If you’re reading this in Kentucky, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college or joined an organization with the hope of making friends and building a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Kentucky fight back.

We know the fear, the anger, and the desperation you might be feeling. Perhaps your child just told you they were waterboarded, forced to eat until they vomited, or subjected to other horrific acts. Or maybe they are suffering from unexplained injuries, severe anxiety, or worse, have been hospitalized. You might be searching Google at 2 AM, looking for answers, for help, for someone who understands.

We do. We understand. And we are here for you.

We are Attorney 911, and we are actively fighting hazing right now. Our firm, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals over a horrific hazing incident that left our client with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical – it’s happening in court right now. And the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation we bring to cases in Texas, we bring to families in Kentucky, wherever hazing occurs.

Our commitment extends far beyond Texas. Through our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses, we are equipped to pursue justice for hazing victims nationwide, including those in Kentucky. Distance is not a barrier when it comes to fighting for your child’s safety and future. We offer remote consultations and are prepared to travel to Kentucky for depositions, meetings, and trials when your case demands it. We believe that every family, regardless of location, deserves expert legal advocacy when their child has been victimized by hazing.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning to Kentucky Families

发生在最近的休斯敦的事件不只是一个新闻故事；它是一个严酷的现实，可能发生在肯塔基州的任何一所大学。Pi Kappa Phi 在肯塔基州和其他地方的大学拥有分会，同样是大学，同样面临着过失和疏忽的指控。我们对 Leonel Bermudez 案件的积极关注显示了我们致力于让那些应该对这些悲剧负责的机构和个人承担责任。肯塔基州的父母需要知道，这些相同的风险也存在于他们的社区。

In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. The victim, 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 semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even officially their student.

Here’s what happened to Leonel:

• He was waterboarded with a garden hose. This is simulated drowning, a form of torture that our own government condemns.
• He was hog-tied. Another pledge was tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• He was forced to eat until he vomited. Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns were consumed until he became violently ill. Afterward, he was forced to run sprints in his own vomit.
• He was subjected to psychological torture and sleep deprivation. This included carrying a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, being forced to strip in cold weather, and driving fraternity members at late hours, causing extreme exhaustion.
• He endured extreme physical punishment. This involved 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and forced recitation of the fraternity creed, continuing until his body broke down. He was also allegedly struck with wooden paddles.
• He nearly died. He collapsed after these exercises, unable to stand. He crawled home, and when his mother rushed him to the hospital, he was “passing brown urine”—a terrifying sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure and spent four days hospitalized, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, told ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, added: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended, and its members voted to surrender their charter. The chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against those involved were initiated. The University of Houston’s own spokesperson admitted that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and confirmed that “any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

The national Pi Kappa Phi organization, in their own statement, confirmed the chapter’s closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Distressingly, they also stated, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a profound lack of remorse and a systemic failure to address the root causes of such heinous actions.

Why this matters to Kentucky families: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including those in Kentucky. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client could be happening at fraternities in Bowling Green, Lexington, Louisville, or Richmond. The same negligence found at the University of Houston could exist at the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, or Eastern Kentucky University. If your child is being hazed at any institution in Kentucky, we will fight for you with the same ferocity we are demonstrating in Houston. This case is proof that Attorney 911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting to hold every responsible entity accountable.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Kentucky, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing is far more insidious and dangerous than the “pranks” or “tame rituals” you might remember from college movies. Hazing today is calculated abuse, a systematic process designed to break pledges down physically, psychologically, and emotionally. It is about power, control, and dominance, often resulting in severe injury or death.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident; it is a stark illustration of the brutal reality of hazing in America’s fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations. These are not “boys being boys” or innocent rites of passage. These are acts of violence and torture.

It is:

• Assault and Battery: Direct physical harm, like being struck with wooden paddles or forced into grueling physical exertion that causes bodily injury.
• Torture: Practices such as simulated waterboarding, forced consumption to the point of vomiting, and sleep deprivation that are designed to inflict extreme suffering.
• Reckless Endangerment: Placing a student at unreasonable risk of harm, such as continuing intense physical activity after another pledge has collapsed.
• Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: Forced nudity, carrying sexually explicit objects, or engaging in demeaning acts designed to degrade and control.
• Sometimes Manslaughter or Murder: Tragically, hazing too often results in death from alcohol poisoning, brain injuries, or other catastrophic events.

Consider these chilling details from a hazing incident at the University of Houston alone:

• Another pledge physically collapsed on October 15, just weeks before Leonel’s major medical emergency. This student lost consciousness and had to have his legs elevated by other pledges to regain awareness. Yet, the hazing continued.
• The use of wooden paddles to strike pledges is not a “prank”; it is an intentional act of violence.
• Forced consumption of food like hot dogs, milk, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by continued physical exertion, is a deliberate act of physical and psychological torment.

The institutional failure is undeniable:

• Universities know hazing happens on their campuses.
• National organizations know their chapters engage in these dangerous activities.
• They possess the power and resources to stop it.
• Yet, they often choose not to act proactively, waiting until a student is severely injured or dies before issuing condemnations, suspending chapters, or claiming they are “shocked” by the revelations. This conscious indifference makes them complicit.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• A staggering 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• Forty percent of student-athletes report hazing.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States.
• Overwhelmingly, 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or perceived loyalty.

Whether your child attends a major institution like the University of Kentucky in Lexington or a more regional college such as Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, the presence of Greek life often comes with inherent risks. Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha, which have documented histories of hazing incidents and even deaths, maintain active chapters throughout Kentucky universities. Parents in communities like Louisville, Bowling Green, or Lexington must recognize that these national patterns of abuse can and do manifest in local chapters.

This is why we fight. This is why we hold every responsible party accountable, from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that enable such environments. Your child was supposed to find a community, not a crucible of cruelty.

Who Is Responsible: Every Entity and Individual Who Participated or Allowed It

One of the most critical aspects of hazing litigation is identifying and holding accountable every single party responsible for your child’s injuries. Hazing incidents are rarely the fault of just one individual; they are often the result of systemic failures by multiple entities and individuals, each with their own layer of liability.

In our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we have pursued accountability from an extensive list of defendants:

1. The Local Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter): This is the direct perpetrator, the entity that organized, conducted, and enforced the hazing rituals. They are immediately responsible for the actions of their members.
2. Chapter Officers (e.g., Fraternity President, Pledgemaster): These individuals hold leadership positions and actively direct the hazing activities. They have a direct legal and moral responsibility for the well-being of pledges. In cases like Stone Foltz, chapter presidents have been held personally liable for millions.
3. Individual Fraternity Members: Every member who participated in the hazing, encouraged it, permitted it, or witnessed it and failed to intervene can be held personally liable. Their actions contribute directly to the harm caused. Astonishingly, in the Bermudez case, even the spouse of a former member, who allowed hazing to occur at their residence, is named as a defendant, highlighting the broad reach of liability.
4. The National Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Headquarters: This entity provides the charter, rules, and oversight for all its local chapters. They are liable for failing to adequately supervise the local chapter, failing to enforce their anti-hazing policies, and failing to prevent hazing despite having explicit knowledge of its dangers. The tragic death of Andrew Coffey in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 created a clear precedent that the national organization had ample warning of its deadly culture—yet failed to act to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later.
5. The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: This separate corporate entity often owns the physical property where hazing takes place. They can be held liable for premises liability, for allowing dangerous conditions to exist on their property, and for failing to ensure a safe environment.
6. The University of Houston: Critically, the University of Houston is named as a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, especially when they own the property where hazing occurs and possess the authority to regulate Greek life. The University of Houston also had prior knowledge of hazing incidents on its campus, including a 2017 hospitalization from another fraternity, yet failed to implement sufficient safeguards. This constitutes institutional negligence.
7. The UH Board of Regents: As the governing body of the university, the Board of Regents shares responsibility for institutional oversight failures, policy deficiencies, and the overall culture allowed to flourish on campus. They are ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of students under their purview.

The “Deep Pockets” Strategy:
It’s important for Kentucky families to understand that while individual perpetrators can be held accountable, the most substantial recovery often comes from the “deep pockets” of national fraternity organizations and universities. These entities possess millions in assets, endowments, and, crucially, robust insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. Our strength lies in knowing how to navigate these complex corporate structures and insurance frameworks. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge, understanding exactly how insurance companies strategize to minimize payouts. We use this unique insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

Whether your child was hazed at a university in Louisville, like the University of Louisville, or a campus in Morehead, such as Morehead State University, the legal principles of liability remain consistent. We don’t just sue the first person we identify; we aggressively investigate to uncover every single entity and individual, from the local chapter president to the national organization’s council members, and the university’s board of regents, to ensure comprehensive accountability and justice for your family in Kentucky.

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

For Kentucky families scarred by hazing, it’s vital to know that justice is achievable, and the stakes are incredibly high for the institutions and individuals responsible. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case is not an arbitrary figure; it is firmly rooted in a compelling national precedent of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear message: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and the same legal strategies and outcomes are possible for victims and their families in Kentucky.

These landmark cases prove that when a victim’s suffering is properly presented, juries and settlements reflect the devastating impact of hazing.

Here are just a few examples that demonstrate the scale of accountability:

• Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) — Total: $10.1 Million+

  • What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation and died from alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha plus individual members settled for $7.2 million, totaling over $10.1 million. In a separate judgment in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. This represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Relevance to Kentucky: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent. It shows that both universities and fraternities are on the hook for millions, and individual orchestrators face life-altering financial consequences. This is also a living example of how officers of fraternities, even a single individual, can be held responsible for millions in damages.

• Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

  • What Happened: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. This case also led to the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating how these tragedies drive legislative reform.
  • Relevance to Kentucky: This verdict proves that juries will deliver multi-million dollar judgments for hazing deaths, even when the immediate cause appears to be alcohol. The egregious conduct in the Bermudez case (waterboarding, extreme physical abuse) could elicit similar public outrage and multi-million dollar verdicts from Kentucky juries.

• Timothy Piazza, Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlements)

  • What Happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. With a BAC of 0.36, he fell down stairs multiple times, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured every horrific detail.
  • The Outcome: While confidential, settlements against numerous parties are estimated to exceed $110 million. The case resulted in 18 criminal charges against fraternity members (leading to convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing) and spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Relevance to Kentucky: This monumental case illustrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is heinous, settlements can reach staggering amounts. Our extensive documentation and specific allegations in the Bermudez case position it for a substantial recovery.

• Andrew Coffey, Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Same National Fraternity as Our Case

  • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance to Kentucky: This is critically important. Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to reform its hazing culture. They failed. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and conscious indifference, creating strong grounds for punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi National. This shows that the same fraternity operating at universities in Kentucky has a deadly history.

The message to fraternities operating in Kentucky, universities across the state, and national organizations is unequivocal: Hazing has a monumental cost. Whether your child attends the University of Kentucky (Lexington), Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond), Kentucky State University (Frankfort), or any other college in the Commonwealth, these precedents confirm that full and fair compensation for severe injuries or wrongful death is not only possible but expected. Our success in the ongoing Bermudez case and these historical outcomes demonstrate that Attorney 911 has the expertise and resolve to secure justice for your family, turning tragedy into accountability.

Kentucky Law Protects You During Hazing Incidents

For families in Kentucky, understanding the legal landscape is essential when confronting the trauma of hazing. While state laws vary, most states, including Kentucky, have anti-hazing statutes designed to criminalize and deter such behavior. This section will draw parallels to Texas law, where our firm is based, to demonstrate the general legal principles that protect hazing victims and offer avenues for civil recourse across the nation, including within Kentucky. It’s important to remember that our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions enable us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred.

Key Legal Principles Applicable to Kentucky Hazing Victims:

1. Hazing is Illegal (Kentucky & Nationwide):
   Kentucky has an anti-hazing statute (KRS 164.370) that defines hazing broadly to include any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or degradation, psychological harm or degradation, mental distress, or which otherwise interferes with a student’s scholastic activities, for the purpose of joining, belonging to, or maintaining membership in any organization. This applies to activities on or off campus. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, civil penalties, and loss of official recognition for organizations.

   Texas Hazing Law (Education Code § 37.151-37.157) offers a robust example of how states define and penalize hazing:

   • Definition: Texas law similarly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership.
   • Examples: It explicitly covers physical brutality (like striking or branding), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics that cause unreasonable risk (like the 500 squats in the Bermudez case), and forced consumption (including food, liquids, alcohol, drugs). Our legal team has meticulously demonstrated how the Pi Kappa Phi hazing tactics directly violate these provisions, including the wooden paddles, waterboarding, and forced exercise.
   • Criminal Penalties: Texas law escalates penalties based on severity, from a Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing to a State Jail Felony if hazing causes death. In the Bermudez case, the severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure qualify as “serious bodily injury,” potentially leading to Class A Misdemeanor charges for those involved, punishable by up to a year in jail. Kentucky’s law also includes criminal penalties, reflecting the seriousness of these actions statewide.
   • Organizational Liability: In Texas, an organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing. This means the local chapter, and potentially the national organization (if they knew or should have known), can be penalized with fines, loss of recognition, and forfeiture of property. Kentucky’s statue similarly allows for institutional penalties.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense:
   This is one of the most powerful aspects of anti-hazing laws, and it’s explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.154: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
   The same principle holds true in Kentucky and across the nation. Fraternities and universities will often try to argue that “he agreed to participate,” “he knew what he was signing up for,” or “he could have left at any time.” The law makes it clear: you cannot legally consent to being tortured, abused, or criminally harmed. Coercion, peer pressure, and the desire to belong negate true consent in these scenarios. Your child cannot “consent” to criminal behavior that endangers their life. Our firm leverages this legal truth to dismantle the defense’s primary argument.

3. Civil Lawsuits Provide Compensation:
   Beyond criminal charges, Kentucky families have the right to pursue civil lawsuits to recover damages for their child’s injuries. These civil claims allow victims to seek financial compensation for their suffering and ensure accountability. These causes of action are broadly applicable in Kentucky:

   • Negligence (Kentucky institutions, national fraternities): Did the university or national organization act reasonably to prevent hazing? Did they understand the risks and fail to act?
   • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation, they may be liable for maintaining unsafe conditions. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house, making their liability undeniable.
   • Negligent Supervision: National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters, and universities have a duty to supervise Greek life. Failures in these duties, as seen in previous hazing deaths like Andrew Coffey’s (Pi Kappa Phi) or Timothy Piazza’s (Penn State), are key to establishing liability.
   • Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individual perpetrators for intentional harmful contact, such as paddling or forced physical abuse.
   • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, such as the waterboarding and psychological torment endured by Leonel Bermudez.

   For Kentucky families, whether their child attends Murray State University in Murray, Transylvania University in Lexington, or any other institution, these civil claims are your pathway to justice. Regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes, you can seek to recover for medical bills, lost academic progress, psychological trauma, and long-term suffering.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Choice for Kentucky Hazing Victims

When your family in Kentucky is facing the trauma of a hazing incident, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. This isn’t just about finding a lawyer; it’s about finding a relentless advocate who understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation, who knows every move the defense will make, and who has a proven track record of securing justice against powerful institutions. Attorney 911 offers several critical advantages that make us the clear choice for hazing victims and their families in Kentucky.

1. Active, Aggressive Hazing Litigation Experience: We are not an “aspiring” hazing firm. We are actively in the fight right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is an ongoing testament to our commitment to holding perpetrators and enablers accountable. This isn’t theoretical; we’re in the trenches, fighting for a victim who suffered extreme physical and psychological abuse, just like your child in Kentucky might have. Our aggression and deep understanding of hazing tactics are precisely what Kentucky families need.

2. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. This means we have seen the enemy’s playbook from the inside.

   • Ralph Manginello, with 25+ years of courtroom experience, knows exactly how insurance companies strategize to deny or minimize claims. He uses this knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery.
   • Lupe Pena honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, where he defended companies across various litigation types. He learned firsthand how large corporations value claims, create defense strategies, and attempt to lowball payouts. Now, he uses that battle-tested intelligence directly against them, providing an unfair advantage for the victims we represent. This insider perspective is invaluable when fighting national fraternities and universities in Kentucky.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licenses for Nationwide Reach: While headquartered in Houston, our capabilities extend far beyond Texas borders.

   • Federal Court Admissions: Both Mr. Manginello and Mr. Pena are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission opens the door to pursuing hazing cases in federal jurisdiction nationwide, including Kentucky, especially when national organizations are involved.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas AND New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for national fraternity litigation, allowing us to pursue cases against organizations headquartered in other states or whose operations span multiple jurisdictions. This means we can effectively fight for your child in Kentucky.
   • Willingness to Travel: Distance is not an obstacle to justice. We regularly conduct remote consultations via video and are fully prepared to travel to Kentucky for depositions, mediations, and trials to ensure the best outcome for your case.

4. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s experience includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion Litigation. This demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants – a skill directly applicable to taking on powerful national fraternities and large universities in Kentucky. Our firm has consistently recovered millions for clients across various personal injury cases, including wrongful death and catastrophic injuries often seen in hazing incidents.

5. Unwavering Dedication to Hazing Victims: We view hazing not just as a legal case, but as a moral imperative. We are committed to exposing the truth, securing justice, and preventing future harm. As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” We approach each case with empathy, treating Kentucky families not just as clients, but as family. We know what’s at stake when your child has been harmed or killed by hazing.

6. Comprehensive Hazing Intelligence Database: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking over 1,400 entities including their EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and insurance structures. This data allows us to identify every liable party, from the local chapter in Lexington to the national headquarters, ensuring that when hazing happens in Kentucky, we already know exactly who to sue. This data-driven approach means we can quickly cut through the layers of corporate entities that fraternities use to shield themselves.

7. Client-Centered Approach and No Upfront Costs: We understand that the financial burden of legal action can be daunting, especially when dealing with the emotional and medical costs of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means:

   • You pay $0 upfront.
   • We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.
   • We take on all the financial risk, allowing your family in Kentucky to focus on healing while we fight for your compensation.

For families in Kentucky, whether your child attends the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Centre College, or any other institution, Attorney 911 offers the unparalleled experience, insider knowledge, and aggressive advocacy needed to challenge powerful fraternities and universities. When your world is turned upside down by a hazing incident, you need a team that acts fast, fights hard, and truly cares. You need Attorney 911.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Kentucky Families

If your child in Kentucky has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can profoundly impact the strength of your legal case. Time is of the essence, as evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and crucial legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) can expire.

Here are the immediate, actionable steps we advise for all Kentucky victims and their families:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately:

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental health is the top priority. If there are any physical injuries or signs of distress (like Leonel Bermudez’s brown urine or inability to move), get to an emergency room or doctor without delay.
   • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms, and complaints are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Tell the doctors precisely what happened, including the hazing activities that led to the injuries. Even seemingly minor issues should be recorded, as they can escalate or indicate deeper problems (like rhabdomyolysis).
   • Preserve Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results, specialist referrals, and bills. This medical documentation is the cornerstone of your injury claim.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence (Digital and Physical):

   • Digital Communications: This is paramount in hazing cases. Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, or any other digital communications related to the hazing. Take screenshots of everything, including dates and participants. Even if they seem innocuous, save them. Fraternities often use these platforms to coordinate hazing.
   • Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing activities exist, save them immediately. If your child has physical injuries, document them with clear, dated photos from multiple angles, and continue to photograph their healing process over time. This includes bruises, cuts, burns, or any visible signs of trauma.
   • Hazing Paraphernalia: If safe to do so, preserve any physical items related to the hazing—clothing, pledge manuals, bizarre objects, or anything that evidences the rituals.
   • Memory Journal: Encourage your child to write down a detailed account of everything they remember, including dates, times, locations, names of individuals involved, specific activities, and their physical and emotional responses. Do this while memories are fresh.
   • 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.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Counsel:

   • Silence is Golden: Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, individual members involved, alumni, or university administrators (including Greek life advisors or Title IX coordinators) without first consulting with an attorney.
   • Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: You are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement to anyone associated with the fraternity, the university, or their insurance companies. These entities are not on your side; they are protecting their own interests and will attempt to minimize liability.
   • Do NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity, the university, or their representatives. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
   • Stay Off Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident on any social media platform. Anything you post can and will be used against you by the defense to undermine your credibility or claim. Also, do not delete old posts, as this could be considered spoliation of evidence. As Attorney 911 warns: “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident!”

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately:

   • Time is Critical: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather crucial evidence and build a strong case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the statute of limitations (typically two years for personal injury and wrongful death in Kentucky) continues to tick away.
   • Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Kentucky families. This allows us to assess your case, understand the specifics of the hazing incident, and explain your legal options without any financial commitment from you.
   • Remote Assistance: We can conduct initial consultations via phone or video conference, making it easy for families anywhere in Kentucky—from Louisville to Lexington, Bowling Green to Owensboro—to access immediate legal guidance.
   • We Handle Everything: Once you retain us, we will manage all communications with the involved parties, investigate the incident, preserve evidence, and build a powerful case while your family focuses on healing. As Attorney 911 emphasizes: “Can I File a Lawsuit Without a Lawyer? Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone.”

These steps are crucial for any family in Kentucky seeking justice after a hazing incident. We understand the fear and confusion, and we are here to provide clear, actionable guidance and aggressive legal representation. Your child’s experience matters, and we will fight to hold every responsible party accountable.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Kentucky

If your child in Kentucky has suffered harm from hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. Our firm, Attorney 911, operates under the principle of being your first responder to legal emergencies, offering immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We are actively fighting the hazing crisis nationwide, and we bring that same relentless advocacy directly to families in Kentucky.

Don’t wait. Time is critical. The statute of limitations, evidence preservation, and the need for prompt action are paramount in hazing cases. As our YouTube video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, clearly states, in most personal injury and wrongful death cases, you only have two years to file a lawsuit from the date of injury or death. This may seem like ample time, but evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are quick to cover their tracks. We urge you: Act now.

Kentucky Families — Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. When a worried parent in Louisville, Lexington, or Murray searches at 2 AM, we are here.

Our Commitment to Kentucky Families:

• No Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee): We understand that a hazing incident can impose immense financial strain. That’s why we take 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 removes financial barriers and allows any family in Kentucky to access top-tier legal representation. As Attorney 911’s video, “How Contingency Fees Work,” explains, our interests are aligned with yours.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Impact: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our legal capabilities extend throughout Kentucky and across the entire United States. Hazing is a national problem, and we are a national solution.
  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions, crucial for holding national fraternities accountable.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing broader legal reach for cases involving national organizations.
  • Remote Consultations: For your convenience and privacy, we offer video and phone consultations. Kentucky families can connect with our expert team from anywhere in the Commonwealth.
  • We Travel to You: For critical depositions, client meetings, or trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Kentucky. Distance will not compromise your fight for justice.
• Se Habla Español: We are proud to offer bilingual legal services with fluent Spanish-speaking staff, including Attorney Lupe Pena. This ensures that Hispanic families in Kentucky, who may be navigating cultural and linguistic barriers, receive clear, compassionate, and comprehensive legal support without any miscommunication. Your story deserves to be heard, accurately and fully.
• Proven Aggression and Expertise: Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is an active demonstration of our aggressive. data-driven approach to hazing litigation. We don’t just talk about accountability; we demand it in court. This same proven strategy and relentless pursuit of justice will be deployed for your family in Kentucky.

We Represent Victims of Hazing in ALL Organizations in Kentucky:

Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims from a wide range of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges across Kentucky, such as the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, and Transylvania University.
• Sports teams (varsity, club, and intramural) in high schools and colleges throughout Kentucky.
• Marching bands and other musical groups.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Clubs, associations, and any other student organizations that use abusive rituals for initiation or membership.

Our Message to Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

To any other students who endured the horrific hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter: We know you’re out there. Leonel Bermudez was not alone in his suffering. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout. Others were waterboarded, forced to eat, and physically abused. You have rights too. You do not have to endure this trauma in silence. Your courage in coming forward can strengthen the case against these organizations and prevent future tragedies. Call us, and let’s bring them all to justice. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Don’t let fear, shame, or loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. Your decision to act can protect countless other students in Kentucky and nationwide. Your family’s well-being is our priority. Contact Attorney 911 today. Your legal emergency is our call to action.

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