If you’re reading this in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a community, and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured, perhaps even permanently. We understand that fear, that anger, that profound sense of betrayal. And we are here to help families in Mecklenburg County fight back.

We are Attorney911. We are a team of legal emergency lawyers, and we are actively engaged in the fight against brutal hazing, right now. Just weeks ago, we filed a $10 million lawsuit in Texas on behalf of a student who was waterboarded, forced to eat until he vomited, and subjected to extreme physical torture by a fraternity. This isn’t just a news story from far away; this is what hazing looks like today, and it happens at universities your children might attend, whether in Virginia or other states across the nation. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to victims in Mecklenburg County as we do in our home state of Texas and nationwide.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Mecklenburg County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This case happened in Houston, Texas, just weeks ago, but the horrifying “traditions” that hospitalized our client are not unique to any one university or state. The same hazing practices occur at institutions near Mecklenburg County. The national fraternities involved have chapters across Virginia. The same negligence and institutional failures that allowed this to happen in Houston exist at universities your children attend. We want Mecklenburg County families to know that we will fight for them with the same ferocity and dedication we bring to this case.

What follows is an account of the ongoing lawsuit that epitomizes our firm’s commitment: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Media Coverage – Multiple Outlets

Our $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025, has already garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severity of the hazing and the institutional failures involved.

Source	Date	Link
ABC13 Houston	November 21-22, 2025	Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
KHOU 11	November 21, 2025	$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
Houston Chronicle	November 22, 2025	UH fraternity hazing lawsuit
Houston Public Media	November 24, 2025	University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing

Primary Source – Defendant’s Own Statement

Even the national fraternity has publicly acknowledged violations, attempting to control the narrative before the full scope of their liability emerged:

Source	Date	Link
Pi Kappa Phi National (DEFENDANT)	November 21, 2025	Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston

Damages Sought: $10 Million

Filed: Harris County Civil District Court, November 21, 2025

Our Attorneys: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, Attorney911

Defendants in our Lawsuit:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• University of Houston
• UH Board of Regents
• The fraternity’s Chapter President
• The Pledgemaster
• Multiple current and former individual fraternity members
• A former member AND his spouse (hazing occurred at their residence, implicating premises liability)

The Case That Shows Mecklenburg County Families Why We Fight

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he was subjected to systematic torture. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who planned to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of brutal hazing, abuse, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of intensive inpatient care.

Why this matters deeply to Mecklenburg County families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including chapters at universities throughout Virginia and neighboring states where students from Mecklenburg County often attend college.
• The same “traditions” that led to our client’s hospitalization are actively occurring within fraternity and sorority chapters, sports teams, and other organizations in and around Mecklenburg County.
• Universities near Mecklenburg County face the same liability challenges and oversight failures as the University of Houston.
• If your child is subjected to hazing in Mecklenburg County, or anywhere else, we possess the expertise and dedication to fight for them with the same aggressive approach we are applying in Houston.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13:

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

And Lupe Pena emphasized to ABC13:

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

Our client’s courage in coming forward has already had an impact. Within weeks of the hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against individual members were initiated by the university itself. This swift action demonstrates that accountability is possible, and it’s a direct result of aggressive legal action.

What Happened: The Horrifying Hazing Timeline

Date	Event
Sept 16, 2025	Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.
Sept 16 – Nov 3	Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture begin.
Oct 13, 2025	Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Oct 15, 2025	A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout; other pledges must elevate his legs to revive him.
Nov 3, 2025	THE INCIDENT: Bermudez is severely punished, forced to do over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other exercises while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without assistance.
Nov 4-5, 2025	Bermudez’s condition worsens, marked by extreme soreness and inability to move.
Nov 6, 2025	His mother rushes him to the hospital after he begins passing brown urine, a clear sign of severe muscle breakdown.
Nov 6-10, 2025	Bermudez is hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Nov 14, 2025	(Per their own website statement) Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes Beta Nu Chapter.
Nov 21, 2025	Our firm files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County. News media including ABC13 and KHOU 11 begin immediate coverage.
Nov 22, 2025	The Houston Chronicle details the lawsuit.
Nov 24, 2025	Houston Public Media reports further hazing details and the specific $10 million demand.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

These are not “pranks” or “innocent fun.” These are acts of systematic physical and psychological torture.

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning:

• KHOU reports “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while performing calisthenics.
• They were forced to run repeatedly under the terrifying threat of being waterboarded again.
• Let us be clear: When done to prisoners of war or enemy combatants, waterboarding is classified as torture. This was done to college students trying to make friends.

Forced Eating Until Vomiting:

• Pledges were coerced into consuming large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited.
• After vomiting, they were forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress.
• They were compelled to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• These acts are designed to degrade, humiliate, and push individuals past their breaking point.

Extreme Physical Punishment:

• Leonel Bermudez was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and numerous other exercises.
• He endured high-volume “suicides” (sprint drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills.
• He was subjected to two-mile warmups and repeated 100-yard crawls.
• All while being coerced to recite the fraternity creed, under explicit threats of immediate expulsion if he failed or stopped.
• He was physically struck with wooden paddles.
• These sessions often occurred during extreme early-morning and late-night hours.
• Tragically, another pledge lost consciousness during these grueling workouts.

Psychological Torture & Humiliation:

• Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather.
• They had to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
• Another disturbing incident involved a pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant, creating an environment of fear and psychological captivity.
• An enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews added to the oppressive control.

Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion:

• Pledges were compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, intentionally inducing exhaustion that permeated their daily lives and academic performance.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel Bermudez’s body literally began to break down under the strain of the forced physical exertion.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. This can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and, in severe cases, death.

Our Client’s Documented Medical Evidence:

• He experienced brown urine, a classic symptom (myoglobinuria) indicating muscle breakdown.
• Medical tests confirmed very high creatine kinase levels, further validating the extensive muscle damage.
• He was diagnosed with acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication.
• He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment.
• For days after the incident, he could not stand or walk without assistance.
• His muscle pain and difficulty walking were extensively documented upon hospital admission.

This is not unfamiliar territory for our firm. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, strengthening our ability to litigate these complex medical claims.

Institutional Responses – On the Record

The official statements from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters reveal attempts to manage the crisis, but also highlight their prior knowledge and failures.

University of Houston Spokesperson (as reported by Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025):

“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Our interpretation: This statement, while condemning the acts, is also a carefully worded effort to protect the university’s interests. It’s an admission that they failed to prevent these “deeply disturbing” acts and are now attempting to limit their liability. The mention of “potential criminal charges” reveals the severity of the situation.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters – Their Own Statement (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025):

“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members.”
“We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership. Pi Kappa Phi has a proud history of accomplished students and alumni from the Beta Nu Chapter, and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”

What their corporate PR statement actually means:

• Their acknowledgment of “violations of… risk management policy” is a public admission that they failed to prevent the waterboarding and kidney failure our client endured.
• “Prioritizing the well-being of our members” rings hollow when a member lands in the hospital due to their chapter’s actions.
• Remarkably, their statement expresses a desire to “look forward to returning to campus,” rather than genuine remorse for our client’s suffering. This speaks volumes about their priorities.
• The “collaboration” with the University of Houston suggests a coordinated effort to manage public perception and legal exposure before the lawsuit became widely known.
• KHOU also reported that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.’“
• The lawsuit explicitly alleges “a pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally.”
• With over 150 chapters across America, if this level of abuse is happening at one, how many others are engaging in similar dangerous activities?

Why This Case Matters to Mecklenburg County Families

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: This case shatters the illusion that hazing is harmless. It confirms that “tradition” can be systematic abuse, and these horrors can happen at universities where students from Mecklenburg County enroll.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where these heinous acts occurred. Universities across Virginia, like those that students from Mecklenburg County might attend—such as Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, or the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, or even closer institutions like Hampden-Sydney College or Longwood University which are popular choices for Mecklenburg County graduates—have the same power to stop hazing. They also bear the same liability when they fail to protect their students, especially on their own property.
3. National Organizations Are Not Ignorant: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter when the hazing was exposed. This proves they knew what was happening was wrong. The same national organizations operate at universities across Mecklenburg County and beyond – they know these cultures exist in their chapters.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Our client fears retribution for speaking out. This fear is a common and powerful tactic used by hazers. Hazing victims in Mecklenburg County may face similar intimidation. We protect our clients and provide a safe path to justice.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Mecklenburg County Students: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your Mecklenburg County case could literally save lives by forcing institutions to confront and dismantle dangerous hazing practices.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit quantifies the profound damage inflicted by hazing. Mecklenburg County families have the right to demand similar accountability and deliver a powerful message to those who enable such abuse.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”
It is assault. Battery. Torture. Reckless endangerment. And, tragically, sometimes it is manslaughter or murder.

The reality of hazing is far more sinister than many parents in Mecklenburg County realize. It’s often hidden in plain sight, dismissed as harmless rituals by those who participate, and stubbornly ignored by institutions that prioritize their reputation over student safety.

The Troubling Statistics:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. This staggering number encompasses fraternities, sororities, and other university groups.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing. It’s not just Greek life; it permeates various student organizations.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. These are preventable tragedies.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. Shame, fear of retribution, and a misguided sense of loyalty keep victims silent.
• Hazing is not confined to one type of organization; it occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and various other student organizations, including those at educational institutions across Virginia, which serve the Mecklenburg County area.

The Institutional Failure:

• Universities, including those frequented by students from Mecklenburg County, are often aware that hazing is rampant.
• National organizations, with their vast networks of chapters, also know hazing happens.
• These institutions possess the authority and resources to stop it.
• Yet, they often choose not to act until a student is severely injured, hospitalized, or dies. Only then do they “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, often claiming to be “shocked” by the revelations. This pattern of willful ignorance and delayed intervention is precisely what we aim to dismantle.

Types of Hazing Incidents

Drawing from the horrifying facts of our Pi Kappa Phi case and other documented hazing tragedies, we can categorize the abuses that occur:

Category	Real-World Examples (including those from Bermudez case)	Potential Impact
Physical Abuse	Beatings, paddling (with wooden paddles), branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, “suicides”), sleep deprivation.	Severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, internal organ damage, extreme fatigue.
Forced Consumption	Binge drinking (entire bottles of liquor), eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns), ingesting non-food substances.	Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, internal injuries, kidney failure.
Sleep Deprivation	Forced late-night activities, early-morning calls, disrupted sleep patterns, driving members for hours.	Exhaustion, impaired judgment, accidents, psychological distress.
Psychological Torture	Humiliation tactics (carrying sexual objects, lying in vomit), degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, terror-based threats, fear of retaliation.	PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, long-term emotional scars.
Sexual Abuse	Forced nudity, inappropriate touching, forced sexual acts, carrying sexually suggestive objects.	Profound psychological trauma, sexual assault, fear, shame.
Waterboarding/Drowning	Simulated drowning with hoses.	Extreme terror, psychological trauma, risk of actual drowning.
Exposure	Forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, confinement in small, uncomfortable spaces.	Hypothermia, heatstroke, frostbite, respiratory distress.
Servitude	Forced cleaning, running errands, mandatory driving for members.	Exploitation, loss of personal time, disruption of studies.

The Medical Consequences:
Beyond the direct hazing activities, the resulting medical conditions can be life-altering or fatal. These include:

• Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure (as tragically seen in our UH case).
• Alcohol poisoning (a leading cause of hazing deaths).
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings, falls, or uncontrolled head impacts.
• Hypothermia or hyperthermia from environmental exposure.
• Cardiac arrest due to extreme physical exertion or underlying conditions exacerbated by hazing.
• Severe psychological conditions such as PTSD, chronic anxiety, and depression.
• And the ultimate tragedy: DEATH.

Who Is Responsible: Everyone Who Participated, Enabled, or Allowed It

Our comprehensive legal strategy, as demonstrated in the Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, targets all liable parties to ensure full accountability. This means we seek to hold individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and educational institutions responsible.

Defendant Category	Why They’re Liable (as demonstrated in our cases)	How it Applies to Mecklenburg County
Local Chapter	Directly organized and conducted the hazing, failing in their duty of care to prospective and current members.	Any chapter operating in or sending students from Mecklenburg County to Virginia, or other schools, can be held directly liable.
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster)	Held leadership roles, directed activities, and either participated in or allowed the hazing to occur.	Individual leaders of local chapters in Virginia where Mecklenburg County students attend college can face personal liability.
Individual Members	Actively participated in hazing activities, often enabling or failing to intervene in abuse.	All members involved, including those from Mecklenburg County, can be named in lawsuits.
Former Members & Spouses	Hosted hazing activities at off-campus residences and explicitly allowed dangerous acts to occur on their property.	Similar off-campus hosting situations by alumni or other members near Mecklenburg County universities can lead to premises liability claims.
National Organization	Knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing across chapters, failed to adequately supervise local chapters, and neglected to enforce anti-hazing policies. Many have millions in assets and insurance.	Major national fraternities with chapters at schools attended by students from Mecklenburg County, like Virginia Tech in Blacksburg or Old Dominion University in Norfolk (both known for Greek life presence), have national oversight duties.
University / College	Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred, possessed the authority to regulate and intervene in Greek life, but failed to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks.	Universities in Virginia and surrounding states that attract Mecklenburg County students have a duty to ensure student safety and are liable for institutional negligence.
Insurance Carriers	Provide liability coverage for national organizations, universities, and sometimes individuals.	These “deep pockets” are critical for securing meaningful compensation for Mecklenburg County victims.

This is NOT about suing broke college kids alone. Our strategy is to hold the institutions with massive endowments, national assets, and extensive insurance policies accountable, forcing systemic change and ensuring meaningful compensation for victims from Mecklenburg County and beyond.

Legal Framework: Mecklenburg County Victims’ Rights

For families in Mecklenburg County, understanding the legal landscape of hazing is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, where hazing laws are stringent, similar anti-hazing statutes exist in most states. Furthermore, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims apply regardless of geographical location, which means our authority in federal courts allows us to pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred, including anywhere in Virginia or across the nation.

Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Laws

Virginia, like Texas, takes hazing seriously. The state has specific statutes designed to criminalize hazing and impose reporting requirements on educational institutions.

Virginia Code § 18.2-56. Hazing unlawful; civil immunity:

Definition of Hazing:

It shall be unlawful to haze, or to conspire to haze, any person in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, initiation, or continued affiliation with any student or student organization, fraternity or sorority, athletic or sports team, club, or other similar group or entity.

Mecklenburg County Application: This broad definition covers a wide range of organizations and activities, similar to Texas law. The hazing your Mecklenburg County child experienced likely falls under this definition, giving rise to both criminal charges and civil liability.

Criminal Penalties (Virginia Code § 18.2-56):

Offense Level	Conduct	Punishment
Class 1 Misdemeanor	Hazing that results in bodily injury	Up to 12 months in jail, fine up to $2,500, or both
Class 5 Felony	Hazing that results in serious bodily injury	1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, or both
Class 4 Felony	Hazing where administration of controlled substance or alcohol is involved, resulting in serious bodily injury or death	2 to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $100,000

Organizational Liability (Virginia Code § 18.2-56):

Any organization whose members haze or conspire to haze under the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than $10,000 for each such instance of hazing.

Mecklenburg County families need to understand that the severity of the hazing, including circumstances like forced alcohol consumption leading to rhabdomyolysis or kidney failure, could elevate charges to felony levels, ensuring severe consequences for perpetrators.

Civil Liability for Hazing: What Mecklenburg County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Mecklenburg County to pursue substantial compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages hazing inflicts.

1. Negligence Claims: Applicable in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, and all other states. These claims assert that the defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities) owed a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions related to hazing, and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on university property, a fraternity house, or another venue, the property owner or controller (e.g., a university or a housing corporation) could be held liable. This applies if they allowed dangerous conditions to exist or failed to address them.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory applies when a party with oversight responsibility fails to properly supervise individuals or organizations. Examples include a national organization failing to supervise its local chapter in Virginia, or a university failing to adequately monitor Greek life activities.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual hazers who intentionally inflict physical harm can be sued for assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual harmful contact). Every participant in physical hazing in Mecklenburg County can be held personally liable.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for particularly egregious conduct, IIED claims arise when hazing involves outrageous behavior that causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological torment and humiliation experienced by victims like Leonel Bermudez.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families in Mecklenburg County can pursue wrongful death claims to recover economic and non-economic damages, and potentially punitive damages, against all responsible parties.

For Mecklenburg County families, these civil claims provide a powerful avenue to demand justice and compensation, regardless of whether criminal charges are ultimately filed or sustained against the perpetrators. Our firm’s ability to navigate these complex legal theories is central to securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

The devastating reality for hazing victims is often met with the formidable legal and financial power of national fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies. However, history shows that justice can prevail. We want Mecklenburg County families to know that hazing cases can and do win. The landmark verdicts and settlements below serve as powerful proof that accountability is achievable, and the same aggressive legal strategies that led to these outcomes are precisely what we bring to every client.

The Message to Mecklenburg County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations: Hazing Costs Millions. We Have the Receipts.

These multi-million dollar outcomes establish clear precedent. The $10 million demand in our ongoing Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit is not arbitrary; it is meticulously aligned with the value of similar cases across the nation.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements – They Will Pay

STONE FOLTZ – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+

This case underscores both university and national fraternity liability.

Defendant	Amount	Source
Bowling Green State University	$2.9 Million	AP News
Pi Kappa Alpha + Individuals	$7.2 Million	Wikipedia
TOTAL	$10.1 Million	Largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history

What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a new pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and tragically died from alcohol poisoning. This resulted in the fraternity’s permanent expulsion, multiple criminal convictions, and significant civil settlements.

Relevance to Our Case (and Mecklenburg County): The $10.1 million total recovery for the Foltz family demonstrates that our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is not only reasonable but supported by recent precedent. It reinforces that both universities and national fraternities are financially responsible for hazing injuries and deaths.

MAXWELL GRUVER – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT

This case shows how juries respond to hazing atrocities.

Outcome	Details	Source
Jury Verdict	$6.1 Million	AP News
Criminal Conviction	Negligent homicide – prison time	Wikipedia
Legislation	Max Gruver Act – made hazing a FELONY in Louisiana	State Law

What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where wrong answers to fraternity questions were met with forced drinking.

Relevance to Our Case (and Mecklenburg County): The $6.1 million jury verdict for the Gruver family illustrates that juries are willing to award substantial damages for hazing incidents when given the chance. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, echoing Virginia’s felony hazing laws.

TIMOTHY PIAZZA – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Multiple Settlements)

A landmark case of institutional failure and a cover-up.

Outcome	Details	Source
Penn State Settlement	Confidential – estimated $110M+	Wikipedia
Criminal Charges	18 fraternity members charged	Multiple sources
Convictions	Involuntary manslaughter, hazing, assault	AP News
Legislation	Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law – Pennsylvania	State Law

What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a Penn State pledge, consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual, reaching a near-fatal 0.36 BAC. He fell down basement stairs multiple times, sustaining catastrophic injuries. Fraternity brothers waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. He died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Security cameras in the house captured the horrific events.

Relevance to Our Case (and Mecklenburg County): The immense settlement in the Piazza case, driven by strong evidence and egregious institutional neglect, demonstrates the high stakes of hazing litigation. His case led to Pennsylvania’s stringent anti-hazing law, proving that such tragedies can and should spur legislative reform across the nation, including Virginia.

ANDREW COFFEY – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

⚠️ SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE

This case is a smoking gun against Pi Kappa Phi National.

Outcome	Details	Source
Criminal Charges	9 fraternity members charged	Wikipedia
Chapter Status	Permanently closed at FSU	University action
Civil Suit	Settlement (amount confidential)	Family lawsuit

What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event.

Relevance to Our Case (and Mecklenburg County):
This is critical: Andrew Coffey was a Pi Kappa Phi pledge. His death was a direct consequence of hazing by the SAME NATIONAL ORGANIZATION that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez eight years later. This is undeniable proof that Pi Kappa Phi National KNEW about the deadly hazing culture within their chapters. They had eight years to implement effective change, yet they failed—resulting in our client’s severe injuries. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, which is crucial for proving punitive damages.

University of Alabama / Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2023)

💰 LAWSUIT FILED – TBI CASE

This shows that non-death cases can be high value.

Allegation	Details	Source
Injury	Traumatic Brain Injury	AP News
Claims	Fraud, negligence, assault	Lawsuit
Defendants	SAE fraternity, individuals	Court filing

Relevance to Our Case (and Mecklenburg County): This ongoing lawsuit demonstrates that cases involving severe, non-fatal injuries (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) are actively being pursued for multi-million dollar damages. It reinforces that hazing doesn’t have to result in death to warrant significant accountability.

Prior University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017-2019)

⚠️ PREVIOUS UH HAZING CASE – SAME UNIVERSITY

This proves UH had institutional knowledge of severe hazing.

Outcome	Details	Source
Injury	Lacerated spleen	ABC13
Lawsuit	$1 Million filed	Former pledge Jared Munoz
Criminal Case	Dismissed on constitutional grounds	ABC13

Relevance to Our Case (and Mecklenburg County): This prior incident proves that the University of Houston had explicit knowledge of severe hazing occurring on its campus. They had years to implement robust anti-hazing measures following the 2017 event, yet they failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s tragedy. This establishes a pattern of institutional negligence and deliberate indifference, directly impacting their liability in our lawsuit.

Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths

The courage of victims and their families has often forced legislative change, turning tragedy into a legacy of protection.

Law	State	Year	Key Provisions
Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law	Pennsylvania	2018	Felony charges for hazing causing death; immunity for reporting.
Max Gruver Act	Louisiana	2018	Made hazing a FELONY; increased penalties.
Adam’s Law	Virginia	2022	Named for Adam Oakes, a VCU student who died from hazing; mandates training, transparency, and reporting. Crucially, it makes hazing resulting in serious injury or death a felony in Virginia.
Collin’s Law	Ohio	2021	Named after Collin Wiant and Stone Foltz; felony hazing charges and increased penalties.
Texas Hazing Law	Texas	Existing	Criminal penalties + consent is NO defense.
Stop Campus Hazing Act	Federal	Pending	Aims to require colleges to publicly report hazing incidents nationwide.

These laws demonstrate a growing national intolerance for hazing and provide additional legal avenues for victims. Virginia’s “Adam’s Law,” in particular, signals a strong state-level commitment to combating hazing, strengthening the legal landscape for Mecklenburg County families.

Why These Precedents Matter for Our Case (and Yours in Mecklenburg County)

1. Our $10 Million Demand Is Supported by and Builds Upon Precedent: The $10.1 million recovered by the Foltz family for a death case, and the $6.1 million verdict in Gruver, show that high-value outcomes are realistic. While Leonel Bermudez survived, his documented kidney failure, rhabdomyolysis, and ongoing medical needs, coupled with the extreme nature of the hazing, justify comparable damages for medical bills, future complications, extensive pain and suffering, and the need for punitive damages.
2. Pi Kappa Phi Has a Death on Their Record: The tragic death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 directly links to Pi Kappa Phi National. Eight years later, our client suffered severe injuries by the same fraternity. This is undeniable pattern evidence of a deep-seated, unaddressed cultural problem within their organization.
3. University of Houston Has Prior Hazing Incidents: The 2017 hospitalization of Jared Munoz at UH with a lacerated spleen demonstrates that the university was fully aware of hazing taking place on its campus. Their failure to prevent another severe incident seven years later exposes profound institutional negligence, a charge applicable to any university failing its students.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case, and potentially higher punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct like waterboarding and physical assault, show that juries are incensed by hazing. The visceral acts committed against Leonel Bermudez are designed to outrage any reasonable juror.
5. Criminal Charges May Follow: Virginia law, specifically Adam’s Law, also provides for criminal charges for hazing, especially when serious bodily injury or death occurs. This dual threat of criminal and civil liability provides additional leverage for victims in Mecklenburg County seeking justice.

Strategic Angles for This Case

Our firm employs precise, targeted legal angles to maximize pressure on defendants and secure the best possible outcomes for our clients, including those we serve in Mecklenburg County:

1. “Pi Kappa Phi Didn’t Learn from Andrew Coffey”: We highlight that the national fraternity had Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 as a clear warning, yet failed to implement sufficient changes, leading to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later.
2. “UH Knew – They Had a 2017 Hazing Case”: We emphasize the University of Houston’s prior knowledge of severe hazing on its campus, demonstrating their institutional negligence in failing to prevent our client’s injuries.
3. “Waterboarding Is Torture”: We unequivocally label the waterboarding and simulated drowning as torture, not mere hazing, elevating the egregious nature of the conduct in the eyes of a jury.
4. “They’re Already Planning to Come Back”: Pi Kappa Phi’s public statement about “returning to campus” reveals a shocking lack of remorse and underscores the need for substantial penalties to ensure genuine change.
5. “He Wasn’t Even a Student Yet”: The fact that our client was a “ghost rush” and not yet officially enrolled at UH demonstrates the fraternity’s profound disregard for basic rules and human safety.
6. “Consent Is Not a Defense in Virginia (or Texas)”: We will unequivocally counter any defense arguing our client’s “consent” by invoking Virginia’s laws and the widely recognized legal principle that one cannot consent to being a victim of crime.
7. “150 Chapters – How Many More?”: We challenge the breadth of Pi Kappa Phi’s operations, questioning how many of its 150+ chapters nationwide might be engaging in similar abuses.
8. “They Knew About ‘A Hazing Crisis'”: We expose the national organization’s alleged admission of knowing about “a hazing crisis,” cementing their deliberate indifference.

What These Cases Win: Fair Compensation for Mecklenburg County Victims

Hazing incidents, especially those causing hospitalization, permanent injury, or wrongful death, can lead to substantial financial recovery. We pursue every possible avenue for compensation to ensure our clients are made whole and to hold responsible parties fully accountable.

Economic Damages – The Tangible Losses

These are the quantifiable costs directly resulting from the hazing incident.

Damage Type	Description & Application to Hazing
Medical Expenses	Covers all past and future costs, including emergency room visits, hospital stays (like our client’s four days), specialist consultations, medications, physical therapy, and any long-term medical care resulting from injuries like kidney damage or rhabdomyolysis.
Lost Wages	Compensates for income lost by the victim or their family during recovery, including missed work, part-time jobs, or internships.
Lost Academic Investment	Accounts for tuition fees, living expenses, and lost scholarships for semesters disrupted or dropped due to injuries or trauma from hazing.
Future Earning Capacity	If there are ongoing physical or psychological injuries that restrict the victim’s ability to work or pursue their chosen career path, we seek compensation for diminished lifetime earning potential.
Rehabilitation Costs	Includes costs for physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and any specialized care needed for recovery.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Covers miscellaneous costs such as travel to medical appointments, medical equipment, and other incident-related expenses.

Non-Economic Damages – Pain and Suffering

These damages compensate for the intangible yet profound impact of hazing on a victim’s life. Virgina law recognizes these damages, and our firm meticulously quantifies them to present a complete picture of suffering.

Damage Type	Application to Hazing Victims
Physical Pain	The intense physical agony from beatings, forced exercise (causing rhabdomyolysis), medical treatments, and ongoing discomfort.
Mental Anguish	The extreme terror experienced during waterboarding, the profound fear of further abuse, the anxiety of hospitalization, and the long-term psychological impact.
Emotional Distress	Humiliation, degradation, shame, profound betrayal, and conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Our client’s fear of retribution, for example, is directly linked to this.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life	The inability to participate in normal college activities, social life, hobbies, and sports due to physical or psychological injuries.
Disfigurement	Permanent scarring from branding, burns, or severe physical injuries sustained during hazing.
Loss of Consortium / Companionship	In cases of severe injury or wrongful death, this compensates family members for the loss of the victim’s companionship, support, and guidance.

Virginia does not impose statutory caps on pain and suffering damages in personal injury lawsuits, meaning the amount awarded is intended to genuinely reflect the depth of the victim’s suffering.

Punitive Damages – Punishing Egregious Conduct

Punitive damages are not about compensating the victim; they are about punishing the wrongdoers for their egregious behavior and deterring similar conduct in the future. Hazing, by its very nature, often involves conduct that warrants punitive damages.

Punitive damages are typically awarded when conduct is:

• Grossly negligent (conscious indifference to others’ safety)
• Reckless
• Intentional
• Malicious
• Carried out with a wanton disregard for human life

Our Pi Kappa Phi case clearly presents ample evidence supporting punitive damages due to:

• Waterboarding: An act of intentional torture.
• Forcing exercise until organ failure: Demonstrates reckless disregard for safety and life.
• Continuing hazing after another pledge collapsed: Shows gross negligence and willful blindness.
• Striking with wooden paddles: Intentional battery and physical abuse.
• Hog-tying a pledge with an object in his mouth: Outrageous and dehumanizing conduct.

Punitive damages in hazing cases send an unmistakable message: this behavior will not be tolerated.

Why Attorney911: Your Mecklenburg County Hazing Litigation Experts

When a crisis like hazing strikes, families in Mecklenburg County need more than just a lawyer; they need an aggressive advocate, an empathetic guide, and a legal team with the firepower to take on powerful institutions. Attorney911 is built for these moments. We are legal emergency lawyers, and our approach is direct: we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Unmatched Expertise for Mecklenburg County Families

We understand that you have choices when it comes to legal representation. What sets Attorney911 apart, particularly for hazing victims in Mecklenburg County, is a combination of unique credentials, battle-tested experience, and a deep, personal commitment to justice.

Advantage	Details	Mecklenburg County Benefit
25+ Years Courtroom Experience	Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is a battle-tested trial attorney with over 25 years in court.	This proven expertise is directly applied to hazing cases, ensuring aggressive representation for Mecklenburg County families.
Former Insurance Defense Insight	Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent years defending insurance companies and corporations. We know their tactics, their weaknesses, and how they calculate claims.	This insider knowledge gives us an unparalleled advantage in dismantling the defenses of universities, national fraternities, and their insurers who operate in/near Mecklenburg County. We know their playbook because we helped write it.
Federal Court Admissions	Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts.	This allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often providing expanded legal avenues against national organizations, regardless of where the hazing occurred, including within Virginia.
Dual-State Bar Admission	Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York.	This provides a strategic advantage for hazing cases involving national fraternities whose headquarters or significant operations might be outside of Virginia. We can pursue them directly.
Se Habla Español	Our staff is fully bilingual and fluent in Spanish.	We ensure comprehensive and accessible legal services for Spanish-speaking families in Mecklenburg County, removing language barriers to justice.
Nationwide Hazing Expertise	We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t theory; it’s active combat.	The precise strategies, intelligence, and aggressive tactics refined in our flagship case are immediately deployed for Mecklenburg County hazing victims.
BP Texas City Explosion Litigation	Ralph Manginello was involved in mass tort litigation against BP following a catastrophic refinery explosion.	This experience proves our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a crucial skill when challenging well-funded national fraternities and universities.
Personal Experience with Team Sports	Ralph Manginello is a Cheshire Academy Hall of Famer and youth coach.	He understands squad dynamics, team pressures, and the environments where hazing often takes root, providing a unique perspective in dissecting incidents.
Commitment to Travel	We frequently travel for depositions, meetings, and trials.	Distance is no barrier. We are willing to come to Mecklenburg County to meet with you, gather evidence, and passionately represent your child.
Contingency Fee Basis	You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.	Cost should never prevent Mecklenburg County families from seeking justice. We absorb the financial risk so you can focus on healing.

Ralph P. Manginello – Your Advocate Against Hazing

Ralph Manginello, the managing partner of Attorney911, leads our charge against hazing. His 25+ years of litigation experience, combined with his unique background, position him as a formidable advocate for Mecklenburg County families.

• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph spent years on the other side, learning the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize client recovery.
• Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Ralph can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often essential when dealing with national organizations.
• Journalism Background: His Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin trained him to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories – skills critical for exposing hazing in Mecklenburg County.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis – the very injury our client sustained. He has particular expertise in cases against fraternities like Kappa Sigma and incidents at institutions like Texas A&M University.
• Father of Three: As a parent, Ralph deeply understands the profound fear and anger a Mecklenburg County family experiences when their child is harmed by hazing. He fights with the conviction of someone protecting his own.

Lupe Eleno Peña – The Insider Against Institutional Negligence

Lupe Peña, an associate attorney at Attorney911, brings a distinct and powerful advantage to our hazing litigation: his extensive experience as a former national insurance defense attorney.

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide defense firm, where he learned the exact strategies, valuation methods, and delay tactics used by insurance companies and large corporations to fight claims.
• “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight”: This is Lupe’s philosophy. He leverages his insider knowledge to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the defense, ensuring every tactic used against victims is now used to benefit our clients.
• Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: His background in these severe injury cases makes him uniquely qualified to calculate and pursue the massive damages often associated with hazing incidents, including those with long-term consequences like kidney damage or psychological trauma.
• Dram Shop Experience: Lupe’s experience holding bars accountable for over-serving alcohol is directly applicable to hazing cases involving forced binge drinking, a common element in these tragedies.
• Fluent in Spanish: As a third-generation Texan who is fluent in Spanish, Lupe provides comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking families in Mecklenburg County, ensuring no language barrier hinders justice.

Together, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña form a formidable team – two former insurance defense attorneys, now fighting exclusively for victims. This is not coincidence; it’s strategy. When you hire Attorney911, you’re not just getting lawyers; you’re gaining former insiders who know exactly how the other side thinks, operates, and tries to lowball victims. This is an unfair advantage for victims in Mecklenburg County.

Our Commitment to Mecklenburg County Families

We know Mecklenburg County families have choices. Our promise is simple:

• Real Emotional Investment: We don’t see your child as a case file; we see them as a person. Hazing victims and their families become part of our fight, and we truly care about their well-being.
• Transparency and Communication: We keep you informed at every step, in plain language, so you always know what’s happening with your case, whether you’re in Mecklenburg County or beyond.
• Accessibility: Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serve clients nationwide. We offer video consultations for Mecklenburg County families and are prepared to travel to Virginia for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Client Testimonials & Reviews

Our dedication to clients is reflected in our 4.9-star Google My Business rating from over 250 reviews. Here’s what clients say about working with Attorney911:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris

“Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process. They’re the best!” — Devin Hebert (Local Guide)

“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz

“What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris

These testimonials reflect our unwavering commitment to every client, whether they are in Houston, Mecklenburg County, or anywhere nationwide.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Mecklenburg County Families

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses, but proactive steps can make all the difference in a potential legal case. We provide clear, actionable guidance for Mecklenburg County families dealing with the aftermath of hazing.

Immediate Action Guide for Hazing Victims & Families in Mecklenburg County

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, get them thoroughly examined by medical professionals. Document everything with a doctor. Do not delay, as some severe conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries may have delayed symptoms. Ask for copies of all medical records, including emergency room reports, doctors’ notes, and lab results.

2. Preserve All Evidence: This is arguably the most crucial step after ensuring safety and medical care. Hazing incidents are often hidden, and evidence can disappear quickly.

   • Text Messages & Digital Communications: Save every GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation (screenshots!), Instagram DM, private message, and email that relates to the hazing. Do not delete anything, even if it seems innocuous or embarrassing.
   • Photos & Videos: If there are any photos or videos of the hazing, save them immediately. Photograph any visible injuries, bruises, or marks on your child’s body. Continue taking photos as injuries heal, documenting the progression.
   • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the organization.
   • Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who may have witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it, particularly other pledges or fraternity/sorority members.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and any documentation of lost wages or academic disruption.

3. DO NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone: Do not engage directly with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without proper legal counsel. These entities are primarily concerned with protecting their own interests and reputation, not your child’s. Any statements given can be used against your case.

4. DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without having your lawyer review them first. These documents can waive your child’s rights.

5. DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting any information, photos, or comments about the hazing incident on social media. The defense will meticulously scrutinize all social media activity and use anything they can to undermine your case.

6. Contact Attorney911 Immediately: The sooner you contact us, the faster we can act to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and initiate legal proceedings. In most states, including Virginia, a two-year statute of limitations applies to personal injury claims, meaning you have a limited time to file a lawsuit from the date of injury or discovery of injury. Delay can be fatal to your case.

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7): We are available around the clock for immediate assistance.
   • Email: ralph@atty911.com
   • Video Consultations: For Mecklenburg County families, we offer convenient and confidential video consultations, removing geographical barriers.

   Even if your child attends a university in Virginia, such as James Madison University, Longwood University, or Hampden-Sydney College, or anywhere else, our nationwide reach means we can help.

Victim Categories & Case Types We Handle

We represent a broad spectrum of hazing victims, understanding that the impact of these events varies greatly:

• Living Victims – Physical Injury Cases: Like our client, Leonel Bermudez, who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring hospitalization and facing ongoing health consequences. We also represent victims with traumatic brain injury, broken bones, burns, internal injuries, and injuries from forced alcohol consumption.
• Living Victims – Psychological Trauma Cases: Hazing leaves deep psychological scars. We represent those suffering from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, academic decline, and social withdrawal. Our client’s fear of retribution is a testament to the real psychological damage inflicted.
• Wrongful Death / Family Cases: When hazing tragically claims a life, we aggressively pursue wrongful death claims, seeking compensation for lost companionship, future earnings, funeral expenses, medical costs, and punitive damages against all responsible parties.

Damages & Compensation: Securing Justice for Mecklenburg County Families

We pursue every available form of compensation to ensure hazing victims and their families in Mecklenburg County are fully compensated for their immense suffering and losses.

1. Economic Damages: These cover direct, quantifiable financial losses.
   • Medical Expenses: All costs related to diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
   • Lost Wages/Income: Compensation for any income lost due to injuries or recovery, including potential future lost earnings.
   • Lost Academic Investment: Reimbursement for tuition, fees, and other educational costs if hazing disrupted or ended a student’s academic career.
   • Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, counseling, and other recovery-related services.
2. Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible, deeply personal suffering.
   • Physical Pain: The agony endured during hazing, during medical recovery, and any chronic pain.
   • Mental Anguish: The profound psychological torment, terror, and fear experienced during and after the hazing.
   • Emotional Distress: Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the deep emotional scars left by abuse.
   • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and social events, as well as a diminished quality of life.
   • Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars, burns, or other physical alterations.
3. Punitive Damages: These are awarded to punish wrongdoers for their egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct and to deter others from similar actions. The extreme nature of the hazing in our $10 million lawsuit, involving torture-like acts and blatant disregard for human safety, strongly warrants punitive damages against individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university.

Defendant Targets: Who We Sue

Our strategy leaves no stone unturned, targeting all entities that bear responsibility:

• Greek Organizations (Local Chapters): Directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: For failing to supervise, educate, and control their local chapters, especially given prior knowledge of hazing culture. They hold the “deep pockets.”
• Universities & Colleges: For institutional negligence, failing to protect students on their campuses, particularly when they own the property where hazing occurred or have prior knowledge of hazing issues.
• Individual Perpetrators: Every person who directly participated in, facilitated, or enabled the hazing, including officers, members, and even alumni who host events.
• Insurance Carriers: We meticulously identify and target all relevant insurance policies – from national organizations, universities, and individual homeowner’s insurance – to maximize compensation. As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how to pursue these resources.

Call to Action for Mecklenburg County Hazing Victims

🚨 MECKLENBURG COUNTY FAMILIES: HAVE YOU OR YOUR CHILD BEEN HAZED?

YOU HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS. WE ARE FIGHTING THIS FIGHT RIGHT NOW – AND WE’LL FIGHT FOR MECKLENBURG COUNTY VICTIMS TOO.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Mecklenburg County families get the same aggressive representation.

Mecklenburg County Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Mecklenburg County hazing emergencies

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Mecklenburg County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

What Mecklenburg County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already. Document everything.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names, any communication.
3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY – the two-year statute of limitations in Virginia means time is of the essence, and evidence disappears fast.
6. Mecklenburg County Families: Distance is not a barrier – we offer video consultations and travel to Mecklenburg County for cases as needed.

We Serve Mecklenburg County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing unfortunately occurs at colleges and universities across the country, including those in Mecklenburg County and throughout Virginia. We have the capability and commitment to evaluate and represent your Mecklenburg County case regardless of location through:

• Federal court authority: Our attorneys are admitted to U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial against national organizations.
• Dual-state bar licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities headquartered outside Virginia.
• Video consultations: Mecklenburg County families can conveniently meet with our attorneys remotely from their homes.
• Travel commitment: We are prepared to travel to Mecklenburg County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when the pursuit of justice demands it.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in Mecklenburg County. We represent victims of hazing in a variety of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions like Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, or other universities in Virginia and surrounding states where Mecklenburg County students attend.
• Mecklenburg County high school and college sports teams.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations at schools throughout the region.
• Any organization where abuse is disguised as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you.

Our client was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

Lupe Pena said it best:

“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.

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