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New Kent County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, New Kent County, North America, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this in New Kent County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to embark on a new chapter of growth and learning. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and forced into dangerous situations in the name of “tradition.” We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that grips parents in New Kent County whose children have been victimized by hazing. We’re here to help families like yours fight back, offering the same aggressive, data-driven legal representation we bring to every hazing case we pursue nationwide.

We are Attorney911, and we don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in Texas, a fight that mirrors the struggles faced by families in New Kent County and across the nation.

The True Horrors of Hazing: It’s Not Just Pranks, It’s Torture

When you think of hazing, your mind might go to silly pranks or embarrassing tasks. We need to reset that image, especially for parents in New Kent County. Hazing today is not innocent fun; it is often systematic abuse, psychological torture, and physical torment that can lead to severe injury, life-altering trauma, and even death. It happens at universities and colleges across Virginia, including institutions where students from New Kent County attend.

Consider the recent, horrifying case that our firm, Attorney911, is actively litigating: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. This isn’t a theoretical example; it’s a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 in Harris County, Texas, against the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is happening at a major university, similar to many where students from New Kent County pursue higher education. It reveals the brutal reality of hazing in America today.

Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, was not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer. Yet, he was subjected to weeks of horrific hazing that included being waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, and subjected to psychological torture. He endured sleep deprivation and forced physical exertion until his body began to fail him. Leonel was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition caused by extreme muscle breakdown. He passed brown urine, a tell-tale sign of this severe condition, and remains at risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is what hazing looks like, not in some distant past, but right now, on college campuses that our children attend. This is the kind of fight we take on, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of Attorney911 to holding every responsible entity accountable.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning to New Kent County Families, A Promise of Action

The story of Leonel Bermudez is a stark warning that resonates deeply with families in New Kent County whose children may be pledging Greek organizations, sports teams, or other student groups. The same national fraternities that operate in Texas have chapters across Virginia, including at universities that draw students from New Kent County. The dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez can, and unfortunately do, occur at institutions within or near New Kent County, Virginia.

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. The members, recognizing the severity of their actions, voted to surrender their charter, leading to the chapter’s permanent closure. Criminal referrals were initiated, further underscoring the egregious nature of the acts. Our firm, Attorney911, didn’t hesitate. We immediately filed a $10 million lawsuit, naming not only the fraternity and individual members but also the University of Houston and its Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures that every entity complicit in the hazing is targeted and held responsible.

As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, told ABC13, describing Leonel’s harrowing 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.”

Lupe Peña, another attorney at our firm, powerfully stated to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This sentiment is at the core of our work. We fight for justice not only for our clients but also to deter future hazing incidents.

The Bermudez case proves that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting. This is the firm that fights back, bringing aggressive representation to every hazing victim. You can read more about this ongoing case from reputable news sources:

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in New Kent County, Virginia, might still hold outdated notions of hazing—harmless pranks or a bit of roughhousing. We need to shatter those misconceptions. Today’s hazing rituals are often dangerous, psychologically damaging, and can have lifelong consequences. The line between “tradition” and outright abuse has been crossed repeatedly, leading to injuries and deaths that were entirely preventable.

The details of Leonel Bermudez’s hazing paint a horrifying picture of what students endured:

  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a practice described by Houston Public Media as “torture” that “simulates drowning.” This isn’t a prank; it’s a method of interrogation designed to break individuals.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress, eventually made to lie in his own vomit.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: This included performing over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, and wheelbarrows. He was forced to continue until he couldn’t stand without help, leading to his severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Other pledges collapsed during these workouts. The lawsuit also mentions pledges “being struck with wooden paddles.”
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were threatened with physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance, creating an environment of intense fear and coercion.
  • Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to severe exhaustion.

These are not isolated incidents. These are calculated, systematic acts of abuse designed to break down a pledge’s will and instill absolute obedience. The long-term effects of such trauma, both physical and psychological, can devastate a young person’s life and academic future. Families throughout New Kent County must understand that this is the grim reality many students face.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing incidents like Leonel Bermudez’s occur, the question arises: who can be held responsible? Our firm aggressively pursues all liable parties, ensuring that justice is served and a clear message is sent that such behavior will not be tolerated. For families in New Kent County, it’s crucial to understand the multiple layers of accountability we target.

In hazing cases, potential defendants often include:

  • The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: The direct perpetrators and organizers of the hazing. This includes the chapter as an entity, its officers (such as the president and pledgemaster), and individual members who participated, condoned, or failed to prevent the abuse.
  • The National Greek Organization: These national bodies, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters in our current lawsuit, have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” as alleged in the Bermudez case, they can be held directly liable. National organizations typically possess significant assets and insurance, representing “deep pockets” for substantial compensation.
  • The University or College: Educational institutions bear a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their students. If the hazing occurs on university-owned property (as it did in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), or if the university fails to adequately supervise Greek life, investigate complaints, or enforce its own anti-hazing policies, it can be held liable for negligence. Public universities in Virginia, such as the College of William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), James Madison University, or the University of Virginia, all have Greek life, and all face similar oversight challenges.
  • Housing Corporations: Often, fraternity or sorority houses are owned by separate housing corporations. These entities can be held responsible for maintaining a safe property and preventing hazing on their premises.
  • Individual Perpetrators and Facilitators: Anyone who actively participated in, organized, or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable for a victim’s injuries. This can include current and former fraternity members, and even their spouses if they allowed hazing to occur at their private residence, as alleged in the Bermudez lawsuit.

It’s important to remember that pursuing accountability is not just about criminal charges. While criminal referrals often occur, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek comprehensive financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. This is about ensuring that those who inflict harm, and the institutions that enable it, are held fully responsible for their actions. We understand that parents in New Kent County may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking on such powerful institutions, but with Attorney911, you have a proven advocate on your side.

Hazing Costs Millions: Precedent-Setting Cases That Show What’s Possible

For families in New Kent County, it’s vital to understand that pursuing justice for hazing injuries or deaths is not only possible but has resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. These precedent cases send an unmistakable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. We leverage these landmark cases to inform our strategy and demand maximum compensation for our clients, including those in New Kent County.

Consider these significant outcomes:

  • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing event. What started as a tragic incident culminated in over $10.1 million in settlements. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity along with individual members paid $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally in a civil judgment. This case directly supports our own $10 million demand in the Bermudez case and highlights the potential for individual accountability.
  • Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495 after being forced to drink during a hazing ritual. A jury returned a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and its members. His death also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after consuming 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes and then falling down stairs during a hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling for help. The civil settlements in this case are estimated to be over $110 million. Piazza’s death also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
  • Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): This case is critically relevant to Leonel Bermudez’s situation because Andrew Coffey died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” This is the SAME national fraternity involved in the Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount was confidential, it represents a clear pattern of deadly hazing within Pi Kappa Phi, a pattern our firm is exposing in the Bermudez lawsuit.
  • Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi, 2021): Adam Oakes, a freshman at VCU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family initially sought $28 million and settled for over $4 million in October 2024. This happened right here in Virginia, at a university where students from New Kent County might attend, and shows that Virginia’s institutions and fraternities are not immune to these issues.

These cases demonstrate a clear trend: juries and courts are increasingly ruling in favor of hazing victims and their families, awarding substantial compensation. The egregious nature of hazing often compels large punitive damages against organizations and individuals who show conscious indifference to human life and safety. For New Kent County families seeking information about hazing lawyer near New Kent County, these precedents prove that the legal system can deliver justice.

Our ongoing Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, with its $10 million demand, directly aligns with these significant judgments and settlements. We are confident it will further solidify the legal landscape, ensuring that hazing victims, even across state lines from our firm’s home in Texas, can seek justice and hold powerful institutions accountable.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights Beyond New Kent County

While our firm is headquartered in Houston, our extensive understanding of hazing litigation extends far beyond Texas borders, encompassing states like Virginia where New Kent County is located. We want families in New Kent County, Virginia, to understand that strong legal protections exist, and in many respects, the legal principles that guided our lawsuit in Texas apply equally to victims in Virginia.

In Texas, where our firm is based, comprehensive anti-hazing laws provide a robust framework for holding perpetrators and institutions accountable. The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, specifically addresses hazing. Key provisions that are often mirrored in Virginia law or that demonstrate broader legal principles include:

  • Definition of Hazing: Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics causing unreasonable risk of harm, forced consumption of substances, and acts that violate the Penal Code. The actions taken against Leonel Bermudez—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise until kidney failure—clearly fall under these prohibitions, just as they would under Virginia’s anti-hazing statutes.
  • Criminal Penalties: Hazing can be a criminal offense. In Texas, it ranges from a Class B misdemeanor for merely engaging in hazing, to a Class A misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), and even a State Jail Felony if it causes death. Virginia also criminalizes hazing, with penalties that can include jail time and significant fines.
  • Organizational Liability: Crucially, Texas law holds organizations themselves responsible if they condone, encourage, or if their members commit hazing. This allows us to pursue the national fraternities and local chapters as entities, not just individuals.
  • Consent is NOT a Defense: This is a critical point that defendants frequently attempt to use to evade responsibility. In Texas, Education Code Section 37.154 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution…that the person…consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This is a bedrock principle in modern anti-hazing law, and similar provisions exist or are argued in Virginia and other states. No one can legally consent to abuse or acts that constitute hazing if those acts endanger their health and safety.
  • Institutional Reporting Requirements: Texas institutions are required to report hazing incidents. This creates another layer of accountability, and failure to report can carry its own penalties. Effective reporting and investigation are vital for protecting students.

Beyond specific state statutes, several civil liability theories apply everywhere, including New Kent County, Virginia:

  • Negligence: This is perhaps the most common claim. It alleges that a duty of care was owed (e.g., by the university, national fraternity, or individual members), that duty was breached (by allowing or participating in hazing), and that breach caused injuries and damages.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as it did for Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston), or even at an off-campus house where the homeowners (including spouses of former members) allowed the hazing, they can be held liable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions.
  • Negligent Supervision: Universities and national fraternities have a duty to supervise their chapters and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place. A failure to adequately supervise can be a basis for liability.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be held civilly liable for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing that is extreme and outrageous, and causes severe emotional distress, can lead to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, particularly relevant in cases involving psychological torture like waterboarding and degradation.

For our team at Attorney911, the critical takeaway for New Kent County families is this: your child has undeniable legal rights. Even if the hazing occurred at a university in Virginia, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue these cases strategically, often against the national organizations responsible, regardless of their headquarters’ location. We are equipped to navigate the nuances of hazing lawyer in New Kent County cases, ensuring your rights are protected under the full extent of the law.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident can feel overwhelming, especially for families in a challenging situation like those in New Kent County. When you decide to fight back against powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities, you need a law firm that is not only experienced and tenacious but also deeply understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation. At Attorney911, we offer a distinct set of advantages that make us the clear choice for hazing victims and their families, no matter where they are located.

1. We Are Actively Fighting BATTLES, Not Just Talking About Them: The most compelling reason to choose Attorney911 is our current, active litigation of the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This isn’t theoretical expertise; we are in the trenches right now, fighting a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity, a major university, and multiple individuals for severe hazing that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This case demonstrates our aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach, the very same approach we will bring to your hazing case in New Kent County, Virginia. We know what it takes because we’re doing it right now.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, the attorneys at the helm of Attorney911, honed their skills by working for insurance defense firms. This insider knowledge is invaluable. We understand exactly how insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize, downplay claims, and try to minimize payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. This gives families in New Kent County a unique strategic advantage against institutions eager to protect their bottom line.

3. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: Nationwide Reach: While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our practice is not geographically limited. Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities and universities. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar admissions in Texas and New York provide a strategic edge in negotiating with national organizations that may be headquartered or heavily active in other states. We serve hazing victims nationwide, and that includes New Kent County. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.

4. Extensive Courtroom and Litigation Experience: Battle-Tested Advocates: With over 25 years in the courtroom, Ralph Manginello is a seasoned trial attorney. His experience includes involvement in the multibillion-dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion, demonstrating our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants. Lupe Peña adds another 12+ years of litigation experience, having recovered millions for clients across various personal injury cases. This collective experience means we are not afraid to go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached, a fact that insurance companies and defendants in New Kent County know well. You can trust our proven track record of fighting for what is right.

5. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: You Are Family: Hazing cases are personal, traumatic, and emotionally devastating. We understand that parents in New Kent County are entrusting us with their child’s future. Our firm is built on a foundation of empathy and direct communication. We treat our clients like family, ensuring you are informed, heard, and supported throughout the entire legal process. Our numerous 4.9-star Google reviews highlight our commitment to client communication and care, with testimonials like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

6. Contingency Fee Basis: Access to Justice for All: We believe that financial hardship should never prevent a victim from seeking justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and allows families in New Kent County to pursue powerful institutions without worrying about hourly legal fees. For many families, this is the only way to level the playing field against well-funded defendants. You can learn more about how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

7. Data-Driven Strategy: We Know Who to Sue: Our firm doesn’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas (including EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures), and our research extends to national organizations. When hazing happens, we already know the corporate entities, national headquarters, and housing corporations behind the Greek letters. This allows us to move swiftly and decisively to target every liable party, as demonstrated by our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals.

When facing such a profound legal emergency, families in New Kent County deserve immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We travel to New Kent County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed, and we offer remote consultations to ensure geographic distance is never a barrier.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for New Kent County Families

If you or your child in New Kent County, Virginia, has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll may be immense, taking swift and decisive action can significantly impact the strength and success of your legal case. We urge you to follow these steps to protect yourself and your rights:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Your health and safety are paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, get professional medical help immediately. For physical injuries like those sustained by Leonel Bermudez (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure), emergency care is essential. Ensure all symptoms, however small, are documented by medical professionals. A delay in seeking treatment can be used by defense attorneys to suggest that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!
Hazing organizations and universities are quick to cover their tracks. You must act faster. Every piece of information is valuable:
* Medical Records: Obtain copies of all emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor’s notes, therapy session records, and bills.
* Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they heal. If there are any photos or videos of the hazing itself, or related activities, secure them immediately.
* Communications: This is crucial. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes threats, instructions, discussions about hazing, and any communications from the fraternity, sorority, or university. These digital trails can contain undeniable proof.
* Witness Information: Collect the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who has knowledge of the events.
* Documents: Preserve any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications received from the organization.
* Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, receipts for any related expenses, and documentation of lost wages or academic fees.
* Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
* Property: If hazing occurred at a specific location, note the address and take photos of the property, especially if it indicates university ownership or control.

You can find valuable tips on documenting evidence in our video: “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

3. Do NOT Communicate Without Legal Counsel:
Avoid discussing the incident with anyone from the fraternity, sorority, university administration, or their legal representatives without your attorney present. These entities are primarily concerned with protecting themselves and their reputations. Anything you say can and will be used against you or your child. Do not sign any documents or waive any rights. Our video “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY offers more critical advice on this topic.

4. Limit Social Media Activity:
Anything posted on social media can become evidence in your case. Refrain from posting about the hazing incident, your injuries, or even general updates about your life that could be misconstrued. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that minimizes your claim.

5. Report the Incident (Strategically):
While securing legal counsel, consider reporting the hazing to relevant authorities. This may include university officials (Title IX office or Dean of Students), campus police, or local law enforcement. An experienced hazing attorney can guide you on the best timing and method for reporting to maximize your legal protections and ensure thorough investigation.

6. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:
Time is of the essence. In most states, including Virginia, there is a statute of limitations (typically two years) for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and defendants strategize. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, building your case, and fighting for your rights. Our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c explains why these deadlines are crucial.

We understand that you may be experiencing immense stress and confusion. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Contact Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in New Kent County

If you are a family in New Kent County, Virginia, and your child has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We want you to know that you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to holding accountable the fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals who cause harm through hazing. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven strategy and unwavering commitment to justice for families in New Kent County that we are currently leveraging in our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

We understand that hazing victims and their families often feel isolated, intimidated, and unsure of where to turn. We are here for you.

New Kent County Families: Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now for A Free Consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Our hotline is available 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours. We offer free, confidential consultations for New Kent County hazing victims and their families. There is no obligation, just an opportunity to understand your options and begin your path to justice.

We work on a contingency fee basis: This means you pay $0 upfront for our services. You only pay us if and when we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that every family in New Kent County has access to top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

We Serve Hazing Victims Nationwide, Including New Kent County:
While our roots are in Texas, our expertise and reach extend across the country. Through our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), we are strategically positioned to take on national fraternities and universities, regardless of where they are headquartered. We offer remote video consultations for your convenience, and we are prepared to travel to New Kent County, Virginia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice for hazing victims.

Hazing happens in many forms and in various organizations:

  • Fraternities and sororities at institutions near New Kent County (like those at the College of William & Mary, VCU, James Madison University, or the University of Virginia).
  • New Kent County sports teams.
  • Marching bands and other student organizations.
  • Military academies and ROTC programs.
  • Any group that uses dangerous or humiliating rituals as a condition of membership.

If your child attends college somewhere local to New Kent County, or elsewhere in Virginia or out of state, the threat of hazing is real. These institutions, including the College of William & Mary, which dates back to 1693 and has a rich history alongside New Kent County itself, are not exempt from the national hazing crisis. Universities across the country, like the University of Houston in our ongoing case, can and are being held accountable.

To other victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We know you are out there. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one victimized. Other pledges suffered extreme physical and psychological abuse, including one who lost consciousness. If you or someone you know was part of that pledge class, or any other hazing incident, we want to hear from you. You have rights, and we are here to fight for you. As Lupe Peña said, “Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Do not delay. The statute of limitations imposes strict deadlines, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. Take the first step towards accountability and healing. Contact Attorney911 today.