If you’re reading this, your family in King William County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. They were supposed to grow, learn, and thrive. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hospitalized and may face lifelong medical challenges, all in the name of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.”

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion. The feeling of helplessness as you watch your child suffer. We are here to help families in King William County fight back. At Attorney911, we aggressively represent hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in King William County, bringing a data-driven litigation strategy to hold every responsible entity accountable for hazing injuries and deaths.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is a crime. It is not about building character; it is about breaking spirits. It is a systematic abuse that far too often leaves young lives shattered, and in the worst cases, extinguished forever. If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any organization, we are your strongest advocates. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in court, and we’ll bring that same fight to King William County families.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Can Happen in King William County

Our Landmark $10 Million Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

To understand what we do, and how aggressively we will fight for your family in King William County, you need to understand the case we are litigating right now. It is a case that embodies everything Attorney911 stands for: relentless representation, data-driven strategy, and unwavering commitment to accountability. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is a live, ongoing battle in a Texas courtroom that reflects the modern reality of hazing.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. Our client, 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. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an ordeal that tragically illustrates the depths of modern hazing.

For weeks, Leonel endured systematic abuse, intimidation, and physical torment disguised as initiation. The hazing activities he was forced to participate in are horrifying and deeply disturbing, and they bear a striking resemblance to acts of torture:

Waterboarding: Leonel was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, sprayed directly into his face while he was forced to perform calisthenics. This tactic, often considered torture in warfare, was inflicted upon a young man trying to find a social community.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He faced grueling physical demands, including over 100 pushups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these exercises and threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. After vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Physical Assault: He was struck with wooden paddles.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip down to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In another incident on October 13, 2025, one of his fellow pledges was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: He was routinely forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to profound exhaustion.

The cumulative effect of this abuse culminated on November 3, 2025, when Leonel collapsed from extreme physical exertion after being punished for missing an event. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. After making it home, he crawled up the stairs. The next day, he could barely move; the day after, his condition worsened significantly. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis and spent three nights and four days in the hospital, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutions Knew, But Did Nothing to Prevent This

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025 – just seven days before we filed our lawsuit – the national fraternity announced the permanent closure of the Beta Nu chapter, citing “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This swift action, taken before our suit was public, is a clear admission of liability. As KHOU 11 reported, the lawsuit alleges that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”

The University of Houston, which owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred, also issued a statement via Houston Public Media, calling the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” and acknowledging “potential criminal charges” for individuals involved.

However, neither institution can claim ignorance. Pi Kappa Phi National had knowledge of the deadly consequences of hazing, as tragically underscored by the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State University chapter. Similarly, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017, when a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge suffered a lacerated spleen. Both institutions had eight years to implement effective reforms, and both failed.

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

And as Mr. 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.”

Why This Case Resonates in King William County

This specific instance happened in Houston, but the painful reality is that hazing incidents like Leonel’s Bermudez’s are not isolated. They occur at colleges and universities across the nation, at institutions where students from King William County pursue their education. Fraternities and sororities, including national organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, operate chapters at universities and colleges near King William County, such as local community colleges, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond, William & Mary, and Old Dominion University, to name just a few. The same dangerous “traditions” and institutional oversight failures exist there, posing the same risks to King William County students.

We are actively fighting for Leonel Bermudez, and we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to justice for families in King William County whose children have been victimized by hazing.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” This dangerous misconception downplays the severe physical, psychological, and emotional toll it takes on victims. Today’s hazing is not about childish pranks; it is about systematic abuse, degradation, and often, torture.

When we talk about hazing, especially in the context of our client Leonel Bermudez’s case and others like it, we are referring to:

Physical Abuse: This can include beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced exercise to the point of collapse or rhabdomyolysis, sleep deprivation, exposure to harsh elements, or confinement in small, uncomfortable spaces. The purpose is to inflict pain and break down the individual.
Forced Consumption: A common and deadly form of hazing involves compelling pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning. It can also include forced eating until vomiting, or the consumption of non-food substances.
Psychological Torture: Hazing frequently involves dehumanizing rituals designed to inflict mental and emotional trauma. This includes severe humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. Victims often experience lasting psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Sexual Abuse: Some of the most heinous hazing involves forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects, leading to profound trauma and often constituting sexual assault.
Simulated Drowning: As seen in Leonel’s case, waterboarding or other forms of simulated drowning instill extreme fear and a sensation of impending death. This is a recognized form of torture.
Extreme Servitude: Pledges are often forced to act as personal servants to older members, running errands, cleaning, or driving for endless hours, further contributing to sleep deprivation and a sense of powerlessness.

The consequences for victims are dire:

Medical Emergencies: Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (as suffered by Leonel), acute alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, severe burns, dehydration, hypothermia, and even cardiac arrest. Many of these injuries require hospitalization and can have lifelong effects.
Psychological Trauma: Lifelong battles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and profound trust issues are common.
Academic and Career Impact: Hazing can disrupt academic performance, lead to withdrawal from school, loss of scholarships, or derail career paths due to physical or mental health issues.
Death: Tragically, a student hazing death occurs in the United States every year since 2000, underscoring the extreme risks involved.

The institutions that permit this behavior, whether directly or through negligence, perpetuate a culture that allows these abuses to flourish. They ignore warning signs, fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, and often prioritize their reputation over the safety and well-being of their students. This institutional failure is precisely what we target in our litigation.

Hazing Statistics: A Crisis Ignored

The reality of hazing is a national crisis that has touched communities like King William County and hundreds of others.

Prevalence: Over half of all students in fraternities, sororities, and athletic teams report experiencing hazing. This isn’t a fringe issue; it’s a pervasive problem within many student organizations.
Underreporting: An alarming 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This silence is often due to fear of retribution, shame, loyalty to the organization, or a misguided belief that the hazing is a necessary part of initiation. This underreporting allows the abuse to continue unchecked.
Annual Casualties: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These are not just statistics; they are young lives, with promising futures, tragically cut short.
Beyond Greek Life: While fraternities and sororities are commonly associated with hazing, the problem extends to student-athletes, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various other clubs and organizations across campuses, including those at institutions where King William County students attend.

It is this pervasive and often deadly crisis that fuels our firm’s mission. We understand that behind every statistic is a grieving family or a traumatized young person.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable for Hazing Injuries

When a hazing incident occurs, especially one resulting in severe injury or death, the responsibility extends far beyond just the individual perpetrators. At Attorney911, our data-driven approach ensures we identify and pursue every entity that contributed to the harm, holding them all accountable. Just as we have done in the Bermudez case, we meticulously investigate to build a comprehensive case against all liable parties.

Here’s a breakdown of who can be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

The Local Chapter (Fraternity or Sorority): This is the immediate organization that directly planned, organized, and carried out the hazing activities. The chapter is directly liable for the injuries caused by its members. In Leonel’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter is a primary defendant.
Chapter Officers and Individual Members: Those in leadership positions—like the president, pledgemaster, or risk manager—who directed or sanctioned the hazing are directly responsible. Furthermore, every individual member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene to stop the hazing can be held personally liable. In our lawsuit, 13 individual fraternity members are named defendants for their direct involvement or facilitation of the abuse.
Former Members and Their Spouses/Property Owners: Often, hazing rituals take place off-campus, sometimes at the residences of alumni or former members. These individuals can be held liable under premises liability laws or for aiding and abetting the hazing if they allowed their property to be used for illegal activities. In a key aspect of our Bermudez lawsuit, a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because some of the major hazing sessions occurred at their residence.
The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: National organizations are rarely innocent bystanders. They are responsible for overseeing their local chapters, establishing anti-hazing policies, and enforcing those rules. When they knew, or should have known, about a culture of hazing within a chapter—or even a broader “hazing crisis” as alleged in our case—and failed to intervene, they are liable for negligent supervision and for failing to enforce their own codes of conduct. These national bodies often have substantial assets and insurance coverage, making them crucial “deep pocket” defendants. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a major defendant in the Bermudez case.
The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When hazing occurs on university-owned property (as it did in Leonel’s case where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house), or when the university fails to adequately supervise Greek life, investigate reports, or enforce its own anti-hazing policies, it can be held liable for institutional negligence. The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are key defendants in our $10 million lawsuit.
Insurance Carriers: Behind every defendant—the university, the national organization, and often even individual members or property owners—are insurance policies. These can include general liability policies, D&O (Directors and Officers) insurance, homeowner’s policies, and more. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to identify and pursue these policies, ensuring maximum recovery for victims.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle

Hazing litigation is not simply about suing college students with limited financial means. It is strategically focused on holding the “deep pockets” accountable: the national organizations with their multi-million dollar endowments and insurance policies, and the universities with their substantial resources. These entities have the power to stop hazing, and when they fail, they must face the full financial consequences. By suing all responsible parties, we ensure justice for the victim and send a powerful message that hazing will no longer be tolerated.

What Hazing Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points for King William County Families

For families in King William County who are grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful financial recovery is critical. These cases are not just about justice; they are about securing the resources needed for ongoing medical care, psychological counseling, and compensation for lost opportunities and immense suffering. The good news is that juries and courts nationwide have repeatedly awarded multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases, setting powerful precedents.

These landmark cases demonstrate that aggressive, data-driven legal action can compel universities and national fraternities to pay significant sums. The same legal strategies and determination apply to cases originating in King William County or involving universities where King William County students attend.

Here are some of the most prominent examples:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+

The Incident: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from alcohol poisoning.
The Outcome: The Foltz family received over $10.1 million in settlements. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individual members. This remains the largest recorded public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Furthermore, in December 2024, a jury delivered a $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his personal role in the hazing.
Significance for King William County: This case directly validates our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It proves that both universities and national fraternities are held accountable, and that individual officers can face staggering personal liability.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

The Incident: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at Louisiana State University, died in September 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event. He was forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol if he answered questions incorrectly, reaching a blood alcohol content of 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.
The Outcome: A jury found the fraternity and its members liable, awarding the Gruver family $6.1 million in damages. Several individuals faced criminal charges, with one member convicted of negligent homicide and serving jail time. The tragedy also led to the passage of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
Significance for King William County: This verdict underscores that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums for hazing deaths. It also shows a clear path to both civil and criminal accountability, and how such cases drive crucial legislative reform.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Estimated Recovery: $110 Million+

The Incident: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi chapter, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual. With a BAC of 0.36, he repeatedly fell down basement stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and the entire horrific sequence was captured on security cameras. He died two days later.
The Outcome: While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, it is widely estimated to be over $110 million, marking one of the largest hazing recoveries in U.S. history. Multiple fraternity members were charged criminally, with convictions including involuntary manslaughter and hazing. Pennsylvania subsequently passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
Significance for King William County: This case highlights that clear and compelling evidence, like the detailed documentation we have in the Bermudez case, can lead to monumental recoveries. Institutions cannot hide when the facts are undeniable.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

The Same Fraternity as Our Current Case

The Incident: In November 2017, 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” in Florida.
The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges, and the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil lawsuit by the Coffey family resulted in a confidential settlement.
Significance for King William County: This case is damning for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves the national organization had actual notice of a deadly hazing culture within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence directly supports our claims for punitive damages and underscores a fundamental failure by Pi Kappa Phi National to address a known, deadly problem.

Other Significant Settlements and Verdicts:

Adam Oakes (VCU / Delta Chi, 2021): A recent $4 million+ settlement after Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi event. The family had initially sought $28 million.
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston, 2024): A $10 million+ settlement after a severe hazing incident.
Kappa Sigma (University of Miami, 2001): A $12.6 million verdict following the drowning death of Chad Meredith during a hazing event.

The Message to King William County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations:

Hazing costs millions. We track these verdicts and settlements. We understand the legal strategies that led to them. And we will employ those very same aggressive tactics for King William County victims. The pattern of multi-million dollar payouts for hazing deaths and severe injuries is undeniable. Your child’s case, particularly if it involves egregious conduct or institutional negligence, has the potential for significant recovery.

Texas Law Protects You: Your Rights as a King William County Hazing Victim

For families in King William County navigating the trauma of hazing, understanding your legal rights is a crucial first step toward justice. While a significant portion of our work involves the broader legal principles of negligence and institutional liability that apply nationwide, we are located in Texas and are deeply familiar with Texas hazing laws, particularly those found in the Texas Education Code. These laws provide a strong framework for criminal prosecution and underpin many civil claims that can protect King William County students.

Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code Sections 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the country, and these statutes are designed to deter hazing and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines “hazing” very broadly, covering any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if that act:

Physical Brutality: Involves whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles used on Leonel), branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
Endangers Health/Safety: Includes sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather), confinement in small spaces, calisthenics (like the 500 squats and 100 pushups that led to Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis), or any similar activity that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects physical or mental health. The waterboarding Leonel endured directly falls under endangering physical and psychological health.
Forced Consumption: Encompasses compelling a student to consume any food, liquid (like large amounts of milk or peppercorns until vomiting), alcohol, drugs, or other substances that subject them to an unreasonable risk or adversely affect their health.
Criminal Activity: Any act that forces a student to violate the Penal Code.
Coercion to Consume Drugs or Alcohol: Specifically addresses forcing consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol leading to intoxication.

As you can see, the hazing Leonel Bermudez endured clearly violates multiple provisions of this statute. These precise descriptions are what we look for when building a case for King William County victims.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law isn’t just symbolic; it carries real criminal penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Simply engaging in hazing can result in up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury—a category that definitively includes Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—the penalty increases to up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Tragically, if hazing causes death, the responsible individuals can face 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston’s own spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case, highlighting the severity of the alleged conduct under Texas law.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also targets organizations themselves. If an organization condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing, the entire organization can be penalized, including fines up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate, and forfeiture of property. This is a critical tool for holding chapters and national organizations accountable.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps one of the most powerful provisions in Texas hazing law, and one we use aggressively. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common “they knew what they were signing up for” or “they could have left” arguments. The Texas legislature recognized that coercive environments make true consent impossible. If your child in King William County was hazed, their “consent” is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for the perpetrators.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Texas law mandates that chief administrative officers of institutions report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates an obligation for universities to act and provides a potential avenue for holding them accountable for cover-ups or inaction.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While Texas state law sets the stage for criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in King William County to seek comprehensive financial compensation. The claims we pursue are robust and applicable in any state, often including:

Negligence: This is perhaps the most common claim. We argue that the defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, and universities) had a duty to protect students, breached that duty through their hazing activities or failures of oversight, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or chapter, and the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions or allowed dangerous activities to occur, they can be held liable. This is a key aspect of our Bermudez case, given the University of Houston owned the fraternity house.
Negligent Supervision: This 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: These intentional torts apply directly to individuals who physically harmed the victim (e.g., striking with paddles, forceful physical coercion).
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim is particularly relevant for the severe psychological trauma caused by extreme hazing, especially acts like waterboarding, which are inherently outrageous and cause profound emotional distress.
Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families lose a child to hazing. Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for the emotional and financial losses suffered by the family, funeral expenses, and often include punitive damages.

For King William County families, it’s crucial to understand that these civil claims can proceed independently of any criminal prosecution decisions. We focus on securing the financial recovery needed to rebuild lives shattered by hazing.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for King William County Hazing Victims

When your family in King William County is facing the aftermath of a hazing incident, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. This isn’t just any personal injury case; it requires a unique blend of aggressive litigation, an intricate understanding of institutional liabilities, and profound empathy for what you’re enduring. Attorney911 stands apart as the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families, offering a set of strategic advantages that most firms simply cannot match.

We Are Actively Fighting This Battle – Right Now

Our $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not a theoretical exercise. It’s a live, ongoing fight in Harris County Civil District Court. This case serves as direct, undeniable proof of our commitment and capability in hazing litigation:

Real-time Experience: We are actively confronting a national fraternity and a major university over egregious hazing that led to a student’s hospitalization with life-threatening injuries.
Aggressive Strategy: We are targeting the chapter, the national organization, the housing corporation, the university, its board of regents, and 13 individual perpetrators—leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
Unwavering Determination: We are publicly challenging the lack of remorse displayed by the national fraternity, who, even after their chapter was shut down for torture, announced they “look forward to returning to campus.” This fuels our resolve to secure maximum accountability.

For King William County families, this means you are not hiring a firm that hopes to handle hazing cases; you are hiring a firm that is already winning them. We apply the same aggressive strategy and meticulous investigation to every hazing case, regardless of its location.

Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook

Both our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Eleno Peña, bring invaluable insider experience from their prior careers as insurance defense attorneys. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage we leverage for our clients:

Ralph Manginello’s Insight: Having defended insurance companies, Ralph knows precisely how they think, strategize, and attempt to minimize or deny claims. He’s seen their playbook from the inside and uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims. His 25+ years of courtroom experience also include involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – a skill directly applicable to battling powerful national fraternities and universities.
Lupe Peña’s Battle-Tested Expertise: Lupe, a third-generation Texan and fluent Spanish speaker, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to lowball victims. Now, he uses that “battlefield intelligence” to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the other side, securing millions for his clients.

When fighting institutions like national fraternities and universities, which are backed by powerful insurance carriers and legal teams, this insider knowledge is a game-changer for King William County victims.

Nationwide Reach and Strategic Versatility

While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond. We represent hazing victims across America, including King William County, through several key differentiators:

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and Ralph has federal appellate experience. This means we can pursue complex cases in the federal court system, which is often necessary when dealing with national organizations that operate across state lines.
Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage, especially when pursuing national fraternities that may be headquartered in New York or have significant operations there.
Travel Commitment: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are prepared to travel to King William County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever needed.
Remote Accessibility: We offer video consultations, making it easy for King William County families to connect with our expert attorneys from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for immediate travel.

Empathy, Communication, and Client-Centered Service

We understand that hazing cases are deeply personal and profoundly traumatic. Our approach is characterized by:

Genuine Compassion: We treat our King William County clients like family. We listen, we empathize, and we fight tirelessly because we see your child as a person, not a paycheck. Our Google reviews, averaging 4.9 stars across 250+ testimonials, consistently praise our communication, responsiveness, and how we make clients feel valued.
- “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris, a satisfied client.
- “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett.
Bilingual Support: With Lupe Peña fluent in Spanish, we effectively serve Spanish-speaking families in King William County and nationwide, ensuring no language barrier stands between them and justice.
Contingency Fees: Worrying about legal costs should never prevent a family from seeking justice. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means King William County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This aligns our interests directly with yours and allows you to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

A Mission Beyond the Courtroom

For us, fighting hazing goes beyond individual cases. We see each lawsuit as an opportunity to prevent future harm. As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” By aggressively pursuing accountability, we aim to be a force for systemic change within Greek life and universities, making campuses safer for every student, including those from King William County.

Choose Attorney911 not just for our expertise and proven results, but for our unwavering commitment to justice, our deep understanding of the hazing crisis, and our dedication to every family we represent.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for King William County Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in King William County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action is vital to protect your child’s legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome for a potential lawsuit. We understand that you are scared and angry, searching for help at 2 AM. This actionable guidance is designed for you.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s health and well-being are paramount.

Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe injuries, like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (as suffered by Leonel Bermudez), may have delayed symptoms. Medical documentation from the outset is crucial not only for health but for any legal claim. Ensure every symptom and injury is thoroughly documented and directly attributed to the hazing. Keep copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, and hospital bills.
Emotional Support: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Seek counseling or therapy for your child from a qualified mental health professional. Documentation of psychological harm, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, is as vital as physical injury records for a comprehensive claim.
Remove from Harm’s Way: Ensure your child is physically removed from the hazing environment and is safe from any potential retaliation or further abuse. This may involve moving them out of a dorm or fraternity house.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

Evidence disappears quickly. This is where modern tools, like your smartphone, become invaluable. As Ralph Manginello always emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”

Capture Physical Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photographs of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) from multiple angles and at different stages of healing. This includes detailed photos if they were hospitalized. If your child is unable to do this, family members or trusted friends should take these photos.
Photograph the Scene: If safely possible, take photos or videos of any locations where hazing occurred – the fraternity house (inside and out), specific rooms, nearby parks, or off-campus residences. Document anything that suggests hazing, like empty alcohol bottles, evidence of forced activities, or degrading symbols.
Save All Communications: This is critical. Hazing often occurs and is coordinated through digital channels.
- Text Messages: Preserve every text message, individual and group, related to the hazing. Do NOT delete anything.
- Social Media: Screenshot all relevant posts, direct messages, or group chats from platforms like GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This includes instructions, threats, derogatory comments, or evidence of psychological coercion.
- Emails: Save any emails from the fraternity/sorority, university, or individual members related to pledge activities or hazing.
Identify Witnesses: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, including other pledges, former members, bystanders, or even reluctant fraternity members. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Collect Documents: Gather any official documents provided by the organization, such as pledge manuals, schedules of events, rules, or agreements. Keep academic records (transcripts, enrollment status) to show any impact on their education.
Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work or internship opportunities, and any tuition/fees lost due to withdrawal or academic disruption.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Hazing victims and their families are vulnerable, and institutions will often try to minimize their liability. Avoid these critical missteps:

Do NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, social media posts, or any other digital evidence. This constitutes destruction of evidence and can severely harm your case.
Do NOT Talk to Them Alone: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without an attorney present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions. Anything your child says can be used against them.
Do NOT Sign Any Documents: Never sign any waivers, releases, or agreements provided by the organization or university without legal counsel. You could inadvertently forfeit your rights.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the hazing incident on any social media platform. Anything your child posts—even seemingly innocuous photos of them looking “fine”—can be used by the defense to discredit their injuries or claims of suffering.
Do NOT Seek Retribution: Do not confront the perpetrators or attempt to retaliate. This can complicate your legal case and even lead to criminal charges against your child.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

Time is of the essence.

Call Us Immediately: The moment you suspect hazing has occurred, especially if there are injuries, contact Attorney911. We offer free, confidential consultations 24/7. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury cases, including hazing, have a strict 2-year statute of limitations in Texas and many other states. This means you typically have only two years from the date of injury (or date of death for wrongful death cases) to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. Delaying can jeopardize your entire case.
Expert Guidance: Our attorneys will advise you on the specific nuances of hazing law, guide you through evidence preservation, handle all communications with the opposing parties, and build a powerful case. Your family in King William County deserves the same aggressive representation we are bringing to the $10 million Bermudez lawsuit.
Contingency Fee Representation: We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident is already immense. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to every King William County family, regardless of their financial situation. For a clear explanation, watch our video titled “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

If you are reading this, scared at 2 AM, remember: you are not alone, and help is available. We are ready to stand with King William County families and fight for the justice your child deserves.

King William County Families: Call Now – Free Consultation

If you or your child in King William County has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you are not alone, and you have legal rights. We are fighting this exact battle right now on behalf of Leonel Bermudez in our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these complex cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to WIN. King William County families deserve that same level of aggressive, expert representation.

King William County Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking on legal deadlines, and critical evidence disappears quickly. Your call is confidential, and your initial consultation is completely free.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

You can reach us 24/7 for hazing emergencies. We understand this is a traumatic time, and we are ready to listen and answer your questions with compassion and expertise.

We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for King William County Families

We believe that access to justice should never be determined by your ability to pay. That’s why we take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means:

You pay $0 upfront. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no hidden costs to get started.
We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Our interests are aligned. We are fully invested in securing the maximum possible compensation for your family.

This arrangement removes the financial burden and risk from your shoulders, allowing your family in King William County to focus on healing while we fight for justice.

We Serve King William County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national crisis that transcends state lines. We proudly serve hazing victims in King William County, Virginia, and across America. Our commitment to justice for hazing victims means:

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and possess the experience to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often against national fraternities and universities.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage against national organizations that may be headquartered or conduct significant operations in the Northeast.
Video Consultations: For your convenience and comfort, we offer remote video consultations, allowing King William County families to meet with our attorneys and discuss their case in detail without the need to travel.
Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to King William County for depositions, critical client meetings, and trials whenever your case demands it. Distance is not a barrier to securing comprehensive legal representation.

Hazing is Not Limited to Greek Life

The hazing crisis affects various organizations. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges near King William County, including Virginia Commonwealth University, the College of William & Mary, the University of Richmond, and Old Dominion University, which all host Greek life.
Sports teams at high schools, colleges, and university athletic programs throughout King William County and Virginia.
Marching bands and other performance groups at various King William County educational institutions.
ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations in King William County schools and beyond.
Military academies and other institutions that mistakenly believe hazing builds character.

If your child suffered abuse as “initiation” in any organization, we can help.

To Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. The lawsuit mentions another pledge collapsing and losing consciousness on October 15, and others subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. If you were part of this, or any other hazing by this chapter, please know that you also have rights. We can represent you and include your testimony and experiences in our ongoing fight. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”

It’s time to bring them ALL to justice.

Your family’s ordeal in King William County is deeply personal, but it is also part of a larger national failure. By taking action, you not only seek justice and compensation for your child but also contribute to a powerful movement to end hazing forever.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us be your first responder to this legal emergency.