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, make connections, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with injuries that could haunt them for a lifetime. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in New York fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless prank. It’s not a secret handshake or a silly initiation rite. It’s a calculated act of abuse designed to degrade, control, and injure. And it’s happening right now at universities and colleges across New York and nationwide. While our firm is based in Texas, the fight against hazing knows no state lines. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to victims and families in New York as we do in our home state.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting hazing in the courts. Just recently, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members after a young man was waterboarded, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, and subjected to extreme physical exertion until his kidneys failed. This isn’t a theoretical fight for us; it’s an ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court. We understand the pain, anger, and fear that New York families feel, and we are ready to stand with you.

The Haunting Echoes of Abuse: Leonel Bermudez’s Story

The unimaginable happened to Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, but intended to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. He was a promising young man simply seeking brotherhood and belonging. Instead, he endured weeks of systematic torment that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court, is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of modern hazing.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was a horrifying regimen of abuse. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, and then made to run sprints through his own vomit. He was subjected to extreme physical punishment, including over 100 push-ups and 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. He was even struck with wooden paddles. On October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Just two days later, on October 15, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs. The culture of abuse was rampant and unchecked.

On November 3, 2025, after missing an event, Leonel was brutally punished with a gauntlet of forced exercises until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. Attorney Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13 that, “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.” Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream, and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, and the long-term impact on his health remains a grave concern.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025, just a week before our lawsuit was filed, they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. In their public statement, Pi Kappa Phi admitted to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” yet their statement also included a chilling promise: “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This lack of remorse, even as Leonel recovered from life-threatening injuries, underscores their stunning indifference.

The University of Houston’s response was equally telling. A spokesperson admitted to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They also mentioned “potential criminal charges,” indicating the severity of the alleged crimes. Critically, KHOU 11 reported that the lawsuit alleges the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They knew. They chose not to act.

This case is not just about Leonel. It’s about every student in New York who faces these same dangers. Pi Kappa Phi operates on “more than 150 campuses across America,” including near New York. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can happen at New York fraternities. Universities across New York face the same liability failures as the University of Houston. If your child is being hazed in New York, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel. As Attorney Lupe Pena told 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.” [Source: ABC13 Coverage] [Source: KHOU 11 Coverage] [Source: Houston Public Media Coverage]

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, the word “hazing” conjures images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But as Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically illustrates, modern hazing is far from benign. It is structured, systematic abuse designed to inflict pain, fear, and humiliation, often pushing its victims to the brink of physical and psychological collapse. This isn’t “boys being boys” or a rite of passage; it is deliberate torture.

Here’s what hazing truly looks like today, tactics that are replicated across fraternities, sororports, clubs, and other student organizations, including those at universities and colleges throughout New York:

Physical Abuse That Breaks the Body

Hazing rituals frequently include extreme physical punishment, pushing students beyond human limits. Leonel was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This excessive exertion led to his devastating rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Other forms of physical abuse can include:

Beatings and Paddling: As seen in Leonel’s case, where he was struck with wooden paddles.
Branding and Burning: Inflicting permanent marks on the body.
Forced Physical Exertion: Beyond what Leonel endured, this includes long runs, intense calisthenics, and sleep deprivation leading to physical collapse.
Exposure to Elements: Forcing students to strip to their underwear in cold weather, as Leonel was, or leaving them outdoors for extended periods in harsh conditions.
Simulated Waterboarding: As seen in Leonel’s case, where he was sprayed in the face with a garden hose to simulate drowning. This is a tactic considered torture when used against enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted on a college student.

Forced Consumption That Poisons the Body

Often linked to alcohol, forced consumption extends to other substances and has deadly consequences:

Forced Alcohol Consumption: This is often the most dangerous form of hazing, leading to acute alcohol poisoning. Victims are coerced or required to drink excessive amounts of hard liquor in short periods, far beyond their capacity.
Excessive Food Consumption: Pledges like Leonel are forced to eat large quantities of unappetizing or sickening foods until they vomit, sometimes to the point of physical illness.
Non-Food Substances: In some extreme cases, pledges are forced to consume non-food items, leading to severe internal damage.

Psychological Torture That Breaks the Spirit

Beyond physical harm, hazing aims to strip individuals of their dignity and control:

Humiliation and Degradation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Other examples include forced public nudity, verbal abuse, and demeaning rituals designed to break spirit.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days, forced to perform tasks or endure rituals that deny them sleep, leading to exhaustion, disorientation, and impaired judgment. Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, contributing to his exhaustion.
Isolation and Manipulation: Being cut off from outside contact, constantly monitored, and subjected to psychological games that create profound fear, anxiety, and a feeling of powerlessness.
Threats of Retaliation: Pledges are explicitly or implicitly threatened with social ostracism, physical harm, or expulsion from the organization if they fail to comply or report the hazing, a fear Leonel openly expressed to our attorneys.

The Medical Consequences Are Severe

The injuries from hazing are far from superficial:

Rhabdomyolysis: This is what Leonel suffered. It’s the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can cause acute kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, and even death.
Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from excessive and rapid alcohol consumption.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or concussive forces.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
Internal Injuries: From forced impact or consumption.
Infection: From branding, cuts, or unsanitary conditions.
Psychological Trauma: Long-term conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common.

This is the reality of hazing today. It’s often hidden, insidious, and devastating. Families in New York need to know that these acts are not isolated incidents but part of a pervasive and dangerous culture that demands active legal intervention.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing leaves a student physically or psychologically broken, or tragically ends a life, the responsibility extends far beyond the immediate perpetrators. At Attorney911, we operate on a fundamental principle: identify and sue every entity that enabled, condoned, or failed to prevent the abuse. This aggressive, comprehensive approach ensures that those with power and resources—the “deep pockets”—are held accountable, sending a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing a wide array of defendants, setting the standard for how hazing litigation should be conducted. New York families facing similar tragedies deserve nothing less.

Individual Perpetrators

These are the students and alumni who actively engage in hazing activities.

Chapter Officers: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other leaders who plan, direct, or oversee the hazing rituals are directly liable. They often hold positions of power over pledges and bear significant responsibility.
Participating Members: Any current or former fraternity members who actively participate in the hazing, whether by inflicting physical abuse, forcing consumption, or enabling psychological torture, can be held personally liable.
Alumni/Hosts: In Leonel’s case, former members and even a spouse were named as defendants because some of the hazing occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who provides a venue or facilitates the hazing.

Why They’re Liable: They commit direct acts of assault, battery, and hazing (which is a criminal offense in many states, including Texas). Their individual actions directly cause harm.

The Local Chapter

The collective body that organizes and executes the hazing.

Undergraduate Chapter: The specific fraternity chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at UH) is a primary defendant. They are the direct vehicle through which hazing is planned and implemented.

Why They’re Liable: The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is vicariously liable for the actions of its members, especially when hazing is a sanctioned “tradition” or widespread practice.

The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

These institutions maintain broad oversight, financial resources, and ultimate control over their chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (National Headquarters): This national entity, with its 150+ chapters across America, is a key defendant in Leonel’s lawsuit. National organizations often claim ignorance, but their extensive policies (and often their failure to enforce them) demonstrate otherwise.
Housing Corporations: Often separate legal entities (e.g., Beta Nu Housing Corporation in Leonel’s case), these corporations own and manage the physical fraternity houses. They have a responsibility to ensure safety on their premises.

Why They’re Liable: National organizations have a duty to supervise, train, and control their local chapters. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, ignore warnings, or permit a culture of abuse to persist, they are directly and vicariously liable. The Andrew Coffey tragedy in 2017 should have served as a wake-up call for Pi Kappa Phi. Their failure to prevent Leonel’s hospitalization eight years later is a damning indictment of their negligence.

The University/College

Educational institutions have a profound responsibility to protect their students, especially when they exert significant control over student life.

University of Houston & UH Board of Regents: In Leonel’s case, both the university and its governing board are named as defendants. The university owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place, granting it significant control and responsibility over the premises.

Why They’re Liable: Universities have a duty to provide a safe educational environment. This includes supervising Greek life, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and responding to known risks. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs, their responsibility for premises liability is even clearer. The University of Houston had prior notice of serious hazing on its campus after a student was hospitalized in 2017, yet failed to implement effective safeguards. This establishes a pattern of institutional negligence and deliberate indifference.

Insurance Carriers

Behind every individual, chapter, national organization, and university are their insurance carriers.

Liability Insurance: These policies are critical for securing compensation. National fraternities and universities carry substantial liability coverage. Individuals may have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that could apply.

Why They’re Liable: Insurance companies are ultimately the source of financial recovery in most large personal injury cases. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to identify and pursue all available insurance coverage, ensuring maximum compensation for our clients.

Every single one of these entities plays a role in the ecosystem of hazing. By holding each accountable, we not only secure justice for the victim but also dismantle the intricate web of complicity and negligence that allows hazing to flourish. For New York families, this means a relentless pursuit of every responsible party, from the students who inflict the abuse to the institutions that let it happen.

What These Cases Win: Millions for Hazing Victims

When a family in New York seeks justice for hazing, they often wonder if legal action can truly make a difference. The answer is a resounding yes. Our aggressive legal strategies, combined with unwavering commitment to our clients, have consistently yielded multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases nationwide. These are not just numbers; they represent comprehensive support for victims’ lifelong medical needs, lost potential, and the profound suffering they endure. More importantly, these victories send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing will cost you millions.

Stone Foltz: A $10.1 Million Testament to Accountability

In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual. He died days later from alcohol poisoning. His family’s fight for justice resulted in a groundbreaking total recovery of over $10.1 million. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and individual members. In a separate, powerful move, a jury in December 2024 held Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally liable for $6.5 million, demonstrating that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind the corporate veil. This landmark case serves as a direct precedent for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It explicitly proves that both universities and national fraternities, along with culpable individuals, are held financially responsible.

Maxwell Gruver: A $6.1 Million Verdict That Became Law

Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University, died in September 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing event. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for incorrect answers during a “Bible Study” quiz. Gruver’s blood alcohol content reached 0.495, six times the legal limit. His family pursued justice, securing a $6.1 million jury verdict. Beyond the financial compensation, Gruver’s tragic death led to the passing of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, proving that justice can inspire legislative change. The jury’s outrage at the fraternity’s conduct was clear in their significant award.

Timothy Piazza: An Estimated $110 Million Settlement and a National Movement

Timothy Piazza, a Penn State University student, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. He consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes, falling repeatedly down stairs and suffering a traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before seeking medical help. The evidence, captured by security cameras, was damning. His family’s relentless pursuit of justice resulted in a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million, one of the largest hazing settlements in U.S. history. His death also galvanized national anti-hazing efforts and led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.” This case underscores that strong evidence of egregious conduct leads to massive financial accountability.

Andrew Coffey: Pi Kappa Phi’s Deadly History

Perhaps most directly relevant to our current litigation, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old Florida State University student, died in November 2017 after a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. His death also resulted in criminal charges against nine fraternity members and a civil settlement with his family. The tragic irony that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized eight years later, in November 2025, from hazing at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter, further solidifies the national organization’s pattern of negligence and places them squarely in the crosshairs for substantial punitive damages.

Adam Oakes: Another Recent Multi-Million Dollar Settlement

In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a Delta Chi pledge at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), died from acute alcohol poisoning after a hazing event. His family recently settled their lawsuit for over $4 million in October 2024, demonstrating the continued financial penalties for hazing. This case, like Gruver’s, also sparked new legislation, known as “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

New York Families: These Results Are Within Reach

These multi-million dollar outcomes prove that hazing cases are winnable battles against powerful institutions. They cover extensive medical bills, lost educational and career opportunities, lifetime care needs, and the profound pain and suffering endured by victims and their families. More critically, they often include substantial punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoing and deter future hazing.

For families in New York, these precedents offer powerful assurances:

The same national fraternities and their chapters, often present at New York universities, have faced and paid millions in these lawsuits.
Universities and colleges in New York, like those in other states, have a legal responsibility to protect students and can be held liable for their negligence.
Individual perpetrators who directly inflict harm face growing personal liability, as shown in the Stone Foltz judgment.
The egregious nature of hazing, involving assault, torture, and life-threatening activities, resonates deeply with juries, leading to significant awards.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary figure; it is grounded in these established legal precedents and the profound damages he has suffered. We bring this proven track record of securing multi-million dollar results to every hazing victim we represent, including families in New York. If your child has been subjected to hazing, know that others have fought and won, and we are ready to fight for you.

New York Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights Against Hazing

While our firm is based in Texas, the fundamental legal principles that make hazing a serious offense, often both a crime and a civil wrong, are firmly established across the United States. New York State has its own robust anti-hazing laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable. Just as in Texas, consent is never a defense to hazing in New York. We apply our expertise in national hazing litigation, federal court authority, and dual-state bar admissions to represent New York families with the full force of the law.

New York State’s Anti-Hazing Laws

Under New York State law, hazing is not just against university policy; it’s a crime. The state’s Education Law, specifically New York Education Law § 6450 (1-3), defines hazing broadly and carries serious penalties.

Definition of Hazing:
New York law defines hazing similarly to Texas, encompassing any practice or act that:

Intentionally or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.
For the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in any organization.
This includes any physical abuse, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation, isolation, or any activity that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adverse health effects.

Criminal Penalties:
New York law provides for severe criminal penalties, which can include:

Misdemeanor Charges: For those who engage in hazing or know of hazing and fail to report it.
Felony Charges: For hazing that causes serious physical injury or death. This aligns with national trends to elevate severe hazing instances to felony offenses, ensuring perpetrators face significant jail time and fines.

Key Protection: Consent is Absolutely NOT a Defense in New York
Just like in Texas, New York Education Law has a critical provision: consent is not a defense to hazing. This means that if a student is subjected to hazing, the perpetrator cannot argue that the student “agreed” to participate or “knew what they were getting into.” This legal reality is paramount for victims throughout New York, empowering them to come forward without fear that their actions will be used against them.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in a conviction, New York law allows victims and their families to seek justice through civil lawsuits. This is where the primary opportunity for financial compensation lies, addressing the extensive damages caused by hazing. Our strategies, successfully employed in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, are fully applicable in New York:

Negligence Claims: We can sue the individuals, local chapter, national organization, and the university for negligence. This involves proving they had a duty of care to the student, breached that duty (e.g., by permitting hazing, failing to supervise, or ignoring warnings), their breach caused the injuries, and the injuries resulted in damages. This is a core theory in almost every hazing case.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university, the fraternity’s housing corporation, or even a private residence (as in Leonel’s case), these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition on their premises. Many universities in New York own or closely regulate fraternity housing, increasing their responsibility.
Negligent Supervision/Retention: This applies especially to national organizations and universities. If they failed to adequately supervise the chapter or its members, or retained individuals/chapters known for hazing, they can be held responsible.
Assault and Battery: Direct physical contact, forced consumption, or simulated waterboarding can be classified as civil assault and battery, allowing victims to sue the individual perpetrators for intentional harm.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing (like torture, degradation, or severe humiliation) can give rise to IIED claims, particularly given the profound psychological impact on victims.
Violation of Institutional Policies: Many New York universities and national fraternities have explicit anti-hazing policies. Violations of these policies can be used to demonstrate negligence and breach of duty.
Federal Civil Rights Claims (Title IX): In cases involving sexual hazing or gender-based harassment, a university’s failure to adequately respond may permit a cause of action under Title IX, a federal statute that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

Our firm’s comprehensive approach means we look to every potential defendant, regardless of their location, to ensure full accountability for New York hazing victims:

Local Chapters and Individual Members: For their direct actions and complicity.
National Organizations: For their failure to oversee and control their chapters, especially when they have a history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s documented history).
Universities and Colleges in New York: For their failure to provide a safe environment, enforce policies, and supervise Greek life within their jurisdiction. New York institutions, including major systems like SUNY and CUNY, and private universities throughout the state, are all subject to these responsibilities.
Housing Corporations: For negligence related to the properties where hazing occurs.
Insurance Carriers: These are critical to funding the substantial compensation required in serious hazing cases.

For New York families, understanding these legal avenues is the first step toward reclaiming justice. Don’t let the complexity deter you. We are here to navigate New York’s legal landscape, apply our national expertise, and fight tirelessly on your behalf, ensuring that the law protects your child.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for New York Hazing Victims

When your family is reeling from the trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the unique complexities of these cases, and who isn’t afraid to take on powerful institutions. Attorney911 is that firm, and we are ready to bring our unparalleled expertise to every hazing victim and family in New York.

While our headquarters are in Houston, our commitment to fighting hazing extends nationwide. We have the credentials, the experience, and the strategic advantages that set us apart from any local New York firm that may lack this specialized focus.

1. Hazing Litigation Expertise: We Are Actively Fighting

Many firms claim to handle student injuries, but few are actively engaged in the high-stakes battle against hazing. We are not theoretical; we are in the fight right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach. This case, fresh in the news, proves our intimate understanding of current hazing tactics, institutional failures, and the complex web of liability. We are applying these lessons learned and strategies developed directly to your case in New York.

2. Dual-State Bar Admission: Texas AND New York

Attorney Ralph Manginello is a member of both the Texas State Bar and the New York State Bar Association. This dual licensure is a strategic advantage for New York clients. It means we have direct authority to practice law in New York, simplifying the process and demonstrating our commitment to serving victims in your state. This is especially vital when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines.

3. Federal Court Authority: National Reach

Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal court authority means we are equipped to pursue claims in federal courts, which is often necessary when national organizations or federal laws (like Title IX for sexual hazing) are involved. This expands our power to pursue justice for New York victims on a national stage.

4. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña worked as insurance defense attorneys before founding Attorney911. This is not a coincidence; it’s a critical strategic advantage.

Mr. Manginello knows how insurance companies evaluate claims and defend against them.
Mr. Peña, having worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, brings an insider’s perspective on how large insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize to minimize or deny payouts.
They’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now they use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. For New York families, this means we anticipate and counter every tactic the university, national fraternity, and their insurance carriers will employ.

5. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Taking on Giants

Mr. Manginello was involved in the BP Texas City Explosion Litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort case against one of the world’s largest corporations. This experience proves our capacity to effectively handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate and institutional defendants. The same skills and strategic thinking applied to mass torts are precisely what’s needed to take on national fraternities and large university systems in New York.

6. Relentless Investigation: Exposing the Truth

Mr. Manginello’s background in journalism trained him to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories. This is invaluable in hazing cases where institutions often try to cover up the truth. We aggressively challenge evidence, expose inconsistencies, and leverage technology, including publicly available data on Greek organizations, to build an unshakeable case. Our systematic evidence-gathering process, including digital forensics for texts and social media, ensures no detail is overlooked.

7. Compassionate, Empathetic, and Family-Focused Approach

We understand that behind every hazing case is a traumatized student and a heartbroken family. Our firm culture is built on treating clients like family. As many of our 250+ 4.9-star Google reviewers attest: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” (Chad Harris). We extend this empathetic, warm, and parent-facing approach to every New York family we serve. As a father of three, Ralph Manginello deeply understands what’s at stake when a child is harmed.

8. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost to New York Families

We take hazing cases on contingency. This means:

You pay $0 upfront.
We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.
Our fees come out of the final settlement or verdict.
This eliminates the financial barrier, allowing any New York family, regardless of their economic situation, to access top-tier legal representation against well-funded institutions.

9. Will Travel to New York for Your Case

While we offer convenient remote consultations via video conference, we are fully committed to traveling to New York for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice; our priority is to provide the most effective representation possible for your family.

10. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients in New York without language barriers. We ensure clear communication and support for all families.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is uniquely qualified, actively experienced, and fiercely committed to fighting for hazing victims in New York. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re in the trenches, securing justice and driving change.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for New York Families

When your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Fear, shame, and confusion can paralyze families, but acting quickly and strategically is essential to protecting your child’s legal rights and ensuring the best possible outcome for their case. We understand this is an overwhelming time, but taking these steps can make a profound difference.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention & Document Everything

Your child’s health and safety are paramount.

Prioritize Medical Care: Get your child to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Internal injuries, like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, may not be immediately apparent. Mental health evaluation is also critical, as the psychological trauma of hazing can be severe.
Be Honest with Medical Professionals: Clearly state that the injuries resulted from a hazing incident, including details of forced activities, forced consumption, lack of sleep, or any physical or emotional abuse. This ensures proper medical diagnosis and accurate documentation linking the injuries to the hazing.
Preserve All Medical Records: Obtain copies of all medical bills, doctor’s notes, hospital discharge summaries, laboratory results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), and any prescriptions. These are fundamental to proving the extent of the harm.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Digital and Physical

Evidence can disappear quickly, so act fast to secure it.

Save All Communications: This is perhaps the most crucial step. Our client mistakes video highlights that deleting messages can ruin your case. Your child likely has evidence of the hazing on their phone.
- Text Messages: All text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, and any other messaging app interactions related to the hazing, including planning, execution, and aftermath.
- Photos and Videos: Any pictures or videos taken by your child or shared within the group that show hazing activities, injuries, or the locations where hazing occurred. These could be incriminating.
- Emails: Any emails from the fraternity/sorority, university, or individual members related to pledge activities.
Document Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of all injuries as soon as they appear, and continue to document them throughout the healing process. Include close-ups and wider shots.
Identify Witnesses: Gather the names and contact information of other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or any other witnesses who may have observed the hazing or its effects. They may be scared, but their testimony can be vital.
Save Physical Objects: If anything physical was involved (e.g., paddles, clothes that show damage, items from a “fanny pack” like Leonel’s), preserve it.
Keep Academic/Financial Records: Document any impact on your child’s academic performance, course withdrawals, lost scholarships, or expenses related to the hazing.

3. Do NOT Engage Without Legal Counsel

Institutions and perpetrators will attempt to control the narrative and minimize their liability.

Do NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: They are not allies, and any statements made can be used against your child. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” applies equally to fraternity officials.
Do NOT Give Statements to University Administration Alone: Universities have a vested interest in protecting their reputation. Any statements your child makes can be used to shift blame or diminish the severity of the hazing.
Do NOT Sign Anything: Under no circumstances should your child sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority, the university, or their representatives without a lawyer’s review. These documents may waive crucial legal rights.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” is critical. Anything your child posts, even seemingly harmless photos, can be twisted by defense attorneys to undermine their case. Instruct your child to make their social media private and refrain from posting about the incident or their recovery. Do not delete old posts, as this can be seen as destruction of evidence.

4. Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – Time is Critical

Delaying action can jeopardize your case.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can work to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and protect your child’s rights. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7.
Statute of Limitations: Most states, including New York, have a strict statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases, often two years from the date of injury or death. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit before your legal rights expire. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” emphasizes this urgency.
Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely physical evidence will be cleaned up, digital evidence deleted, and witnesses’ memories fade or become influenced.
We Will Come to You: While we’re based in Houston, we represent hazing victims across the country, including New York. We offer video consultations and will travel to New York for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed.

Your child’s hazing injury is a legal emergency. We are your first responders. Taking these immediate steps, then reaching out to us, empowers you to fight back against the culture of abuse and demand the justice your family deserves.

New York Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Us Now.

The pain, fear, and anger you feel are valid, and you are not alone. What happened to your child was not just wrong; it was likely illegal, and the individuals and institutions responsible must be held accountable. At Attorney911, we are actively fighting against hazing culture, proving that aggressive legal action can secure justice and prevent future tragedies.

Our attorneys are currently engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was subjected to waterboarding, extreme physical abuse, and forced consumption that resulted in severe kidney failure. This is not a hypothetical fight; this is real, ongoing litigation in Harris County Civil District Court. We bring this proven experience and fierce dedication to every hazing victim we represent, including your family in New York.

Your Legal Rights Matter. Let Us Fight for You.

You didn’t deserve this. Whether you’re a student who endured the abuse or a parent watching your child suffer, you are the victim of a grave injustice. New York law, like Texas law, explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
We know how to win these cases. From obtaining multi-million dollar settlements like those in the Stone Foltz and Timothy Piazza cases, to securing significant jury verdicts like the Maxwell Gruver family, we understand the strategies required to hold national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators accountable.
We come to you. While we are headquartered in Houston, our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), federal court authority, and commitment to travel mean that geographical distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via video, and our attorneys will travel to New York for depositions, key meetings, and trials as necessary.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7 to speak with New York hazing victims and their families. This consultation is completely free, confidential, and carries no obligation.

Our Promise to New York Families: No Upfront Fees

We understand that pursuing legal action against powerful institutions can seem daunting and expensive. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

This means:

You pay $0 upfront.
We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
Our fees are collected only from the final settlement or verdict we secure for you.

This ensures that every New York family has access to top-tier legal representation, leveling the playing field against well-funded defendants.

Hazing Happens in New York – We Are Here To Help

Hazing isn’t confined to a single state or institution. It’s a pervasive issue affecting students in fraternities and sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations across New York. If your child attends a university in New York, whether it’s part of the SUNY or CUNY system, or a private institution, they face the same risks and the same need for aggressive legal protection.

Don’t let fear, shame, or loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. The courage to come forward can not only secure necessary compensation for your child’s recovery but can also be the catalyst for meaningful change, protecting countless other students from enduring the nightmare your family has faced. As Attorney Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your child’s future, and the safety of other students in New York, may depend on it.

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