🛡️ Montgomery County, Virginia Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help

Hazing in Montgomery County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Montgomery County is known for its vibrant community, strong educational values, and close-knit college culture. Virginia Tech in nearby Blacksburg is a major hub for Greek life, with fraternities and sororities playing a significant role in student life. But behind the social events and community service lies a darker reality: hazing is happening right here in Montgomery County, and it’s putting our students at serious risk.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Virginia. It could be happening to your child at Virginia Tech, Radford University, or other schools near Montgomery County.

If your child has been hazed in Montgomery County, you have legal rights. We can help.

What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in Virginia

Virginia Code § 18.2-56 defines hazing as:

“Recklessly or intentionally endangering the health or safety of a student or inflicting bodily injury on a student in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student so endangered or injured participated voluntarily.”

This means:

• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
• It doesn’t have to be physical — Psychological abuse, sleep deprivation, and humiliation count.
• It doesn’t have to happen on campus — Hazing at off-campus houses, hotels, or even online can be illegal.

Examples of Hazing That Could Happen Near Montgomery County:

✅ Forced alcohol consumption — Binge drinking, chugging, “beer mile” challenges
✅ Extreme physical punishment — Pushups, squats, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
✅ Waterboarding or simulated drowning — Using hoses or other methods
✅ Forced eating until vomiting — Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, non-food items
✅ Sleep deprivation — Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts
✅ Physical assault — Paddling, hitting, kicking, branding
✅ Sexual humiliation — Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, degrading acts
✅ Psychological torture — Isolation, threats, verbal abuse, “line-ups”
✅ Servitude — Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Montgomery County Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun.” It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries — and in some cases, death.

Case Study: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Montgomery County

In our current case, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with:

• Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown that releases toxins into the bloodstream
• Acute kidney failure — Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Severe dehydration — From extreme exercise and forced vomiting
• Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, and fear of retribution

He spent 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life.

Other Medical Consequences of Hazing:

Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body — it destroys lives.

Who Is Liable? The Institutions That Let This Happen in Montgomery County

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In Montgomery County, this could include:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, risk manager) can be personally liable
• Members who participated can be sued individually

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Had policies that were not enforced
• Deep pockets — National organizations have insurance and assets

3. The University (Virginia Tech, Radford, etc.)

• Premises liability — If hazing occurred in university-owned housing
• Negligent supervision — Failed to monitor Greek life
• Institutional knowledge — Knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
• Title IX violations — If hazing involved sexual harassment or assault

4. Individual Members & Alumni

• Participated in hazing
• Hosted hazing events at their homes
• Personal assets at risk — Homeowner’s insurance may cover

5. Housing Corporations

• Own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Failed to prevent hazing on their property

Virginia Law: Your Rights as a Montgomery County Hazing Victim

Virginia Anti-Hazing Law (Code of Virginia § 18.2-56)

• Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor — Up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine
• If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death — Up to 5 years in prison
• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter
• Organizations can be fined up to $5,000

Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages

Virginia law allows hazing victims and their families to sue for:

• Medical expenses — Past and future
• Lost wages — If hazing affected your child’s ability to work
• Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages — To punish egregious conduct
• Wrongful death — If hazing resulted in death

Virginia has no cap on pain and suffering damages — unlike some states, you can recover the full amount a jury awards.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases don’t just result in criminal charges — they result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what other families have recovered:

These cases prove: Hazing victims CAN and DO win big. The same results are possible for Montgomery County families.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Montgomery County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all communications — Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
• Take photos/videos — Of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
• Document everything — Dates, times, locations, names of participants
• Get witness information — Other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
• They may ask your child to sign documents or give statements
• Anything your child says can be used against them
• Do NOT post on social media — Insurance companies will use posts to minimize your claim

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Free consultation — We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
• Contingency fee — You pay nothing unless we win
• Immediate action — Evidence disappears fast; we’ll preserve it

Step 5: Report the Incident

• File a police report — Hazing is a crime in Virginia
• Report to the university — Title IX office, student affairs
• Report to the national organization — If applicable

Why Montgomery County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know how to build these cases and win
• Montgomery County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know exactly how they think and how to beat them
• We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them

3. Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue cases in federal court — critical for national fraternity cases
• No geographic limits — We can represent Montgomery County victims anywhere

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

• Licensed in Texas AND New York
• Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities/sororities
• Can pursue defendants wherever they’re headquartered

5. We Speak Spanish

• Se habla español — Bilingual staff available
• No language barriers to justice
• Montgomery County Hispanic families welcome

6. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront

• You pay nothing unless we win your case
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We take the risk so you can get justice

7. We Come to Montgomery County

• We’ll travel to Montgomery County for:
  • Client meetings
  • Depositions
  • Court appearances
  • Distance is not a barrier

What We Can Recover for Montgomery County Hazing Victims

Total potential recovery: $100,000 – $20,000,000+

Frequently Asked Questions for Montgomery County Families

Q: My child was hazed at Virginia Tech. Can you help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Montgomery County and at Virginia Tech. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented.” Does that matter?

A: No. Virginia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity is still liable.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, at a fraternity house, in a hotel, or even online. We can still pursue the case.

Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing?

A: We work to protect your child’s privacy and academic record. Many cases are resolved confidentially. We’ll guide you through the process to minimize any impact on their education.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle in 6-12 months, while others may take 2-3 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Retaliation is illegal, and we take it very seriously. If anyone tries to intimidate your child, we’ll take legal action to stop it.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: Yes, if the university was negligent. If Virginia Tech, Radford, or another school near Montgomery County knew about hazing and did nothing, they can be held liable. We’ll investigate their role in your case.

The Time to Act Is Now — Montgomery County Statute of Limitations

Virginia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.

But don’t wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Organizations destroy records
• Your legal rights expire

If your child was hazed in Montgomery County, call us today for a free consultation.

Montgomery County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing can make victims feel isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you don’t have to face this alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Montgomery County hazing victims.

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for your family, because we truly care.

🚨 Montgomery County Families: Contact Us Now

Legal Emergency Hotline: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Free Consultation: Available 24/7 for Montgomery County hazing victims

We come to Montgomery County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable.

Montgomery County deserves better. Our kids deserve better. Let’s end hazing together.