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

Earth, North America, Northampton County, United States, Virginia

If you’re reading this in Northampton County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, perhaps to one of the respected institutions within the area or further afield, expecting to make friends and forge a future. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening rituals under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” What was supposed to be a journey of personal growth turned into a nightmare of torture. We are here to help families in Northampton County fight back against the institutions and individuals who inflict hazing.

We understand the fear, the anger, and the utter betrayal you might be feeling. When your child comes home with physical injuries, psychological scars, or even worse, when you receive that devastating call, your world shatters. You’re searching for answers, for justice, and for a way to ensure this never happens to another family in Northampton County. You’ve come to the right place. We are Attorney 911, and we are actively fighting this battle across America, including for families just like yours in Northampton County.

Hazing is not just harmless pranks or innocent traditions. It is systematic abuse that can lead to severe injury, permanent damage, and even death. The consequences for victims and their families in Northampton County are devastating, and the institutions that allow it to fester must be held accountable. We have seen firsthand the tragic outcomes when fraternities, soror and universities fail in their duty to protect students. Our firm is built on aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy that leaves no stone unturned, and a relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for these heinous acts.

The Nightmare is Real: The $10 Million Fight Happening Right Now

What we’re fighting right now in Houston is a stark, terrifying example of modern hazing. It’s not a historical anecdote; it’s a live, ongoing battle in the Harris County Civil District Court for a young man named Leonel Bermudez. This case is the centerpiece of everything Attorney 911 stands for. It’s why we’re so committed to bringing this fight to Northampton County and every community where hazing occurs.

Leonel Bermudez was just like many aspiring college students in Northampton County. He was looking forward to transferring to the University of Houston for the spring semester, eager to start a new chapter. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long campaign of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and extreme physical torment that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. And he wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush.” They did this to someone who was not even their student.

Imagine your child, preparing for college perhaps at Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech, or the College of William & Mary, only to be subjected to such brutality before classes even begin. This is the reality. The hazing Leonel endured wasn’t “tradition”; it was torture. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied with an object in his mouth, and forced to eat until he vomited, only to then be forced to sprint through his own vomit. He endured sleep deprivation and forced physical exertion until his body began to shut down, passing brown urine — a horrifying sign of muscle breakdown. He was struck with wooden paddles. This is what hazing looks like today, and it can happen to any student from Northampton County attending any university across the country.

Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit naming not just the Pi Kappa Phi chapter members, but the national fraternity, the University of Houston, and its Board of Regents. Within weeks of the hazing being reported, the chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the Beta Nu chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. This swift action, taken within weeks of the hazing reports, is precisely the kind of aggressive, thorough, and data-driven pursuit of accountability that we bring to every case, including those involving students from Northampton County.

As my colleague, Lupe Peña, eloquently 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 is our driving philosophy, and it extends to every family in Northampton County grappling with the aftermath of hazing. You can read more about the Bermudez case in detail through news coverage by trusted local outlets:

The Bermudez case is proof that Attorney 911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting for justice right now. We want to make parents in Northampton County understand that this level of brutality is what hazing looks like in America today, and what kind of firm Attorney 911 is – one that fights back relentlessly.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Northampton County, the word “hazing” might conjure up images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. Perhaps a late-night scavenger hunt, or wearing silly costumes. This outdated perception is precisely what fraternities, sororities, and universities exploit to minimize the gravity of their actions. The truth, as revealed in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and countless others across the nation, is far more sinister. Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”

It is assault. It is battery. It is psychological torture. It is reckless endangerment. Too often, it is manslaughter. And tragically, it is frequently murder.

We see hazing as criminal behavior, pure and simple. It’s a calculated breakdown of an individual’s physical and psychological well-being, designed to exert dominance and conformity. Here’s a glimpse into the grim realities exposed in our landmark Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit and other cases:

  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel Bermudez experienced, this barbaric act involves spraying or pouring water over a person’s face while they are restrained, simulating the sensation of drowning. It is a recognized form of torture, a war crime when inflicted on combatants. To subject a college student to this is an act of extreme cruelty and criminal assault.
  • Forced Consumption until Vomiting: Pledges are forced to ingest massive quantities of food (like hot dogs or peppercorns), liquids (like milk), or even non-food items until they vomit. Critically, victims are often then forced to continue activities, sometimes lying in their own vomit, further compounding the degradation and physical risk. This isn’t a prank; it’s a dangerous act that can lead to aspiration pneumonia and severe gastrointestinal distress.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: This category encompasses a terrifying array of activities, often performed for hours, designed to push pledges beyond their physical limits. For Leonel, this included hundreds of pushups and squats, high-volume running drills (“suicides”), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting fraternity creeds under threat of expulsion. The goal is to induce total exhaustion, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. In many cases, it involves beatings, paddling, or other forms of physical violence, as was the case with Leonel being struck with wooden paddles.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing is deeply psychological. Pledges are often stripped to their underwear in cold weather, forced to carry degrading objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual items), or subjected to elaborate humiliation rituals like being hog-tied with objects in their mouths. Threats of physical violence, social ostracization, or immediate expulsion are used to maintain control and silence. This systematic degradation leaves deep, lasting psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities, early-morning calls, and forced servitude, such as driving members for hours. This impairs judgment, increases vulnerability, and can lead to dangerous situations and academic failure.
  • Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: While not always reported, forced nudity, sexually suggestive acts, and even sexual assault are documented forms of hazing. The power dynamics within these organizations create environments where such abuse can occur, often going unreported due to shame and fear.

These are not isolated incidents. The statistics paint a grim picture:

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
  • Over 40% of student athletes report hazing.
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
  • 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear of retaliation or loyalty to the group.

Hazing is endemic, occurring not just in fraternities and sororities, but also in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, university clubs, and various student organizations. The tragedy is that universities and national organizations are often fully aware of these practices but choose to look the other way until a severe injury or death forces their hand. Only then do they scramble to issue “suspensions” or “dissolutions,” acting “shocked” by behavior they knowingly allowed to continue. This is the institutional failure we fight to expose, not just in Texas but in communities like Northampton County.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a student from Northampton County is injured by hazing, the immediate reaction is often to blame the individuals who inflicted the abuse. While those individuals are absolutely responsible, our data-driven litigation strategy at Attorney 911 goes much further. We believe in holding every entity accountable, from the individual perpetrator to the highest levels of the university administration and national fraternity leadership. As my colleague Ralph Manginello has repeatedly shown in his 25+ years of litigation, complex cases require holding all negligent parties responsible.

In the Bermudez case, we are pursuing an uncompromising legal strategy that targets every participant in the chain of negligence and abuse. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that the maximum possible compensation is achieved, and that real, systemic change is forced upon these organizations nationwide.

Here’s who can be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

  • The Local Chapter: This includes the specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved in the hazing. They are directly responsible for organizing, permitting, and executing the abusive activities. We hold the chapter directly accountable for the conduct that injured the victim.
  • Chapter Officers and Leaders: Individuals in leadership positions, such as the chapter president, pledgemaster, vice presidents, and risk managers, bear significant responsibility. They often direct the hazing activities, set the tone for the pledge period, and fail in their duty to protect pledges. In our Bermudez case, the fraternity president and pledgemaster are specifically named as defendants. These individuals can face personal liability for their actions, as shown in the Stone Foltz case where a chapter president was personally hit with a $6.5 million judgment.
  • Individual Fraternity/Sorority Members: Every member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in hazing activities can be held personally liable. This includes those who inflicted physical abuse, administered forced consumption, or stood by silently while a student was tortured.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses/Property Owners: Hazing doesn’t always happen on campus. Often, it occurs in off-campus residences, including homes owned or rented by former members. In the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because some of the major hazing sessions occurred at their residence. This extends liability to anyone who provides a venue for hazing, demonstrating premises liability and complicity.
  • The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: This is where the “deep pockets” truly begin. National organizations oversee chapters across the country. They have a duty to establish and enforce anti-hazing policies, provide training, and audit local chapters. When they fail in this duty, and a pattern of hazing emerges nationally (such as Pi Kappa Phi’s history including Andrew Coffey’s death), they are vicariously liable. They have substantial assets and insurance coverage, making them primary targets for significant damages. Our Bermudez lawsuit names the national Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and its housing corporation for their systemic failures.
  • The University, College, or Educational Institution: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when Greek life organizations operate on their campus, use university-owned facilities, or benefit from institutional recognition. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents are major defendants. This is because UH owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, and they had a prior history of hazing incidents on campus (the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha case resulting in a lacerated spleen). Universities have the power to regulate, sanction, and even ban Greek organizations, and when they fail to exercise this power, they are complicit in the resulting injuries.
  • Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often even individual homeowners, there are insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover liability for injuries. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña know exactly how these insurance companies operate, how they value claims, and the tactics they use to resist payouts. This insider knowledge is a critical advantage for our clients in maximizing recovery from these deep-pocketed insurers.

This comprehensive approach means we don’t just sue the “low-hanging fruit.” We meticulously investigate every angle, identify every potentially liable party, and relentlessly pursue justice across the entire spectrum of responsibility. For Northampton County families, this means a wider net for accountability and a greater chance of securing the justice and compensation your child deserves.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Northampton County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding what justice looks like in monetary terms can provide a measure of hope. These aren’t small claims; they are multi-million dollar fights against powerful institutions. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is perfectly in line with what juries and aggressive legal teams have won for hazing victims and their families across the country.

These precedent-setting cases send a clear message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and the same legal strategies that won these victories apply directly to cases for victims in Northampton County.

Let’s look at some landmark examples:

  • Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+

    • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event and died from alcohol poisoning.
    • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, while the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals paid $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability. This stands as one of the largest public university hazing payouts in Ohio history.
    • Significance for Northampton County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, demonstrating that a multi-million dollar settlement is achievable. It also highlights that individuals, not just institutions, are held personally accountable, sending a powerful message to any student involved in hazing.

  • Maxwell Gruver at Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict

    • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event, dying from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495.
    • The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide. This tragedy also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
    • Significance for Northampton County: This jury verdict proves that when hazing causes death, juries are prepared to award millions. The criminal convictions and legislative change underscore the severe societal consequences of hazing, even if it happens far from Northampton County.

  • Timothy Piazza at Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)

    • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” ritual. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs but was left for 12 hours by fraternity brothers before 911 was called. He died shortly after. The entire incident was captured on security cameras.
    • The Outcome: More than 18 fraternity members were criminally charged, with several convicted of involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and assault. The civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million, and led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
    • Significance for Northampton County: This case demonstrates the immense financial and legal repercussions when hazing is egregious and evidence is strong. It also shows the domino effect from criminal to civil liability, and ultimately, to legislative reform across states.

  • Andrew Coffey at Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)

    • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
    • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family’s civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
    • Significance for Northampton County: This case is particularly damning for our current lawsuit because it involved the very same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey’s death eight years prior to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization clearly shows Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters and failed to implement effective change. This pattern of negligence strengthens our argument for substantial punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi.

Why these precedents matter for Northampton County families:

  1. Our $10 Million Demand Is Justified: The settlements and verdicts above show that our demand for Leonel Bermudez is not arbitrary; it’s rooted in established legal precedent for similar, if not less egregious, hazing incidents.
  2. Universities Are Not Immune: Cases involving Bowling Green State and Penn State prove that universities like Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, or George Mason University, located near or attended by students from Northampton County, are equally exposed to massive liability.
  3. National Organizations Are Primary Targets: The multi-million dollar payouts from national fraternities like Pi Kappa Alpha and Beta Theta Pi demonstrate that these entities, including the national chapters of fraternities with a presence in Northampton County, have deep pockets and are held accountable.
  4. Juries Hate Hazing: The emotional impact of hazing on a jury is profound, often leading to large verdicts that reflect public outrage. The details of brutality in the Bermudez case are designed to evoke that same outrage.
  5. Change Can Happen: Beyond financial recoveries, these cases often drive legislative change, creating safer environments for future students, something we advocate for with every case from Northampton County to Houston.

These cases are not just headlines; they are stories of families, just like yours in Northampton County, who fought for justice and won. They are proof that when tragedy strikes, families can and do win big, and Attorney 911 is here to secure that victory for you.

Texas Law Protects You: Beyond Consent

For families in Northampton County, navigating the complex legal landscape after a hazing incident can feel overwhelming. While our firm is based in Texas, where we’re actively litigating the Bermudez case, it’s crucial to understand that strong anti-hazing laws exist in most states, and fundamental legal principles of civil liability apply nationwide. The insights we’ve gained fighting hazing in Texas are directly translatable to protecting victims wherever they attend college, including institutions near Northampton County.

A critical point of protection for victims, particularly in Texas law, is the outright rejection of “consent” as a defense for hazing. This is something we constantly reinforce. When fraternities or universities argue, “Your child agreed to participate,” or “They knew what they were signing up for,” the law delivers a resounding rebuttal: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Our culture and legal system recognize that the coercive environment of hazing renders any supposed “consent” meaningless. Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states: “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 is a powerful shield for hazing victims and their families in Northampton County.

Let’s delve deeper into the legal framework, particularly as it pertains to our base of operations in Texas, showcasing the robust legal weapons we wield against hazing:

Texas Hazing Laws (Education Code § 37.151-37.157):
The Texas Education Code provides a comprehensive legal definition of hazing, which aligns with how hazing is largely understood and criminalized across the country. According to § 37.151, hazing is:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

(1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
(2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student…”

When we look at Leonel Bermudez’s experience – the physical brutality of being struck with paddles, the sleep deprivation from forced early-morning driving, the exposure to elements while being waterboarded with a garden hose, the extreme calisthenics leading to kidney failure, and the forced consumption of food until vomiting – it satisfies multiple elements of this statutory definition. These same types of actions, if they happened to your child at a university in or around Northampton County, would trigger similar legal protections in most states.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing:
Texas law, like laws in many states, assigns serious criminal penalties to hazing. These range from misdemeanors to felonies:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or failing to report hazing with firsthand knowledge.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure absolutely constitute serious bodily injury, meaning the individuals involved in his hazing face potential Class A Misdemeanor charges carrying up to one year in jail.
  • State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death. If Leonel had died, the perpetrators would be facing significant state jail felony charges, highlighting the extreme risk involved. This is analogous to “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana or “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Beyond individuals, Texas law holds organizations accountable. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property. This means the local chapter and the national fraternity can face direct legal repercussions, independent of individual member actions.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges:
Beyond criminal prosecution, which seeks to punish offenders, civil lawsuits, like the one we’ve filed for Leonel, aim to compensate victims for their injuries and losses. This civil framework is universal and applies regardless of where a student from Northampton County is hazed. Here are the key civil liability theories we employ:

  1. Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. We demonstrate that the defendants (individuals, chapter, national, or university) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions related to hazing, directly caused the student’s injuries, and those injuries resulted in damages.
  2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as was the case with the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house) or by individuals (like the former member’s residence in the Bermudez case), then the property owner has a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment. Failing to prevent known dangerous conditions, such as ongoing hazing, makes them liable.
  3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when an entity has a duty to supervise others and fails to do so, leading to injury. National fraternities have a duty to supervise their chapters, and universities have a duty to supervise Greek life. Their failure to monitor, intervene, or enforce policies falls under negligent supervision.
  4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that hold individuals directly responsible for harmful or offensive contact. Waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical activities can constitute assault and battery, allowing us to pursue individual perpetrators directly.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When hazing involves “extreme and outrageous” conduct (and waterboarding certainly qualifies) that causes severe emotional distress, victims can sue for IIED. This is crucial for addressing the profound psychological trauma many hazing victims endure.

For families in Northampton County, these civil claims are your pathway to justice. They exist in every state, and our expertise in federal court allows us to pursue these claims against national organizations regardless of where they are headquartered. This means that whether your child attended a local institution or one across state lines, we have the legal arsenal to fight for them.

Remember, the moment hazing occurs, a complex web of criminal and civil liabilities is triggered. Do not let anyone convince you that your child “consented” or that it was just “part of the experience.” The law, and Attorney 911, stand ready to protect your child’s rights.

Why Attorney 911? Your Fierce Advocates in Northampton County

When your family in Northampton County faces the devastating reality of a hazing injury or death, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a fierce advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape of hazing litigation. You need a team with proven experience, insider knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to justice. That team is Attorney 911.

We know Northampton County families have choices when it comes to legal representation. What sets us apart, and why we believe we are the obvious choice for hazing victims across America, including your community, lies in our unique differentiators and our relentless approach to these deeply personal cases.

Unmatched Experience and Proven Track Record

  • 25+ Years of Courtroom Battle-Tested Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two decades of intense courtroom experience to every case. He is a veteran trial attorney who has navigated complex litigation against massive corporate defendants. His experience in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation, such as the BP Texas City Explosion, demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against the largest institutions. This same aggressive, meticulous approach is brought directly to hazing cases against universities and national fraternities.
  • Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is perhaps our most strategic advantage. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside. We know how insurance companies and corporate defendants think, strategize, and attempt to minimize or deny claims. Lupe Peña, coming from a national defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands the internal valuation models and delay tactics used by the very entities we now fight. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and maximize recovery for our clients. For Northampton County families, this means we know how the defendants will fight back, and we’re always one step ahead.
  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph has appellate experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal court authority means we can pursue hazing cases nationwide, including those originating in Northampton County, allowing us to bring claims against national fraternities and universities in the federal system.
  • Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph’s dual bar admission in Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in New York. This broadens our legal reach and leverage against these powerful organizations.
  • Real, Active Hazing Litigation: We are not just talking about hazing; we are fighting it right now. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof that we don’t just advocate; we act. This is not theoretical; this is real-world, aggressive representation that Northampton County families can directly benefit from.

Compassion and Personalized Service

  • Empathetic and Parent-Facing Approach: We understand that facing hazing litigation is an incredibly emotional and traumatic time. We communicate with warmth, empathy, and clarity, directly addressing the fears and concerns of worried parents and victims. Our goal is to make a scary, complex process feel manageable and supported.
  • Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. This is crucial for serving the diverse communities, including Hispanic families, in places like Northampton County, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.
  • Client-Centered Philosophy: Our 4.9-star rating and over 250 Google reviews attest to our commitment to client communication, responsiveness, and treating every family like our own. As one testimonial states, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” This is the standard of care we bring to Northampton County.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost: We believe that financial hardship should never prevent a family from seeking justice. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This policy levels the playing field, allowing families from Northampton County to take on well-funded universities and national organizations without financial risk. You can learn more about how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Choose Attorney 911 for your Northampton County Hazing Case?

  1. Direct Hazing Litigation Experience: We are currently battling Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, live hazing litigation. We apply these same aggressive tactics to every case, including yours.
  2. Focus on Accountability: We don’t stop at individuals. We target the deep pockets—the national fraternities, the universities, and their insurance carriers—to ensure systemic change.
  3. National Reach, Local Commitment: While headquartered in Houston, our federal court authority, dual state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent families from Northampton County, bringing our expertise directly to your case. We offer video consultations to make the process easy, and we will come to Northampton County for depositions, meetings, and trials when justice demands it.
  4. Relentless Pursuit of Justice: We are aggressive, thorough, and data-driven. We don’t just talk about hazing; we fight it with every tool at our disposal.
  5. We Know Their Playbook: With former insurance defense attorneys, we understand exactly how the other side thinks and how to effectively counter their strategies to maximize your compensation.

When a legal emergency strikes due to hazing, whether it’s at a university near Northampton County, or across the country, we move first, fast, and decisively. We build cases with expert witnesses, preserve evidence immediately, and negotiate from a position of strength. If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence hazing victims from Northampton County, we take it to court.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Northampton County Families

If you or a loved one in Northampton County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the trauma and confusion can be overwhelming, quick, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving your legal rights and building a strong case.

Here’s what we urge you to do right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety are paramount. Even if injuries seem minor or you feel okay, some severe hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury, can have delayed symptoms.

  • Go to an emergency room or doctor immediately. Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments.
  • Be honest about how the injury occurred. Tell medical professionals it resulted from hazing. This creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the incident.
  • Save all medical records, bills, and receipts. This documentation is crucial for proving the extent of your damages.
  • If your child is experiencing psychological distress, seek mental health support. Documenting therapy sessions and diagnoses is just as important as physical injury records.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, didn’t immediately go to the hospital after his physical torment. It took days for his mom to realize the severity when he started passing brown urine. His delay could have been fatal. Don’t make that mistake.

2. Preserve Absolutely All Evidence

Evidence is the backbone of any legal case. In hazing incidents, digital evidence is often abundant and can disappear quickly.

  • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. Photograph the location of the hazing if safe to do so. If you see items related to the hazing (e.g., alcohol containers, degrading items), photograph them.
  • Digital Communications: SAVE EVERYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat message history, Instagram direct messages, emails, and any other social media exchanges. These platforms are frequently used to coordinate hazing activities, issue threats, and document participation. Screenshots are invaluable.
  • Documents: Preserve any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or anything given to the victim by the organization.
  • Witness Information: Make a list of everyone present during the hazing — other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, bystanders. Collect their names and contact information if possible. Even if they are afraid to come forward immediately, their testimony may be crucial later.
  • Clothing, Objects, or Tools: If any physical items were used in the hazing or were damaged, preserve them. This could include clothing stained with vomit, or paddles.

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  • DO NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos. Even if you think it’s irrelevant, it could be crucial. Deleting evidence can severely harm your case.
  • DO NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used against you by the defense to diminish your claims.
  • DO NOT communicate with fraternity/sorority members, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will attempt to gather information or coerce statements that can hurt your case. Do not sign anything they give you.

We encourage you to use your phone to help document your case, as outlined in our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

3. Contact Attorney 911 IMMEDIATELY

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

  • The Statute of Limitations: In Texas, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits generally have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you typically have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit, with some exceptions for minors. Delaying can mean you permanently lose your right to seek justice. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Our case for Leonel Bermudez was filed within weeks of his hospitalization, demonstrating the urgency required. Learn more about the Texas Statutes of Limitations here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
  • Free, Confidential Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options without any obligation.
  • We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes any financial barrier to hiring experienced legal representation. You can understand how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
  • We Travel to Northampton County: We understand that you may not be in Houston. We offer video consultations for Northampton County families, and our attorneys are willing to travel to Northampton County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when your case demands it. Distance is never a barrier to justice.

4. Report the Incident (Strategically)

While reporting to authorities is important, this should often be done with legal guidance.

  • University Administration/Greek Life Office: You may feel compelled to report to the university. However, it’s best to consult with an attorney first. Universities often prioritize their reputation and may not have your child’s best interests at heart. Any statement given without legal counsel can be used against you.
  • Law Enforcement: Hazing is a crime. Filing a police report can initiate a criminal investigation. We can advise you on the best way to do this in Northampton County or wherever the incident occurred, ensuring your child’s rights are protected.
  • Title IX Office: If the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault, a Title IX report is critical for addressing the university’s response. We can guide you through this process.

Parents in Northampton County, if you’re reading this, your child didn’t deserve this. What happened to them was abuse, and it may have been criminal. We are here to help turn your pain and rage into accountability.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Northampton County

If your child in Northampton County has been victimized by hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The clock is ticking, evidence can disappear, and the powerful institutions responsible are already strategizing their defense. You need immediate, aggressive, and expert legal help.

We are Attorney 911, and we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We are ready to bring our fight — the same fight we’re waging right now in the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit — directly to your family in Northampton County.

Northampton County Families: Your Call to Action is Clear.

📞 Dial 1-888-ATTY-911.

This is not just a phone number; it’s a lifeline. It’s available 24/7, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

Why Contact Us Right Now?

  • We’re Actively Fighting Hazing: We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is proof of our expertise and commitment. We are already in the battle, and we will apply the same aggressive, data-driven strategy to your case in Northampton County.
  • Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us is always free. There’s no cost, no obligation, and everything you share is kept in strict confidence. This is your chance to understand your rights and options without financial pressure.
  • No Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing families from Northampton County to take on powerful fraternities, universitie, and their insurance companies without financial risk.
  • Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Northampton County. Our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), and commitment to travel mean we can represent your family regardless of where the hazing incident occurred. We offer convenient video consultations for Northampton County families and will travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
  • You Are Not Alone: When your child is hazed, it can feel incredibly isolating. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological toll this takes. We protect you from the intimidation tactics of institutions and ensure your voice is heard.

Don’t Delay – The Cost of Inaction is High:

  • Statute of Limitations: There are strict legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit. In many states, including Texas, this is typically two years from the date of injury or death. Waiting too long can mean you forfeit your right to seek justice forever.
  • Evidence Preservation: Critical evidence, especially digital communications, can be deleted or lost. Witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can secure crucial information.
  • Expert Guidance: Universities and fraternities have legal teams. You need expert legal representation to counter their strategies effectively.

Email Us: If calling is not possible right now, you can also reach us at ralph@atty911.com.
Visit Our Website: Learn more about our firm and our commitment to hazing victims at attorney911.com.

Whether the hazing occurred at a university in Northampton County, throughout Virginia, or anywhere else in the country, we are here to fight for you. We represent victims of hazing in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and any organization that uses abuse as an initiation.

To other victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We strongly believe there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Others collapsed or endured similar abuse. Your story is vital. Contact us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, depends on courageous families like yours in Northampton County stepping forward. Let Attorney 911 be your legal emergency hotline. Let us be your fierce advocates.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Enough is enough.