If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and prepare for their future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with physical and psychological scars that could last a lifetime. This nightmare is happening to families in Montgomery County, Virginia, right now, just as it happens across America. We are here to help families in Montgomery County fight back.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. We know the fear, the anger, and the desperate search for answers late at night. Our mission is to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help to victims of hazing and their families. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates, relentlessly pursuing justice and accountability for every institution and individual responsible for these horrific acts. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Montgomery County and nationwide, bringing our federal court authority and unwavering commitment wherever justice demands.

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

Just weeks ago, a lawsuit rocked the state of Texas, shedding a stark light on the brutal reality of modern hazing. This isn’t some distant problem; it’s a terrifying threat that impacts students from Montgomery County attending colleges and universities across the nation. The story of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is a chilling preview of the horrors our firm is actively combatting, and it directly mirrors the dangers your children might face.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a bright young man aspiring to transfer to the University of Houston in the spring of 2026. He sought brotherhood with the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What he found instead was weeks of systematic torture and abuse that led to him being hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This case is not theoretical for us; it’s a live battlefield. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This includes not just the fraternity president and pledgemaster, but also former members and even the spouse of one former member, because the hazing occurred at their private residence.

Why does this matter so profoundly to families in Montgomery County, Virginia? Because the same national fraternities that have chapters in Montgomery County, the same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel, exist at universities where your children attend. The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at institutions across Virginia, from Virginia Tech right here in Blacksburg to Radford University and other colleges throughout the state. We bring the same aggressive representation to Montgomery County families that we’re currently deploying in Houston.

As attorney Ralph Manginello told ABC13, describing Leonel’s horrific ordeal, “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.” This wasn’t a prank; it was life-threatening abuse. Attorney Lupe Peña echoed our firm’s commitment to stopping this cycle: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe this wholeheartedly, and we extend that commitment to preventing harm to students in Montgomery County.

The Chilling Story of Leonel Bermudez: What Hazing Looks Like Today

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. That date marked the beginning of a brutal seven-week period of hazing that defied belief, culminating in his hospitalization.

The Hazing Timeline:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts his bid, embarking on what he hoped would be a positive college experience.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic abuse disguised as “pledge activities” begin.
• Throughout this period: Leonel was subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews with members, and forced late-night drives for fraternity members, all contributing to extreme exhaustion. He was also made to carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects, a constant symbol of degradation.
• October 13, 2025: In a chilling preview of the escalating violence, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A stark warning sign ignored. Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs to revive him. These incidents underscore a culture of extreme physical abuse that the fraternity continued to perpetuate.
• November 3, 2025: The Breaking Point. Leonel was subjected to severe physical punishment for missing an event. This included:
  • “High-volume suicides” (sprinting drills)
  • 100+ pushups and 500+ squats
  • Bear crawls and wheelbarrows
  • “Save-you-brother” drills and two-mile warmups
  • Repeated 100-yard crawls
  • He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling activities, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped.
• Waterboarding: As reported by KHOU 11, Leonel was brutally “waterboarded with a garden hose,” mimicking drowning, a form of torture. This horrifying act was just one of many ways he endured extreme physical and psychological distress.
• Forced Eating: Houston Chronicle reported he was made to consume “milk and food to the point of vomiting” – including large amounts of hot dogs and peppercorns. After vomiting in the vomit-soaked grass, he was forced to continue running sprints while in visible physical distress.
• Physical Beatings: He was “struck with wooden paddles,” adding physical violence to the psychological and physiological abuse.
• November 3, 2025, Evening: So exhausted he could not stand without help, Leonel “crawled up the stairs” to his room.
• November 4-5, 2025: His condition worsened, marked by extreme soreness and an inability to move freely.
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was “passing brown urine,” a clear sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025,” acknowledging “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure occurred seven days before our lawsuit was filed, a clear indication they knew of the severity and impending legal action.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit.

This timeline reveals not just a series of isolated incidents, but a systemic pattern of abuse. The University of Houston, despite owning the fraternity house where some of these acts occurred, and the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, with chapters on over 150 campuses, failed in their duty to protect Leonel.

Legal Action and Institutional Responses

Our firm’s lawsuit named not only the local chapter and national organization but also the university itself, its Board of Regents, and multiple individuals directly involved. This comprehensive approach ensures that every possible liable party is held accountable.

Institutional Responses:

• University of Houston: A spokesperson acknowledged the events were “deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and confirmed an investigation in coordination with law enforcement, mentioning “potential criminal charges.” This admission on the university’s part – that the conduct was a “clear violation” and that criminal charges might be appropriate – is significant.
• Pi Kappa Phi National: In their public statement, the fraternity national headquarters stated they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They even “thanked the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership.” What’s truly galling, however, is their concluding remark: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This shows a disturbing lack of remorse or true understanding of the gravity of the injuries inflicted, signaling a belief that they can simply weather the storm and resume operations.

These responses highlight a critical element of our strategy: documenting who knew what and when. Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter before our lawsuit was even filed, a clear act of damage control, and the university confirmed criminal charges are a possibility. Yet, they both maintain a posture that downplays the severity while signaling a return to business as usual. We fight against this mentality.

This case is about more than just one student in Houston. It’s a warning to parents in Montgomery County wherever their children attend college. If you send your child to Virginia Tech, Radford University, or any other institution in the region, the same national fraternities establish chapters there. The same risks exist. The firm will fight for Montgomery County families with the same ferocity we are bringing to this critical case in Houston.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Montgomery County, Virginia, might still hold outdated notions of hazing – perhaps seeing it as harmless pranks or silly initiations. We need to shatter that illusion. Hazing today, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others worldwide, is abuse. It is physical, psychological, and often sexual torture under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It leaves victims with life-altering injuries, deep psychological scars, and, far too often, it results in death.

This is not about “boys being boys.” This is about systematic power abuse, coercion, and utter disregard for human dignity and safety. It forces individuals into a state of submission where their boundaries are stripped away, often destroying their sense of self-worth and well-being. The culture of silence surrounding hazing is a primary weapon, as victims often fear retribution, shame, or social ostracization more than the acts themselves.

Common Categories of Modern Hazing:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond light jogging. We’re talking forced calisthenics to the point of collapse (as Leonel experienced), beatings with paddles or fists, branding, skin irritants, sleep deprivation, and exposure to extreme elements. The goal is often physical exhaustion and breakdown, stripping individuals of their ability to resist.
• Forced Consumption: This category includes, but is not limited to, binge drinking alcohol with extreme pressure, often resulting in alcohol poisoning and organ damage. It also encompasses forcing pledges to eat vile substances or excessive amounts of food until they vomit, then humiliating them with their own bodily fluids, a grotesque act of depersonalization witnessed in the Bermudez case.
• Psychological Torture: This can be the most insidious form of hazing, leaving wounds that are invisible but profound. It involves humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and even simulated execution or drowning (like the “waterboarding” suffered by Leonel). These acts aim to break a person’s spirit, instill fear, and erode self-esteem.
• Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: A deeply disturbing aspect, this includes forced nudity, public shaming involving sexual acts or objects (such as the fanny pack Leonel was made to wear), and even sexual assault.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for extended periods, forced to perform tasks late into the night and early mornings, leading to debilitating exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability to other forms of abuse.
• Servitude and Isolation: Being forced to perform demeaning chores, act as personal chauffeurs, endure constant monitoring, or being isolated from outside contact. This reinforces the power dynamic and limits a pledge’s ability to seek help.

The Medical Consequences: Devastation Beyond Visible Scars

The physical acts of hazing can lead to severe, life-threatening medical conditions. For Leonel Bermudez, it was rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood. This process can overwhelm the kidneys, causing them to shut down. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark or brown urine (due to myoglobin, a muscle protein, being released), and in severe cases, acute kidney failure and permanent kidney damage. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can be fatal. Leonel’s case vividly illustrates the life-threatening nature of this condition.

Other Common Medical Outcomes of Hazing:

• Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or violent acts.
• Hypothermia or Heatstroke: From exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Internal Organ Damage: From physical assault or forced consumption.
• Infections: From unsanitary conditions, cuts, or bruises.
• Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and long-term emotional distress requiring extensive therapy.

The grim statistics underscore the need for urgent action: over 55% of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and tragically, the U.S. has recorded at least one hazing death every single year since 2000. Alarmingly, 95% of students who are hazed never report it. This silence is what perpetuates the abuse. Families in Montgomery County must understand that these are not isolated incidents, but rather a deeply ingrained pattern that demands comprehensive legal intervention.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. It’s a systemic breakdown involving multiple layers of responsibility, from the individual perpetrators to national organizations and the institutions themselves. At Attorney911, our data-driven approach means we don’t guess who to sue; we know. We identify every single entity that bears responsibility, because true accountability demands a comprehensive legal strategy. We will pursue every party who played a role in the abuse of your child in Montgomery County.

As demonstrated in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we target all defendants with legal and financial liability:

1. The Local Chapter: The immediate perpetrators. This includes the chapter as a collective entity, which planned and executed the hazing, and those members who actively participated, coerced, or stood by while the abuse occurred. Their actions directly led to the harm suffered.
2. Chapter Officers: Leaders within the local fraternity, such as the President, Pledgemaster, and Risk Manager, bear heightened responsibility. They are entrusted with the safety of new members and typically direct pledge activities. Their failure to prevent or stop hazing constitutes a direct breach of their duties. In the Bermudez case, the President and Pledgemaster are specifically named.
3. Individual Members: Every current or former member who participated in, facilitated, encouraged, or failed to intervene in hazing activities can be held personally liable. This extends to those who may have hosted hazing events at their residences, as seen with the former members and their spouse in the Bermudez lawsuit. Their individual actions contribute directly to the victim’s physical and psychological harm.
4. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These are the “deep pockets.” National organizations (like Pi Kappa Phi in the Bermudez case) are typically tax-exempt corporations with substantial assets, property holdings, and comprehensive liability insurance policies. They are responsible for overseeing their local chapters, providing training, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and ensuring member safety. When hazing occurs, particularly with regularity, it signals a profound failure in national oversight. Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis,'” and tragically, they had notice through the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 in a similar hazing incident at their Florida State chapter.
5. The Housing Corporation: Many fraternities own their chapter houses through a separate entity known as a housing corporation. These corporations are responsible for maintaining safe premises. If hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws. Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. (with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, according to IRS B83 public filings from Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Database) has been named in our Houston lawsuit, underscoring this critical link.
6. The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, especially on their campuses or in university-recognized organizations. This duty extends to providing a safe environment, establishing and enforcing anti-hazing policies, monitoring Greek life activities, and acting swiftly when hazing is reported. The University of Houston is a named defendant because it owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place, and because it had prior knowledge of hazing incidents on campus dating back to 2017. Their failure to act effectively to prevent recurrence makes them significantly liable. Universities in Montgomery County and across Virginia, such as Virginia Tech, Radford University, and the University of Virginia, have similar responsibilities for student safety and oversight of Greek life.
7. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often even individual members, are insurance policies. These are the pools of funds designed to cover liabilities arising from negligence and misconduct. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, think, and strategize. This gives us a significant advantage in securing maximum compensation for our Montgomery County clients.

When your child is hazed, the responsible parties will often try to minimize their involvement, shift blame, or claim ignorance. But our approach is different. We relentlessly expose every link in the chain of responsibility, ensuring that those who facilitate, allow, or fail to prevent hazing are held fully accountable. This is not about suing broke college students; it’s about making institutions with multi-million dollar endowments and national organizations with vast insurance policies pay for their failures.

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

The grim reality of hazing often brings devastating injuries or death, leaving families shattered. Yet, from these tragedies, brave families have stepped forward, not just seeking justice for their own children, but striving to prevent future harm. Their courage, combined with relentless legal advocacy, has resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts that send a clear and unequivocal message: hazing costs millions. These landmark cases prove that holding fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable is not only possible but necessary. The same legal strategies and determination apply directly to families in Montgomery County facing similar nightmares.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements That Send a Message:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation ritual. He was left alone, found unresponsive the next morning, and died from alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: The Foltz family received nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and an additional $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and several individuals. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally to the Foltz family. This highlights that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind the corporate veil.
   • Significance for Montgomery County: This case sets a massive precedent. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with what courts and defendants have acknowledged as fair compensation for hazing-related injuries. It proves that both universities and national fraternities face significant financial responsibility.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.” He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.495.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Furthermore, the incident led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.
   • Significance for Montgomery County: This jury verdict unequivocally demonstrates that juries understand the severity of hazing and are willing to award substantial compensation. It also shows a clear societal and legal shift towards harsher penalties.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State, was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi initiation event. He fell repeatedly down a flight of stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire horrific ordeal.
   • The Outcome: Although confidential, legal experts estimate the settlements in the Piazza case to be well over $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
   • Significance for Montgomery County: The Piazza case is a stark reminder that when there is strong, undeniable evidence of egregious hazing, the damages can reach astronomical figures. It underscores the immense liability faced by institutions that fail to prevent such tragedies.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

   • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at FSU, died from massive 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. A civil settlement was reached with the Coffey family (amount confidential).
   • Significance for Montgomery County: This case is particularly crucial because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. It provides irrefutable proof that Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years of notice about deadly hazing within its chapters and yet failed to implement effective safeguards, leading directly to Leonel’s injuries. This pattern of negligence dramatically strengthens cases against the national organization.

These cases are not isolated tragedies; they are chapters in a grim national narrative. They demonstrate that while hazing continues to claim lives and inflict profound injuries, the legal system is increasingly prepared to deliver justice and hold every culpable party accountable. For families in Montgomery County, these precedents are not just statistics; they are proof that aggressive legal action can lead to substantial compensation and, critically, can drive meaningful change. Your child’s case could be the next one to establish a precedent and save lives.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Montgomery County

When a Montgomery County student is subjected to hazing, whether at a Virginia institution or elsewhere, they are not without legal recourse. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing law, negligence, and institutional liability apply across state lines. Understanding the fundamental legal framework is crucial for any family seeking justice.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Foundation

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws, primarily encapsulated in the Texas Education Code Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These statutes provide both criminal penalties for hazing and a powerful legal basis for civil action.

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

• A. Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing a harmful substance on the body. (This clearly covers the wooden paddles and extreme physical abuse endured by Leonel).
• B. Involves sleep deprivation, exposure, confinement, or calisthenics: Or any similar activity creating an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affecting mental or physical health. (This directly addresses Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, late-night exertion, and waterboarding).
• C. Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substance that poses an unreasonable risk of harm. (This includes Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting).
• D. Requires a task that violates the Penal Code: Any activity that forces a student to break the law.
• E. Coerces consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol: Amounts that would lead a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated.

The facts of the Bermudez case—the waterboarding, the forced eating, the extreme physical exertion, the wooden paddles—all fall squarely within this statutory definition, demonstrating a clear violation of Texas law, which would be equally applicable to similar hazing incidents in Montgomery County.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law prescribes severe penalties for hazing, ranging from:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For simply engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or failing to report it, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure unequivocally constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning the individual perpetrators in his case face Class A Misdemeanor charges.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The fact that the University of Houston spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges” in response to Leonel’s case highlights the gravity of these laws.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can face penalties if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating privileges on campus, and forfeiture of property. This provision is critical for holding local chapters and national organizations accountable.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is the bedrock of anti-hazing law.

“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 crucial legal principle directly counters the common defense perpetuated by fraternities and universities: “They knew what they were signing up for,” or “They consented.” Texas law (and increasingly, national legal precedent) unequivocally states that consent, particularly under duress, coercion, or the threat of social ostracization, is irrelevant when hazing, an inherently abusive act, has occurred. Your child cannot legally consent to being tortured or abused, and any claim that they did holds zero legal weight.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges address the societal wrong, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Montgomery County to seek monetary compensation for their immense suffering and losses. Our firm pursues multiple civil liability theories against all responsible parties:

1. Negligence: This is the most common theory. We argue that institutions (university, national fraternity) and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), that this breach “caused” the student’s injuries, and that the student suffered “damages” (medical bills, pain, suffering).
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case, where UH owned the fraternity house) or the fraternity’s housing corporation, these entities have a duty to maintain a safe environment. Their failure to do so makes them liable.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to adequately oversee their local chapters, and to universities that fail to monitor Greek life or enforce anti-hazing policies. Both Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston face this claim due to their prior knowledge of hazing.
4. Assault and Battery: For any physical contact (such as the wooden paddles, waterboarding, or forced physical exertion), individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional torts like assault (placing someone in fear of harmful contact) and battery (unwanted harmful contact).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for particularly egregious conduct, IIED claims hold individuals and institutions liable for extreme and outrageous behavior that causes severe emotional distress. Waterboarding is a prime example of conduct that meets this high legal standard.

The legal landscape is clear: hazing is illegal, morally reprehensible, and carries significant civil and criminal consequences. For families in Montgomery County, our role is to expertly apply these laws to your unique situation, building an airtight case that holds every responsible party accountable and secures the maximum possible compensation your child deserves—wherever the hazing occurred.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal team after a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions a family in Montgomery County can make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a champion, an expert, and a team with a proven track record of fighting—and winning—against powerful institutions. Attorney911 is that champion. Our firm stands apart, offering unique advantages that directly benefit hazing victims and their families in Montgomery County and across the nation.

Our Unmatched Credentials and Strategic Advantages:

1. 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two and a half decades of intense litigation experience. He is a veteran trial attorney who thrives in the courtroom, prepared to take your case as far as it needs to go to achieve justice. This deep experience ensures proven expertise for Montgomery County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Insight: We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is perhaps our most significant strategic advantage. They spent years working on the “other side,” learning exactly how insurance companies and large corporations (like universities and national fraternities) evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. They saw the strategies from the inside, and now they use that insider knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for our Montgomery County clients. We know how defendants will fight back because we used to be those defendants.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admission:
   • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas: Our admission to federal court allows us to pursue complex cases that involve federal questions or multi-state defendants, which is common in hazing litigation against national organizations.
   • Texas AND New York Licenses: Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities, many of which have headquarters or significant operations in New York. This broadens our reach and tactical flexibility for Montgomery County cases against national organizations.
4. In-Depth Hazing Litigation Expertise: Actively Fighting Right Now: We aren’t just theoretically interested in hazing cases; we are actively litigating one of the most significant hazing lawsuits in the country right now – the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case. This live experience means we are on the cutting edge of hazing law, strategy, and evidence. We understand rhabdomyolysis cases, university liability, and national fraternity accountability. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies we’re employing in Houston are immediately available for Montgomery County hazing victims.
5. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a mass tort case against one of the largest corporations in the world. This experience proves our capacity to handle large-scale, high-stakes litigation against defendants with virtually limitless resources – precisely what is needed when taking on national fraternities and major universities like those near Montgomery County.
6. Bilingual Staff (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is fully bilingual. This ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Montgomery County facing hazing incidents receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultation to courtroom representation.
7. Client-Centered Approach: You Are Family: We often hear from our clients, “You treat us like family.” This isn’t just a slogan; it’s our philosophy. We understand the profound emotional devastation hazing inflicts. We are genuinely passionate about helping our clients, seeing your child as a person, not a paycheck. Our entire team is dedicated to providing warm, empathetic, yet aggressive representation.
8. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost to Montgomery County Families: We understand that dealing with the trauma of hazing can be financially draining. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This levels the playing field, allowing families in Montgomery County to fight powerful institutions without financial stress.
9. Willingness to Travel and Remote Consultations: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Montgomery County families and are fully prepared to travel to Montgomery County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our nationwide reach is real.
10. Journalism Background: Ralph Manginello’s journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin means he is professionally trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories. This unique skill is invaluable in hazing cases where institutions try to obscure the truth.

The Attorney911 Watchdog Output: Data-Driven Accountability

We don’t just guess who might be responsible for hazing; we know. Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. This “Texas Hazing Intelligence Database” allows us to instantly identify every entity behind the Greek letters. When hazing happens, we already know precisely who to sue.

Snapshot from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database:

Our database includes over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, allowing us to track the corporate structures behind the fraternities and sororities with chapters near Montgomery County that claim to be “just college kids.” These are tax-exempt corporations with EINs, bank accounts, and insurance policies. For example, our database tracks:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. (EIN 462267515, Frisco, Texas) – The same Pi Kappa Phi housing corporation we sued in the Bermudez case. We knew their corporate structure before we filed.
• Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc. (EIN 133048786, College Station, Texas) – An example of a housing corp for Kappa Sigma, an organization with past multi-million dollar hazing verdicts.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427, San Marcos, Texas) – Demonstrating how major national brands are tracked across the state.

This data allows us to trace the national organizations across Texas metros and campuses without guessing. For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area itself contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to our nonprofit records analysis, spanning undergraduate chapters, alumni groups, and house corporations. This shows the scale of what we monitor.

We warn fraternities operating near Montgomery County: If your chapter engages in hazing, we know your corporate structure, we know your national organization’s history, and we know how to identify every liable entity. We tracked the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in Houston, and now it’s shut down. Your chapter could be next.

Testimonials: What Our Clients Say

Our commitment to aggressive representation and compassionate client care is reflected in our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews. Here’s what families like yours have said:

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

We protect victims like you throughout Montgomery County, Texas, and nationwide. Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serve Montgomery County families, and we will travel to you.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Montgomery County Families

If you are a parent or a student in Montgomery County, Virginia, and your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do—or don’t do—can significantly impact your child’s legal rights and ability to seek justice. The shock, fear, and confusion are immense, but acting swiftly and strategically is paramount.

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Child and Their Case:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Preserve All Medical Records:

   • This is the absolute priority. If your child is injured, get them to an emergency room or doctor without delay. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries can worsen rapidly.
   • Crucially, explicitly tell medical staff that the injuries are hazing-related. This ensures proper documentation.
   • Keep every single medical record: doctor’s notes, hospital reports, lab results, prescriptions, imaging scans (X-rays, MRIs, CTs), and bills. These form the cornerstone of proving damages.
   • If there are psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, PTSD), seek mental health support and document therapy records.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – EVERYTHING Is Important:

   • Photos and Videos: Use your phone to document any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) on your child immediately and as they heal. Photograph the location of the hazing if it is safe to do so. If you have any photos or videos of the hazing activity itself, save them.
   • Digital Communications: This is often the “smoking gun.” Save and screenshot every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Do not delete anything, even if it seems benign or embarrassing. These communications can reveal instructions, threats, coercion, and the identities of perpetrators.
   • Physical Evidence: If possible and safe, preserve any items related to the hazing, such as clothing, a fanny pack with degrading objects (like in the Bermudez case), paddles, or other tools used.
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information for any student, friend, or bystander who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it. Other pledges are often vital witnesses.
   • Documents: Save any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or initiation materials provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work or internships), and tuition/fees paid (if hazing caused academic disruption).

3. DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers Alone:

   • After a hazing incident, organizations and universities will immediately enter damage control mode. They may contact your child or you, asking for “their side of the story” or offering “support.”
   • Decline to speak with them without legal counsel present. Anything your child says can and will be used against them to minimize liability or shame them.
   • Do not sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority or university without having an attorney review them first. These documents often include waivers of liability.

4. DO NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media:

   • The defense team will scour every social media profile for anything that can undermine your child’s case. Posting details of the hazing, emotional statuses, or even seemingly unrelated cheerful photos can be twisted and used against you.
   • Refrain from deleting old posts, as this can be construed as evidence spoliation.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY:

   • Time is of the essence. In most states, including Virginia, there is a statute of limitations (typically two years) for personal injury claims. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever.
   • Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses’ memories fade, or they may be pressured to remain silent. Organizations destroy records.
   • An attorney can immediately send preservation letters to all involved parties, legally requiring them to save all relevant evidence.
   • We offer free, confidential consultations 24/7. No risk, no obligation. We can discuss your child’s situation, explain their rights, and begin the process of protecting their case. For Montgomery County families, we offer video consultations to make this step as easy as possible.

Understanding Our Approach for Montgomery County Families:

• Montgomery County families get aggressive representation: Even though our primary offices are in Texas, our expertise and national reach mean we can effectively represent your child. We handle cases for victims everywhere, including Montgomery County.
• Distance is not a barrier: We utilize video conferencing for initial consultations and case updates. For critical steps like depositions or, if necessary, trial, our team will travel to Montgomery County.
• Contingency Fee: You pay nothing upfront. Our fees are contingent upon us winning your case.

This is a legal emergency. Do not face it alone. Attorney911 is here to be your child’s voice and your family’s strength. We will navigate the legal complexities, confront the powerful institutions, and demand the accountability your child deserves.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Montgomery County

If your child in Montgomery County, Virginia, has been a victim of hazing, the time to act is now. The memory of your scared child, the fear in their eyes, the physical pain they endured—these demand justice. You are not alone in this fight. Attorney911 is your dedicated legal emergency team, ready to bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of accountability to your case that we are currently delivering in our landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit.

Montgomery County families, we want to hear your story. The consultation is completely free, confidential, and comes with no obligation. We understand the trauma you’re experiencing, and our empathetic team is here to listen without judgment.

Reach Your Hazing Litigation Experts 24/7:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Why Contact Us Now?

• Time is Critical: In Virginia, as in most states, a statute of limitations (typically two years for personal injury) limits the time you have to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and student perpetrators move on. Every day you wait puts your case at risk.
• No Upfront Cost, No Risk: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Montgomery County families to pursue justice without the added financial burden.
• We Know How to Win Hazing Cases: We are currently battling a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t theoretical; this is what we do. We know the tactics the defense will use, and we know how to secure significant compensation.
• We Serve Montgomery County and Beyond: While based in Texas, our firm handles hazing cases nationwide, including those originating in Montgomery County, Virginia. Our federal court admissions and willingness to travel mean we can represent you effectively, regardless of location. We offer remote consultations via phone or video to make speaking with us easy and convenient for your family.
• “Se Habla Español”: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña, ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Montgomery County receive comprehensive and culturally sensitive legal support.

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911:

When you contact us, you won’t be greeted by a sterile law office. You’ll speak with a compassionate team member who understands the gravity of your situation. We will:

1. Listen to Your Story: We want to hear every detail of what happened to your child.
2. Evaluate Your Case for Free: We’ll assess the legal viability of your claims, identify potential defendants, and discuss the types of compensation your family may be entitled to.
3. Explain Your Options: We will clearly outline the legal process, what steps need to be taken, and how we can help.
4. Answer Your Questions: We know you have many questions, and we’re here to provide clear, actionable answers.

Your child’s courage in coming forward deserves aggressive advocacy. Let us be the voice that demands accountability for your child and protects future students in Montgomery County from similar horrors.

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

Remember, one brave victim can save countless others. We stand ready to fight for you.