Hazing Victim Legal Representation for Gilmer County Families

🚨 Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Gilmer County Families Deserve Justice

Gilmer County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences. That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Gilmer County – the same universities where your children might be pledging right now.

Attorney 911 is fighting this battle RIGHT NOW. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles – all as part of “initiation.” He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.

This isn’t happening just in Houston. It’s happening near Gilmer County. And we will fight for Gilmer County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.

🏢 Who We Are: Gilmer County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Houston, we proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Gilmer County and nationwide.

Why Gilmer County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. Gilmer County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

💔 The Hazing Crisis: What Gilmer County Families Need to Know

The Reality of Hazing Near Gilmer County

Hazing isn’t limited to large universities. It happens at all types of institutions near Gilmer County, including:

• State universities with Greek life chapters
• Private colleges with Greek organizations
• Community colleges with clubs and organizations
• Military academies and ROTC programs
• Sports teams at all levels
• Marching bands and performing arts groups

The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at major universities also have chapters near Gilmer County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others – the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide – maintain active chapters at institutions near Gilmer County.

Types of Hazing That Happen Near Gilmer County

Medical Consequences Gilmer County Families Should Understand

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort. It causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (like our current client)
• Acute kidney failure – Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Alcohol poisoning – Can be fatal; common in forced drinking hazing
• Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures
• Cardiac arrest – From extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression – Long-term psychological damage
• Death – Hazing kills students every year

These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re happening to students near Gilmer County right now.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What This Means for Gilmer County Families

Breaking: Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Court: Harris County Civil District Court
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000

Gilmer County families: This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near Gilmer County. The same fraternities operate near Gilmer County. The same negligence exists at Gilmer County institutions. And we will fight for Gilmer County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client

The Medical Crisis

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he collapsed and couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was too sore to move. The day after that, his condition worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized.

Why This Case Matters to Gilmer County Families

1. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America – including near Gilmer County
2. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Gilmer County fraternities
3. Universities near Gilmer County face the same liability failures as UH
4. If your child is being hazed near Gilmer County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
5. This case proves that hazing cases can win millions in compensation

From Ralph Manginello 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.”

From Lupe Pena to ABC13:

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

💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Gilmer County Families Can Win

These Verdicts and Settlements Prove That Hazing Cases Win Big

Gilmer County families: These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can and do win millions in compensation. The same legal strategies apply to Gilmer County cases.

What These Cases Mean for Gilmer County Families

1. Juries award millions for hazing injuries and deaths
2. Universities pay millions when they fail to protect students
3. National fraternities pay millions when they fail to supervise chapters
4. Individual members can be held personally liable – including chapter officers
5. Criminal charges often follow civil lawsuits

The message is clear: Hazing costs millions. And Gilmer County families can send the same message.

⚖️ Legal Framework: Gilmer County Victims’ Rights

West Virginia Hazing Laws

West Virginia Code §18-2-25a defines hazing as:

“Any activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary educational institution.”

Penalties in West Virginia:

• Misdemeanor for hazing
• Felony if hazing results in death or serious bodily injury
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
• Individuals can face jail time

Important for Gilmer County families: Consent is not a defense to hazing in West Virginia.

Who Is Liable for Gilmer County Hazing Victims

Gilmer County families: You can pursue multiple defendants in a single lawsuit, maximizing your potential recovery.

Types of Claims Available to Gilmer County Families

📋 What Gilmer County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Immediate Action Steps

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
   • Medical records create crucial evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Photos/Videos: Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, any items used
   • Communications: Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
   • Witness Information: Get names and contact info of other victims and witnesses
   • Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules
   • Clothing/Items: Save any clothing or items involved in hazing

3. Report the Incident

   • To the university: File a formal complaint with the Greek Life office
   • To law enforcement: Consider filing a police report
   • To Title IX office: If sexual assault or gender-based hazing occurred

4. Do NOT

   • Delete any messages or posts – this is destruction of evidence
   • Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
   • Sign anything from the organization or university
   • Post about the incident on social media
   • Give statements to university administrators without an attorney

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • Email ralph@atty911.com
   • We offer free consultations for Gilmer County families
   • We work on contingency – $0 upfront

Why Timing Is Critical for Gilmer County Families

• Evidence disappears quickly – Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
• Statute of limitations – West Virginia gives you 2 years to file a lawsuit
• Institutions act fast to protect themselves – you need to act faster
• Medical documentation must be immediate to prove causation

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately after being hospitalized. This is how you protect your rights.

💰 Damages: What Gilmer County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s conduct is particularly outrageous. In hazing cases, this might apply when:

• The hazing involved torture (like waterboarding)
• The organization knew about prior incidents and did nothing
• The university failed to act despite knowing hazing was occurring
• The conduct was intentional rather than negligent

Punitive damages can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

🎯 Why Gilmer County Families Need Attorney 911

We Know How to Fight Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. They have insurance companies trying to lowball settlements. They have PR departments working to protect their reputation.

Gilmer County families need their own experienced legal team to level the playing field.

Our Strategic Advantages for Gilmer County Cases

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Exact Battle

   • We’re litigating a $10 million hazing case right now
   • We know the arguments defendants will make
   • We know how to dismantle their defenses

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

   • Both attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers
   • We know how insurance companies value claims
   • We know their negotiation tactics
   • We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. We Pursue Every Defendant

   • Universities
   • National organizations
   • Local chapters
   • Individual members
   • Housing corporations
   • We don’t let anyone escape accountability

4. We Have the Resources to Win

   • Medical experts
   • Hazing culture experts
   • Economic damage experts
   • Investigators
   • We build comprehensive cases

5. We Travel to Gilmer County

   • For depositions
   • For client meetings
   • For trials
   • Distance is not a barrier

6. We Offer Remote Consultations

   • Video meetings
   • Phone consultations
   • Secure document sharing
   • Gilmer County families can access our expertise without traveling

7. We Work on Contingency

   • $0 upfront
   • We don’t get paid unless you get paid
   • No financial risk for Gilmer County families

📞 Gilmer County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at a university near Gilmer County, you have legal rights. We can help.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation • $0 upfront • We don’t get paid unless you get paid

What to Expect During Your Consultation

1. We’ll listen to your story – We want to understand what happened
2. We’ll evaluate your case – We’ll tell you if you have a viable claim
3. We’ll explain your options – Legal rights, potential outcomes
4. We’ll answer your questions – No pressure, just honest advice
5. We’ll outline next steps – What happens if you decide to move forward

Gilmer County families: You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.

🔥 Message to Gilmer County Fraternities and Universities

To fraternities operating near Gilmer County: We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students near Gilmer County, we will pursue every liable entity.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other nationals with chapters near Gilmer County: Know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won.

To universities near Gilmer County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Gilmer County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏆 Our Track Record: Proven Results for Hazing Victims

While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes, our firm has a strong track record of success in complex personal injury cases:

• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Multiple six-figure settlements in catastrophic injury cases
• Successful litigation against major institutions
• Former insurance defense experience gives us insider knowledge
• Aggressive representation that doesn’t back down from powerful defendants

Our current $10 million hazing case demonstrates our commitment to fighting for hazing victims and their families.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Gilmer County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retribution or social consequences. However, it’s important to:

1. Document everything – Save texts, photos, witness names
2. Seek medical attention – Even if your child doesn’t want to report, medical records create evidence
3. Consult an attorney – We can advise you on your options without filing a lawsuit immediately
4. Consider reporting – Many hazing incidents violate university policies and state laws

Remember: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened at a university outside West Virginia?

A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Students from Gilmer County attending out-of-state universities
• Students hazed at universities near Gilmer County
• Students hazed in any state – we can evaluate your case regardless of location

We have federal court authority and can pursue cases in any jurisdiction.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No hourly fees
• No retainer required
• We don’t get paid unless you get paid
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery

This allows Gilmer County families to pursue justice without financial risk.

Q: What if the fraternity claims my child consented to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense to hazing in West Virginia. West Virginia law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.

Even if your child agreed to participate:

• They may have been coerced or pressured
• They likely didn’t know the true risks
• They may have feared social consequences for refusing
• The law says consent doesn’t matter

Q: Can we sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing even if they didn’t have actual knowledge. They have a duty to protect students, and that includes:

• Monitoring Greek organizations
• Investigating reports of hazing
• Implementing effective anti-hazing policies
• Taking action when hazing is reported

If the university should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand that fear of retaliation is real. That’s why:

1. We protect our clients’ identities when possible
2. We handle all communications with the defendants
3. We advise clients not to engage with fraternity members
4. We pursue legal action that can help prevent future hazing

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously and work to protect our clients.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically follow this timeline:

Most cases settle without going to trial. However, we’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.

Q: What if my child was hazed but wasn’t seriously injured?

A: Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case. Hazing can cause:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame)
• Academic disruption (missed classes, poor grades)
• Financial losses (therapy costs, lost wages)

Contact us for a free consultation. We can evaluate whether you have a viable claim.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?

A: West Virginia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing to file a lawsuit.

However:

• The clock may start when you discover the injury (for psychological trauma)
• Different rules may apply if the victim was a minor
• Don’t wait – evidence disappears and witnesses forget

Contact us immediately to evaluate your options.

🏛️ Gilmer County Institutions: The Hazing Risk Is Real

Universities Near Gilmer County with Greek Life Presence

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at these institutions, Gilmer County families should be aware that Greek organizations operate at many universities in the region, including:

• West Virginia University (Morgantown)
• Marshall University (Huntington)
• West Virginia State University (Institute)
• Fairmont State University (Fairmont)
• Shepherd University (Shepherdstown)
• Concord University (Athens)
• Glenville State University (Glenville)

These institutions have the same responsibilities as University of Houston:

• Duty to protect students
• Duty to monitor Greek organizations
• Duty to investigate hazing reports
• Duty to take action when hazing is discovered

If they fail in these duties, they can be held legally accountable.

🎓 A Message to Gilmer County Students

If you’re being hazed, you’re not alone. You don’t deserve this. And you have options.

Hazing isn’t about brotherhood. It isn’t about tradition. It’s about power and control. It’s about fear and intimidation. It’s about making you feel small so others feel big.

You have the right to say no. You have the right to walk away. You have the right to report what’s happening.

If you’ve already been hazed:

• You may have legal rights
• You may be entitled to compensation
• You can help prevent this from happening to others

We’re here to help. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com. Your consultation is free and confidential.

🏡 A Message to Gilmer County Parents

You sent your child to college to learn, to grow, and to be safe. You didn’t send them to be tortured.

When you drop your child off at college, you trust that the university will protect them. You trust that Greek organizations will provide positive experiences. You trust that if something goes wrong, someone will step in.

That trust is being broken every day.

Your child may be afraid to tell you what’s happening. They may feel ashamed. They may think it’s “just part of the process.” They may fear social consequences if they speak up.

Talk to your child about hazing. Ask them what’s really happening. Listen without judgment.

If you suspect hazing:

• Ask direct questions
• Look for signs (changes in behavior, physical injuries, academic decline)
• Document everything
• Contact an attorney

We’re here to help Gilmer County families. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🔚 Enough Is Enough – Gilmer County Families Deserve Justice

Hazing has claimed too many lives. It has ruined too many futures. It has broken too many families.

Enough is enough.

Gilmer County families deserve accountability. They deserve compensation. They deserve change.

Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Gilmer County, we can help.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation.

Gilmer County families: It’s time to stand up. It’s time to fight back. It’s time for justice.