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James City County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | 125+ Greek Organizations Tracked | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, James City County, North America, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this in James City 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 community, and gain valuable life experience. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were potentially stripped of their health or even their future. We’re here to help families in James City County fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear – these are natural reactions when you discover that the institutions you trusted to protect your child have failed them so catastrophically. The dream of a safe college experience, whether at a nearby Virginia university like the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Christopher Newport University in Newport News, or Longwood University in Farmville, or at a major institution across the country, has been shattered by abuse. Your child, your family member, may be suffering in silence, afraid to speak out, unsure of where to turn. We are here to listen, to validate your experience, and to offer aggressive, proven legal representation.

For over 25 years, our firm, Attorney911, has stood as a beacon of hope for victims of negligence and abuse. We are not just lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We move first, fast, and decisively when lives are on the line. And when it comes to hazing, we are fighting this battle right now, in the trenches, making headlines, and demanding accountability from powerful institutions. We bring that same unwavering commitment to justice to every family in James City County who seeks our help.

A Nightmare in Texas: The Bermudez Case – A Warning to Every James City County Family

What happened to Leonel Bermudez in November 2025 at the University of Houston is not an isolated incident. It is a chilling example of the rampant, often brutal, hazing culture that plagues fraternities and sororities across America, including at universities where students from James City County matriculate. This case is not just a legal battle; it is a declaration of war against the normalization of torture under the guise of “tradition.” It is the centerpiece of everything we stand for, demonstrating our aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he suffered weeks of systematic torture. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who planned to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who was not even their student, extending their circle of abuse beyond traditional campus boundaries.

The Horrors Inflicted on Leonel Bermudez:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose: Leonel was subjected to simulated drowning, a tactic recognized globally as torture. Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while forced to do calisthenics, then compelled to run repeatedly under the threat of further waterboarding.
  • Hog-tying: In an incident on October 13, 2025, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This barbaric act of restraint and humiliation is a stark reminder that hazing is not merely horseplay.
  • Forced eating until vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a truly grotesque display of power and control, they were forced to continue running sprints through their own vomit while clearly in physical distress.
  • Psychological torture and humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry fanny packs containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. They faced constant threats of physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity for non-compliance, alongside enforced dress codes, study hours, and weekly interviews designed to break their will.
  • Sleep deprivation and extreme physical exertion: Leonel was made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to profound exhaustion. He endured grueling workouts including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was struck with wooden paddles. On November 3, 2025, after a relentless barrage of these exercises, Leonel became so exhausted he could not stand without help.

When Leonel finally made it home that night, he crawled up the stairs and collapsed into bed. The next day, he was so sore he could barely move. The following day, his condition worsened. His mother, witnessing his deterioration, rushed him to the hospital. There, doctors made a terrifying diagnosis: severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign that his muscles were breaking down and releasing damaging proteins into his bloodstream, overwhelming his kidneys. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, his young life hanging precariously in the balance. While he survived, the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains.

Our Aggressive Response: The $10 Million Lawsuit

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. The members, facing overwhelming evidence and pressure, voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The University of Houston, clearly rattled by the severity of the allegations, called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals.

But mere closure and criminal investigations are not enough for true justice. That’s why, on November 21, 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court, naming the following defendants:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity: The national organization, for failing to oversee its chapters and allowing a culture of abuse to fester across 150+ campuses.
  • University of Houston and its Board of Regents: For owning the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, for failing to protect students, and for a documented history of hazing incidents on campus.
  • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: For its role in maintaining the property where the torture occurred.
  • 13 individual fraternity members: Including the chapter president, pledgemaster, internal risk manager, and other members who participated in, directed, or failed to stop the hazing. Crucially, even a former member and his spouse are named, as some of the most abhorrent hazing occurred at their private residence, demonstrating that accountability extends beyond campus boundaries.

This lawsuit, which has garnered significant media attention from outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, is not just about one victim. It sends a resounding message: hazing is not acceptable, and we will pursue every responsible party with unrelenting determination. For James City County families, this case is proof that aggressive legal action can force accountability and protect future generations.

Media Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “boys being boys” or harmless “tradition.” The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far more sinister. Hazing is systematic abuse, psychological torment, and often physical assault that can leave victims permanently scarred, both physically and emotionally, or even dead.

When your child from James City County goes off to college, whether it’s to the historic grounds of the College of William & Mary, the bustling campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, or beyond, you expect them to be safe. You expect them to be challenged academically, not physically and mentally brutalized.

Hazing is not about building character; it breaks it. It is not about forging bonds; it creates trauma. The true face of hazing, as revealed through cases like Leonel’s, includes:

  • Physical Abuse: This is not just a slap on the wrist. It encompasses beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, and activities that create an “unreasonable risk of harm.” Think of the 500 squats and 100 pushups that led to Leonel’s kidney failure, or the wooden paddles used against pledges.
  • Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking and potentially deadly alcohol poisoning. But it can also include forcing pledges to eat until they vomit, as happened to Leonel with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns, or ingesting other noxious substances.
  • Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This is a heinous form of torture involving spraying water into a pledge’s face, simulating a drowning sensation. As Houston Public Media stated regarding Leonel’s case, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It includes verbal degradation, forced public nudity, elaborate schemes designed to humiliate, sleep deprivation, and isolation. The requirement for pledges to carry fanny packs with sexual objects or be hog-tied are examples of this cruel manipulation.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, or to perform tasks like driving members during the early hours, severely impacts their physical and mental health, making them vulnerable to accidents or physical collapse.
  • Exposure: Leaving pledges out in extreme weather conditions, or forcing them to strip down in the cold, is a dangerous tactic that can lead to hypothermia or other serious health risks.
  • Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Tragically, hazing can escalate to sexual abuse, forced sexual acts, or carrying sexually suggestive items designed to demean and control.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing are Real and Devastating:

Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are stark examples of the medical crises hazing can trigger. Rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue, releases harmful proteins that can clog the kidneys, leading to life-threatening organ failure. This is often caused by extreme physical exertion, exactly what Leonel endured. Other serious medical outcomes include:

  • Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, often involving forced binge drinking.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or head trauma during hazing rituals.
  • Hypothermia or Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Internal Organ Damage: From physical assault or forced ingestion.
  • Infections: From branding, cuts, or unsanitary conditions.
  • Profound Psychological Trauma: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can have lifelong impacts.

These are not “pranks.” These are violent acts with severe, sometimes fatal, consequences. Every parent in James City County needs to understand the true danger their children face when confronted with hazing.

Who Is Responsible? We Sue Every Liable Party

When hazing leaves a victim in James City County injured or dead, the immediate question is always: Who can be held accountable? The answer is often not simple, as many layers of individuals and institutions contribute to the culture that allows hazing to flourish. Our approach at Attorney911 is to pursue every single entity that bears responsibility, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for justice. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case exemplifies this comprehensive strategy.

Here’s who we hold responsible when hazing occurs:

  1. The Individual Perpetrators: The fraternity members who directly planned, participated in, or stood by while hazing took place are always primary targets. This includes chapter officers like the president, pledgemaster, and risk manager, who hold positions of authority and actively direct the abuse. In Leonel’s case, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including a former member and his spouse who allowed their private residence to be used for hazing functions. These individuals can be held personally liable for their actions.
  2. The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter itself, as an organized entity, is responsible for the actions of its members and for fostering a culture where hazing is permitted or encouraged.
  3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: This is where the “deep pockets” often are. National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi have a fundamental duty to oversee their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail in this duty, particularly with a documented history of hazing incidents as Pi Kappa Phi has (Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 occurred in a Pi Kappa Phi chapter), they are directly liable. Their vast resources, insurance policies, and endowments make them prime targets for substantial damages.
  4. The University or College: Universities and colleges have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, foster a safe learning environment, and actively combat hazing on their campuses. This duty extends to universities in and around James City County, from the College of William & Mary to Virginia Commonwealth University. When they own or control the property where hazing happens (as the University of Houston did with the Pi Kappa Phi house), or when they fail to provide adequate supervision, enforcement, and education, they are clearly liable. Their knowledge of prior hazing incidents (as UH had in 2017) strengthens their culpability.
  5. The Housing Corporation: Often, a separate housing corporation owns and manages the physical fraternity or sorority house. This entity can be held liable under premises liability laws if it maintained an unsafe environment or allowed illegal activities to occur on its property.
  6. Chapter Advisors and Alumni Boards: These individuals or groups often exert significant influence over local chapters. If they knew about hazing and failed to intervene, or actively encouraged it, they too can be held responsible for their negligence or direct participation.
  7. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often even individual members, are insurance policies. Our attorneys, with their background in insurance defense, know exactly how to navigate these policies to maximize the compensation for our clients.

It’s crucial for James City County families to understand that suing for hazing is not about targeting individual college students with minimal assets. It is about holding the powerful, wealthy institutions and their leadership accountable for their systemic failures. We don’t guess who is responsible; we use our extensive data and legal expertise to identify every single liable party with the resources to compensate our clients.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For families in James City County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential financial recovery is critical. These aren’t minor incidents deserving of minor settlements. Hazing litigation, especially when involving severe injury or death, consistently results in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. This is not about revenge; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable and justly compensating victims for life-altering damages.

The precedents are clear: when juries and courts are presented with the true horrors of hazing, they respond with substantial awards. The same legal strategies, the same commitment to justice, and the same pursuit of significant compensation that achieved these outcomes are what we bring to every James City County hazing case.

Here are some of the landmark cases that demonstrate what can be achieved:

  • Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – Over $10.1 Million: Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual. His family received substantial settlements: $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and its individual members. In December 2024, a stunning ruling ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million in personal liability. This case is a direct comparator for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case and demonstrates that both universities and fraternities, including their individual leaders, will pay millions.
    • James City County Relevance: This case proves that universities have a significant financial liability in hazing deaths, something institutions near James City County must acknowledge.
  • Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Verdict: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study,” where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. His family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict. This case not only brought justice to the Gruver family but also led to the passage of Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act,” which made hazing a felony offense.
    • James City County Relevance: This jury verdict shows that, even if an insurance company refuses to settle, juries are prepared to award millions for hazing-related deaths and, by extension, severe injuries.
  • Timothy Piazza, Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Over $110 Million (Estimated): Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Beta Theta Pi, died from severe injuries after being forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual. After collapsing and suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. The family’s civil litigation resulted in multiple confidential settlements, sources estimate to be over $110 million. This tragedy also prompted the passage of Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
    • James City County Relevance: This illustrates the immense value that severe hazing cases, especially those with clear evidence (like the security camera footage in Piazza’s case), can command. Our Bermudez case has similarly compelling evidence of grotesque abuse.
  • Andrew Coffey, Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement: Andrew Coffey, a pledge at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter (the same national fraternity as in Leonel Bermudez’s case), died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. Though the civil settlement amount remains confidential, criminal charges were filed against nine fraternity members, and the chapter was permanently closed.
    • James City County Relevance: This case highlights Pi Kappa Phi’s own documented history of deadly hazing, underscoring the national organization’s pattern of negligence that continues to this day, as seen with Leonel Bermudez. This eight-year pattern will be a central pillar in demanding accountability from Pi Kappa Phi and makes it clear their negligence is nationwide, encompassing any chapter near James City County.
  • Adam Oakes, Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – Over $4 Million Settlement: Adam Oakes, a freshman at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family settled their wrongful death lawsuit for over $4 million. This case also spurred “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring hazing prevention education and reporting.
    • James City County Relevance: VCU is a major Virginia university, and this case directly impacts the local community’s understanding of hazing risks close to home.
  • UT Austin Sigma Chi (November 2025) – Lawsuit Filed: This case, filed simultaneously with Leonel Bermudez’s, involves the tragic death of an 18-year-old freshman after “horrific abuse” during hazing. This ongoing litigation in our home state further underscores the pervasive nature of hazing and the continuous fight for justice.
    • James City County Relevance: Another active, high-profile case within the same time frame as Bermudez’s, showing hazing is not a historical problem but a current crisis spreading nationwide.

These multi-million dollar payouts are not just numbers; they represent comprehensive financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, the profound pain and suffering endured, and, in many cases, punitive damages designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future atrocities. For James City County families, these precedents offer powerful reassurance: justice is attainable, and institutions that enable hazing can and will be held accountable.

Texas Hazing Law Protects Your Rights, James City County

When hazing tears a family apart in James City County, it’s essential to understand the legal protections available. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of justice and accountability for hazing victims apply nationwide. Moreover, many states, including Virginia where James City County is located, have laws similar to Texas’s robust anti-hazing statutes. Our federal court authority and dual Texas and New York bar admissions allow us to pursue these cases regardless of where the incident occurred in America.

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157: A Powerful Weapon Against Hazing

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation, and our lawsuit in the Bermudez case is rooted deeply in these statutes. These laws provide a clear framework for defining hazing, assigning criminal penalties, and establishing organizational liability.

Key Provisions of Texas Hazing Law:

  1. Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing very broadly, encompassing 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 joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes acts of:
    • Physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding).
    • Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or any similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health. Leonel’s 500 squats, waterboarding, and sleep deprivation clearly fall under this.
    • Forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol that creates an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is a direct violation.
    • Any activity that causes a student to violate the Penal Code.
      The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured, including waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, sleep deprivation, and physical striking with paddles, satisfies multiple elements of this comprehensive legal definition.
  2. Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152): Hazing is not just a university policy violation; it’s a crime.
    • Engaging in or aiding hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor.
    • Hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) is a Class A Misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
    • Hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony, carrying 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
      This means the individuals who harmed Leonel, and those who knew and failed to report, potentially face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. The University of Houston’s own spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges,” confirming the gravity of the conduct.
  3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law explicitly states that an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers or members commit or assist in hazing. Organizations can face fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating privileges, and even forfeiture of property. This provision is critical for holding local chapters and national organizations accountable.
  4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas hazing law for victims. The statute clearly 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 provision shatters the common defense used by fraternities: “He agreed to participate.” In Texas, the law unequivocally states that a victim cannot consent to criminal hazing. No one can consent to abuse, torture, or bodily harm. This principle is vital for hazing victims in James City County and beyond.
  5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This regulation ensures accountability and transparency from educational institutions.

Civil Liability: Building a Case Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not pursued, victims and families in James City County can seek substantial justice through civil lawsuits. Our firm utilizes multiple legal theories to hold all responsible parties accountable:

  • Negligence (in James City County and all states): This is a foundational claim, arguing that the defendants owed a duty of care to the victim, breached that duty through their actions or inaction (e.g., hazing, failure to supervise), and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
  • Premises Liability (for James City County locations): If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university, the local chapter, or even individual members (like the former member’s residence in the Bermudez case), they can be held liable for maintaining a dangerous condition or allowing illegal activities on their premises. This is especially potent where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house.
  • Negligent Supervision: This theory applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to monitor Greek life activities, allowing hazing to occur unchecked.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harmed the victim can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact. Waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion often constitute assault and battery.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When the hazing involves “extreme and outrageous” conduct that causes severe emotional distress (like the psychological torment Leonel endured), IIED claims can be powerful.
  • Vicarious Liability: This doctrine holds an entity responsible for the actions of its agents. For example, a national fraternity can be vicariously liable for the actions of its local chapter, and a university can be vicariously liable for organizations operating under its purview.

The legal landscape surrounding hazing is complex, but the message is clear: victims and their families have powerful rights. For James City County residents, knowing these laws exist—and that we have the expertise to execute them—can provide a path forward in unimaginable circumstances.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for James City County Families

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is critical. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ – someone who understands the profound impact this has on your family and possesses the expertise, aggression, and dedication to secure justice. For families in James City County grappling with hazing, Attorney911 stands apart.

Here’s why we are the definitive choice:

  1. Active, Front-Line Hazing Litigation: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re fighting it right now. Our $10 million lawsuit in Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live, ongoing case that demonstrates our expertise and aggressive approach. This isn’t theoretical; this is real. This means that every James City County family we represent benefits from the cutting-edge strategies and real-time insights we gain from challenging powerful institutions in the courtroom. We are currently exposing the very same fraternities and universities that have chapters and operations near James City County.
  2. Battle-Tested Experience: 25+ Years in the Courtroom: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of relentless courtroom experience. He has pursued and won millions for victims in high-stakes personal injury cases, including mass tort litigation against corporate giants like BP following the Texas City Refinery explosion. This experience means taking on powerful, well-funded defendants—whether they are national fraternities or major universities like those near James City County—is not new to us; it’s what we do with unwavering resolve.
  3. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. Lupe Peña, in particular, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. We know the insurance companies’ playbooks inside and out. We understand how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. This insider perspective allows us to anticipate their tactics, dismantle their defenses, and negotiate from a position of strength for our James City County clients. We know how to speak their language and, more importantly, how to beat them at their own game.
  4. Nationwide Reach with Local Sensitivity: While our headquarters are in Houston, our reach and impact are nationwide. Hazing is a national crisis, and we represent victims from across America, including James City County. Our federal court admissions allow us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, and Ralph’s dual Texas and New York bar licenses give us a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities headquartered in states outside of Texas. We offer seamless remote consultations via video and are fully prepared to travel to James City County for depositions, client meetings, or trials when necessary. Distance is never a barrier to justice for James City County families.
  5. Specialized Hazing Expertise: We specifically understand the nuances of hazing litigation, including:
    • Rhabdomyolysis cases: Ralph has specific expertise in cases involving this severe muscle breakdown condition, exactly what Leonel Bermudez suffered.
    • University liability: We know how to link institutional negligence to hazing incidents.
    • National fraternity accountability: We have documented evidence of recurring misconduct from major fraternities.
    • “Ghost rush” and non-student victim scenarios: We address the unique circumstances when hazing extends beyond enrolled students.
  6. Unwavering Compassion and Client Focus: We understand that hazing victims and their families in James City County are often at their most vulnerable. We approach every case with deep empathy, treating our clients like family. Our team is bilingual (Se Habla Español) and dedicated to clear, consistent communication. Our 4.9-star Google rating from over 250 reviews reflects our commitment to client satisfaction and care. As one client put it, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
  7. No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fee Basis: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means James City County families pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates the financial barrier, allowing victims to seek justice against well-funded universities and national fraternities without bearing any initial financial risk. As Lupe Peña often states, “With Mr. Peña you get an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side.” This applies to how we structure our fees too.
  8. Educators for Justice: Our “Attorney 911” podcast and extensive video library provide invaluable resources and practical guidance to victims and their families. We empower you with knowledge, explaining complex legal concepts in an accessible way, so you understand your rights and the legal process every step of the way.

For James City County, home to families who send their children to institutions like Christopher Newport, Longwood, William & Mary, and universities far beyond, the choice is clear. You need a firm that is not only highly skilled but deeply invested in fighting the hazing crisis. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to fight for you.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for James City County Families

If your child in James City County has been harmed by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the shock and emotional distress can be overwhelming, quick, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving evidence and building a strong legal case. This isn’t just advice; it’s a blueprint for protecting your child’s rights and ensuring accountability.

Here’s what our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ recommend you do right now:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is paramount, even if injuries seem minor at first. Get a thorough medical examination at an emergency room or by a doctor. Hazing injuries, like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed or hidden symptoms. Insist that the medical staff meticulously document all injuries, no matter how small, and mention their connection to hazing. Medical records are foundational evidence.
    • Our advice: Don’t delay. The defense will argue that if you weren’t seriously injured, you wouldn’t have waited to seek help.
  2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!
    • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (especially for blood work showing high creatine kinase levels or urine tests for myoglobin), and any therapy or counseling records.
    • Photos and Videos: If safe to do so, immediately take clear, dated photos and videos of any visible injuries (bruising, cuts, burns, rashes). Continue to photograph the healing process over time. If hazing activities were recorded or photographed by anyone, secure those images. Even photos of the hazing location (fraternity house, specific rooms, outdoor areas) can be valuable. As Ralph Manginello often advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”
    • Communications: This is often the smoking gun. Preserve every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Do NOT delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. Screenshots are vital.
    • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, current or former fraternity members, other pledges, or anyone with knowledge of the organization’s hazing culture.
    • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the fraternity or university.
    • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel to appointments, and any lost wages due to missed work.
    • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
  3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity/Sorority or University Without Legal Counsel:
    • Do NOT confront fraternity members or leadership. They may try to coordinate stories or destroy evidence.
    • Do NOT give any statements to university administrators, Greek life advisors, or their legal counsel. Their priority is protecting the institution, not your child. Anything your child says can be used against them later.
    • Do NOT sign any documents presented by the organization or the university. You could be waiving crucial legal rights without realizing it.
  4. Stay Off Social Media: This is a golden rule in any personal injury case, and especially for hazing. Do NOT post about the incident, your injuries, or the legal process on any social media platform. Do NOT engage with fraternity members or university officials online. The defense will meticulously scour your social media for anything that can be used to discredit you or minimize your injuries. As we always advise, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”
  5. Contact Us IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. While extensions exist in rare circumstances, acting quickly is paramount. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations work to conceal their wrongdoing.
    • Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7.
    • We offer free, confidential consultations for James City County families.
    • We can conduct video consultations if travel is difficult.
    • The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can issue preservation letters to all defendants, legally compelling them to retain evidence that might otherwise disappear.
  6. Remember: Consent is NOT a Defense: If anyone suggests your child “consented” to the hazing, remember that in Texas (and many other states), consent to hazing is not a legal defense. No one can consent to abuse or criminal activity. Your child didn’t deserve this.

By following these critical steps, James City County families can help ensure that justice is served and contribute to ending the dangerous culture of hazing for good.

Contact Us: Your James City County Hazing Litigation Experts

If your family in James City County is facing the unimaginable pain and anger that comes with a hazing injury or death, you don’t have to face it alone. We are Attorney911, and our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ are ready to fight for you with the same aggression and expertise we bring to every case, including our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and we will bring that fight directly to James City County.

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for James City County victims too.

Your call is confidential, and your initial consultation is always free. There is no obligation, only an opportunity to understand your rights and explore your options with compassionate, expert legal counsel.

James City County Families, Don’t Wait – Call Now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for James City County hazing emergencies.

Remember, we work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS, meaning there are $0 upfront costs for James City County families. We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid. This eliminates any financial barrier to aggressive, top-tier legal representation.

We Serve James City County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to represent James City County families and victims across the country is unhindered. Hazing is a national scourge, and our federal court admissions, dual Texas and New York bar licenses, and willingness to travel ensure that justice knows no geographical bounds. We offer convenient video consultations for James City County families and will travel for depositions, trials, and critical meetings as needed.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in all student and school organizations, including:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities near James City County (e.g., The College of William & Mary, Christopher Newport University)
  • James City County high school sports teams
  • University sports teams near James City County
  • Marching bands and musical groups
  • ROTC programs
  • Clubs and other student organizations
  • Military academies or any initiation process involving abuse

If your child attends college at a Virginia institution or anywhere else in the country, and they have been hazed, we can help. The same national fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha, operate chapters at universities across Virginia and beyond. The same dangers exist.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout on October 15. Many others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, physical abuse, and psychological torment. If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, you also have legal rights. We can represent you and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

As Lupe Peña said when asked about the Bermudez case: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

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

No matter what happened, no matter where it happened, and no matter how scared or alone you feel, remember: You have an advocate. You have a voice. You have Legal Emergency Lawyers™ ready to fight for you.

Contact Attorney911 today. Let us be your first call in a legal emergency.