🛡️ Hazing Victims in Livingston County, Missouri: Your Rights, Your Recourse, Your Justice
🚨 Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
Livingston County families: When your child leaves for college, you expect them to be safe. You expect universities to protect them. You expect fraternities and sororities to uphold basic standards of human dignity.
But what happens when those expectations are shattered?
What happens when your child is waterboarded with a garden hose?
What happens when they’re forced to do 500 squats until their muscles break down and their kidneys fail?
What happens when they’re struck with wooden paddles, forced to eat until they vomit, and humiliated in front of their peers?
This isn’t hypothetical. This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez — a young man just like your child — at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in November 2025.
And the terrifying truth? The same fraternities. The same national organizations. The same negligent universities. They operate right here in Missouri — near Livingston County.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Livingston County, Missouri, you are not powerless. You have rights. And we will fight for them.
🏢 Who We Are: Attorney 911 — Livingston County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Livingston County Families Too
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. But our reach extends far beyond Texas — including to Livingston County, Missouri, and every community where hazing occurs.
Right now, our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and multiple individual defendants on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of systematic torture disguised as “pledge activities.”
This isn’t just another case. This is a landmark fight against institutional negligence, fraternity culture, and the systemic failure to protect students — and we’re bringing that same fight to Livingston County, Missouri.
Why Livingston County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | How It Helps Your Case |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys who know how to win in court |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and institutions think — and how to dismantle their defenses |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue cases in federal court — critical for national fraternity defendants |
| Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage for cases involving out-of-state defendants |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Livingston County victims |
| Willingness to Travel | We come to Livingston County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. |
| Aggressive, Compassionate Advocacy | We see your child as a person — not a paycheck |
Our Promise to Livingston County Families
“We see the pain, the fear, and the betrayal you’re feeling. We see your child as a person — not as a statistic, not as a ‘pledge,’ not as a ‘tradition.’ And we will fight for them with everything we have, because they deserve justice. This isn’t just about money. It’s about sending a message: Hazing stops now.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney 911
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Livingston County, Missouri — What You Need to Know
Hazing Isn’t “Tradition.” It’s Abuse. It’s Illegal. And It’s Happening Near Livingston County.
Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”
It is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
And it’s happening at universities near Livingston County, Missouri.
The Same Fraternities That Hazed Leonel Bermudez Operate Near Livingston County
Pi Kappa Phi — the same fraternity that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez and caused his kidney failure — has 150+ chapters across America, including in Missouri.
Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also have chapters near Livingston County, including:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — $10M settlement in Stone Foltz case
- Beta Theta Pi — $110M+ settlement in Timothy Piazza case
- Phi Delta Theta — $6.1M jury verdict in Maxwell Gruver case
- Sigma Chi — Recent hazing death lawsuit at University of Texas
These organizations have paid millions in settlements and verdicts — and they will pay again for Livingston County victims.
Universities Near Livingston County Have the Same Liability Failures as UH
In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter — but they failed to act.
Universities near Livingston County face the same liability when they:
- Own or control fraternity/sorority houses
- Fail to monitor Greek life activities
- Ignore complaints about hazing
- Allow dangerous “traditions” to continue despite prior incidents
If your child was hazed at a university near Livingston County, the institution shares responsibility — and we will hold them accountable.
The Medical Consequences: Hazing Can Destroy Lives — And It Already Has
Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and other extreme physical activities during hazing.
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood. It can cause:
- Acute kidney failure (as seen in Bermudez’s case)
- Death if untreated
- Permanent kidney damage requiring lifelong monitoring or dialysis
- Cardiac issues from electrolyte imbalances
- Compartment syndrome requiring emergency surgery
But physical injuries are only part of the story.
Hazing also causes long-term psychological trauma, including:
- PTSD from waterboarding, physical abuse, or sexual humiliation
- Anxiety and depression from chronic stress and fear
- Suicidal ideation from feelings of worthlessness and isolation
- Trust issues that affect personal and professional relationships
- Academic decline from missed classes and emotional distress
These injuries don’t heal overnight. They can last a lifetime.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Livingston County Hazing Victim
Missouri Law Protects Hazing Victims — And So Do We
Missouri has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students like your child. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.360, hazing is defined as:
“Any activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (paddling, beating, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual abuse or harassment
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of harm
Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Missouri — punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
But criminal charges are only one part of the equation. Civil lawsuits allow victims to pursue compensation for their injuries — and that’s where we come in.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Livingston County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. In our Bermudez case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter despite knowledge of “hazing crisis” |
| University | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their residence |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional and individual liability |
The same liability framework applies to Livingston County, Missouri.
What Damages Can Livingston County Victims Recover?
If your child has been hazed, they may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)
- Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Future medical expenses (ongoing treatment, potential dialysis/transplant)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational damages (tuition refunds, scholarship losses, delayed graduation)
- Property damage (personal items destroyed during hazing)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries sustained during hazing
- Mental anguish from trauma, fear, and humiliation
- Emotional distress from PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
- Disfigurement (scars, burns, or other permanent injuries)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
- Designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Critical in hazing cases where institutions knowingly allow dangerous “traditions”
In the Bermudez case, we are seeking $10 MILLION in damages — and we will pursue the same level of compensation for Livingston County victims.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions — And Livingston County Victims Can Too
These Cases Prove That Hazing Lawsuits Work — And That Justice Is Possible
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement + Judgment | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4M+ |
These verdicts and settlements send a clear message: Hazing costs millions. And the same results are possible for Livingston County victims.
The Bermudez Case: A Blueprint for Livingston County Justice
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — was subjected to weeks of systematic torture by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Stripped to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose
As a result, Bermudez developed severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization.
We filed a $10 MILLION lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (national organization)
- The Beta Nu Chapter at UH
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Multiple individual members and former members
This is the same legal strategy we will use for Livingston County victims.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Livingston County, Missouri
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Livingston County Families
If your child has been hazed — or if you suspect they have — time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Follow these steps to protect your child’s rights:
🚑 Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
Hazing injuries — especially those involving extreme physical exertion, alcohol poisoning, or psychological trauma — may not be immediately apparent.
Signs your child may be injured:
- Brown or dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Nausea, vomiting, or confusion
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (slurred speech, loss of coordination, unconsciousness)
- Withdrawal, anxiety, or depression
If you see these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.
Why this matters:
- Medical records document the injuries and link them to hazing
- Delaying treatment weakens your case — insurance companies will argue the injuries weren’t serious
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) can be life-threatening if untreated
📱 Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Evidence is the foundation of your case. Preserve everything.
| Type of Evidence | What to Save | How to Save It |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results, therapy records | Request copies from all medical providers |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries (bruises, cuts, burns), hazing locations, items used in hazing | Take screenshots; save to cloud storage |
| Text Messages | GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram DMs | Screenshot and save; do not delete |
| Social Media | Posts, stories, or messages about hazing | Screenshot and save; do not delete |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses | Save in a secure document |
| Fraternity Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications | Save all documents |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships | Request from university |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments | Save all receipts and statements |
⚠️ DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority members or university officials without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- Post about the incident on social media
Why this matters:
- Evidence proves what happened and who is responsible
- Destroying evidence can destroy your case — and may even lead to criminal charges
- Insurance companies and institutions will try to hide or destroy evidence — don’t let them
🚔 Step 3: Report the Incident to Authorities
Hazing is a crime in Missouri. Report it to the police.
- Call 911 if your child is in immediate danger or needs medical attention.
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
- Report to the university (Title IX office, student affairs, or Greek life office).
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization (if applicable).
Why this matters:
- Creates an official record of the incident
- May lead to criminal charges against perpetrators
- Supports your civil lawsuit by establishing institutional knowledge
⚠️ WARNING:
- Universities and Greek organizations may try to cover up the incident
- They may pressure your child to stay silent
- Do not speak to them without legal counsel
👨⚖️ Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Do not wait. Do not speak to insurance companies. Do not sign anything.
Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Why you need an attorney:
- Insurance companies are not your friends — they will try to minimize or deny your claim
- Universities and Greek organizations have teams of lawyers — you need your own
- Evidence disappears quickly — we act fast to preserve it
- Statutes of limitations expire — in Missouri, you typically have 5 years for personal injury claims, but don’t wait
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
What we will do for you:
- Evaluate your case — Determine if you have a viable claim
- Preserve evidence — Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Handle all communications — Insurance companies, universities, and fraternities can only speak to us
- Build your case — Gather medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony
- Negotiate aggressively — Demand fair compensation for your injuries
- Take it to trial if necessary — We are not afraid to fight for you in court
📅 Step 5: Understand the Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Do |
|---|---|
| First 24 Hours | Seek medical attention; preserve evidence; contact an attorney |
| First Week | File police report; report to university; begin documenting injuries |
| First Month | Gather all evidence; consult with medical experts; file insurance claims |
| First 6 Months | Complete medical treatment; reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) |
| Within 5 Years | File lawsuit (Missouri statute of limitations for personal injury) |
⚠️ DO NOT WAIT. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
🎯 Why Livingston County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now — And Winning
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
We know the strategies. We know the tactics. We know how to win.
2. We Know How the Other Side Thinks — Because We Used to Work for Them
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys.
This means:
- We know how insurance companies value claims
- We know how they try to deny or minimize cases
- We know their negotiation tactics
- We know their playbook — and we use it against them
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re getting a former insider who knows how to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions
Hazing cases are complex, high-stakes litigation that require:
- Expert witnesses (medical, psychological, Greek life culture)
- Aggressive discovery (subpoenas, depositions, document requests)
- Media and public pressure (to hold institutions accountable)
- Federal court experience (for cases involving national organizations)
We have the resources, the experience, and the determination to take on universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies — and win.
4. We Travel to Livingston County — And We’ll Fight for You Here
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Livingston County, Missouri.
How we serve Livingston County families:
- Free initial consultation (by phone or video)
- Video depositions and meetings to minimize travel
- Willingness to travel to Livingston County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Remote case management — we handle everything electronically
- Local partnerships — we work with Livingston County medical providers and experts
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Livingston County Families
We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.
What this means for you:
- You pay $0 upfront — no retainer, no hourly fees
- We cover all case expenses (filing fees, expert witnesses, etc.)
- We only get paid if we win your case — our fee is a percentage of your recovery
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Contingency fees level the playing field. Now you can fight back against universities and national fraternities without worrying about the cost.
6. We Treat Livingston County Families Like Family
Hazing cases are emotionally devastating. We understand the pain, the fear, and the betrayal you’re feeling.
We promise:
- Compassionate, personalized representation — we see your child as a person, not a case
- Clear, honest communication — you’ll always know what’s happening with your case
- Aggressive advocacy — we will fight for you with everything we have
- No pressure to settle — the decision to accept a settlement is always yours
📢 Message to Fraternities and Universities Near Livingston County
To the Fraternities Operating Near Livingston County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi — if your chapter operates near Livingston County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
We track your house corporations. We track your alumni chapters. We track your national insurance policies. And when you haze students in Livingston County, we will pursue every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Missouri. Your chapter could be next.
To the Universities Near Livingston County:
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
When you fail, you will be held accountable.
📞 Livingston County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a university near Livingston County, Missouri, you have rights. We will fight for them.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🌐 attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Livingston County hazing emergencies.
What to Expect When You Call:
- Immediate response — We answer calls 24/7
- Free case evaluation — We’ll listen to your story and determine if you have a case
- No pressure — You decide whether to move forward
- Next steps — If you choose to hire us, we’ll get to work immediately
🔥 Together, We Can End Hazing in Livingston County — And Beyond
Hazing doesn’t have to be a rite of passage. It doesn’t have to be “tradition.” It doesn’t have to destroy lives.
But it will continue — unless we stop it.
Every time a hazing victim comes forward, they make it harder for institutions to look the other way.
Every time a family sues, they send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Every time a jury awards millions, they force fraternities and universities to change.
And every time a Livingston County family chooses to fight back, they protect the next student from going through the same nightmare.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Livingston County.
Are you ready to fight with us?
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your child’s future depends on it.
