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 a community, and chart their future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. Here in Morris County, and in communities nationwide, this nightmare can strike any family whose child attends college. We’re here to help families in Morris County fight back, just as we are doing for clients across the country.

We are Attorney911, and we understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the helplessness – it’s overwhelming. You’re searching for answers at 2 AM, your heart pounding with every news story about hazing. We know because we are actively fighting this battle right now in court. We are lawyers, yes, but more importantly, we are relentless advocates for victims and their families. We believe that hazing is not a rite of passage, it is abuse, and we are committed to holding every responsible party accountable.

Our firm, Attorney911, stands as a beacon for victims of legal emergencies. While we are headquartered in Houston, our reach and commitment to justice extend across the nation, including to families in Morris County, New Jersey. We understand the unique challenges faced by Morris County parents whose children might attend colleges not just in New Jersey, but across the country, where many of the same fraternities are present. We bring over 25 years of courtroom experience, an insider’s perspective from former insurance defense work, and federal court authority to every case, ensuring that victims in Morris County receive the aggressive and professional advocacy they deserve. We firmly believe that geographical distance should never be a barrier to justice, which is why we offer remote consultations and are prepared to travel to Morris County for critical aspects of your case, should it be necessary.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Morris County Families Need Us

Hazing is a dark stain on the landscape of higher education and extracurricular organizations across America. It’s not just a rite of passage; it’s a dangerous, often life-threatening, form of abuse perpetrated under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” For parents in Morris County, the thought that their child, who left home full of hope for college, could be subjected to such cruelty is unimaginable. Yet, it happens with alarming regularity, quietly and often unchecked, until tragedy strikes.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing as part of their team initiation.
• Disturbingly, since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to their organizations.

These numbers aren’t abstract. They represent real students, real injuries, and real deaths. They represent families shattered by preventable tragedies. Whether your child attends Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Princeton University, Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, Drew University in Madison, or other esteemed institutions across New Jersey or out of state that have a Greek life presence, the risks are real. Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Morris County, such as Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or Pi Kappa Alpha, operate under the same national umbrellas that have histories of multi-million dollar hazing settlements.

The deeply disturbing truth is that universities and national organizations often know about hazing. They have policies in place, sometimes driven by past incidents, but too often, these policies are not enforced. They fail to protect students until someone is severely injured or dies. Only then do they scramble to mitigate the damage, often by suspending or dissolving chapters, while claiming to be “shocked” by the revelations. As we’ll discuss, our current landmark case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston reveals this pattern of institutional failure in stark detail.

This is why Attorney911 exists. We refuse to let these institutions turn a blind eye to the suffering of young people. We reject the notion that “boys will be boys” or “it’s just tradition” are acceptable excuses for assault, battery, psychological torture, or reckless endangerment. We bring data-driven litigation, aggressive representation, and an unwavering commitment to accountability, ensuring that families in Morris County, like ours, have a powerful advocate in their corner.

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

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

This case, filed in November 2025, is not just a lawsuit; it’s a declaration of our unwavering commitment to holding Greek organizations and universities accountable. It happened in Houston, Texas, but the same patterns of abuse occur at universities across the nation, including institutions where families from Morris County send their children. The same national fraternities operate there, and the same negligence exists within their institutional frameworks. We want every family in Morris County to know that if your child is subjected to hazing, we will fight for you with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to this $10 million lawsuit.

Media Coverage: Our Fight is Public

This critical case has already garnered significant media attention, showcasing the severity of the hazing and our firm’s aggressive pursuit of justice.

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

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement recognizing the gravity of the situation: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston” (November 21, 2025). This defensive move, issued the same day the lawsuit was filed, speaks volumes about their fear of accountability.

The $10 Million Lawsuit: Who We’re Holding Accountable

Filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, our lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages. We named everyone we could prove was responsible, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The University of Houston Board of Regents
• The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other active members
• A former member AND his spouse, because some hazing occurred at their private residence.

This comprehensive list of defendants demonstrates our data-driven approach: we identify every entity and individual behind the Greek letters and institutional structures that enable hazing.

The Case That Shows Morris County Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez’s Story

Leonel Bermudez was not even a registered University of Houston student. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. The fraternity promised him brotherhood, but delivered weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital. This brutal hazing was inflicted upon someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet, highlighting the desperate and dangerous culture within these organizations.

As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena emphasized the wider purpose of our fight: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This sentiment resonates deeply with us. For every family in Morris County that dreams of a safe college experience for their children, our fight for Leonel is a fight for them too.

The Hazing Timeline: A Chronicle of Cruelty

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3: Weeks of escalating hazing, abuse, and torture.
• October 13: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15: A pledge loses consciousness during a forced workout. Other pledges are forced to elevate his legs until he recovers.
• November 3: The climax of the abuse. Leonel is forced to do over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed, all under threat of expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• November 4-5: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates.
• November 6: His mother rushes him to the hospital, where he is passing brown urine – a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10: Leonel is hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter, just days before the lawsuit is filed – a clear attempt to get ahead of the impending legal action.
• November 21: Our $10 million lawsuit is filed in Harris County, and major news outlets immediately cover the story.

The Horrific Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not merely “pranks” or “traditions.” They are acts of violence and psychological torment:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: KHOU reported “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under the threat of being waterboarded. This is torture—a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants, yet done to college students seeking camaraderie.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• 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 while exercising past the point of collapse. He even reported 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 sexual objects at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion ensured compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and affecting their physical and mental well-being.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Rhabdomyolysis, the medical condition Leonel suffered, is a severe breakdown of muscle tissue. This releases damaging proteins, particularly myoglobin, into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys leading to acute kidney failure and, in severe cases, death. Leonel’s condition was critical, evidenced by his “passing brown urine” and “very high creatine kinase levels,” requiring intensive medical treatment for four days to prevent long-term damage or worse. This is the same medical condition Attorney911 has successfully litigated in other hazing-related cases, affirming Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in this area.

Institutional Responses: On the Record, Yet Inadequate

• University of Houston Spokesperson: Acknowledged the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events, calling them “a clear violation of our community standards.” They also mentioned “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission they failed to protect their students and are now in damage control mode.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Their statement announced the chapter closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They incongruously thanked the University of Houston for “collaboration” and stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
  • This is not remorse; it’s corporate speak. They closed the chapter before our lawsuit, proving they knew what was coming. They want to plan their comeback while Leonel is still recovering.

Why This Case Matters to Morris County Families

1. “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t harmless pranks. They are violent acts. The same “traditions” can infect chapters at colleges where students from Morris County matriculate, whether at local institutions like Montclair State University or Seton Hall University, or larger state universities in other states.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near Morris County possess the same authority but often fail to exercise it, incurring significant liability when hazing occurs.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s swift closure of the chapter demonstrates they understand the severe consequences of hazing. The same national fraternities are present at colleges attended by students from Morris County, and their national offices bear the same responsibility for oversight.
4. Victims Fear Retribution: Leonel Bermudez fears speaking out. This is a common and powerful tactic used by hazers. We protect our clients and provide a safe avenue to seek justice.
5. One Brave Victim Protects Others: As Lupe Pena stated, our goal is to “prevent harm to another person.” A lawsuit filed in Morris County, similar to Leonel’s, can save lives.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial demand is what it takes to get institutions to finally pay attention and enact meaningful change.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

Many parents in Morris County, like others across the country, may have a vague idea of hazing – perhaps from movies or outdated news. They might picture mild pranks or endurance tests. But the reality is far more sinister, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal. Hazing today is often assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and can easily escalate to manslaughter or murder.

It is critical for Morris County families to understand that hazing is not about building character or fostering loyalty. It is about power, control, and degradation. It seeks to break down an individual’s will and force conformity through fear and abuse.

Common Forms of Hazing We See:

• Physical Abuse: While the images of paddles might seem old-fashioned, they are still used. Forced, extreme physical exertion, like the 500 squats Leonel endured until muscle breakdown, is common. Beatings, branding, electrical shocks, and exposure to extreme elements are also documented. This can involve prolonged physical activity (as with Leonel’s “suicides,” bear crawls, and two-mile warmups) that pushes individuals past their physical limits into dangerous medical states.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves large quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and death, but can also include non-alcoholic substances or eating until vomiting, as Leonel was forced to do. This type of hazing is incredibly dangerous, risking aspiration, internal damage, and severe intoxication.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to participate in late-night activities, perform errands, or remain awake for extended periods leads to physical and mental exhaustion, impairing judgment and increasing vulnerability.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Degrading acts, such as carrying sexually suggestive items, being stripped naked, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats, aim to strip individuals of their dignity and self-worth. The hog-tying incident in Leonel’s case highlights the extreme psychological violence inflicted.
• Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As Leonel’s case tragically showed, this is a form of torture that psychologically and physically traumatizes victims, evoking the primal fear of death.
• Exposure: Leaving individuals in extreme cold or heat, or confining them in small, dark spaces, poses serious health risks and deep psychological trauma.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences:

The physical injuries from hazing are often severe and visible: broken bones, burns, internal injuries, lacerations, and alcohol poisoning. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure show the life-threatening impact of extreme physical hazing. Less visible, but equally devastating, are the psychological scars:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety from the traumatic event.
• Depression and Anxiety: Lasting feelings of hopelessness, fear, and withdrawal.
• Suicidal Ideation: The severe emotional toll can lead victims to consider ending their suffering.
• Academic Decline: The physical and psychological burden makes it difficult to focus on studies, leading to failing grades or dropping out.
• Substance Abuse: Victims may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the trauma.

These consequences can alter a student’s life trajectory, affecting their career, relationships, and overall well-being. For Morris County families, ensuring their child receives proper medical and psychological care, and securing compensation for their suffering, is paramount.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When a child in Morris County is harmed by hazing, it is rarely the act of just one individual. A web of negligence and deliberate indifference often extends from the immediate perpetrators to the highest levels of the national organization and the university. At Attorney911, our strategy, perfected through cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is to identify and pursue every single party responsible for the injuries.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members:

• Direct Perpetrators: The individual fraternity or sorority members and officers (like the president and pledgemaster in Leonel’s case) who actively organize, participate in, or condone the hazing. These individuals are directly liable for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• Vicarious Liability: The local chapter itself can be held responsible for the actions of its members, especially when the hazing is widespread and sanctioned by its leadership. In Leonel’s case, dozens of members observed and participated, creating an environment of collective culpability.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

• Failure to Supervise: National organizations have a legal duty to oversee their chapters. If they knew, or should have known, that hazing was occurring or that their policies were being violated, and failed to act, they are liable. Pi Kappa Phi National’s history, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, demonstrates a pattern of negligence that allowed Leonel Bermudez to be hospitalized eight years later.
• Inadequate Policies and Training: Many national organizations have anti-hazing policies, but if these policies are toothless, poorly communicated, or not enforced, the national body is negligent.
• “Deep Pockets”: National fraternities and sororities often possess extensive assets, investments, and substantial liability insurance policies. These organizations are often the primary financial targets in hazing litigation, as they have the resources to pay significant damages. This is not about suing broke college kids; it’s about making powerful organizations take responsibility.

3. The University or College:

• Institutional Negligence: Universities have a duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, especially when hazing is a known problem on campus. This includes overseeing Greek life, investigating complaints, and enforcing disciplinary actions.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house owned by the University of Houston, the university can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. They knowingly allowed dangerous activities to occur on their property.
• Failure to Act on Prior Incidents: As with the University of Houston’s previous hazing hospitalization in 2017, if a university has a history of hazing incidents and fails to implement effective preventative measures, their liability significantly increases.
• “Deep Pockets”: Colleges and universities often have massive endowments, budgets, and comprehensive insurance coverage, making them key defendants in hazing lawsuits.

4. Alumni and Other Facilitators:

• Direct Involvement: In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse were named defendants because some hazing occurred at their off-campus residence. Alumni who host, organize, or participate in hazing can be held personally and financially liable.
• Financial Influence: Alumni often provide financial donations and exert significant influence over local chapters. Their knowledge of or contribution to a hazing culture can create liability.

5. Insurance Carriers:

• Primary Source of Recovery: The vast majority of compensation in hazing cases comes from the various insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, the local chapter, and even individual defendants (e.g., homeowner’s or renter’s insurance).
• Our Advantage: With Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both being former insurance defense attorneys, we possess an invaluable insider’s understanding of how insurance companies evaluate, deny, and settle claims. We know their strategies, and we use that knowledge to maximize our clients’ recovery.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that all responsible parties, from the students directly involved to the highest levels of national organizations and universities, are brought to justice. We will pursue every avenue to hold them accountable, whether they are in Morris County or across the country.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Morris County seeking to understand the potential impact of a hazing lawsuit, a look at recent multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country offers powerful insight. These cases are not just about financial compensation; they’re about justice, accountability, and sending an unmistakable message that hazing will not be tolerated. The financial awards reflect the devastating toll hazing takes on victims and their families.

The Message to Morris County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations:

Hazing costs MILLIONS. We have the receipts. These same results are possible for victims from Morris County.

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

• What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual.
• Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha, along with individuals, settled for a combined $7.2 million. This case represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability.
• Morris County Relevance: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent. This case proves that universities and national fraternities pay significant amounts, and individuals, even students, face life-altering financial judgments.

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

• What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event.
• Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Criminal charges, including negligent homicide, led to prison time for some members. The state of Louisiana also passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.
• Morris County Relevance: This verdict demonstrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths. It shows the intersection of civil liability and criminal charges, and how these cases often catalyze legislative change.

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

• What Happened: Timothy Piazza, 19, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
• Outcome: While confidential, settlements related to this case are estimated to exceed $110 million. 18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
• Morris County Relevance: This is the highest known hazing payout and underscores that egregious conduct, especially when documented, leads to massive accountability. It also highlights the importance of strong evidence, like the detailed allegations in the Bermudez case.

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

• What Happened: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” ritual.
• Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, the chapter was permanently closed, and the family reached a confidential settlement.
• Morris County Relevance: This is critically important because it involved Pi Kappa Phi – the SAME national organization as our current Bermudez case. This clearly establishes that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters years ago, yet failed to prevent Leonel’s hospitalization. This evidence is crucial for demonstrating a pattern of negligence and supporting punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi.

5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4 Million+ Settlement

• What Happened: Adam Oakes, 19, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event during which he was pressured to drink a large amount of whiskey.
• Outcome: The family reached a $4 million-plus settlement. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges. Virginia passed “Adam’s Law,” increasing hazing penalties.
• Morris County Relevance: Another multi-million dollar settlement for an alcohol-related hazing death, showing consistent high-value outcomes in these cases.

6. UT Austin Sigma Chi (November 2025):

• What Happened: A wrongful death lawsuit was just filed against Sigma Chi at the University of Texas at Austin, involving the death by suicide of an 18-year-old freshman after alleged “horrific abuse” linked to hazing.
• Morris County Relevance: This is a fresh, ongoing case in Texas that underscores the tragic, often delayed, and psychological consequences of hazing. It is another active example of hazing litigation happening concurrently with our Bermudez case, further highlighting the widespread nature of the problem and the current legal battles being fought.

Hazing Laws Created Because of These Tragedies:

These cases, and the public outcry they generated, became catalysts for new legislation, demonstrating that families seeking justice can also drive systemic change:

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Increased hazing penalties, made death-causing hazing a felony, and provided immunity for those who report hazing.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Made hazing a felony with increased penalties.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Named after Collin Wiant, another hazing death victim, this law strengthened Ohio’s anti-hazing statutes with felony charges.
• Adam’s Law (Virginia, 2022): Requires public universities to maintain lists of organizations disciplined for hazing and provides immunity to students who report hazing.

Why These Precedents Matter for Leonel Bermudez’s Case (and yours in Morris County):

• Our $10 Million Demand is Well-Founded: We are not an outlier. The precedents set by the Foltz, Gruver, and Piazza cases demonstrate that multi-million dollar payouts are appropriate for severe hazing injuries and deaths.
• Pi Kappa Phi’s History is Damning: The Andrew Coffey death means Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years of actual notice that their chapters engage in deadly hazing rituals, yet they failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This is powerful evidence of a pattern of negligence and conscious indifference.
• University of Houston’s Prior Incidents: UH had its own hazing hospitalization in 2017 (involving Pi Kappa Alpha). This proves institutional knowledge and a failure to implement effective safeguards campus-wide.
• Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict against Phi Delta Theta in the Gruver case clearly shows how juries react to hazing: with outrage and substantial awards. The gratuitous acts of waterboarding, forced vomiting, and physical abuse in the Bermudez case will appall any jury.
• Criminal Charges Can Follow: As seen in many of these cases, criminal charges often run parallel to civil litigation, increasing the pressure for institutions to settle.

For families in Morris County, these precedents are more than just numbers; they are proof that justice can be achieved. They show that powerful institutions can be held accountable, and that taking legal action can not only secure necessary compensation but also protect other students from suffering the same fate.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding the Legal Framework

While Morris County is in New Jersey, and therefore New Jersey’s specific laws would apply, understanding the Texas legal framework where our firm is based and where our landmark case is ongoing is crucial. It demonstrates the robust legal foundation upon which hazing cases are built and how similar legal principles transfer across state lines. The core issues of negligence, institutional liability, and the severe physical and psychological harm caused by hazing are universal, and strong anti-hazing laws exist in many states, including New Jersey.

Our firm’s federal court authority means we can pursue cases nationally, not just in Texas. Whether your child attends a university in New Jersey or elsewhere, our expertise in navigating these complex legal landscapes ensures robust representation.

New Jersey’s Anti-Hazing Law:

New Jersey has strong anti-hazing laws under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3. In February 2022, “Tim Piazza’s Law” in New Jersey significantly strengthened the state’s hazing statute, mirroring the Pennsylvania law passed after Timothy Piazza’s death.

• Definition: Hazing includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or psychological health or safety of another student or willfully or recklessly causes bodily harm to a student.
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing can be a fourth-degree crime if it causes bodily injury, carrying up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. If it causes serious bodily injury, it can be a third-degree crime, carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. New Jersey’s law also includes penalties for failing to report hazing.
• Organizational Liability: Educational institutions are required to adopt anti-hazing policies, and violations can impact an organization’s ability to operate on campus.
• Crucially, New Jersey law, like Texas law, often states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. This means that even if a student “agreed” to participate, the illegal act of hazing cannot be excused.

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

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims in Morris County to pursue compensation for their suffering. These civil claims exist in every state, regardless of the unique nuances of local statutes.

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common legal theory.
   • Duty of Care: The university, national fraternity, and local chapter owe a duty of care to protect students from foreseeable harm.
   • Breach of Duty: They breach this duty by allowing hazing to occur, failing to supervise, or not enforcing anti-hazing policies.
   • Causation: This breach directly causes the victim’s injuries.
   • Damages: The victim suffers quantifiable and non-quantifiable losses.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH fraternity house in our case) or a fraternity house, the property owner can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This applies whether the Morris County student was hazed on campus or off-campus if the institution had control or knowledge.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when institutions (both national fraternities and universities) fail to adequately supervise their chapters or student organizations, allowing dangerous hazing activities to proliferate. Our Bermudez case directly alleges this against both Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston, building on their prior knowledge of hazing.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators. Any forced physical contact, like the paddling or forced exercise Leonel endured, constitutes assault and battery.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological harm caused by extremely outrageous conduct, such as the waterboarding and humiliation Leonel suffered.
6. Wrongful Death: If hazing results in a fatality, as seen in many national precedent cases, families in Morris County can pursue a wrongful death claim against all responsible parties.

For Morris County families, understanding these legal avenues is the first step toward seeking justice. Our team at Attorney911 is expert in applying these legal principles, whether in New Jersey or any other state, to build comprehensive, aggressive cases against all who contribute to hazing.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in the Fight Against Hazing

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the complex layers of institutional negligence, individual culpability, and the insidious culture that allows such abuse to thrive. Here’s why families in Morris County, New Jersey, and beyond choose Attorney911:

1. We Are Actively Fighting Hazing Right Now – Not Just Talking About It.
We’re not a theoretical firm hoping to handle hazing cases someday. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the waterboarding and hospitalization of Leonel Bermudez is ongoing. We are in the trenches, aggressively fighting and building high-value hazing cases with real-time experience and results. This is the same expert-level representation we bring to Morris County families.

2. Insider Knowledge of the Opposition’s Playbook: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys.
Both of our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. This is a critical, almost unfair, advantage for our clients.

• Ralph Manginello: After defending insurance companies for years, Ralph decided to fight for victims. He knows how adjusters think, how they strategize, and their tactics for minimizing or denying claims. He has seen their entire playbook from the inside.
• Lupe Peña: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. He gained firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses across multiple jurisdictions, and attempt to lowball victims. He now uses every strategy they taught him to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
  This means we anticipate their moves, understand their valuation methods, and refuse to be intimidated by the tactics often used against unrepresented victims.

3. Battle-Tested Experience Against Powerful Corporations and Institutions.
Ralph Manginello carries over 25 years of courtroom experience, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – a skill directly applicable to confronting national fraternities, their housing corporations, and major universities like those found near Morris County. Our firm regularly handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, building expertise that directly translates to the severe consequences of hazing.

4. Nationwide Reach: Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses.
Hazing is a national problem, and national fraternities operate across state lines. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our ability to represent clients in Morris County and across the country is substantial:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing the authority to pursue complex cases in federal jurisdiction, often a necessity when dealing with national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph’s additional license to practice in New York offers a strategic advantage, especially given the presence of many national fraternity and sorority headquarters in states like New York, making national litigation more streamlined.
• Willingness to Travel: We will send our attorneys to Morris County for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when justice demands. Distance is not a barrier to aggressive representation.
• Remote Consultations: For families in Morris County, initial consultations and ongoing discussions can be conducted conveniently via phone or video conference.

5. Data-Driven Litigation & Comprehensive Intelligence.
We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. This proactive intelligence allows us to immediately identify every potentially liable entity when hazing occurs. Currently, we track:

• Over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, including Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas), the very entity we are suing in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
• 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas, like the 154 Greek organizations in the Austin–Round Rock metro (where many students from Morris County may attend college).
  This level of research and preparation positions us to hit the ground running, without wasting precious time on basic discovery.

6. Deep Understanding of Hazing Dynamics & Foreseeability.
Ralph Manginello’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth team coach gives him unique insight into team culture, peer pressure, and the environments where hazing can take root. We specifically focus on types of claims like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, just as in the Bermudez case, demonstrating our expertise in these unique injuries. We know how to establish the foreseeability of harm, proving that institutions knew or should have known about the dangers.

7. Unwavering Client Communication & Compassionate Advocacy.
We understand that families facing hazing trauma need empathy, clarity, and constant updates. Our staff is bilingual (Se Habla Español), friendly, and committed to treating every client like family. We pride ourselves on consistent communication; you will never be left wondering about your case. Testimonials reflect this commitment: “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.

8. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost to Morris County Families.
We operate on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are collected only if and when we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, ensuring that every family in Morris County, regardless of their economic situation, can access top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

For Morris County families, the choice of legal representation can define the outcome of their fight for justice. We offer not just legal expertise, but a deep commitment, proven results, and an unfair advantage against those who enabled the harm. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to fight for you.

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

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. For families in Morris County, acting swiftly and strategically can make all the difference in preserving evidence and strengthening a potential legal claim. We understand that this is an incredibly traumatic time, but taking these urgent steps can be crucial for your child’s well-being and their pursuit of justice.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention — Immediately:

• Seek medical help: Even if injuries seem minor at first, or if your child is reluctant, insist on a full medical evaluation. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or severe psychological trauma, may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some conditions have delayed onset symptoms.
• Go to the ER and follow up with doctors: If there’s any chance of serious injury, a visit to the emergency room is crucial. Afterward, follow all medical advice, attend every recommended appointment (physical therapy, specialists, mental health counselors), and take prescribed medications.
• Document EVERYTHING medically: Ensure medical professionals document how the injuries occurred. State clearly that the injuries were a result of hazing or forced activities. Medical records are foundational evidence for your claim.

2. Preserve All Evidence — Relentlessly:

• Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If possible, safely document the location where hazing occurred. If your child has any photos or videos of the hazing itself, ensure they are saved.
• Digital Communications: THIS IS CRITICAL. Save EVERYTHING:
  • Text messages (individual and group chats)
  • GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp, Discord, or any other messaging app.
  • Emails (from the fraternity, university, or other members).
  • Screenshots and downloads: Do not just take screenshots; try to download message histories if possible.
• Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “brotherhood” contracts, or other documents given to your child.
• Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for any other pledges, active members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or have relevant information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work or internships), and any academic fees or tuition lost due to the hazing.

3. Do NOT Delete Anything — Ever:

• Deleting messages, photos, or social media posts can be considered destruction of evidence (spoliation), which can severely harm your case. Even if your child is embarrassed by certain content, it must be preserved.
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything posted can be twisted by the defense to discredit your child or claim they were not truly harmed. Stay silent on social media.

4. Do NOT Communicate Without Legal Counsel:

• Refuse to speak with the fraternity/sorority, university administrators, or their lawyers. These entities will prioritize protecting themselves, not your child. They may try to get your child to sign documents, give statements, or accept a minimum settlement that waives their rights.
• Do NOT give recorded statements to anyone. Direct all inquiries to your attorney.
• Do NOT admit fault or apologize. Ever. Let your attorney handle all communications.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately — Time is of the Essence:

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hotline) or email ralph@atty911.com. The consultation is free, confidential, and can be conducted via video conference for Morris County families.
• Statute of Limitations: In New Jersey, as in most states, there are strict deadlines (typically two years from the date of injury or discovery) for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever. Evidence also disappears, and memories fade quickly. Act now.

6. Understand Your Rights as a Parent in Morris County:

• Your child has the right to a safe educational environment.
• You have the right to hold institutions accountable for failing to protect your child.
• Consent is often NOT a defense to hazing under state laws, including in New Jersey.
• Your immigration status or financial situation does not affect your right to seek justice. We work on contingency, and we are equipped to support immigrant families with bilingual services.

For Leonel Bermudez, his mother acted immediately when she saw his condition. That swift action—getting him to the hospital—was the first critical step. The subsequent decision to contact our firm was the second. For families in Morris County, following these steps can put you on the path to justice and ensure that what happened to your child does not happen again to someone else. We are here to guide you through every step of this challenging process.

Contact Us: Your Call for Justice in Morris County

Morris County Families: Have you or your child been hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – aggressively representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to WIN. Families in Morris County deserve the very same aggressive and professional representation.

Morris County Families — Call Now — Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Morris County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal help is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

We Serve Morris County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to justice for hazing victims knows no geographical bounds. Hazing is a national crisis, affecting students at colleges and universities across the United States, including prestigious institutions where students from Morris County may further their education.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, which allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often a necessity when dealing with national fraternities and multi-state issues.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds bar licenses in both Texas and New York, providing additional strategic advantages when litigating against national organizations, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in New York.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience and peace of mind, we offer comprehensive video consultations, allowing Morris County families to meet with our attorneys remotely from the comfort of their homes.
• Travel Commitment: Rest assured, if your case requires a physical presence for depositions, crucial meetings, or trial, our team is prepared to travel to Morris County to represent your interests directly. Distance will never be a barrier to securing the justice you deserve.

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

• Fraternities and sororities at universities throughout New Jersey and beyond, such as those at Rutgers University, Princeton University, or Rowan University.
• Sports teams in Morris County and at collegiate levels.
• Marching bands, clubs, and various student organizations at local Morris County schools or distant universities.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any organization that employs abuse, intimidation, or degradation as a form of “initiation” or “team-building.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: You Are Not Alone

In the Pi Kappa Phi hazing case against the University of Houston, our client Leonel Bermudez was not the only one subjected to barbaric treatment. The lawsuit details that another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during a forced workout on October 15. Others endured simulated waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, and psychological torture.

We know there are more of you. You have rights too. We can represent you.

As Lupe Pena passionately stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at the University of Houston, or any other hazing event, we urge you to come forward. Your courage can make a difference. Your story can contribute to achieving justice and preventing future tragedies.

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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