If you’re reading this, your family in Nelson County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, full of hope and expectation, only to be met with abuse and cruelty under the guise of “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through. Your child was supposed to make friends, learn, and grow. Instead, they were tortured. They were harmed. And in some tragic cases, they never came home.
Here in Nelson County, we send our children to colleges and universities across Virginia and beyond – institutions like the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, or even the sprawling campuses of major Texas universities like the University of Houston or Texas A&M. We expect them to be safe, to be nurtured, to be educated. When that trust is betrayed by hazing, the pain and confusion can be overwhelming. We represent families in Nelson County whose children have been victimized by hazing, and we are here to help you fight back.
We are Attorney 911, and we are nationally recognized leaders in hazing litigation. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities in America, Pi Kappa Phi, and the University of Houston, for the horrific hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. What happened to Leonel in Houston is not an isolated incident; it’s a pattern of abuse that echoes in colleges and universities nationwide, including at institutions where students from Nelson County attend. We bring this aggressive, data-driven approach to every family we represent, no matter where the hazing occurred.
The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning to Nelson County Families
The case of Leonel Bermudez, filed in November 2025, serves as a stark warning to every parent in Nelson County about what hazing truly looks like today. Leonel, a prospective student, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was not a path to brotherhood but weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and degradation that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
We want every family in Nelson County to hear Leonel’s story because it illustrates the brutal reality of modern hazing. This wasn’t harmless pranks; this was calculated abuse designed to break a young man down. His mother rushed him to the hospital when he began passing brown urine—a terrifying sign that his muscles were literally dissolving into his bloodstream, poisoning his kidneys. He was so exhausted and incapacitated from the forced physical exertion that he couldn’t even stand without help, crawling into bed in agony after a particularly brutal session.
This horrific hazing included simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited, and then being forced to lie in his own vomit. He was subjected to extreme physical punishments like over 100 pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides,” two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was even struck with wooden paddles. For non-compliance, he was threatened with physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity. This systematic torment shows what fraternities consider “character building.”
Within weeks of Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization suspended and then permanently closed the University of Houston chapter. The university itself called the events “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals. But for Leonel and his family, the damage was already done. Our firm intervened, filing a $10 million lawsuit against the national fraternity, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, 13 individual fraternity members, a former member, and even that former member’s spouse, at whose residence some of the hazing occurred. This wide net of accountability is exactly what we bring to every hazing case for Nelson County families.
What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes
Many parents in Nelson County assume hazing is limited to harmless pranks or a bit of roughhousing. We often hear phrases like “boys will be boys” or “it’s just tradition.” But the truth, as seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing is organized violence, often escalating into torture, with devastating physical and psychological consequences.
This is not about building character; it’s about breaking people down. It’s not about tradition; it’s about abuse of power. We see parents in Nelson County struggle to reconcile the image of their bright, hopeful child going off to college with the reality of them enduring systematic degradation.
The True Face of Hazing in College:
- Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling (as with Leonel), branding, burning, forced exercise to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups), and exposure to extreme weather.
- Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, often dangerous amounts of alcohol, mandatory eating until vomiting (as Leonel experienced), or consuming non-food substances. This is a common element in nearly every hazing death case we’ve seen.
- Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, disrupting their sleep patterns, or demanding late-night activities, leading to severe exhaustion. Leonel was forced to drive members during early morning hours, contributing to his exhaustion.
- Psychological Torture: This can be the most insidious form of hazing, leaving lasting scars. It involves humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and creating an environment of fear. Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects, as Leonel was forced to do, falls into this category, as does the hog-tying of another pledge we uncovered in the Bermudez case.
- Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexually explicit acts, or the carrying of sexually suggestive objects are unfortunately not uncommon and represent some of the most violating forms of hazing.
- Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As Leonel’s case tragically showed, pledges can be subjected to mock drownings or having water sprayed in their faces with hoses. This is a tactic recognized globally as torture.
- Exposure: Leaving pledges in isolated or dangerous locations, or forcing them to endure extreme cold or heat with minimal clothing, can lead to hypothermia, hyperthermia, or frostbite.
The Devastating Medical Consequences:
The injuries sustained from hazing are often severe and life-altering. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are prime examples. Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a harmful protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, which then clogs the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney failure and even death. He saw brown urine and was unable to move—classic signs of this life-threatening condition.
Other critical medical consequences we frequently see include:
- Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, often involving blood alcohol levels far exceeding legal limits.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, blows to the head, or concussions.
- Broken Bones: From physical assaults or falls during forced activities.
- Internal Organ Damage: Such as a lacerated spleen from blunt force trauma, as seen in a previous University of Houston hazing case.
- Psychological Trauma: Lingering PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common and can require years of therapy. Leonel himself feared retribution for speaking out, a clear sign of psychological duress.
Hazing is far from a joke. It can steal a child’s health, their future, and tragically, their life. Parents in Nelson County deserve to know the real dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly innocent college traditions.
Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable
When hazing severely injures or kills a student, many different parties can be held legally and financially responsible. It’s rarely just one person or one group; it’s often a complex web of individual actions and institutional failures. In Nelson County, if your child has been subjected to hazing, we will diligently investigate and pursue every single entity that played a role, just as we are doing in the Bermudez case.
The Local Chapter and Individual Perpetrators:
The young men and women directly orchestrating and participating in hazing bear significant responsibility. In the Bermudez case, we sued the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and 13 individual fraternity members, including a former member, and even that former member’s spouse, at whose home some of the hazing took place.
- Individual Liability: Those who directly inflict harm (assault, battery, waterboarding, forced consumption) can be held personally liable. The Stone Foltz case famously resulted in a $6.5 million judgment against a former chapter president.
- Chapter Leadership: The president, pledgemaster, and other officers are responsible for the chapter’s activities and culture. Their failure to stop hazing, or actively promoting it, makes them liable.
- Hosts of Hazing: Anyone who provides a location for hazing, especially off-campus, can be held responsible under premises liability laws. This includes family members who own the property.
The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:
These national bodies have millions of dollars in assets, extensive insurance policies, and a responsibility to oversee their local chapters.
- Failure to Supervise: Despite anti-hazing policies, national organizations often fail to adequately train, monitor, and enforce rules on their local chapters. Pi Kappa Phi, for instance, has more than 150 chapters across America.
- Knowledge of Prior Incidents: As with Pi Kappa Phi, which had a death (Andrew Coffey in 2017) eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, national organizations often have a documented history of severe hazing at multiple chapters. This establishes a pattern of negligence and a conscious indifference to risk, which significantly strengthens claims for punitive damages.
- Corporate Structure: These are not just groups of college kids. Behind the Greek letters are tax-exempt corporations with EINs, assets, and insurance. Our firm meticulously tracks these entities. For example, Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 is the entity behind the UH chapter, which we know from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Database.
The University or College:
Educational institutions have a powerful degree of responsibility to protect their students. Many universities near Nelson County, like UVA, Virginia Tech, and JMU, have active Greek life with chapters of national fraternities.
- Institutional Negligence: Universities often turn a blind eye to hazing, fail to investigate complaints, or implement insufficient oversight. The University of Houston, for instance, had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 (a different fraternity) and still failed to prevent Leonel’s ordeal eight years later.
- Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university-owned property, such as a fraternity house, the university can be held liable as a landlord for failing to maintain a safe environment. The fact that the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred is a critical factor in our lawsuit.
- Title IX Violations: If hazing involves gender-based harassment or sexual misconduct, it can also fall under Title IX, increasing institutional liability.
- Failure to Discipline: Weak disciplinary actions or a history of allowing chapters to return after suspensions sends a message that hazing will not have serious consequences.
The “Deep Pockets” Strategy:
Our firm actively pursues every potential defendant, from individuals to national organizations and universities, to ensure maximum compensation for our clients. These institutions have substantial assets and insurance coverage, providing the “deep pockets” necessary to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and profound pain and suffering. We know their playbook because our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, both worked as insurance defense attorneys before dedicating their practice to victims. We use that insider knowledge to fight aggressively for Nelson County families.
What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof
For families in Nelson County, it’s crucial to understand that hazing cases, especially those resulting in severe injury or death, have led to multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. These precedents provide a roadmap for justice and demonstrate the serious financial consequences for negligent fraternities, universities, and individuals.
Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Total $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. His family’s relentless pursuit of justice resulted in:
- $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University.
- $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and individuals.
- In December 2024, a separate $6.5 million judgment was ordered against the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, personally.
This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case, demonstrating that both universities and national fraternities face significant liability.
Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Total $6.1 Million Verdict
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink heavily during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where incorrect answers equaled more alcohol.
- A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
- His case also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating how these cases drive legislative change.
Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Total $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs multiple times while severely intoxicated at a Beta Theta Pi event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras.
- This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and an estimated $110 million+ in settlements, highlighting the immense liability when evidence of egregious conduct is clear.
- It also spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, another testament to these cases’ impact.
Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): The Same Fraternity
Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event. This is the SAME national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
- Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed.
- While the civil settlement amount was confidential, it demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing eight years before Bermudez’s hospitalization. This pattern of negligence is crucial for demanding punitive damages.
These multi-million dollar outcomes send a clear message: hazing will not be tolerated, and the institutions that enable it will pay a heavy price. Families in Nelson County should understand that this is not about revenge, but about justice, accountability, and preventing future tragedies.
Texas Law Protects You: Nelson County Victims’ Rights
For Nelson County families navigating the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firms are based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing law, civil liability, and negligence apply across the nation. Moreover, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage in pursuing national fraternities, no matter where their headquarters are located, or where the hazing occurred.
Texas Hazing Laws (Education Code § 37.151-37.157):
Even though Nelson County is in Virginia, we are deeply familiar with comprehensive anti-hazing statutes like those in Texas that serve as a model for much of the nation. Texas law defines “hazing” broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The specific actions Leonel Bermudez endured, including physical brutality (wooden paddles, extreme exercise), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements (sprayed with hose in cold), and forced consumption until vomiting, clearly fall under this legal definition.
Crucially, Texas law outlines severe penalties:
- Criminal Charges: Hazing can be a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a Class A misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s kidney failure), and even a State Jail Felony if it causes death. The University of Houston itself acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.
- Organizational Liability: Fraternities and sororities can face fines up to $10,000 and even be banned from operating on campus if they condone or encourage hazing.
- Universities’ Duty to Report: Institutions are legally required to report hazing incidents, with failure to do so being a Class B misdemeanor.
Consent Is NOT a Defense:
One of the most powerful aspects of modern anti-hazing law, and explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.154, is that “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 shatters the common fraternity argument that “the pledge knew what he was signing up for” or “he could have left at any time.” The law recognizes the immense pressures of peer dynamics, social exclusion, and intimidation that negate true consent in a hazing environment. This means that even if a student from Nelson County verbally agreed to participate, they cannot legally consent to criminal or abusive acts.
Civil Liability for Hazing:
Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek justice and compensation. These civil theories are broadly applicable to hazing cases throughout the United States:
- Negligence: This is the bedrock of most personal injury claims. We argue that universities, national fraternities, and individuals had a duty to protect students from harm, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
- Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), or even a private residence (like the former member’s home in the Bermudez case), the property owner can be held liable for failing to address dangerous conditions.
- Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a responsibility to supervise their chapters and Greek life programs. When they fail, resulting in harm, they can be held accountable.
- Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harm pledges (e.g., paddling, waterboarding) can be sued directly for these intentional torts.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often causes such severe emotional distress that it warrants an IIED claim.
- Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a fatality, the victim’s family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking compensation for their profound loss, including grief, lost financial support, and funeral expenses.
For Nelson County families, these legal avenues provide powerful tools to seek accountability, secure compensation for immense suffering, and ensure that those responsible for hazing face the full force of the law.
Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in the Fight Against Hazing
Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions a family in Nelson County will make. You need a legal team that is not only deeply experienced in this complex area of law but also one that understands the profound emotional toll hazing takes. We are Attorney 911, and we are built for this fight. Here’s why families across the country, including those in Nelson County, choose us:
We Are Actively Fighting on the Front Lines:
Most personal injury law firms might talk about hazing, but very few are actively engaged in high-stakes hazing litigation right now. We are. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not theoretical; it’s a live, ongoing case that showcases our aggressive, data-driven approach. This means we aren’t just learning about hazing; we’re immersed in it, leveraging real-time intelligence and developing cutting-edge strategies that benefit every client we represent, including your family in Nelson County.
Unparalleled Insider Knowledge:
Our firm’s leadership, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, bring a unique and powerful advantage to every hazing case: they both started their careers as insurance defense attorneys.
- Ralph Manginello: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph knows exactly how the defense thinks. He’s seen their strategies, delays, and tactics to minimize claims firsthand. He uses that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and build cases that maximize recovery for victims. His experience fighting against massive corporate defendants in cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates his capacity to take on powerful institutions like national fraternities and universities.
- Lupe Peña: As a former attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, Lupe spent years defending insurance companies across complex personal injury, commercial litigation, and construction law. He understands how these large entities value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to lowball victims. Now, he uses that exact playbook to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition for our clients.
Together, Ralph and Lupe constitute an “insurance counter-intelligence system,” providing an unfair advantage for the victims they represent. They know the enemy’s war room because they helped build it.
Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise:
Hazing cases require specialized knowledge that goes beyond general personal injury law. We have deep expertise in:
- Rhabdomyolysis Injury Litigation: As demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, we understand the complex medical and legal aspects of rhabdomyolysis, including its causes, long-term implications, and how to prove these damages.
- Institutional Negligence: We know how to expose the failures of universities and national organizations in supervising their Greek life programs, from inadequate policies to turning a blind eye to dangerous activities.
- Pattern Evidence: We meticulously track national hazing incidents, legal outcomes, and fraternity histories to establish patterns of negligence, demonstrating that organizations knew about the risks but failed to act.
- Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Membership: Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court. Ralph also holds a New York bar license. This dual-state and federal court admission gives us invaluable leverage when pursuing national fraternities, which often operate across state lines and have legal structures that stretch beyond any single state’s jurisdiction. This means we can effectively pursue hazing cases for Nelson County residents wherever they occur.
A Data-Driven Approach: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Database:
We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas and nationwide. This database includes:
- IRS Records (e.g., Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515 in Frisco): We track the exact legal names, EINs, and addresses of hundreds of Greek-related entities, including house corporations, alumni chapters, and national organizations. These are the corporate structures behind the Greek letters, and we know exactly who to sue.
- Metro-Specific Data: For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone contains 188 Greek-related organizations. This level of detail allows us to pinpoint responsible parties.
- Cross-Validated Information: We track specific national brands across undergraduate chapters, graduate and alumni chapters, and honor or professional affiliates, without guessing.
This intelligence allows us to move with surgical precision, identifying every liable entity—from the individual pledgemaster to the national governing board—and building irrefutable cases.
We Are People-First, Results-Driven:
We are acutely aware that behind every hazing case is a scared parent in Nelson County and a child whose life has been irrevocably altered. We approach every client with empathy, compassion, and a fierce determination for justice.
- No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fees): We understand that Nelson County families facing a hazing crisis are under immense financial and emotional strain. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, ensuring that powerful institutions can never outspend a victim’s right to justice.
- Accessibility and Communication: Our legal team is bilingual (Se Habla Español) and committed to clear, consistent communication. We keep you informed at every step, ensuring you’re never left in the dark. Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews speaks volumes about our client care.
- Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims in Nelson County and across America. We offer remote consultations via video and are fully prepared to travel to Nelson County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
For parents in Nelson County whose children have been victimized by hazing, Attorney 911 is not just a law firm; we are relentless advocates, committed to ensuring accountability, securing justice, and sending a resounding message that hazing will not be tolerated.
What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Nelson County Families
If your child in Nelson County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Taking the right steps can make all the difference in building a strong legal case and securing the justice your family deserves.
Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Medical Attention
Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, seek professional medical help immediately.
- Go to the ER or a Doctor: Do not delay seeking medical care. Rhabdomyolysis, as seen in Leonel’s case, can have delayed but severe symptoms. Psychological trauma also requires professional diagnosis and care.
- Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms (physical and emotional), and the reported cause are clearly documented in medical records. This creates an undeniable paper trail. Explain to medical professionals exactly how the injuries occurred.
Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”
Hazing is often conducted in secret, and perpetrators will try to destroy evidence. You must act quickly to preserve anything that could be relevant, and never delete any digital communications.
- Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If possible and safe, document the location where hazing occurred. Any videos of hazing activities, no matter how brief or seemingly innocuous, are invaluable.
- Communications: Crucially, save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes threats, instructions, plans, or even casual discussions of activities. Do NOT delete anything, even old messages. As Ralph Manginello advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”
- Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have information. Their testimony can be vital.
- Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other physical documents provided by the organization.
- Financial Records: Retain all medical bills, receipts for treatment, and records of lost wages or academic expenses.
Step 3: Avoid Communication with Involved Parties (Without Legal Counsel)
This is a critical mistake many families make. Do NOT try to handle this on your own.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority: This includes local chapter members, alumni, or national leadership. They will often try to control the narrative, deny involvement, or pressure you.
- Do NOT talk to the university administration alone: University officials, especially those in Greek Life or student affairs, often prioritize the institution’s reputation over the victim’s well-being. Any statement you give them can be used against you.
- Do NOT give recorded statements: Never give a recorded statement to anyone associated with the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without your attorney present. They are trained to elicit information that can harm your case.
- Do NOT sign anything: Do not sign any documents (releases, waivers, non-disclosure agreements) from the fraternity, university, or their representatives without a lawyer reviewing them.
Step 4: Stay Off Social Media
Anything you post online can and will be used against you by the defense.
- No Posts About the Incident: Refrain from posting any details about the hazing incident.
- No Posts About Recovery: Avoid posting anything that might suggest you are “fine” or fully recovered, as this can undermine claims of injury or suffering.
- Review Old Posts: Be aware that defense attorneys will scour your child’s past social media for anything that can be taken out of context.
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY
Time is of the essence. There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas and Virginia. This means you typically have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit.
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our legal emergency hotline is available 24/7. Don’t hesitate. The consultation is free, and we will listen carefully to your story.
- Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations for Nelson County families. There’s no obligation, just information and guidance.
- We Come to You / Remote Consultations: While we are headquartered in Houston, we regularly serve clients nationwide. We can conduct video conferences with Nelson County families and will travel for depositions, trials, and critical meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
By following these steps, Nelson County families can protect their rights, preserve invaluable evidence, and position themselves for the strongest possible legal outcome. We are here to guide you through this terrifying time and fight for the justice your child deserves.
Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Nelson County
If you are a parent in Nelson County and your child has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We are Attorney 911, and we are ready to deploy aggressive, compassionate, and data-driven legal representation to fight for your child. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in courts right now, with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez. That same fight, that same expertise, and that same relentless pursuit of justice is available to Nelson County families.
Nelson County Families: When a Hazing Emergency Strikes, Call Us.
You have legal rights, and we are here to help you exercise them.
📞 CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Available 24/7: Hazing emergencies don’t keep business hours, and neither do we. Call anytime, day or night.
- Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial discussion with us is completely free and private. There is no obligation, only an opportunity to understand your legal options and how we can help.
- $0 Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee): We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket for our legal services unless and until we win your case. Our success is directly tied to yours. We take on the financial risk, so you don’t have to.
- Email Us Directly: If you prefer, you can reach out via email: ralph@atty911.com. We understand that speaking on the phone can be difficult during traumatic times.
- Visit Our Website: Learn more about our firm and our commitment to hazing victims at attorney911.com.
We Serve Nelson County Families, No Matter Where the Hazing Occurred.
Though our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national crisis, and its victims deserve national-caliber representation.
- Remote Consultations: We can easily conduct video conferences with Nelson County families, offering you expert legal advice from the comfort and privacy of your home.
- Willingness to Travel: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Nelson County for critical depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice for your child.
- Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide us with the legal standing to pursue national fraternities and universities in federal jurisdictions across the country.
We Are Your Strong, Empathetic Advocates.
We understand the emotional turmoil, the anger, the fear, and the profound sense of betrayal you feel. We are committed to treating every Nelson County family with the compassion and respect they deserve, while aggressively pursuing every liable party. As Lupe Peña said in the wake of the Bermudez lawsuit, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Let us help you turn your family’s pain into purpose. Let us fight for accountability. Let us send a resounding message to fraternities, sororities, and universities everywhere, including those where students from Nelson County attend, that hazing will no longer be tolerated.
Contact Attorney 911 today. We’re here when you need us most.