Ne ebar riit Irooj in Jablij aolep, an baamle eo am ak an ro nejim emaron walok naan in binbin eo jen mour in ro nejim emaron walok jen ijo emaron walok jen ijo imaron walok jen ijo imaron walok jen ijo. Ro nejim raar pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak im pojak in pojak im pojak im pojak im pojak. Imaron walok. Enaan ko imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok imaron walok.

Jen jelãt jekdoon naan kein bõd, ennan in abñõñõ, naan in ennan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, ak naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ ak ijo ennan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ. Jablij Jablaak, jekdõõn wõwõt ijo kein. Enaan in naan in abñõñõ, naan kein ijo in naan in abñõñõ, ak ijo ennan in abñõñõ, naan in abñõñõ, ak ijo ejõõk wõwõt ijo nein. Jen an bõd naan in naan in abñõñõ, ak naan in abñõñõ im ijo ennan in abñõñõ, ak naan in abñõñõ im ijo ennan in abñõñõ, ak naan in abñõñõ im ijo ennan in abñõñõ, ak jekdõõn wõwõt naan in abñõñõ, ak jekdõõn wõwõt naan in abñõñõ im naan in kapeel.

Naan in Kapeel: Etke ejjeja naan in naan in kapeel?

Enaan in ejjeja im naan in kapeel ejjeja, “ebwe ke, ebwe ke, ebwe ke?” ak “ebwe ke?” Ejjeja naan in kapeel im naan in kapeel ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in kapeel ejjeja. Jablablaak, naan in kapeel im naan in kapeel ejjeja, naan in kapeel ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in kapeel ejjeja. Ak naan in kapeel ejjeja, naan in kapeel ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in kapeel ejjeja. Naan in kapeel ejjeja im ejjeja naan in kapeel ejjeja. Naan in kapeel ejjeja im ejjeja naan in kapeel ejjeja. Naan in ejjeja naan in ejjeja naan in kapeel ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, ejjeja naan in ejjeja, ak ejjeja naan in ejjeja im ejjeja naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, ak ejjeja naan in ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen November 2025, ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in ejjeja.

Leonel ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ak naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja:

Jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ: Enaan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.
Jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ: Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Mour Mour Mour: Leonel ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ: Ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in ejjeja. Eo October 15, jen naan in ejjeja.
Jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ: Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ: Leonel ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ jiboñ: Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

Naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, jen naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ak naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja:

ABC13 Houston: “Ejjeja im ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja,” (November 21, 2025) – https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
KHOU 11: “$10 million ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja,” (November 21, 2025) – https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71
Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” (November 22, 2025) – https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/uh-fraternity-hazing-lawsuit-21201616.php

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

Eo ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja?

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, im ejjeja naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja:

1. Naan in ejjeja im naan in ejjeja

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja:

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

2. Naan in ejjeja im naan in ejjeja

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja:

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in 2017, Andrew Coffey ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

3. Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja:

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

4. Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja:

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Etke naan in ejjeja: Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja?

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja:

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

Naan in ejjeja: $10.1 Million
Stone Foltz ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen $2.9 million.

Bowling Green State University: $2.9 million
Pi Kappa Alpha National + Naan in ejjeja: $7.2 million
Additionally, in December 2024, a $6.5 million ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
Max Gruver, ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen 18, ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen 2017.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

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

Estimated Recovery: Over $110 Million (Multiple Settlements)
Timothy Piazza ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen 18, ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen 82. Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

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

Outcome: Chapter Closure, Criminal Charges, Confidential Settlement
Andrew Coffey ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen 2017, ejjeja naan in ejjeja.

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Settlement: Over $4 Million
Adam Oakes ejjeja naan in ejjeja jen 2021, ejjeja naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

UT Austin / Sigma Chi (2025) – Lawsuit Filed

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja:

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Attorney911 ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja jen naan in ejjeja.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja:

Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157 — The Anti-Hazing Law

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja:

Naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. (Leonel ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.)
Naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. (Leonel ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.)
Naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. (Leonel ejjeja naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.)
Naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.
Naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law does not treat hazing lightly.

Class B Misdemeanor: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
Class A Misdemeanor: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. (Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall into this category.
State Jail Felony: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine). This applies in tragic cases like Max Gruver’s or Andrew Coffey’s.

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus. Both the local chapter and the national Pi Kappa Phi organization face these liabilities.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Texas law 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 age-old excuse that victims “knew what they were getting into” or “could have said no.” The law recognizes that coercion, peer pressure, and the desire to belong Strip away true consent. Any fraternity or university trying to argue that a student from the Marshall Islands “consented” to being waterboarded or suffering kidney failure will find this defense legally invalid in Texas and highly unfavorable to a jury anywhere in the country.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for transparency.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators and deter future acts, civil lawsuits are designed to compensate the victim for their immense suffering and losses. For people from the Marshall Islands, these civil claims provide a critical pathway to recover financially and emotionally.

Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. This applies across all states and forms the backbone of most hazing lawsuits.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. The fact that the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel was hazed significantly strengthens this claim.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. National fraternities can be sued for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters, and universities for failing to properly monitor Greek life activities.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Waterboarding and being struck with paddles are clear examples.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. The prolonged psychological torture and humiliation Leonel endured, including the fanny pack incident and hog-tying of another pledge, could constitute IIED.
Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja: Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja.

For families in the Marshall Islands, it’s reassuring to know that these legal avenues exist. We operate with federal court authority and possess advanced understanding of hazing legal frameworks, enabling us to effectively represent victims no matter where they are or where the hazing took place.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Families in the Marshall Islands

Enaan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. Naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja, naan in ejjeja. For families in the Marshall Islands, Attorney911 offers unparalleled expertise, a proven track record, and a unique strategic advantage that sets us apart.

1. We Are Actively Fighting This Battle – Right Now

This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently embroiled in a high-stakes, $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This means we are actively:

Engaging in discovery, uncovering crucial evidence from national fraternities and universities.
Negotiating with powerful defense teams.
Preparing for court proceedings with current, real-world hazing facts.
This firsthand, real-time experience in hazing litigation means we are at the forefront of this fight. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively taking down those responsible. The same aggression and expertise we bring to this landmark case, we will bring to your child’s case in the Marshall Islands.

2. Unrivaled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our principal attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, bring a transformative advantage to your case: they are former insurance defense lawyers. This is not a coincidence; it’s a deliberate strategic advantage. They spent years working on the other side, defending insurance companies and corporations against claims just like yours. This means they:

Know the Playbook: They understand precisely how insurance companies and universities will try to deny, delay, and minimize your claims.
Anticipate Defenses: They can preemptively counter the arguments and tactics that the defense will employ.
Value Cases Accurately: They know what a case is truly worth in the eyes of an insurance adjuster or defense attorney, ensuring we fight for maximum compensation for your family in the Marshall Islands.
This insider intelligence is an “unfair advantage” for our clients, neutralizing the tactics of powerful institutions.

3. Deep-Seated Expertise in Complex Litigation

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience includes his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants in highly complex, mass tort cases—skills directly transferable to confronting national fraternities and university systems. His journalism background also means he knows how to investigate thoroughly and tell a compelling story to a jury, vital for hazing cases where institutions try to hide the truth.

Lupe Peña, with over 12 years of experience, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, handling a diverse range of complex cases including products liability, employment law, and commercial disputes. His deep understanding of corporate structures and financial damages is invaluable when dismantling the intricate defenses of national Greek organizations. His strong Texas roots, fluent Spanish, and business acumen ensure comprehensive and culturally sensitive representation for those from the Marshall Islands.

4. Nationwide Reach, Local Dedication – Even for the Marshall Islands

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, and we are fully equipped to serve families and victims in the Marshall Islands.

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, giving us the authority to pursue complex cases in federal jurisdiction, which can be critical when national organizations are involved.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in various states.
Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are fully prepared to travel to the Marshall Islands, or any location necessary, for depositions, key meetings, and trial, ensuring a personal and dedicated approach to your case.
Remote Consultations: We facilitate easy, confidential remote consultations via video, making it convenient for families in the Marshall Islands to connect with our expert team without needing to travel.

5. We Don’t Just Sue; We Document Everything

Our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine is a testament to our data-driven approach. We don’t guess who is responsible; we know.

IRS B83 Texas Organizations: Our database includes over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, and addresses. This allows us to identify parent house corporations, alumni chapters, and other entities that control the local chapters. For example, we track entities like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, the same entity tied to the UH chapter we sued.
Texas Universities (96 Campuses): We maintain precise data on every university in Texas, understanding the Greek life landscape and institutional relationships.
Cause IQ Metro Organizations: Our intelligence spans 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone contains 188 Greek-related organizations. This granular data allows us to trace the corporate footprint of national organizations down to local chapters, whether they are social fraternities, house corporations, or alumni groups.
Brand Overlap Analysis: We cross-reference data from multiple sources to show how the same national brands appear across undergraduate, graduate, and alumni affiliates. This ability to track entities like Pi Kappa Alpha or Sigma Alpha Epsilon across their various corporate forms means we know exactly “who to sue” on day one.

This meticulous data collection allows us to expose the full corporate structure behind the Greek letters, identifying every “deep pocket”—from the national headquarters to local housing corporations—that can be held accountable, even for victims in the Marshall Islands.

6. Compassionate Advocacy, Aggressive Representation

We understand that you are not just a case file. As Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ driven by a profound commitment to our clients. We treat families with the empathy and respect they deserve while relentlessly pursuing justice for their loved ones. Ralph Manginello, a father of three, personally understands the stakes when a child is harmed.

Our commitment to you includes:

Contingency Fee Basis: You pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that every family in the Marshall Islands, regardless of economic status, can access expert legal representation.
Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): With fluent Spanish speakers on our team, including Lupe Peña, we ensure seamless communication and culturally sensitive support for Hispanic families.
Transparent Communication: We believe in keeping you informed at every step, using direct and clear language, not confusing legal jargon.

If your family in the Marshall Islands has been shattered by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need Legal Emergency Lawyers™ who are already in the fight, fearlessly confronting powerful institutions. Attorney911 is that firm.

What To Do Right Now When Hazing Strikes in the Marshall Islands

If your child has been subjected to hazing, whether at a university in the United States or an organization within the Marshall Islands, you are in a legal emergency. The immediate steps you take can profoundly impact the success of any future legal action. We understand that this is an incredibly traumatic time, but acting quickly and decisively is paramount.

STEP 1: PRIORITIZE SAFETY AND SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Your child’s physical and mental health is the absolute priority.

Remove Your Child from the Situation: Ensure they are safe and no longer in contact with the individuals or organization responsible for the hazing. If they are still in a dangerous environment, assist them in leaving immediately.
Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or hidden, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, get professional medical attention.
- Go to an Emergency Room or Medical Clinic: For any physical injuries, pain, or unusual symptoms like severe muscle soreness, dark urine (a sign of rhabdomyolysis), vomiting, or signs of alcohol poisoning.
- Prioritize Medical Documentation: Tell the medical professionals everything that happened and how the injuries occurred. This is crucial for creating an official record linking the hazing to the injuries. Do not downplay symptoms.
- Follow All Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and consider mental health counseling. Delays in treatment can be used by the defense to argue that injuries were not severe.

STEP 2: PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING

Hazing often relies on secrecy and the destruction of evidence. Your role is to counteract this by meticulously preserving everything.

Photographs and Videos:
- Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, scratches, swelling) at all stages of healing. Show how they look immediately after, days later, and weeks later.
- Hazing Locations: If safe to do so, photograph or video the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house interior/exterior, meeting rooms, outdoor areas).
- Objects/Items: Document any objects used in the hazing (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers, fanny packs, specific clothes).
Digital Communications (CRITICAL):
- Screenshots, Screenshots, Screenshots: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes conversations about pledge activities, threats, demands, demeaning messages, and any discussions among members about what happened.
- Do NOT delete anything: Even if messages seem incriminating to the victim or mundane, deleting them can be considered destruction of evidence and severely harm your case.
Witness Information:
- Gather names and contact information for any other pledges, active members who expressed concern, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Documents:
- Keep any “pledge packets,” manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the organization.
- Retain financial records, including medical bills, receipts for treatment, and documentation of lost wages or educational expenses.
Our attorneys emphasize: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.” You can learn more about documenting evidence here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

STEP 3: AVOID CRITICAL MISTAKES

In the immediate aftermath, there are actions that can inadvertently harm your case.

Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone: Do not give statements, sign documents, or engage in discussions with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without your own legal counsel present. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted can and will be used against you. This includes photos, statements, complaints, or even innocent pictures of your child seeming “fine.” Stay completely silent about the incident on all social media platforms. Our attorneys warn against this critical mistake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
Do NOT Delete Anything: This applies not just to digital messages, but also to physical items associated with the hazing.
Do NOT Confront Individual Perpetrators: This can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize your case.

STEP 4: CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED HAZING LITIGATION ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: The sooner we are involved, the better we can protect evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and guide you through sensitive university investigations. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Mind the Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and for wrongful death, two years from the date of death. Other states may have similar deadlines. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your legal rights forever. This is why immediate action is crucial. Our video explains this further: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations to victims and families. This means you can discuss your situation with an expert without any financial obligation.
We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring access to justice regardless of your financial situation. Our contingency fee video explains this in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

For families in the Marshall Islands, we are adept at conducting remote consultations via video and are prepared to travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will not deter us from securing justice for your child.

Remember, Leonel Bermudez and his family acted quickly, and we filed a $10 million lawsuit within weeks of his hospitalization. This swift action is how you protect your rights and ensure accountability.

Call Attorney911 Now: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in the Marshall Islands

If you’re a parent in the Marshall Islands whose child has been hazed, whether at a local institution or studying abroad, you are facing an unimaginable nightmare. Your child was supposed to make friends and forge a path, not endure torture and trauma. We understand the unique challenges facing families in the Marshall Islands, where cultural values of respect and community may feel starkly contrasted by acts of hazing.

You are not alone. And you do not have to fight this battle by yourself.

At Attorney911, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We believe that when your child’s well-being is at stake, you need immediate, aggressive, and expert legal help. We are currently leading the charge in the $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez. That means we aren’t just reading about these cases; we are actively fighting inside the courtroom, right now. The same relentless dedication, the same insider knowledge, and the same aggressive pursuit of justice we bring to our current cases, we will bring to your family in the Marshall Islands.

Marshall Islands Families: Your Call to Action Is Now

Your child didn’t deserve this. What happened to them was not “tradition”; it was abuse, assault, and a profound betrayal of trust. You have legal rights, and we are here to help you exercise them.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING VICTIMS IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com
Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for you and your family in the Marshall Islands. Don’t hesitate. Every moment counts.

Your Consultation is Free – Your Future is Priceless

We understand the financial concerns that can arise when considering legal action, especially when dealing with medical bills and the emotional toll of hazing. That’s why we eliminate the barrier of upfront costs:

Contingency Fee Basis: You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to hire us. We cover all litigation expenses, and we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This approach levels the playing field, allowing you to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

We Come to You, Wherever You Are

Although our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our dedication to justice extends globally. For our clients in the Marshall Islands, we offer:

Remote Consultations: We can connect with you securely via video conference, allowing you to discuss your case with our expert team from the comfort and privacy of your home in Majuro, Ebeye, or any of the islands.
Willingness to Travel: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trial proceedings, our attorneys are prepared to travel to the Marshall Islands to represent your interests directly. Distance is not a barrier to aggressive legal representation.
Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, empowers us to handle complex cases involving national organizations, which often fall under federal jurisdiction.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in both Texas and New York, we offer strategic flexibility when pursuing national fraternities and sororities, which may have legal presences across different states.

We Represent Victims of All Forms of Hazing in the Marshall Islands and Beyond

Hazing is not limited to fraternities. We represent victims of abuse in:

Fraternities and sororities at any university attended by students from the Marshall Islands.
Sports teams, including high school, college, and club sports programs.
Marching bands and other performance groups.
ROTC programs and military academies.
Any club, organization, or group that uses initiation rituals to inflict harm.

If You Were Part of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Are Here for You

To any other students who endured the horrific hazing within the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, we know you are out there. Leonel was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights, too. We can represent you.

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

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

Your story matters. Your injuries are real. Your fight is our fight. Contact Attorney911 today, and let us help you turn your pain into power, securing the accountability and compensation your family in the Marshall Islands deserves.

ENGLISH

If you’re reading this in the Marshall Islands, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends, experience new cultures, and thrive at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in the Marshall Islands fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

We understand the isolation and distress that often accompanies incidents like these, particularly in a unique and geographically distinct location like the Marshall Islands. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and commitment to justice extend across the globe, including to the communities of Majuro, Ebeye, and throughout the Republic of the Marshall Islands. We leverage federal court authority and cutting-edge remote communication tools to ensure that distance is never a barrier to aggressive, expert legal representation for hazing victims and their families in this Pacific island nation.

The Unspeakable Reality: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as harmless fun, “boys being boys,” or a rite of passage. In the Marshall Islands, where community bonds and cultural respect are paramount, the concept of intentional harm being inflicted under the guise of tradition is particularly jarring. However, the tragic truth is that modern hazing is far from innocent. It is a systematic process of abuse, humiliation, and often, torture, inflicted by older members of an organization upon new recruits. The stories we encounter reveal a dark underbelly hidden behind the veneer of college life.

When we speak of hazing, it’s crucial to understand that we are not talking about trivial pranks. We are talking about severe physical and psychological trauma that can lead to permanent injury, debilitating mental health conditions, and even death.

Consider the harrowing experience of Leonel Bermudez, the plaintiff in our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case, filed in a Harris County Civil District Court just weeks ago in November 2025, serves as a stark warning and a powerful testament to the barbaric nature of modern hazing. It is a case that embodies everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Leonel was a “ghost rush,” a bright prospective student planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the upcoming semester. He wasn’t even an enrolled student yet. Yet, the fraternity subjected him to weeks of unspeakable abuse that included:

Waterboarding with a garden hose: Yes, you read that correctly. They simulated drowning Leonel by spraying him in the face with a garden hose while forcing him to perform calisthenics. This is a technique recognized internationally as torture.
Hog-tying: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t a game; it was an act of sadistic humiliation and control.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue sprints while physically distressed, even lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. This is not “tradition”; it is a calculated act of degradation.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were not for fitness; they were designed to push him past his physical limits while reciting the fraternity creed, all under the threat of immediate expulsion. On October 15, just weeks before Leonel’s own collapse, another pledge actually lost consciousness during one of these forced workouts.
Being Struck with Wooden Paddles: Physical assault was a routine part of this “brotherhood.”
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to strip to his underwear in cold weather and forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. These acts are designed to break a person’s spirit and instill fear.
Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion.

The cumulative effect of this systematic torture led to Leonel’s body breaking down. He collapsed, unable to stand without help. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and his creatine kinase levels were dangerously high. Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, facing the very real risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is what hazing looks like today. This happened in Houston, a major city, at a prominent university. But the same national fraternities operate at universities where students from the Marshall Islands attend. The same toxic “traditions” can infect college campuses that draw young people from communities like Majuro and Ebeye, where families value dignity and respect. If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization, they could face these very same dangers. Attorney911 is fighting back. We know how to expose this brutality and hold every responsible party accountable.

You can learn more about this pivotal case from major news outlets that covered our filing:

ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” (November 21, 2025) – https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” (November 21, 2025) – https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71
Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” (November 22, 2025) – https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/uh-fraternity-hazing-lawsuit-21201616.php

These reports detail the horrific abuse Leonel endured and confirm the multi-million dollar damages we are seeking.

Who Is Responsible When Students from the Marshall Islands are Hazed?

When a student from the Marshall Islands is subjected to hazing, the web of responsibility can be complex, often extending far beyond the individual perpetrators. Our experience in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s demonstrates that accountability reaches the university, the national fraternity, and even the individuals who enable such actions. We cast a wide net to ensure every liable party is held to account.

In a hazing incident, the legal liability typically extends to:

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members

This is often the most direct line of responsibility. The individuals who plan, execute, and participate in hazing activities are directly liable for their actions. This includes:

Chapter Officers: The fraternity or sorority president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other leaders who direct or allow hazing are primarily responsible. In the Bermudez case, the fraternity president and pledgemaster are specifically named as defendants.
Individual Members: Any active member who participates in hazing, facilitates it, or even witnesses it and fails to intervene or report can be held liable. The members who waterboarded Leonel, forced his physical exertion, or struck him with paddles are all culpable.
Former Members and Spouses: Hazing often occurs in off-campus locations, including private residences. In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because some of the major hazing sessions occurred at their residence. This demonstrates that even those who provide the venue or turn a blind eye can be held responsible under premises liability theories.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

These are powerful entities with millions in assets and comprehensive insurance policies. They cannot simply claim ignorance. National organizations have a fundamental responsibility to:

Establish and Enforce Anti-Hazing Policies: They must have clear policies and ensure their chapters comply.
Supervise Local Chapters: They are expected to monitor chapter activities, investigate complaints, and provide adequate oversight.
Educate Members: They have a duty to educate all members on the dangers and illegality of hazing.

In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we are suing the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters and its Housing Corporation because they “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This negligence is particularly egregious given Pi Kappa Phi’s history: in 2017, Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at Florida State University. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence demonstrates a profound failure by the national organization to protect its members and the wider student community that includes those from the Marshall Islands.

3. The University or College

Universities have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students, regardless of whether those students are from the Marshall Islands or elsewhere. Their responsibility stems from:

Duty of Care: Universities owe a duty of care to their students to provide a safe educational environment.
Oversight of Student Organizations: They regulate Greek life and other student groups, granting them recognition and access to campus resources.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, the institution can be held liable. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place, making their liability for premises negligence undeniable.
Failure to Act on Prior Incidents: Universities that have a documented history of hazing incidents yet fail to implement effective preventative measures are particularly vulnerable to liability. The University of Houston itself had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 in a separate incident involving Pi Kappa Alpha. This prior incident demonstrates that the university had actual knowledge of hazing dangers on its campus and failed to prevent future occurrences like Leonel’s.

4. Insurance Carriers

Perhaps the most crucial, yet often overlooked, defendants are the various insurance carriers. These “deep pockets” are ultimately where significant compensation payouts originate. We will pursue:

National Organization’s Liability Insurance: These policies often cover a broad range of incidents, including hazing-related claims.
University’s Institutional Insurance: Universities carry extensive liability insurance to cover incidents, including those involving student safety and organizational oversight failures.
Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: If hazing occurs at an off-campus residence, the property owner’s personal insurance may provide coverage.
Individual Liability Coverage: Some students or their parents may have umbrella insurance policies that offer personal liability coverage.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate. They understand the tactics used to minimize claims and know precisely how to dismantle those defenses to maximize recovery for victims. This dual perspective is a critical advantage when fighting for justice for families in the Marshall Islands.

It is vital for families in the Marshall Islands to understand that when hazing occurs, there are typically multiple avenues for legal recourse, and many powerful entities can and should be held responsible.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in the Marshall Islands, contemplating a lawsuit against powerful universities and national fraternities might seem daunting. However, history—and the millions of dollars awarded in similar cases—proves that justice is attainable. These landmark verdicts and settlements send an unequivocal message: hazing costs millions, and institutions that enable it will pay dearly. The same aggressive legal strategies that led to these outcomes are available for victims from the Marshall Islands.

Here are just a few examples that demonstrate the substantial financial and legislative impact of hazing litigation:

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

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million
Stone Foltz died in March 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event at Bowling Green State University. His family received substantial settlements:

Bowling Green State University: $2.9 million
Pi Kappa Alpha National + Individual Members: $7.2 million
Additionally, in December 2024, a $6.5 million judgment was awarded against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, emphasizing individual accountability.
This case underscores that both universities and national fraternities are held financially liable, and individual perpetrators can face massive judgments. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning in September 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual involving forced drinking for incorrect answers during a “Bible Study.”

His family received a $6.1 million jury verdict.
The incident also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
This case proves that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts to hold fraternities and their members accountable, and that legislative change often follows the pursuit of justice.

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

Estimated Recovery: Over $110 Million (Multiple Settlements)
Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event in February 2017. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after multiple falls down a basement staircase, with fraternity members delaying calling for help for 12 hours.

While the settlement amount remains confidential, it is estimated to be in excess of $110 million.
This tragedy led to criminal charges against 18 fraternity members, and the passage of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
The Piazza case, meticulously documented by security cameras, demonstrates how clear evidence of egregious conduct can lead to astronomical settlements and significant shifts in legal and institutional accountability.

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

Outcome: Chapter Closure, Criminal Charges, Confidential Settlement
Andrew Coffey died in November 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”

Importantly, this involved Pi Kappa Phi, the same national organization as our current Bermudez case.
The chapter was permanently closed, 9 fraternity members faced hazing charges, and a civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
The Coffey case is a devastating smoking gun: it proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing practices within its chapters years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Their failure to act effectively after Coffey’s death makes their culpability in the Bermudez incident even greater and supports arguments for punitive damages.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Settlement: Over $4 Million
Adam Oakes died in February 2021 after attending a Delta Chi fraternity bid celebration where he was provided a large bottle of bourbon and encouraged to drink it.

His family recently settled their lawsuit for over $4 million, with funds going to both the family and the “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which advocates against hazing.
This case reinforces the trend of significant recoveries in hazing-related wrongful death cases.

UT Austin / Sigma Chi (2025) – Lawsuit Filed

Just as our lawsuit was filed in Houston, another hazing wrongful death lawsuit was reported against Sigma Chi at the University of Texas at Austin following the death of an 18-year-old freshman by suicide after “horrific abuse.” This tragic case further highlights the ongoing, nationwide crisis and the urgent need for aggressive legal intervention right here in Texas.

The Message to Universities and Fraternities

These cases collectively send a powerful message to any university that hosts Greek life, and to every national fraternity and sorority organization with chapters in the Marshall Islands and across the globe:

Hazing doesn’t just result in disciplinary action; it results in multi-million dollar lawsuits.
Both the local chapter, the national organization, and the university itself are liable.
Juries are increasingly outraged by hazing and are willing to award significant damages.
Failing to act on prior incidents or turning a blind eye will lead to greater liability, including punitive damages.

For families in the Marshall Islands, these precedents are not just statistics; they are proof that justice is possible. We at Attorney911 understand these dynamics, and we are prepared to bring the full weight of this legal history to bear on behalf of your child.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For families in the Marshall Islands, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our core expertise is rooted in Texas law, where our firm is based and where Leonel Bermudez’s case is being fought, it’s important to recognize that most states, and federal civil rights statutes, provide similar avenues for justice. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing incident occurred.

Let’s look at the robust anti-hazing laws in Texas, which serve as a strong model for litigation:

Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157 — The Anti-Hazing Law

This comprehensive statute defines hazing, outlines criminal penalties, establishes organizational liability, and crucially, removes the defense of “consent.”

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of membership or affiliation, if the act:

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body. (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles and forced into extreme calisthenics.)
Subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm: This includes sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities that adversely affect mental or physical health. (Leonel suffered sleep deprivation, cold exposure, and calisthenics leading to kidney failure.)
Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.)
Requires a violation of the Penal Code: Any activity that involves breaking other laws.
Involves coercing drug or excessive alcohol consumption: Leading to intoxication.

The Bermudez case unquestionably meets multiple elements of this statutory definition, highlighting the gravity of the fraternity’s actions.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law does not treat hazing lightly.

Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing, or failing to report it if you have firsthand knowledge. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. (Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall into this category.
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine). This applies in tragic cases like Max Gruver’s or Andrew Coffey’s.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s own statement acknowledged “potential criminal charges,” confirming the serious nature of the alleged hazing.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations, not just individuals, are held responsible. An organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers or members commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus. Both the local chapter and the national Pi Kappa Phi organization face these liabilities.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of modern anti-hazing law. Texas law 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.”

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for transparency.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Negligence Claims: This is the most common legal theory. It asks whether the responsible parties (fraternity, university, individuals) owed a duty of care to the victim, breached that duty through their hazing or inaction, and whether that breach caused the victim’s injuries and damages. This applies across all states and forms the backbone of most hazing lawsuits.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation, they can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition. The fact that the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel was hazed significantly strengthens this claim.
Negligent Supervision: This theory targets failures in oversight. National fraternities can be sued for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters, and universities for failing to properly monitor Greek life activities.
Assault and Battery: Individual participants who inflict physical harm can be sued directly for intentional torts like assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual harmful contact). Waterboarding and being struck with paddles are clear examples.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological trauma caused by extremely outrageous conduct. The prolonged psychological torture and humiliation Leonel endured, including the fanny pack incident and hog-tying of another pledge, could constitute IIED.
Wrongful Death: In the most tragic hazing cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their immense losses, including loss of companionship, future financial contributions, and funeral expenses.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Families in the Marshall Islands

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, the choice of legal representation carries immense weight. You need a team that is not only deeply knowledgeable about hazing law but also aggressively committed to securing justice. For families in the Marshall Islands, Attorney911 offers unparalleled expertise, a proven track record, and a unique strategic advantage that sets us apart.

1. We Are Actively Fighting This Battle – Right Now

Engaging in discovery, uncovering crucial evidence from national fraternities and universities.
Negotiating with powerful defense teams.
Preparing for court proceedings with current, real-world hazing facts.
This firsthand, real-time experience in hazing litigation means we are at the forefront of this fight. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively taking down those responsible. The same aggression and expertise we bring to this landmark case, we will bring to your child’s case in the Marshall Islands.

2. Unrivaled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Know the Playbook: They understand precisely how insurance companies and universities will try to deny, delay, and minimize your claims.
Anticipate Defenses: They can preemptively counter the arguments and tactics that the defense will employ.
Value Cases Accurately: They know what a case is truly worth in the eyes of an insurance adjuster or defense attorney, ensuring we fight for maximum compensation for your family in the Marshall Islands.
This insider intelligence is an “unfair advantage” for our clients, neutralizing the tactics of powerful institutions.

3. Deep-Seated Expertise in Complex Litigation

4. Nationwide Reach, Local Dedication – Even for the Marshall Islands

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, and we are fully equipped to serve families and victims in the Marshall Islands.

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, giving us the authority to pursue complex cases in federal jurisdiction, which can be critical when national organizations are involved.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in various states.
Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are fully prepared to travel to the Marshall Islands, or any location necessary, for depositions, key meetings, and trial, ensuring a personal and dedicated approach to your case.
Remote Consultations: We facilitate easy, confidential remote consultations via video, making it convenient for families in the Marshall Islands to connect with our expert team without needing to travel.

5. We Don’t Just Sue; We Document Everything

Our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine is a testament to our data-driven approach. We don’t guess who is responsible; we know.

IRS B83 Texas Organizations: Our database includes over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, and addresses. This allows us to identify parent house corporations, alumni chapters, and other entities that control the local chapters. For example, we track entities like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, the same entity tied to the UH chapter we sued.
Texas Universities (96 Campuses): We maintain precise data on every university in Texas, understanding the Greek life landscape and institutional relationships.
Cause IQ Metro Organizations: Our intelligence spans 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone contains 188 Greek-related organizations. This granular data allows us to trace the corporate footprint of national organizations down to local chapters, whether they are social fraternities, house corporations, or alumni groups.
Brand Overlap Analysis: We cross-reference data from multiple sources to show how the same national brands appear across undergraduate, graduate, and alumni affiliates. This ability to track entities like Pi Kappa Alpha or Sigma Alpha Epsilon across their various corporate forms means we know exactly “who to sue” on day one.

6. Compassionate Advocacy, Aggressive Representation

Our commitment to you includes:

Contingency Fee Basis: You pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that every family in the Marshall Islands, regardless of economic status, can access expert legal representation.
Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): With fluent Spanish speakers on our team, including Lupe Peña, we ensure seamless communication and culturally sensitive support for Hispanic families.
Transparent Communication: We believe in keeping you informed at every step, using direct and clear language, not confusing legal jargon.

What To Do Right Now When Hazing Strikes in the Marshall Islands

STEP 1: PRIORITIZE SAFETY AND SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Your child’s physical and mental health is the absolute priority.

Remove Your Child from the Situation: Ensure they are safe and no longer in contact with the individuals or organization responsible for the hazing. If they are still in a dangerous environment, assist them in leaving immediately.
Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or hidden, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, get professional medical attention.
- Go to an Emergency Room or Medical Clinic: For any physical injuries, pain, or unusual symptoms like severe muscle soreness, dark urine (a sign of rhabdomyolysis), vomiting, or signs of alcohol poisoning.
- Prioritize Medical Documentation: Tell the medical professionals everything that happened and how the injuries occurred. This is crucial for creating an official record linking the hazing to the injuries. Do not downplay symptoms.
- Follow All Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and consider mental health counseling. Delays in treatment can be used by the defense to argue that injuries were not severe.

STEP 2: PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING

Hazing often relies on secrecy and the destruction of evidence. Your role is to counteract this by meticulously preserving everything.

Photographs and Videos:
- Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, scratches, swelling) at all stages of healing. Show how they look immediately after, days later, and weeks later.
- Hazing Locations: If safe to do so, photograph or video the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house interior/exterior, meeting rooms, outdoor areas).
- Objects/Items: Document any objects used in the hazing (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers, fanny packs, specific clothes).
Digital Communications (CRITICAL):
- Screenshots, Screenshots, Screenshots: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes conversations about pledge activities, threats, demands, demeaning messages, and any discussions among members about what happened.
- Do NOT delete anything: Even if messages seem incriminating to the victim or mundane, deleting them can be considered destruction of evidence and severely harm your case.
Witness Information:
- Gather names and contact information for any other pledges, active members who expressed concern, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Documents:
- Keep any “pledge packets,” manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the organization.
- Retain financial records, including medical bills, receipts for treatment, and documentation of lost wages or educational expenses.
Our attorneys emphasize: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.” You can learn more about documenting evidence here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

STEP 3: AVOID CRITICAL MISTAKES

In the immediate aftermath, there are actions that can inadvertently harm your case.

Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone: Do not give statements, sign documents, or engage in discussions with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without your own legal counsel present. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted can and will be used against you. This includes photos, statements, complaints, or even innocent pictures of your child seeming “fine.” Stay completely silent about the incident on all social media platforms. Our attorneys warn against this critical mistake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
Do NOT Delete Anything: This applies not just to digital messages, but also to physical items associated with the hazing.
Do NOT Confront Individual Perpetrators: This can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize your case.

STEP 4: CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED HAZING LITIGATION ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: The sooner we are involved, the better we can protect evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and guide you through sensitive university investigations. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Mind the Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and for wrongful death, two years from the date of death. Other states may have similar deadlines. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your legal rights forever. This is why immediate action is crucial. Our video explains this further: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations to victims and families. This means you can discuss your situation with an expert without any financial obligation.
We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring access to justice regardless of your financial situation. Our contingency fee video explains this in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Call Attorney911 Now: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in the Marshall Islands

You are not alone. And you do not have to fight this battle by yourself.

Marshall Islands Families: Your Call to Action Is Now

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING VICTIMS IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com
Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for you and your family in the Marshall Islands. Don’t hesitate. Every moment counts.

Your Consultation is Free – Your Future is Priceless

Contingency Fee Basis: You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to hire us. We cover all litigation expenses, and we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This approach levels the playing field, allowing you to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

We Come to You, Wherever You Are

Although our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our dedication to justice extends globally. For our clients in the Marshall Islands, we offer:

Remote Consultations: We can connect with you securely via video conference, allowing you to discuss your case with our expert team from the comfort and privacy of your home in Majuro, Ebeye, or any of the islands.
Willingness to Travel: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trial proceedings, our attorneys are prepared to travel to the Marshall Islands to represent your interests directly. Distance is not a barrier to aggressive legal representation.
Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, empowers us to handle complex cases involving national organizations, which often fall under federal jurisdiction.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in both Texas and New York, we offer strategic flexibility when pursuing national fraternities and sororities, which may have legal presences across different states.

We Represent Victims of All Forms of Hazing in the Marshall Islands and Beyond

Hazing is not limited to fraternities. We represent victims of abuse in:

Fraternities and sororities at any university attended by students from the Marshall Islands.
Sports teams, including high school, college, and club sports programs.
Marching bands and other performance groups.
ROTC programs and military academies.
Any club, organization, or group that uses initiation rituals to inflict harm.

If You Were Part of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Are Here for You

You have rights, too. We can represent you.

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

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