If you’re reading this in Middlesex County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make friends, build connections, and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were brought to the brink of physical and psychological collapse by a group that promised them brotherhood or sisterhood. We’re here to help families in Middlesex County fight back against the institutions and individuals responsible for hazing injuries and deaths.

We understand what you’re going through. The initial shock, the fear for your child’s well-being, the burning anger that someone could do this. As parents and legal advocates, we share your outrage. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation hazing inflicts, and we are actively fighting it right now in court. Our resolve stems from a deep commitment to holding accountable every entity responsible for hazing injuries, from individual perpetrators to national organizations and the universities that enable such atrocities.

The story we are about to share isn’t just a legal case; it’s a stark warning for every parent in Middlesex County. It’s about a young man, Leonel Bermudez, who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded and subjected to unimaginable abuse by a fraternity. This happened just weeks ago in Houston, Texas, but the same dangers lurk at colleges and universities near Middlesex County, and indeed, across America. We want you to know what hazing truly looks like, who is responsible, and how we, at Attorney911, transform pain and anger into powerful legal action.

The Bermudez Case: A $10 Million Fight Happening Right Now

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

This isn’t a theoretical battle; it’s a live, ongoing fight being waged by our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, in a Harris County Civil District Court. Filed on November 21, 2025, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is a $10 million lawsuit that epitomizes everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability. Though this case is unfolding in Houston, the implications directly impact and serve as a crucial warning to families in Middlesex County, because the same national fraternities operate, the same negligence exists, and the same dangers threaten students across the country. We are ready to bring the same aggression and legal expertise to your family’s case in Middlesex County.

Media Coverage Confirms the Horrifying Details:

Major news outlets across Houston immediately reported on the filing of this landmark lawsuit, bringing the horrific details of Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal to light. Families in Middlesex County need to hear these stories, because what happened to Leonel could happen to their child.

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

Even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, issued a statement, acknowledging violations and the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter, just days before our lawsuit became public, proving they knew exactly what was coming. You can read their statement here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez – A “Ghost Rush” Tortured Before He Even Enrolled

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an egregious campaign of systematic abuse and psychological torture that spanned weeks. This happened to someone who wasn’t even an official student, someone still planning his future at the university where this “brotherhood” nearly destroyed him. They subjected him to this horror before he even had a chance to attend a single class.

As Attorney 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.”

Attorney Lupe Peña emphasized our firm’s mission 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.” For families in Middlesex County, this sentiment rings true. Your fight for justice isn’t just for your child; it’s a fight for every other student who might otherwise become a victim.

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Terror Culminating in Hospitalization

The severity of Leonel’s hazing isn’t just in the individual acts but in their relentless, systematic nature. Weeks of abuse escalated, demonstrating a culture of brutality within the chapter.

Date	Event
Sept 16, 2025	Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi at UH. Hazing rituals begin immediately.
Sept 16 – Nov 3	Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and psychological torture.
Oct 13, 2025	Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This shows the routine nature of the abuse.
Oct 15, 2025	A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. Other pledges are forced to elevate his legs until he recovers. This incident alone should have stopped the hazing, but it continued.
Nov 3, 2025	THE INCIDENT: Leonel Bermudez is subjected to extreme punishment, including over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other strenuous exercises while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
Nov 4-5, 2025	Leonel is unable to move; his condition deteriorates rapidly.
Nov 6, 2025	His mother rushes him to the hospital as he is passing brown urine, a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown.
Nov 6-10, 2025	Leonel spends 3 nights and 4 days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Nov 14, 2025	Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes Beta Nu Chapter at UH, effective this date, weeks before the lawsuit.
Nov 21, 2025	Attorney911 files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County Civil District Court. News media immediately picks up the story.

The Hazing Activities: Not Pranks, But Torture

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not isolated incidents but part of a continuous, horrifying pattern:

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: KHOU 11 reported “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is not a college prank; it is a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly sadistic act, he was “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these exertions and continued until he could not physically stand. The Houston Chronicle also reported pledges “being struck with wooden paddles.”
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. ABC13 also reported another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance were constant.
Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and causing severe exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

These brutal activities led to dire medical consequences. Leonel developed severe rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream, which can severely damage the kidneys.

Symptoms: His mother noticed he was “passing brown urine,” a classic sign of myoglobin in the urine due to muscle breakdown. Lab tests confirmed “very high creatine kinase levels,” indicating significant muscle damage.
Diagnosis: He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that can lead to permanent kidney damage or even death.
Hospitalization: He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment to prevent further organ damage. For days after the incident, he “could not stand or walk.”

This is the same type of severe medical condition Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating, showing our profound understanding of such complex injury cases.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Damage Control, Not Accountability

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National illustrate a pattern of institutions prioritizing damage control over genuine accountability:

University of Houston’s Statement: A UH spokesperson told Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and mentioned “potential criminal charges.” This admission acknowledges the severity of the conduct but comes after the harm, not before. It is a tacit admission that their oversight failed.
Pi Kappa Phi National’s Statement: On November 21, 2025, their website announced the Beta Nu Chapter was closed effective November 14, “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy.” This statement, released just seven days before our lawsuit became public, reveals their attempt to get ahead of the story and distance themselves. Their claim to “prioritize the well-being of our members” rings hollow while one of their pledges recovers from kidney failure caused by their organization. They even stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” showing a striking lack of remorse and a focus on reinstatement rather than reform.

Why This Case Matters to Middlesex County Families:

Hazing is Torture: These aren’t harmless traditions. They are acts of physical and psychological battery. Middlesex County parents deserve to know their children face these specific, documented dangers.
Universities are Complicit: UH owned the fraternity house where much of this occurred. Universities near Middlesex County, such as Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Middlesex County College, Kean University in Union County, or Fairleigh Dickinson University in Monmouth County, have similar oversight responsibilities and liabilities. When they own the property and fail to act, they are accountable.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s swift closure of the chapter proves they knew wrongdoing occurred. With 150+ chapters across America, including those near Middlesex County, this national body has a history of deadly hazing (as evidenced by Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), yet they failed to prevent Leonel’s injuries.
Victims Are Afraid: Leonel “fears retribution for speaking out.” This intense fear is a hallmark of hazing. We protect victims in Middlesex County and elsewhere who face similar threats.
A $10 Million Message: This lawsuit sends an unequivocal message: such barbarity will not be tolerated. This aggressive pursuit of justice is the only way to compel real change. Your Middlesex County case can be part of this vital message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Middlesex County, hazing might conjure images of silly pranks or embarrassing tasks. But the reality is far darker, far more dangerous. It’s not about “boys being boys” or “building character.” It is systematic abuse that can kill, maim, and leave deep psychological scars. What Leonel Bermudez endured is a chilling example of modern hazing:

Assault and Battery: Being struck with wooden paddles, waterboarded, or physically forced into extreme exertion constitutes assault and battery.
Torture: Waterboarding is recognized globally as torture. Forced consumption to the point of vomiting and sleep deprivation fall under psychological and physical torment.
Reckless Endangerment: Forcing someone into activities that cause kidney failure demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life.
Wrongful Death: Tragically, many hazing incidents end in death, due to alcohol poisoning, extreme physical stress, or other injuries.

The Alarming Reality:

Pervasiveness: Over 55% of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and 40% of student athletes report similar incidents. Hazing isn’t confined to fraternities; it occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student groups.
Silence: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.
Annual Casualties: Disturbingly, since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States.

The Institutional Cover-Up:

Universities and national organizations are fully aware of hazing. They have policies, risk management plans, and endless rhetoric about “student safety.” Yet, time and again, they fail to prevent these tragedies. Only when a student is hospitalized or dies do they act, typically by “suspending” or “dissolving” chapters, while publicly claiming shock and promising investigations. This pattern of willful blindness and delayed action is exactly what we target in our litigation.

Hazing’s Many Faces and Their Devastating Impact:

Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced extreme exercise, sleep deprivation, cold exposure, being sprayed with hoses.
Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, drinking entire bottles of liquor, being forced to eat or drink non-food items, or force-fed until vomiting.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation (like carrying sexual items or stripping), degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and explicit threats.
Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects are also documented forms of hazing that fall under this category.
Medical Consequences: Beyond the immediate injuries, hazing can lead to severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and profound psychological damage like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In the worst cases, it leads to wrongful death.

These are not isolated incidents but a systemic problem that requires aggressive legal intervention. We are here to fight for Middlesex County families against this pervasive culture of abuse.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When a child is brutally hazed, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. A vast network of individuals and institutions often enables, facilitates, or negligently permits such behavior. We don’t guess who is responsible; we use our unparalleled intelligence database and litigation experience to identify every single entity that bears legal liability for the harm inflicted upon your child.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we are actively pursuing multiple defendants, demonstrating our comprehensive approach to accountability:

The Local Fraternity Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and carried out the hazing. Their officers, such as the President and Pledgemaster, were leaders in this abuse, and the individual members participated or allowed it to happen. In many cases, it’s not simply the active members. As in Leonel’s case, even former members and their spouses who host hazing activities at their residences can be held liable.
The National Fraternity Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, like all national Greek-letter organizations, has a responsibility to supervise its chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. As proved by the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017, and our current lawsuit alleging their knowledge of “a hazing crisis,” their failure to act is a direct cause of harm. These national organizations often possess substantial assets and comprehensive insurance coverage, representing significant “deep pockets” for compensation.
The University or College: The University of Houston is a defendant because it owned and controlled the fraternity house where hazing occurred. This establishes clear premises liability. Universities near Middlesex County, such as Rutgers in New Brunswick, Monmouth University, or Seton Hall, have a similar duty to protect their students and oversee Greek life. When they fail to take action despite knowledge of hazing risks, they become legally responsible.
Individual Perpetrators: Every student or former member who actively participated in, directed, or failed to intervene in the hazing can be held personally liable for assault, battery, and negligent actions. This includes chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster), pledges, and even third parties who facilitate these events.
Insurance Carriers: These are critical defendants. National organizations, universities, and individuals typically have extensive insurance coverage – general liability, homeowners, and umbrella policies – that are designed to cover such incidents. As a firm with former insurance defense attorneys, we possess invaluable insight into how these companies operate, strategize, and try to deny payouts. We know how to navigate their complex policies to maximize recovery for our clients.

The Deep Pockets of Accountability:

It’s important to stress that these lawsuits are not about financially ruining individual college students. They are about holding institutions accountable — national fraternities with millions in assets, universities with vast endowments, and their extensive insurance carriers. We strategically target these “deep pockets” because that’s where the real power to effect change and procure meaningful compensation lies.

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

Middlesex County parents often ask if it’s truly possible to get justice, let alone significant compensation, from powerful fraternities and universities. The answer is a resounding yes. Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it’s grounded in a strong legal framework and a growing body of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements from similar hazing cases across the country. These precedents demonstrate that when victims and their families stand up, justice can be achieved.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements That Send a Clear Message:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
- What Happened: Stone Foltz, 20, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
- The Outcome: His family received over $10.1 million in settlements, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. This case resulted in criminal convictions and the fraternity’s permanent expulsion. In a significant development from December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million, highlighting individual accountability.
- Relevance to Middlesex County: This case sets a benchmark for the significant financial consequences for both universities and national fraternities, aligning directly with our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It also shows that individuals face massive personal liability.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
- What Happened: Maxwell Gruver, 18, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event.
- The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. The incident led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and inspired the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
- Relevance to Middlesex County: This case proves that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, underscoring the potential for substantial recovery for Middlesex County families in a jury trial.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
- What Happened: Timothy Piazza, 19, suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling down stairs during a Beta Theta Pi event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and security cameras captured much of the ordeal. He died two days later.
- The Outcome: The family reached confidential settlements totaling an estimated $110 million+. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. This case led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
- Relevance to Middlesex County: This case demonstrates the immense value juries and settlements can reach when evidence is strong and the conduct is heinous. The institutional cover-up and delay in seeking aid are common themes.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
- What Happened: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
- The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
- Relevance to Middlesex County: This is tragically the same national fraternity as the one that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. This incident proves Pi Kappa Phi National had clear, actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters years ago. Their failure to prevent another tragedy despite this knowledge is a critical component of our current litigation.
Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
- What Happened: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi big-little event. The lawsuit revealed how members coerced him into drinking a bottle of whiskey.
- The Outcome: The family received a settlement including $2.5 million cash and a significant donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which successfully lobbied for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
- Relevance to Middlesex County: This recent case further reinforces the multi-million dollar settlements for hazing deaths and the powerful impact families can have on legislative change.

The Message to Universities and Fraternities Operating Near Middlesex County:

These cases, representing over $136 million in documented high-end hazing awards, send an unequivocal message:

Hazing Costs Millions: The financial liability for universities and national fraternities is staggering.
Juries Hate Hazing: Jurors are consistently outraged by hazing, leading to significant verdicts for victims.
Accountability Extends to Individuals: Chapter officers and members can face severe personal judgments.
Hazing Drives Legislation: These tragedies often spark new, tougher anti-hazing laws, like those passed in Ohio, Virginia, and Louisiana.

For families in Middlesex County, this means that the legal strategies and precedents that secured these massive outcomes are available for your child’s case. We will use every piece of this ammunition to fight for you.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Never a Defense

For Middlesex County families grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our base of operation is in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability extend nationwide. Many states have statutes similar to Texas’s, and federal civil rights claims, along with common law negligence claims, apply universally. Our firm’s ability to litigate in federal court and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) mean we can pursue justice for hazing victims anywhere, including across the state of New Jersey and specifically within Middlesex County.

Texas Anti-Hazing Law: Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes in the country. This legislation defines hazing broadly, criminalizes it, and, critically, eliminates the defense of consent.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:
- Involves physical brutality: whipping, beating, striking, branding, etc. (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles).
- Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or calisthenics: that subject the student to unreasonable risk of harm or adverse effects on mental/physical health (Leonel endured sleep deprivation, stripping to underwear in cold weather, and extreme calisthenics leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure).
- Involves consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol: creating unreasonable risk or adverse health effects (Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting).
- Involves coercion into Penal Code violations: any activity that causes a student to commit a criminal offense.
- Involves coercing consumption of drugs or intoxicating amounts of alcohol: (forced drinking often leads to acute alcohol poisoning).
The waterboarding Leonel endured, while not explicitly listed, undeniably falls under this broad definition due to its status as physical brutality and subjection to unreasonable risk and adverse health effects. Our case against Pi Kappa Phi satisfies multiple elements of this statutory definition.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a serious crime in Texas:
- Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or having knowledge and failing to report (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure unequivocally constitute “serious bodily injury.”
- State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).
  The University of Houston spokesperson’s mention of “potential criminal charges” underscores the severe legal jeopardy facing the perpetrators in Leonel’s case.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can face fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating privileges, and forfeiture of property if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their members assist in it. This directly applies to the Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization.
Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of the Texas anti-hazing law. It explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This utterly obliterates one of the most common defenses used by fraternities and universities: “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left.” The law is clear: you cannot consent to being hazed. This powerful legal principle protects victims in Middlesex County from being blamed for the abuse they endured.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Into Compensation

Even when criminal prosecutions falter or don’t occur, civil lawsuits provide a critical avenue for justice and compensation for Middlesex County victims. Our firm pursues a variety of civil claims:

Negligence Claims: We prove that universities, national organizations, and individual members owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and that this breach directly caused the injuries and damages. This is a foundational claim applicable in Middlesex County and every state.
Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH, the institution has a duty to maintain safe premises. Allowing a dangerous condition like hazing to persist on their property makes them liable. This applies to Middlesex County universities where Greek life houses are university-owned.
Negligent Supervision: This holds national organizations accountable for failing to supervise their local chapters and universities responsible for failing to monitor Greek life activities, leading to foreseeable harm.
Assault and Battery: Individual hazing perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, including waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, like waterboarding, can lead to claims for severe emotional distress and psychological trauma, including PTSD.

These civil claims ensure that Middlesex County victims can recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

Why Attorney911: Your Middlesex County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your child has been subjected to the unimaginable trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is aggressive, deeply knowledgeable, and genuinely compassionate. Attorney911 is not just another law firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a proven track record of confronting powerful institutions and securing justice for victims. For families in Middlesex County, our expertise, strategic advantages, and unwavering commitment make us the definitive choice.

What Sets Us Apart for Middlesex County Hazing Victims:

Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t theoretical; we’re in the trenches right now, fighting a landmark case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This live battle demonstrates our active engagement, strategic prowess, and commitment to victims. Middlesex County families will receive this same level of aggressive, proven representation.
More Than 25 Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of experience to every case. He is a seasoned trial attorney, battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and in federal courts. This invaluable experience is directly applied to hazing litigation, ensuring that your Middlesex County case is handled with a depth of knowledge that few can match.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña: This is our “unfair advantage.” Both our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent significant portions of their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. They understand the defense’s playbook inside and out – how they value claims, strategize denials, and attempt to minimize payouts. Now, they use that insider knowledge to deconstruct the opposition’s arguments and maximize recovery for hazing victims. For Middlesex County families, this means we anticipate and neutralize the tactics of national fraternities, universities, and their insurers long before they can impact your case.
Federal Court Admissions: Both attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority extends our reach nationwide, enabling us to pursue cases against national fraternities, whose operations often cross state lines, including for Middlesex County residents nationwide.
Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual admission provides a strategic advantage for Middlesex County cases, especially when national fraternities are typically headquartered in other states. It allows our firm to navigate complex multi-jurisdictional litigation with greater ease and authority.
Se Habla Español: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. This ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Middlesex County, a diverse community, receive comprehensive, no-barrier legal services. We believe language should never be an impediment to justice.
Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Experience (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph Manginello was involved in the mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 and injured 180+. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants in highly complex, high-stakes cases. The organizational negligence and widespread impact seen in such cases are directly transferable to hazing litigation against national fraternities and large universities.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: We have direct experience with fraternity litigation, complex rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel’s), and holding universities accountable. We delve deep into the mechanics of hazing, understanding team culture, locker room dynamics, and the specific pressures that lead to abuse.
Contingency Fee Basis – You Pay $0 Upfront: We understand that the financial stress of a hazing incident can be overwhelming. We take all hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all legal costs, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This commitment ensures that vital legal representation is accessible to every Middlesex County family, regardless of their financial situation.
Unparalleled Factual Accuracy and Data Collection: As you’ve seen, we are currently integrating a wide array of data and factual information to support our litigation. We don’t guess; we leverage precise, verified information in our cases.
Willingness to Travel and Remote Consultation: While headquartered in Houston, we serve hazing victims in Middlesex County and across America. We offer convenient video consultations for families who cannot travel, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Middlesex County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Compassionate, Parent-Facing Approach: We speak directly to you, the worried parent or victim. We understand the emotional toll of hazing and approach every client with empathy, warmth, and genuine care. You are not “just another case” to us; you are a family seeking justice, and we treat you as such.

Client Testimonials: Over 250 5-Star Reviews

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our Google My Business rating of 4.9 stars with over 250 reviews. Here’s what families say:

“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
“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
“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
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

These testimonials affirm our dedication to aggressive advocacy, transparent communication, and genuine client care, qualities we extend to every Middlesex County family we serve.

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

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Middlesex County or anywhere else, the immediate aftermath can be a whirlwind of fear, anger, and confusion. It’s crucial to act quickly and systematically to protect their rights and build a strong legal case. The information gathered in the initial hours and days can be invaluable. Here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

Get Immediate Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are primarily psychological, seek professional medical attention right away. This creates an official record of the harm. For cases involving physical trauma, forced consumption, or extreme exertion (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis), an emergency room visit is often necessary. If paramedics are offered, take them.
Document Everything (Medical): Ensure all injuries are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Keep copies of all medical records, hospital discharge papers, test results, doctor’s notes, and bills. This medical evidence is foundational to any personal injury claim.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

The digital age means evidence is often stored in places easily deleted or manipulated.

Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to document everything. Photograph any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. Take pictures of the hazing location (if safe to do so), any items used in the hazing, texts, group chats, or social media posts related to the incident.
- As our attorney Ralph Manginello advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”
Save All Communications: Crucially, save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. These often contain direct evidence of coercion, threats, and the planning of hazing activities. Do not delete anything, even if it seems innocuous.
Identify Witnesses: Note down the names and contact information of any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be vital.
Collect Documents: Preserve any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or other documents given to your child by the organization.
Financial and Academic Records: Keep records of any medical bills, lost wages due to time missed from work, and how the incident has impacted academic performance or enrollment.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Hazing victims and their families, often in shock and trying to regain control, can inadvertently make decisions that harm their legal standing. Avoid these critical missteps:

Do NOT Delete Any Messages or Posts: Deleting digital evidence can be seen as obstruction and severely damage your case. If it exists, save it.
Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority Leadership or Members: They are not your allies. Anything your child says can and will be used against them. The organization’s priority is to protect itself, not your child.
Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity/sorority, university, or their representatives without first consulting with an attorney. You might unknowingly waive crucial legal rights.
Do NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media: Anything posted can be scrutinized by opposing counsel and used to diminish the severity of the incident or your child’s injuries. Remain silent on social media about the hazing.
Do NOT Give Statements to University Administration Alone: Universities have a legal and financial interest in controlling the narrative. Let your attorney advise you before making any statements that could compromise your case.
Do NOT Delay: Every single day matters. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and, critically, statutes of limitations impose strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. As Ralph Manginello warns about the statute of limitations, “If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.”

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the better equipped you will be to navigate the complex legal landscape and protect your child’s rights. Call us. The consultation is free.

Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer a completely free and confidential consultation to discuss your child’s case, assess its viability, and provide initial guidance.
Contingency Fee Basis: There are absolutely no upfront costs to you. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to all Middlesex County families.
Immediate Evidence Preservation: Our attorneys can issue “spoliation letters” to all involved parties, legally requiring them to preserve evidence, texts, and potentially crucial video footage.
Shield You from the Institutions: Once you retain us, all communications from the fraternity, university, and their legal teams will be directed through us, shielding you and your child from further pressure and manipulation.

For Middlesex County families, the shock and pain are immense. But you are not alone, and you are not without recourse. Take these steps, and let us help you turn this nightmare into a fight for justice, not just for your child but for every student who deserves to be safe.

Middlesex County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Us.

If your child has experienced the devastating impact of hazing at a college or university near Middlesex County, or anywhere across the nation, you are facing a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and our firm is actively battling institutions and perpetrators in a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. We bring this same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate approach to every family we represent, including yours in Middlesex County.

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now, and We’ll Fight for Middlesex County Victims, Too.

Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just a case; it’s a testament to our resolve. We know how to meticulously build these cases, how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions, and how to hold every responsible party accountable. For Middlesex County families, this means you can expect the same relentless pursuit of justice.

Middlesex County Families, Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

There is no cost to discuss your case and understand your legal options. We are available 24/7 because we know legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Remember, we work on CONTINGENCY. That means $0 upfront for Middlesex County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

Why You Can Trust Attorney911, Even from Middlesex County:

Nationwide Reach: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims across America. The same national fraternities operate in New Jersey that we are fighting in Texas. Hazing is a national crisis, and our legal reach is national too.
Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing us with the authority to pursue complex cases against national organizations in federal jurisdiction, which often applies to cases crossing state lines.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility and deeper insight into multi-state litigation, particularly relevant when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or with significant operations in other states.
Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations, making it easy for Middlesex County families to connect with our experienced legal team without the need for travel.
We Will Travel to Middlesex County: For depositions, critical client meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Middlesex County. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice for our clients.
Extensive Hazing Expertise: We represent victims of hazing in fraternities and sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations. If your child was abused as part of an initiation rite, we can help.

To Other Victims of Hazing: You Are Not Alone.

We know there are more victims. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, he wasn’t the only one. Another pledge collapsed, unconscious, just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and brutal physical punishment.

If you or your child were subjected to hazing, please don’t suffer in silence.

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

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice, ensuring that what happened to your child in Middlesex County, or to Leonel in Houston, never happens to another student again.

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