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Middlesex County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Middlesex County, North America, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this in Middlesex County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to make friends, build connections, and embark on a new chapter. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, or gravely injured. We understand what you’re going through. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were victims of an archaic, brutal practice masquerading as “tradition.” We’re here to help families in Middlesex County, throughout Virginia, and across the nation fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates for justice, relentless in our pursuit of accountability for hazing victims and their families. While our offices are based in Texas, our commitment to justice extends nationwide. We have the federal court authority and the willingness to travel to Middlesex County, Virginia, or anywhere else our clients need us, to ensure that those responsible for hazing injuries and deaths are held fully accountable. Families in Middlesex County deserve experienced, aggressive representation, and that’s precisely what we provide.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Middlesex County

Just weeks ago, a nightmare unfolded in Houston, a nightmare that reverberates through every university and college town across America, including those near Middlesex County, Virginia. Our firm, Attorney911, filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, laying bare the brutal reality of modern hazing. This isn’t a theoretical case; it’s a live, ongoing fight in the Harris County Civil District Court that embodies everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and unwavering commitment to victims.

This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing tactics inflict harm at universities that students from Middlesex County may attend. The same national fraternities that operated at the University of Houston have chapters near Middlesex County, Virginia. The same negligence found at the University of Houston exists at institutions across the country. And we will fight for Middlesex County families facing this horror with the same aggression and dedication we’re bringing to this pivotal case.

The victim in our current lawsuit is Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, merely intending to transfer in the spring. What he endured was a systematic campaign of abuse that left him hospitalized for nearly four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Media Unveils the Atrocity: What Pi Kappa Phi Did to Leonel Bermudez

News outlets across Houston, including ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, extensively covered the filing of our lawsuit, exposing the chilling details of what Leonel suffered. These reports confirm the barbaric nature of hazing today, demonstrating that it has little to do with camaraderie and everything to do with cruelty.

Perhaps most tellingly, Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity itself issued a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston” (https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/), effectively admitting to violations.

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Abuse, Days in the Hospital

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse and psychological torture. He was threatened, humiliated, deprived of sleep, and forced into extreme physical exertion.

  • October 13, 2025: Another pledge was horrifically hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
  • October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to intervene.
  • The abuse culminated on November 3, 2025, when Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and relentless running drills while reciting the fraternity creed. He was driven to complete exhaustion, unable to stand without help.
  • By November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to be passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of severe muscle breakdown.
  • He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The effects could pose a lifelong health risk.

Within days of the hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. On November 14, just a week before our lawsuit filing, the members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. Despite this, Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization declared, chillingly, that they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a statement utterly devoid of remorse.

Types of Hazing That Horrified the Community (and Can Happen in Middlesex County)

The details of Leonel’s ordeal paint a vivid, disturbing picture of contemporary hazing practices. These are not isolated incidents; these are the severe “traditions” that endanger students across the country, including in Virginia.

  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face during calisthenics. This is a form of torture.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue physical activity in his own puke.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: Endless pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and being struck with wooden paddles pushed his body past its limits, damaging his kidneys.
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Carrying a fanny pack with sexually explicit objects, stripping in cold weather, severe verbal abuse, and the hog-tying of a fellow pledge underscore the profound psychological trauma inflicted.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forced early morning drives for fraternity members led to dangerous exhaustion.

From our very own Ralph Manginello to 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 Peña added: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The Medical Fallout: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Rhabdomyolysis is a terrifying medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream that can severely damage the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure or even death. Leonel’s passing of brown urine, abnormally high creatine kinase levels, and eventual kidney failure were direct results of the extreme physical hazing. This is not a harmless prank; it’s a life-threatening injury that can lead to permanent disability or require lifelong medical management. Our firm has specific expertise in litigating cases involving rhabdomyolysis due to hazing.

Institutional Responses: A Display of Disregard

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National reveal a disturbing pattern of institutional self-preservation over student safety.

  • The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” signaling “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission of serious institutional failure.
  • Pi Kappa Phi National, in their own statement, cited “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” — an admission of wrongdoing on their part. Yet, they brazenly expressed looking “forward to returning to campus,” demonstrating a disturbing lack of accountability or genuine remorse. This indicates they see chapter closure as a temporary setback for their organization, not a permanent consequence for the severe harm caused to students like Leonel.

Why this case matters deeply to Middlesex County families: What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a stark reminder that hazing is a national crisis. Pi Kappa Phi, like many national fraternities, has over 150 chapters across America, with many operating at colleges and universities that students from Middlesex County, Virginia, attend. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel could be happening right now in Virginia. Universities, including those near Middlesex County which welcome students from the area, bear the same liability the University of Houston faces when they fail to protect their students from such brutality. If your child is being hazed in Middlesex County, we will bring the same fierce, data-driven fight to your case that we’re currently waging in Houston.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Middlesex County may harbor outdated notions of hazing, imagining harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality is far more sinister. Modern hazing, particularly within Greek life, routinely involves severe physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, often with life-altering and sometimes fatal consequences.

This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”
It is assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and in the most tragic cases, manslaughter or even murder.

The chilling acts Leonel Bermudez endured are a window into the dark world of hazing today: waterboarding (a government-classified form of torture), forced eating until vomiting, extreme physical exertion to the point of kidney failure, blatant sexual humiliation, and sustained sleep deprivation. These are not isolated incidents; they are calculated, systematic abuses designed to break down a victim’s will and instill fear, not foster friendship.

The Alarming Scope of the Hazing Crisis:

  • 55% of students involved in Greek organizations across the country report experiencing hazing. This means that a significant portion of students from Middlesex County who join fraternities or sororities at institutions anywhere in the nation face a substantial risk.
  • A shocking 95% of students who are hazed never report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty to the organization that abused them. This systemic silence allows the abuse to continue unchecked season after season.
  • Since the turn of the millennium, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. This horrific statistic underscores the deadly nature of hazing and the urgent need for intervention.
  • Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it permeates sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations. Families in Middlesex County should understand that this danger exists across many collegiate activities.

Institutions, from local chapters to national organizations and universities themselves, are often aware of the problem. They frequently turn a blind eye until a student is hospitalized or dies, at which point they issue carefully crafted statements, suspend chapters, and claim to be “shocked.” We see through these tactics, and we ensure they are held accountable.

The Categories of Hazing Abuse:

  • Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling, burning, branding, electric shocking, and as we saw with Leonel, forced, extreme exercise to the point of exhaustion and organ failure.
  • Forced Consumption: Victims are forced to consume dangerous quantities of alcohol (often leading to alcohol poisoning), non-food substances, or food until they vomit, as Leonel was forced to do.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for extended periods with mandatory activities or early morning duties, impacting their health and academic performance.
  • Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats are commonplace, designed to break down self-esteem. Leonel was compelled to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature as a form of constant humiliation.
  • Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexually explicit acts, carrying sexual objects, and even sexual assault occur within hazing rituals, leaving lasting trauma.
  • Waterboarding/Drowning: As seen in Leonel’s case, simulated drowning is a horrifying reality, a direct physical threat with profound psychological impact.
  • Exposure: Pledges can be subjected to extreme temperatures, left in confined spaces, or forced to go without appropriate clothing, risking hypothermia or heatstroke.
  • Servitude: Being forced to clean, drive members, or run errands for extended periods contributes to exhaustion and psychological subjugation.

The medical consequences of such abuse are severe: alongside rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, victims suffer traumatic brain injuries, alcohol poisoning, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and profound psychological trauma like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In the gravest situations, hazing leads to wrongful death. We work tirelessly to ensure that Middlesex County families understand these risks and know that they have powerful advocates in their corner.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a life is shattered by hazing, the question of responsibility extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. In our aggressive litigation strategy, we target every entity that played a role, directly or indirectly, in allowing the abuse to occur. This comprehensive approach is critical because hazing is rarely the act of a few rogue individuals; it is often embedded in an organizational culture, enabled by institutional oversight failures. The goal is to hold accountable not just the college students involved, but the “deep pockets”—the national organizations and universities that have the financial means to prevent such tragedies and compensate victims.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, our $10 million lawsuit names a broad array of defendants, setting a precedent for comprehensive accountability that we bring to all our cases, regardless of whether they are in Middlesex County or elsewhere.

  1. The Local Chapter (Beta Nu of Pi Kappa Phi): This is the immediate perpetrator. The chapter directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. Their officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, hold leadership responsibility for orchestrating and permitting the abuse.
  2. Individual Members: Every current member who actively participated in the hazing, or even those who witnessed it and failed to intervene or report, can be held personally liable. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and other torts.
  3. Former Members and Their Spouses: In the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse were named defendants because some of the most egregious hazing occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who knowingly allows their property to be used for illegal and dangerous activities. This highlights premises liability beyond just university-owned property.
  4. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi exert significant control over their chapters through charters, policies, and risk management guidelines. When they fail to adequately supervise, enforce rules, or respond to patterns of abuse (especially with a history like Pi Kappa Phi’s, which includes a hazing death in 2017), they bear substantial responsibility. They have the “deep pockets,” vast assets, and extensive insurance coverage that can provide meaningful compensation to victims. According to KHOU 11, the national organization was alleged to have enabled the harmful environment by “failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
  5. The University (University of Houston and UH Board of Regents): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, a responsibility heightened when they own or control the property where hazing occurs. In the Bermudez case, hazing took place in a university-owned fraternity house. The university knew hazing was a problem on its campus (a student was hospitalized from hazing in 2017). Their failure to prevent it despite this knowledge makes them liable for negligent supervision, premises liability, and institutional negligence.
  6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national fraternity, university, and even many individuals, there are insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these entities operate, how they value claims, and the tactics they employ to minimize payouts. This allows us to navigate complex commercial and personal insurance policies to maximize recovery for our clients.

Our approach in Middlesex County, Virginia, will be no different. If your child is victimized by hazing, we will meticulously investigate to identify every responsible party—from the students who committed the acts, to the alumni who enabled them, to the national Greek organization that failed to oversee its chapter, and to the university that failed to protect its students. We leave no stone unturned in our relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

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

For parents in Middlesex County, Virginia, contemplating legal action after a hazing incident, understanding the potential financial recovery is crucial. These are not small claims; they are often multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and their national organizations: hazing costs dearly. These landmark cases prove that justice can be achieved, and the same aggressive legal strategies that led to these outcomes apply directly to cases involving Middlesex County students.

The Precedent-Setting Cases We Reference in Our Fight:

  1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) — Over $10.1 Million: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation. The resulting settlements amounted to over $10.1 million, with Bowling Green State University paying $2.9 million and Pi Kappa Alpha national and individuals paying $7.2 million. This substantial payout, the largest public university hazing settlement in Ohio’s history, directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are directly liable and have the financial capacity to provide significant compensation. Moreover, in December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability. This proves that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind their organization’s corporate veil; they too will pay.
  2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge ritual called “Bible Study.” In his case, a jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict to his family, a powerful testament to how juries respond to the egregious nature of hazing. This tragedy also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating that these cases can spur significant legislative change.
  3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — Over $110 Million (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi initiation, falling repeatedly down stairs, and being left for 12 hours without medical attention by fraternity members. The comprehensive civil settlements in this case amounted to an estimated over $110 million, with numerous fraternity members facing criminal convictions including involuntary manslaughter. The case also catalyzed Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.” This outcome demonstrates the immense value juries and courts place on such losses when evidence of severe negligence and cover-up is present.
  4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Same Fraternity as Bermudez: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement. This case is a smoking gun for the Bermudez lawsuit because it reveals a clear, deadly pattern of hazing within the very same national organization – Pi Kappa Phi. They had eight years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to reform their culture; they demonstrably failed. This history proves actual notice and supports significant punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi.
  5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) — $4+ Million Settlement: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after hazing at a Delta Chi event. The family initially filed a $28 million lawsuit, and in October 2024, reached a settlement of over $4 million including a direct cash settlement and a donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation. This case, closer to Middlesex County in Virginia, further supports the multi-million dollar outcomes of hazing cases and the legislative changes they inspire (“Adam’s Law” in Virginia).

Why These Precedents Empower Middlesex County Families:

  • Your Case Can Command Millions: These outcomes demonstrate that the suffering caused by hazing is recognized by courts and juries with multi-million dollar awards. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is rooted in these established precedents, aligning with what justice demands for severe injuries.
  • Accountability for All Parties: These cases confirm that not only local fraternity chapters and individual members but also national organizations and universities are held financially liable. This ensures that Middlesex County families are not limited to suing students with limited resources.
  • Driving Legislative Change: The Max Gruver Act, Timothy J. Piazza Law, and Adam’s Law are direct results of victims’ families fighting for justice. Your case, like Leonel’s, could contribute to stronger anti-hazing laws in Virginia and nationwide.

We believe in securing maximum compensation for our clients, not just to rebuild their lives but to force systemic change. The same letters, the same Greek organizations that have paid millions for hazing incidents across the nation, have chapters near Middlesex County, Virginia. And if they dare to haze students from Middlesex County, we will use these precedents to hold them to account.

Virginia Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights Against Hazing

For families in Middlesex County, Virginia, navigating the legal landscape after a hazing incident can feel overwhelming. However, it’s crucial to understand that Virginia’s laws – and federal laws which supersede state jurisdiction in certain aspects – provide robust protections for hazing victims, ensuring that consent is not a defense and that perpetrators and institutions face strong consequences. While our firm is based in Texas, our expertise in federal civil rights law and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to effectively represent victims across state lines, including in Virginia, leveraging our knowledge of national patterns and institutional liability.

Virginia’s Comprehensive Anti-Hazing Law: Adam’s Law

Virginia has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing legislation, especially following the tragic death of Adam Oakes at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021, which led to the enactment of “Adam’s Law.”

Hazing Definition (Virginia Code § 18.2-56): Similar to Texas law, Virginia broadly defines hazing as any action that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Requiring consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances.
  • Forced physical activity or excessive exercise.
  • Sleep deprivation.
  • Subjection to exposure to the elements.
  • Confinement to small spaces.
  • Any act that causes mental or physical discomfort, humiliation, intoxication, or degradation.

Criminal Penalties (Virginia Code § 18.2-56(B)):

  • Misdemeanor: Any hazing act that causes bodily injury is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
  • Felony: Any hazing act that results in the death or serious bodily injury of a student is a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. This is a critical provision that elevates severe hazing to a felony.

Organizational Liability (Virginia Code § 18.2-56(C)):

  • Organizations involved in hazing may lose official school recognition.
  • The organization’s national leadership or governing body can also be penalized.

Consent is NOT a Defense (Virginia Code § 18.2-56(D)):

“The consent of a student to hazing shall not be a defense to any prosecution or civil action brought under this section.”

This is paramount. Just like in Texas, Virginia law explicitly nullifies any argument that the victim “consented” to the hazing. Fraternities and universities cannot escape accountability by claiming your child “knew what they were signing up for” or “could have left.” This legal principle is crucial for Middlesex County families, removing a common hurdle in hazing litigation and ensuring justice is not denied due to victim blaming.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal charges address the illegal nature of hazing, civil lawsuits provide Middlesex County victims and their families with the financial compensation needed to heal and rebuild. We pursue multiple avenues of civil liability:

  1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common civil theory. We assert that:
    • Universities, national organizations, and individual members had a duty of care to protect students from harm.
    • They breached that duty by allowing, facilitating, or directly participating in hazing.
    • This breach caused your child’s injuries.
    • These injuries resulted in damages (medical bills, pain, suffering, lost income).
  2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by a university or a fraternity housing corporation (common for many institutions near Middlesex County), the owner or occupier of that property can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition.
  3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to adequately oversee their Virginia chapters and to universities that fail to properly supervise Greek life organizations on their campus.
  4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact. Every forced drink, every physical blow, every humiliating act can be categorized as assault or battery.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous conduct typical of hazing, such as waterboarding or prolonged humiliation, can lead to severe emotional distress, forming the basis for an IIED claim. This addresses the deep psychological scars left by hazing.
  6. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, hazing leads to death. Virginia has strong wrongful death statutes that allow bereaved Middlesex County families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and a parent’s or child’s loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance.

Federal Laws and Nationwide Reach

Our federal court authority, coupled with Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar admissions in Texas and New York, provides a strategic advantage for hazing victims in Middlesex County. We are not bound by state lines when it comes to holding national organizations accountable. Cases involving universities that receive federal funding or national fraternities that operate across state lines often have federal civil rights implications, particularly under Title IX, which prohibits gender-based discrimination including sexual harassment and assault, sometimes connected to hazing. These avenues allow us to bring powerful federal claims when appropriate.

For Middlesex County families, this means that even if a local firm lacks the specific expertise or national reach, Attorney911 can step in. We bring the full force of our experience, gained from fighting multimillion-dollar hazing cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, to ensure that the laws designed to protect your child are rigorously enforced.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in the Fight Against Hazing

When your family in Middlesex County is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need an advocate with unparalleled experience, ruthless determination, and a track record of taking on—and defeating—major institutions. Attorney911 offers precisely that. We aren’t just reacting to hazing; we are actively fighting it right now in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t theoretical; this is our daily reality.

Here’s why families in Middlesex County choose Attorney911 to fight for their hazing victims:

  1. We Are In The Fight Right Now: While many firms may claim to handle hazing cases, we are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t outdated history; it’s a live, aggressive battle that demonstrates our full commitment and expertise in this complex area of law. We bring this same level of fierce dedication to every hazing case, no matter if it originates in Middlesex County, Virginia, or anywhere else.
  2. Unrivaled Insider Knowledge from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Our team boasts a unique “unfair advantage.” Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. They spent years working on the other side, defending insurance companies and large corporations. They know every tactic, every loophole, and every strategy insurance companies and institutional defendants will use to deny claims, minimize payouts, and shift blame. Now, they use that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. This strategic insight is particularly powerful when facing sophisticated entities like national fraternities and universities in Middlesex County.
  3. Proven Federal Court Authority and Nationwide Reach: Hazing is a national problem, and we have national capabilities. Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and holds dual-state bar licenses in Texas and New York. This, combined with Lupe Peña’s federal court admissions, means we have the authority and expertise to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often essential when dealing with national fraternities and multi-state university systems that may have chapters near Middlesex County, Virginia. Distance is never a barrier to justice for us; we offer remote consultations and are prepared to travel to Middlesex County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary.
  4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello was deeply involved in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a mass tort case involving a multi-billion dollar corporation, 15 deaths, and over 180 injuries. This experience demonstrates our capacity to confidently take on—and win against—even the largest institutional defendants, including national fraternities and universities with vast resources, whether they are in Middlesex County or elsewhere.
  5. A Deep Understanding of Hazing-Specific Injuries and Dynamics: We possess specialized expertise in injuries such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, the exact medical conditions suffered by Leonel Bermudez. We understand the physical and psychological toll hazing takes and how to effectively translate that suffering into maximum compensation. Furthermore, both Ralph, a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach, and Lupe understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the environments where hazing often occurs.
  6. Compassionate and Client-Centered Approach (Se Habla Español): We understand that a hazing incident is often one of the most traumatic experiences a family can endure. Our firm maintains a warm, empathetic, and communicative culture. We treat all our clients, including Spanish-speaking families from Middlesex County, with respect and understanding. Our bilingual staff ensures no language barrier will prevent justice. As our client testimonials attest, we truly treat our clients like family.
  7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees: We believe that access to justice should never be limited by income. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means families in Middlesex County pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes the financial burden from families already struggling with emotional and medical trauma. This commitment is central to our mission, allowing you to focus on healing while we focus on the fight. You can learn more about how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Testimonials from Families Like Yours:

Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business, from over 250 reviews, reflects our relentless advocacy and compassionate client care. Families consistently praise our communication, our aggressive legal posture, and our commitment to their well-being:

  • “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
  • “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
  • “What seemed to be a crisis… Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a team that understands what you’re up against, knows how to fight back, and is already actively winning these battles. We are ready to bring that proven expertise and unyielding determination to your hazing case in Middlesex County, Virginia.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Middlesex County Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Middlesex County, Virginia, or at any university they attend, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While shock, anger, and confusion are natural, it’s vital to take swift, decisive action to protect your child’s legal rights and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Do not delay. The decisions you make now can significantly impact the strength of your case.

Here at Attorney911, we understand the overwhelming nature of this situation. We want to empower you with clear, actionable steps that a panicked parent in Middlesex County can follow at 2 AM.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Medical Attention and Documentation

Your child’s health is paramount. If they are injured, unwell, or showing any symptoms of physical or psychological distress from hazing:

  • Seek Medical Care Immediately: Do not hesitate to go to the emergency room or urgent care. Even if injuries seem minor or symptoms appear delayed, get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed onset. A medical professional can assess the full extent of the harm.
  • Be Honest with Healthcare Providers: Clearly state that the injuries resulted from hazing. This is crucial for medical documentation, which will serve as powerful evidence in any legal proceedings.
  • Preserve All Medical Records: Obtain copies of ER reports, doctor’s notes, hospital discharge papers (including those showing a 4-day stay like Leonel Bermudez’s), lab results (especially for high creatine kinase), and any bills. Keep a meticulous record of all treatments, medications, and therapy sessions. Future care needs, particularly for kidney damage or psychological trauma, must also be documented.

Step 2: Collect and Secure All Evidence

Evidence disappears quickly. Fraternities and universities may attempt to scrub digital trails or coerce witnesses into silence. Act fast to secure any and all information related to the hazing.

  • Photos and Videos: If safe to do so, immediately take photos or videos of all physical injuries, including bruises, cuts, burns, or specific symptoms like brown urine. Document the location where hazing occurred, any items used (paddles, hoses), and the general environment. Continue to photograph the healing process. If your child is incapacitated, ask a trusted friend or family member to help. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
  • Digital Communications: Hazing thrives in digital spaces. Collect and screenshot every piece of communication:
    • Text messages (SMS/MMS)
    • GroupMe chats
    • Snapchat stories/messages (before they disappear)
    • Instagram DMs or posts
    • Facebook messages or group content
    • Emails
    • Look for instructions, threats, schedules, descriptions of activities, names of participants, and any implied admissions of wrongdoing.
  • Witness Information: Identify anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it – other pledges, current members who felt uncomfortable, bystanders, or even former members. Obtain their names, phone numbers, and any other contact details.
  • Physical Evidence: Preserve any clothing, documents, or items that might be relevant. This could include pledge manuals, written “rules,” or any physical objects used during hazing.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, expenses related to missed school or work, and any other financial losses incurred due to the hazing incident. This includes tuition, fees, and scholarship losses.

Step 3: Crucial “Do Not” Actions – Protect Your Case:

One wrong move can severely jeopardize your family’s ability to seek justice. Remember, the institutions involved will prioritize their own self-preservation.

  • DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, photos, videos, or social media posts related to the hazing. This can be interpreted as spoliation of evidence, severely damaging your case. You need to gather every piece of evidence. This is perhaps one of the most critical client mistakes that can ruin your injury case, as warned by Attorney911.
  • DO NOT Engage with the Fraternity/Sorority Leadership, University Administration, or Their Lawyers: Do not give any statements, sign any documents, or otherwise communicate with these parties without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their own interests. They may try to minimize the incident, shift blame, or offer inadequate settlements.
  • DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the hazing incident, your injuries, or your thoughts on social media platforms. Anything you post can and will be used against you by defense attorneys to discredit your claims or minimize your suffering. You can learn more about this in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
  • DO NOT Accept Initial Offers: Do not accept any immediate settlement offers from an insurance company or the university. These are almost always lowball offers intended to resolve the case quickly and cheaply, far below what your child truly deserves.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is not a fight you should face alone. National fraternities and universities have vast legal and financial resources, and dedicated teams to protect their reputations. You need your own powerful advocate.

  • Call Attorney911 Right Away: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Virginia is generally two years from the date of injury or death. This may sound like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and the legal process is complex. Our attorneys will move swiftly to preserve evidence, identify defendants, and initiate legal proceedings. Timing is critical. You can learn more about statutes of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
  • Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer a completely free consultation to families in Middlesex County. During this call, you can discuss the details of your case without financial obligation.
  • Nationwide Representation: Though headquartered in Texas, our expertise means we are equipped to assist hazing victims across the country, including those in Middlesex County. We offer video consultations for your convenience and will travel as needed.

Middlesex County families, time is of the essence. Your child’s future, and the accountability of those who harmed them, depend on your immediate action. Contact us today. We are here to help.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Middlesex County, Virginia

If your child in Middlesex County, Virginia, has been a victim of hazing, the path forward may seem daunting, but you don’t have to walk it alone. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to become your fiercest advocates. We are actively fighting the biggest hazing battles in the country right now, and we bring that same aggressive, compassionate representation to families like yours, no matter where you are located.

Your child was supposed to find a community, a brotherhood or sisterhood. Instead, they found torture, humiliation, or severe injury. You have legal rights, and we are here to ensure those rights are fiercely protected.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 MILLION lawsuit. This is not theoretical; this is our active, ongoing commitment to holding institutions accountable. Middlesex County families deserve and will receive the same aggressive and results-driven legal representation.

Middlesex County, Virginia, Families – Contact Us Immediately for a Free, Confidential Consultation.

Your call is confidential, and your consultation is absolutely free. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to understand your options and begin the path to justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Middlesex County hazing emergencies. When crisis strikes, we answer.

Financial Accessibility for Middlesex County Hazing Victims: No Upfront Costs

We understand the financial strain that medical emergencies and legal battles can place on families. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • $0 Upfront: Families in Middlesex County pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
  • We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid: Our fees are only collected as a percentage of the compensation we successfully secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime for our legal services.
  • We Invest in Your Case: We cover all litigation costs and expenses, taking on the financial risk so you don’t have to.

This commitment ensures that every family, regardless of their financial situation, has access to expert legal representation against powerful institutions. You can learn more about how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Nationwide Expertise, Local Impact for Middlesex County

While our offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and dedication extend far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national scourge, and we are equipped to handle cases for victims in Middlesex County, Virginia and across the United States.

  • Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas), combined with Ralph Manginello’s dual bar licenses in Texas and New York, allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often necessary when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines.
  • Video Consultations: For your convenience, we offer secure and confidential video consultations, allowing Middlesex County families to meet with our experienced attorneys from the comfort of their homes.
  • Travel Commitment: We routinely travel to depositions, critical meetings, and trials wherever justice demands, including journeying to Middlesex County, Virginia, to provide in-person representation for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice; it is merely a logistical detail we handle.

We Represent All Victims of Hazing, Regardless of Organization or Location:

Hazing is not limited to Greek life, nor is it confined to any single university or state. We represent individuals who have suffered hazing in a wide array of settings:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges across Virginia and nationwide, including those attracting students from Middlesex County.
  • Sports teams, from high school to collegiate levels, in Middlesex County and beyond.
  • Marching bands, clubs, and other student organizations.
  • ROTC programs and military academies.
  • Any organization where abuse, degradation, or dangerous rituals are used for initiation or to maintain membership.

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

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Our lawsuit alleges other pledges were hog-tied, collapsed from exhaustion, and faced the same brutal treatment. If you or someone you know experienced hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, you have rights, and we are here to help you seek justice. As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Call us, and let’s hold those accountable.

Don’t let the perpetrators, the national organizations, or the universities hide. Your fight is our fight. Call Attorney911 today.

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