.

While these specifics are from Texas law, nearly all states, including Virginia, have anti-hazing laws that often make hazing a criminal offense. Moreover, powerful civil claims like negligence and premises liability exist across all jurisdictions. Our firm’s ability to litigate in federal court and our dual Texas and New York bar admissions give us the strategic flexibility to pursue hazing cases for Fairfax County families, leveraging the strongest legal angles available, regardless of where the incident occurred. Your child’s rights are legally protected, and we are here to fight for them.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Choice for Fairfax County Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing in Fairfax County, selecting the right legal representation is not just a decision; it’s a critical moment for your family’s future. You need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-hardened advocates who understand the insidious nature of hazing, possess an insider’s view of how institutions evade responsibility, and have a proven track record of securing justice. This is precisely what Attorney 911 offers to families in Fairfax County.

Here’s why Attorney 911 is uniquely positioned to represent hazing victims from Fairfax County:

• We Are Actively Litigating Hazing Cases RIGHT NOW: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are in the trenches. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live demonstration of our commitment, our strategy, and our fury. This means we are constantly refining our tactics, staying abreast of the latest hazing trends, and applying real-world litigation experience to every case, including yours in Fairfax County.
• Decades of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of intense courtroom experience. He has battled against some of the largest corporations in the nation, including his pivotal role in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases, where we confront powerful universities and national fraternities.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “secret weapon.” We have seen, from the inside, how insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize, evaluate claims, delay payouts, and attempt to minimize or deny compensation. Lupe Peña’s experience with a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, gives us unparalleled insight into the tactics used by large institutions. Now, we use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients in Fairfax County.
• Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas & New York): Hazing is a national problem, and national fraternities operate across state lines. Our federal court admissions mean we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, bypassing many state-level limitations. Furthermore, our dual Texas and New York bar licenses provide a strategic advantage when confronting national organizations often headquartered outside of Texas. This enables us to represent Fairfax County hazing victims with a broad reach.
• Deep Understanding of Hazing & Its Consequences: Ralph Manginello has specialized expertise in hazing litigation, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis—the exact life-threatening condition our client Leonel Bermudez suffered. We understand the specific medical, psychological, and academic ramifications of hazing, ensuring that every aspect of your child’s suffering is meticulously documented and valued. Ralph’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach also gives him unique insight into team dynamics and the pressures young people face.
• Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain an extensive “Hazing Intelligence Engine,” a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas and national hazing incidents. This means we don’t guess who is responsible; we know their corporate structures, EINs, and documented histories. When hazing tragedies occur, we hit the ground running, knowing exactly who to sue and how to penetrate their organizational shields. For Fairfax County families, this means a significantly stronger, more efficient case from day one.
• Compassionate, Parent-Facing Approach: We understand that dealing with litigation is daunting, especially when your child has been traumatized. Our firm is built on empathy and a commitment to treating every client like family. We provide regular, clear communication, ensuring you are informed and supported at every stage. You are not just another case; you are a family in crisis, and we are here to help you navigate it.
• No Upfront Cost – Contingency Fees: We understand that the financial stress of medical bills, therapy, and potential lost education can be overwhelming. We take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that every family in Fairfax County, regardless of their economic situation, can access aggressive, top-tier legal representation.
• Bilingual (Se Habla Español): For Fairfax County’s diverse community, including Spanish-speaking families, Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, removing language barriers and ensuring that all victims receive the justice they deserve.
• Will Travel to Fairfax County: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We utilize remote consultation technologies for initial contact and are committed to traveling to Fairfax County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

When you choose Attorney 911, you are choosing a firm that doesn’t shy away from complex, high-stakes battles against powerful institutions. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and when hazing becomes your family’s nightmare in Fairfax County, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY to turn pain into accountability. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will fight fiercely to honor them and prevent future tragedies.

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

If your child has been harmed by hazing in Fairfax County or at a university your family is connected to, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, anger, and fear are natural responses, but taking decisive action can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even for Seemingly Minor Injuries:

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. Do not delay seeking medical care.
   • Document Everything: Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor or hospital. Medical records are foundational evidence. For conditions like severe bruising, rhabdomyolysis, or alcohol poisoning, immediate and thorough medical documentation is crucial. Keep all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like Leonel Bermudez’s creatine kinase levels), and therapy records.
   • Don’t Dismiss Symptoms: Adrenaline can mask pain. Delayed symptoms, like headaches or muscle pain, can indicate serious underlying issues such as traumatic brain injury or rhabdomyolysis.
   • Follow All Medical Advice: Strictly adhere to treatment plans, attend all follow-up appointments, and take prescribed medications. Any deviation can be used by the defense to claim injuries weren’t serious.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – EVERYTHING Is Important:

   • Digital Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Take screenshots, back up data, and do NOT delete anything. This includes communications from members, pledges, or relevant university or organization officials.
   • Photos and Videos: If available and safe to obtain, capture images or videos of the hazing activities. Photograph any injuries your child sustained immediately, and continue to document the healing process. Pictures of the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, outdoor fields) can also be vital.
   • Physical Evidence: Preserve any items involved in the hazing, such as clothing, instruments of abuse (like paddles if they were used), or even the environment (e.g., if forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass).
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for other pledges, witnesses, or anyone who might have observed the hazing or its aftermath. These individuals often become fearful, so acting quickly is essential.
   • Documents: Keep all pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the organization.
   • Financial Records: Maintain records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work, or any other financial losses incurred due to the hazing.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

   • Silence is Golden: Do not speak to fraternity or sorority members, alumni, or university administrators without first consulting with your attorney. Anything your child says can be twisted and used against them.
   • No Statements: Absolutely do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company, fraternity/sorority representative, or university official. They are not on your side; they are gathering information to minimize or deny your claim. Let your lawyer handle all communications.
   • No Signing: Do NOT sign any documents from the fraternity, sorority, or university. These documents may waive your child’s legal rights or release the organization from liability.
   • Stay Off Social Media: Instruct your child to immediately cease all social media posting about the incident, their injuries, or even their general life. Defense attorneys will scour accounts for anything that can undermine your case or portray your child as “fine.”

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY:

   • Time is of the Essence: There is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, typically two years from the date of injury. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records.
   • Expert Guidance: Hazing cases are complex, involving multiple defendants (individuals, local chapter, national organization, university) and intricate legal theories. An attorney specializing in hazing litigation knows how to navigate these complexities.
   • Free Consultation: At Attorney 911, your initial consultation is always free. This allows us to evaluate your child’s case, explain your legal options, and outline a strategy without any financial obligation from your family in Fairfax County.
   • Nationwide Reach: While we are headquartered in Houston, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can represent Fairfax County hazing victims effectively. We offer video consultations for remote convenience.

5. Consider Filing a Police Report: Hazing is a crime in many states, including Virginia. Filing a police report can trigger a criminal investigation, which may uncover additional evidence that supports your civil lawsuit. The University of Houston, for instance, initiated criminal referrals in the Bermudez case.

For Fairfax County families, we understand that this is an overwhelming time. Your focus should be on your child’s recovery. Let us handle the legal fight. By taking these immediate steps and contacting our firm, you are not only protecting your child’s rights but also taking a powerful stand against the culture of hazing that silently endangers so many young lives.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Fairfax County Hazing Victims

If you’re reading this, your nightmare may have already begun. Your child, a student from Fairfax County, has been the victim of hazing, and you’re searching for answers, for justice, for a way to fight back. We are Attorney 911, and we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We are not just another law firm; we are relentless advocates, currently litigating the groundbreaking $10 million Bermudez hazing lawsuit, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive, data-driven fight to your child’s case, whether the hazing occurred at a university near Fairfax County or anywhere else in the nation.

Fairfax County Parents, Students, and Families: You have legal rights, and we are here to protect them.

When hazing leaves lifelong scars, we believe in holding every responsible party accountable: the individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and the educational institution that enabled the abuse. Our unique experience as former insurance defense attorneys means we understand the opponent’s strategy from the inside, and we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for victims. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue national organizations wherever they may be structured, ensuring that geography is never a barrier to justice.

Fairfax County Families: Don’t wait. Time is not on your side.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases can be as short as two years. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and responsible parties may begin to cover their tracks. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline for Fairfax County Hazing Victims Now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for a Free, Confidential Consultation.
We understand that after a traumatic event, questions don’t just arise during business hours. We are here when you need us most.

You can also reach us directly via email at:
Email: ralph@atty911.com

No Upfront Cost for Fairfax County Families:
We know that financial worries shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice. We take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire us.
• We cover all litigation costs and expenses.
• We only get paid if and when we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing for our legal fees. This aligns our interests perfectly with yours.

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

1. Immediate Response: Your call or email to 1-888-ATTY-911 will connect you directly with our team, ready to listen with empathy and expertise.
2. Free Consultation: We offer a thorough, no-obligation conversation to understand what happened, explain your rights, and discuss how we can help.
3. Strategic Evaluation: We’ll quickly assess the viability of your case, drawing on our deep knowledge of hazing litigation and the precedent set by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s.
4. Action Plan: If we take your case, we’ll immediately initiate an aggressive action plan for evidence preservation, defendant identification, and building a powerful legal strategy.
5. Remote Convenience & Local Presence: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we offer video consultations for Fairfax County families. For critical steps like depositions and trials, we travel to ensure your child’s story is told effectively wherever it needs to be heard.

We serve hazing victims in Fairfax County and across the nation. Whether your child was hazed at George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale or Sterling, or while attending James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, or any other institution, the same national Greek organizations are involved. We represent victims of hazing in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and any student organization that uses abuse as an “initiation.”

To other victims of hazing, especially those involved in the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston: We know there were others subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. Another pledge collapsed—unconscious—on October 15. You have rights too. Call us. As Attorney Lupe Peña 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.” Let’s bring them all to justice.

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, depends on people like you speaking up. Don’t let fear or intimidation keep you from obtaining justice. We are Attorney 911, and we are ready to fight for you.

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