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. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Ocean County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we understand that when your child leaves for college, whether it’s a university near Ocean County or a larger institution across the country, you expect them to be safe. You trust the university and the Greek organizations to protect them. But what happens when that trust is shattered by the horrific reality of hazing? What happens when “brotherhood” becomes a disguise for brutality, and “tradition” is just a euphemism for torture?

We are aggressively fighting this battle right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston, a case that has drawn national attention for its shocking allegations of waterboarding, extreme physical abuse, and life-threatening injury. This isn’t theoretical – we are in the trenches, fighting for justice and accountability.

The same kind of horrific hazing that hospitalized our client in Houston can, and does, happen at universities and colleges right here in Ocean County and across New Jersey. The same national fraternities that have killed and injured students nationwide have chapters at institutions where students from Ocean County attend. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to thrive at the University of Houston exists at campuses everywhere.

We refuse to stand by. We are dedicated to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families, ensuring that every entity responsible for these heinous acts is held accountable. If your child has been a victim of hazing in Ocean County or anywhere else, we are prepared to bring the same data-driven litigation strategy and relentless pursuit of justice to your case. Enough is enough. It’s time to fight back.

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

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

This case happened recently in Houston. But the chilling reality is that the same patterns of abuse, the same systemic failures by national organizations and universities, and the same life-altering consequences can unfold at institutions that students from Ocean County attend. Whether your child is studying at a local New Jersey campus or has ventured further afield, the risk of hazing remains a stark and present danger. We are fighting for Leonel Bermudez with every ounce of our legal power, and we will extend that same unwavering commitment to families in Ocean County who find themselves similarly devastated by hazing.

Here’s why this case is so critical for families across America, including those in Ocean County:

Breaking News: Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

Our firm, Attorney911, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, its local chapter, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a historical case study; this is a live, ongoing fight being waged in Harris County Civil District Court right now, demonstrating our active commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable for hazing.

The lawsuit was filed on November 21, 2025, and has already garnered significant media attention:

• ABC13 Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025, detailing the “abuse and hazing [that] led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge.” You can read their coverage here: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• KHOU 11 covered the story on November 21, 2025, with the headline, “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” Their report is available here: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71
• The Houston Chronicle followed up on November 22, 2025, summarizing the “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.”
• Houston Public Media provided further details on November 24, 2025, noting, “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.”

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” available at https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/. This statement, analyzed below, contains crucial admissions against their own interests.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez – A “Ghost Rush” Tortured Before He Was Even a Student

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a prospective member, or “ghost rush,” for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What makes his story particularly harrowing is that he wasn’t even an enrolled student at UH yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student, extending their abuse to a young man who merely aspired to join their ranks.

Leonel accepted his bid on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, keeping him hospitalized for three nights and four days.

Why This Matters to Ocean County Families:

• Identical National Footprint: Pi Kappa Phi is not unique to Houston; it operates over 150 chapters across America, including near Ocean County. The same dangerous culture that led to Leonel’s injuries could be lurking in chapters close to home.
• “Traditions” Know No Borders: The brutal “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are not exclusive to Texas. They are ingrained in a dangerous subset of Greek life nationwide and can be found at institutions where your children attend.
• University Accountability is Universal: Universities, whether in Houston or near Ocean County, bear a responsibility to protect their students from hazing. Their failure to do so, as alleged against the University of Houston, represents a common institutional failing.
• A Call for Justice That Resonates: If your child is being hazed in Ocean County, we will fight for you with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to Leonel’s case.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, describing Leonel’s terrifying 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 Pena underscored the broader mission: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe that Leonel’s courage in coming forward can protect other students, including those from Ocean County, from enduring similar nightmares.

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Systematic Abuse

The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of Leonel’s weeks-long ordeal:

• Sept 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi.
• Sept 16 – Nov 3: He endures weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
• Oct 13, 2025: Horrifically, another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This shows the widespread nature of the abuse within the chapter.
• Oct 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he revived. This critical event demonstrates that the fraternity leaders were aware of the severe risks they were imposing.
• Nov 3, 2025: The Incident: Leonel is severely punished, forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel cannot move; his condition rapidly worsens.
• Nov 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• Nov 14, 2025: Only days after Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes the Beta Nu Chapter (as per their own website statement), revealing their awareness of grave violations.
• Nov 21, 2025: Our firm files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County, immediately drawing media attention from ABC13 and KHOU 11.
• Nov 22, 2025: The Houston Chronicle covers the lawsuit, confirming the distressing details.
• Nov 24, 2025: Houston Public Media provides further details, underscoring the $10 million figure and the horrific allegations.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not merely “pranks.” They describe methods of physical and psychological torture that are illegal, inhumane, and unforgivable.

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: KHOU reports Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where pledges were sprayed in the face during calisthenics. Pledges were forced to run repeatedly under the explicit threat of being waterboarded. This is torture. When performed by military personnel, similar acts are considered war crimes. They inflicted this on college students attempting to join a fraternity.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. He was then compelled to continue running sprints despite his evident physical distress and had to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The lawsuit details over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling exercises, continuing until physical collapse was imminent. Houston Chronicle also reported Leonel was subjected to being struck with wooden paddles. The workouts were conducted early in the morning and late at night. One pledge even lost consciousness during these sessions prior to Leonel’s collapse.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. The earlier incident involving another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour underscores the sadistic nature of the psychological torment. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Leonel was forced to perform tasks like driving fraternity members during early morning hours, which systematically induced exhaustion, affecting his well-being and academic readiness.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

The physical abuse inflicted on Leonel led to a severe and life-threatening medical condition: rhabdomyolysis.

• What is Rhabdomyolysis? It’s the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases harmful proteins (like myoglobin) into the bloodstream. These proteins can overwhelm and damage the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and, in severe cases, death.
• Leonel’s Symptoms: When rushed to the hospital, he was “passing brown urine,” a classic indicator of myoglobin in the urine. His diagnostic tests confirmed “very high creatine kinase levels,” further evidencing massive muscle damage.
• Diagnosis and Hospitalization: He was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and severe rhabdomyolysis, necessitating a three-night, four-day hospital stay for intensive medical treatment. Media reports also confirm his inability to stand or walk for days following the incident.
• Long-Term Risk: Alarmingly, he remains at ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely equipped to handle the complex medical and legal aspects of Leonel’s recovery.

The Institutional Responses: Admissions and Evasions

The reactions from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters following Leonel’s hospitalization are telling.

• University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025): The University acknowledged, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This carefully worded statement, while condemning the acts, simultaneously confirms violations of their own standards, coordination with the fraternity (suggesting crisis management), and even the possibility of criminal charges – an implicit admission that crimes were committed on their watch.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025): Their statement announced the chapter’s closure effective November 14, 2025, due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” While claiming to take “all allegations of hazing seriously,” they contradictorily stated, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership… and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time…” This reveals a calculated effort to distance the national organization from responsibility while already planning a return, showing a clear lack of genuine remorse for the victim. The timing of their chapter closure, occurring seven days before our lawsuit was publicly filed, is a critical indicator that they knew precisely what was coming and sought to mitigate the fallout. KHOU later reported that the national organization was alleged to have “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.’” This is an admission of deliberate indifference.

Why This Case Matters to Ocean County Families

1. Hazing is Torture, Not Tradition: This case shatters the myth that hazing is harmless fun or character-building. Waterboarding and severe physical degradation are torture, and they happened to a young man seeking social connection. Similar abuses can happen at any university, including those where students from Ocean County attend.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred. Universities and colleges near Ocean County also have significant control and oversight responsibility over Greek life on their campuses. Their failure to act makes them liable.
3. National Organizations Are Aware and Accountable: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership suspended and then dissolved the chapter, confirming violations. They also have a documented history, as we will discuss, of prior hazing incidents. This pattern of negligence applies to all national Greek organizations operating near Ocean County; they know the risks and are responsible for stopping it.
4. Victims Fear Retribution: Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This common fear among hazing victims across the country, certainly including those in Ocean County, must be overcome to seek justice. We protect our clients from intimidation.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Many: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Leonel’s lawsuit aims not only to recover damages but also to catalyze change, protecting other students from Ocean County and beyond. Your case could set a vital precedent.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The substantial damages sought in this lawsuit are designed to send an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: the abuse of students will carry a severe financial penalty. Ocean County families can initiate similar actions to demand accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When we talk about hazing, many people in Ocean County and across the country still picture harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. Perhaps a few push-ups, some embarrassing tasks, or a bit of mess-making. But the reality, starkly illustrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic, calculated abuse designed to degrade, control, and inflict physical and psychological harm. It is torture, plain and simple.

For parents in Ocean County, it’s crucial to understand that what your child might describe as “tradition” or “team-building” can mask a horrifying array of abuses that leave lasting scars, both visible and invisible. This is not about building character; it’s about breaking individuals.

The Chilling Spectrum of Hazing Activities:

Drawing from the grim details of the Bermudez case and other documented incidents nationwide, hazing takes many forms, none of them harmless:

• Physical Abuse: This is direct bodily harm, often disguised as “forced exercise” or tests of endurance. Examples include:
  • Beatings and Paddling: Leonel was subjected to being struck with wooden paddles, a clear act of assault.
  • Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: His case is a prime example, with over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and relentless drills like “suicides,” bear crawls, and wheelbarrows that led to organ failure. Victims are pushed far beyond safe limits, increasing the risk of rhabdomyolysis, heatstroke, and cardiac arrest.
  • Branding and Burning: These barbaric acts, while less common, still occur, leaving permanent physical and psychological scars.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Prolonged sleep deprivation, often achieved through forced early mornings, late nights, or constant vigilance, impairs judgment, emotional regulation, and physical health. Leonel’s forced early morning driving for members is a classic example.
  • Exposure to Elements: Being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, as Leonel was, or to endure harsh conditions, is a widespread hazing tactic that can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or heatstroke.
• Forced Consumption: This category targets basic human needs, twisting them into tools of degradation.
  • Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, pledges are pressured or forced to consume dangerous, life-threatening quantities of alcohol, often rapidly.
  • Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel’s forced ingestion of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, followed by forced exercise in that state, is a particularly vile form of this abuse.
  • Non-Food Substances: In some extreme cases, victims are forced to ingest non-food items, feces, or urine, leading to severe illness and lasting trauma.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: These tactics aim to break a person’s will, erode self-esteem, and establish absolute control.
  • Degrading Rituals: Leonel’s forced carrying of a fanny pack with sexual objects, or the hog-tying of another pledge with an object in his mouth, are examples of extreme degradation.
  • Verbal Abuse and Intimidation: Constant insults, threats, and public shaming are common.
  • Isolation: Pledges may be isolated from friends, family, or the outside world, increasing their vulnerability.
  • Threats of Retribution: As exemplified by Leonel’s fear, victims are often threatened if they speak out, fostering silence and fear.
• Simulated Drowning / Waterboarding: The use of waterboarding on Leonel Bermudez is a particularly shocking example. This is not a “prank”; it is an internationally recognized method of torture that creates an overwhelming sensation of drowning and suffocation, leaving profound psychological trauma.
• Sexual Harassment & Assault: While not explicitly detailed in every hazing case, a significant percentage of hazing involves sexual humiliation, forced nudity, and, tragically, sexual assault. This is particularly prevalent in sorority hazing as well.
• Servitude and Exploitation: Pledges are often treated as personal servants, forced to perform demeaning tasks, run errands, or provide transportation for active members under constant threat of punishment.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences:

The immediate and long-term effects of hazing can be catastrophic.

• Physical Injuries: Beyond rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, hazing can cause broken bones, concussions, severe burns, internal organ damage, extreme dehydration, hypothermia, heatstroke, and even cardiac arrest.
• Alcohol Poisoning & Drug Overdose: These are tragically common, leading to brain damage, coma, and death.
• Infections: Injuries sustained during hazing are often left untreated or occur in unsanitary conditions, leading to serious infections.
• Psychological Trauma: Hazing victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, loss of self-esteem, trust issues, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. The psychological scars can last a lifetime.
• Academic and Career Impact: Hazing can force students to drop out, fail courses, lose scholarships, and suffer long-term damage to their academic and career prospects.
• Death: The ultimate, tragic consequence, with at least one hazing-related death annually in the United States since 2000.

For parents in Ocean County, understanding these realities is the first step toward protecting your children. Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous problem, extending far beyond the innocent image of “college fun.” It can happen in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, academic clubs, and virtually any organization where power dynamics are exploited.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When hazing shatters a family’s life in Ocean County, it’s natural to ask: who is to blame? The answer, as demonstrated by our aggressive litigation in the Bermudez case, is not just the individual perpetrators, but also the institutions that enable, overlook, and profit from such dangerous practices. We cast a wide net, ensuring every responsible party, from the individual participant to the largest national organization and the university itself, is held accountable. This approach applies equally to hazing incidents occurring near Ocean County, wherever they may be.

Here’s a breakdown of who can, and should, be held responsible:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority:

   • Why they’re liable: As a recognized entity, the local chapter directly organizes and conducts hazing activities. Their leadership, known as chapter officers (like the president and pledgemaster named in the Bermudez lawsuit), are often the direct orchestrators of the abuse. Even if not directly participating, their failure to prevent or stop hazing makes them liable.
   • In Bermudez: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly subjected Leonel to waterboarding, forced exercise, and other torments.

2. Individual Members of the Fraternity or Sorority:

   • Why they’re liable: Every person who actively participates in hazing, directs it, aids it, or even stands by and allows it to happen without intervention, can be held personally liable. This includes those in leadership roles, pledges who inflict harm on other pledges, and even alumni who host or encourage hazing.
   • In Bermudez: Our lawsuit names 13 individual defendants, including the fraternity president, pledgemaster, other current members who participated, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence. The ability to pierce the corporate veil and hold individuals personally responsible is a critical aspect of significant hazing litigation.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

   • Why they’re liable: These large, well-funded national entities often have general counsel, risk management departments, and sophisticated insurance policies. They are responsible for overseeing their local chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and educating members. When they fail in these duties, especially after previous incidents, they bear significant liability. They have a duty to investigate allegations and intervene proactively.
   • In Bermudez: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant. Their swift decision to suspend and then dissolve the UH chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization is a de facto admission of guilt and a clear indication they knew their chapter violated policies. Moreover, their documented history (such as the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017) strengthens the argument that they knew of an ongoing “hazing crisis” but failed to act, establishing a pattern of negligence.

4. The College or University:

   • Why they’re liable: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise control over Greek life activities. This duty can arise from their ownership of fraternity houses, their oversight of student organizations, their knowledge of prior hazing incidents, and their policies on student conduct. When they turn a blind eye or fail to enforce their own rules, they enable the abuse.
   • In Bermudez: The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are codefendants. A critical discovery in the case is that the University of Houston owned and controlled the very fraternity house where some of the most heinous hazing activities, including waterboarding, occurred. This establishes clear premises liability. Furthermore, UH had a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017 with another fraternity, meaning they had ample warning and failed to implement effective safeguards. Their spokesperson’s statement about the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events and the “clear violation of our community standards” is a tacit admission of their own oversight failures.

5. Housing Corporations:

   • Why they’re liable: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the physical property (the fraternity house). These corporations have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and prevent illegal activities on their premises.
   • In Bermudez: The Beta Nu Housing Corporation is named, highlighting their role in providing the venue for hazing.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why they’re liable: Underlying all these defendants are insurance policies designed to cover such incidents. National fraternities, universities, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) often carry substantial liability coverage. Identifying and pursuing these “deep pockets” is crucial for securing maximum compensation.
   • Our Advantage: Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both former insurance defense attorneys, have invaluable insider knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate, defend, and settle claims. This insight gives us a significant advantage in compelling insurers to pay out maximum value.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle:

It’s important for families in Ocean County to understand that aggressive hazing litigation is not about financially ruining individual college students, though individual accountability is essential. It’s about targeting the institutions with the financial resources and power to effect change: the national fraternities, the universities, and their insurance carriers. These larger entities are designed to absorb and cover liability for risks, and they have the financial capability to pay multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. By holding these institutions accountable, we can force systemic change and help prevent future tragedies.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

When a child is brutally hazed, families in Ocean County face unimaginable pain, medical bills, and psychological trauma. The question often arises: can we truly hold these powerful institutions accountable? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Our firm uses the history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases worldwide to demonstrate that justice is possible, and that our aggressive pursuit of your case is backed by powerful precedent.

The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations, including those operating near Ocean County, is clear: Hazing costs millions. We have tracked these cases, studied the outcomes, and honed our strategies to achieve similar results for our clients.

Here are some of the landmark cases that prove hazing is a costly-and-accountable offense:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total Recovery of over $10.1 Million

  • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Bowling Green State University to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a hazing ritual. He was later found unresponsive, dying three days later from alcohol poisoning.
  • The Accountability: The Foltz family secured over $10.1 million in settlements, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other defendants. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Furthermore, in December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
  • Significance for Ocean County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability, even when the victim is not from a wealthy background. It also proves that individual chapter officers can be held personally accountable for staggering amounts. The same national Greek organizations that paid in the Foltz case operate near Ocean County.

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

  • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—six times the legal limit.
  • The Accountability: A jury awarded Gruver’s family $6.1 million. The incident also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide for one fraternity member, and spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
  • Significance for Ocean County: This verdict underscores that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar awards in hazing cases, even when the victim “consented” to attend the event. It highlights that civil and criminal legal actions can proceed simultaneously, and that these tragedies can lead directly to legislative change that impacts every student in a state.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Over $110 Million (Estimated Settlements)

  • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State sophomore, suffered fatal injuries after consuming a dangerous amount of alcohol during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. He fell down a flight of stairs repeatedly and was left untreated for 12 hours by fraternity members who actively hindered efforts to assist him. He died from a traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
  • The Accountability: The Piazza family reportedly secured over $110 million in confidential settlements from multiple parties, including Penn State and Beta Theta Pi. Criminal charges were filed against 18 fraternity members, leading to multiple convictions, including involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania subsequently passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Significance for Ocean County: This case, while involving a death, shows the immense financial accountability forced upon institutions through aggressive litigation, especially when clear evidence (like our detailed documentation in the Bermudez case) exposes the negligence. The sheer amount of the settlement serves as a warning to universities and fraternities nationwide.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Key Precedent for Our Pi Kappa Phi Lawsuit

  • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event at Pi Kappa Phi at Florida State University.
  • The Accountability: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged. The FSU chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family reached a civil settlement (amount confidential).
  • Significance for Ocean County and Our Case: This is the most damning precedent for Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey died from hazing by the same national fraternity that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. This proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters in 2017. Their failure to prevent another tragedy eight years later (Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025) demonstrates a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, providing powerful evidence for punitive damages in our Houston case and any hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi. They had eight years to fix it, and they didn’t.

These cases send an unambiguous message: victims and their families have powerful legal avenues to seek justice and significant compensation. Whether it’s a major university campus or a smaller college near Ocean County, the same legal principles and the same fierce advocacy apply.

Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths:

These tragic cases have not just resulted in financial compensation; they have also spurred legislative action, changing laws to make hazing a more serious crime and provide greater protections for students. This demonstrates how civil litigation can be a catalyst for broader societal change.

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Increased penalties for hazing, making it a felony in cases of death or serious injury, and providing immunity for those who report hazing incidents.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Elevated hazing to a felony offense in Louisiana, leading to harsher criminal charges.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Named after Collin Wiant, another hazing death victim, this law significantly increased criminal penalties for hazing in Ohio, making it a felony in many instances.
• Texas Hazing Law: Existing law (Education Code § 37.151-37.157) carries criminal penalties and explicitly states that consent is not a defense.

Our work aims to not only win justice for individual victims from Ocean County but also to contribute to a national movement that demands zero tolerance for hazing.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Ocean County

When your child is subjected to hazing, the legal landscape can seem daunting. While our firm is based in Texas, and we are currently leveraging Texas hazing laws in the landmark Bermudez case, it is crucial for families in Ocean County to understand that similar anti-hazing statutes exist in New Jersey and most other states across the country. More importantly, fundamental principles of civil liability, including negligence and federal civil rights claims, apply regardless of state lines. This means our federal court authority and extensive experience allow us to pursue your case, no matter where the hazing incident occurred.

Let’s look at the robust protections provided by Texas law, which often mirrors the intent and scope of anti-hazing legislation in other states, including New Jersey:

Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Shield (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.” This includes:

   • Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles in Bermudez), branding, etc.
   • Endangerment of health or safety: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics (like the 500 squats and other extreme exercises in Bermudez), or any activity that creates an “unreasonable risk of harm.”
   • Forced consumption: Of food (as in Bermudez), liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk.
   • Acts violating the Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to commit a crime.
   • Coercion to consume drugs or excessive alcohol.

   Ocean County Application: New Jersey’s anti-hazing law (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3) similarly defines hazing broadly, covering any act that “willfully or recklessly endangers the health or safety” of a student for initiation, membership, or affiliation purposes. The types of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse described in Leonel’s case would almost certainly fall under New Jersey’s hazing statutes as well.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas hazing is not just a university disciplinary matter; it’s a crime.

   • Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or having firsthand knowledge and failing to report.
   • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure). This carries up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
   • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes “death.” This can result in 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

   Ocean County Application: New Jersey also has criminal penalties for hazing, escalating from disorderly persons offenses to fourth-degree crimes if death or serious bodily injury results. The severity of Leonel Bermudez’s injuries (which qualified as “serious bodily injury”) emphasizes that the perpetrators in Ocean County hazing incidents could face similar criminal charges.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law holds not only individuals but also organizations responsible. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members, pledges, or alumni participate in it. Penalties can include fines, denial of the right to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property.

   Ocean County Application: This is critical. It means that the local fraternity chapter, and potentially its national organization, can be held criminally and civilly liable. Whether the incident happens in Ocean County or elsewhere, the organizational structure designed to protect itself from liability can be dismantled through aggressive legal action.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most powerful provisions and a cornerstone of our legal strategy. The statute 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.”

   Ocean County Application: This completely undermines the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “the victim voluntarily participated” or “they could have just said no.” Texas law, like that in many other states, legally recognizes that coercion, peer pressure, and the power imbalance inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means that even if a student from Ocean County seemingly “agreed” to participate, they cannot legally consent to criminal hazing.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to state authorities. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.

   Ocean County Application: Transparency is vital. Universities must document and disclose hazing. This aids in uncovering patterns of abuse and holding institutions accountable for cover-ups or negligence.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits are essential for victims in Ocean County to recover damages for their injuries and suffering. Our firm pursues a variety of civil claims against all responsible parties:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common path. We argue that universities, national fraternities, and individual members had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” that duty by allowing or participating in hazing, that this breach “caused” injuries, and that the injuries resulted in “damages.”
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH fraternity house in Bermudez), or a private residence, the property owner has a duty to provide a safe environment. Failing to prevent known dangerous conditions (hazing) can lead to liability.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when institutions (national fraternities over their chapters, universities over Greek life) fail to adequately supervise and regulate activities, leading to foreseeable harm.
4. Assault and Battery: Any direct physical harm, such as paddling, forced hitting, or violent physical exercises, constitutes assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual harmful contact). Each individual perpetrator can be sued for these intentional torts.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim is appropriate for extreme and outrageous conduct (like waterboarding or severe psychological abuse) that causes severe emotional suffering, such as PTSD.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for their loss.

Ocean County Families: These civil claims are not limited by state borders. Our understanding of these legal frameworks, coupled with our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), allows us to effectively litigate hazing cases nationwide, including those originating in Ocean County. Your child’s case, regardless of location, can proceed under a robust legal framework designed to protect victims and punish perpetrators.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage Against Hazing

When your family is reeling from the trauma of a hazing incident, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. This is not a time for general practice lawyers; it’s a time for specialists with a proven track record against powerful defendants. For families in Ocean County seeking justice for hazing victims, Attorney911 offers an “unfair advantage” – a combination of deep experience, insider knowledge, and aggressive dedication that sets us apart.

We understand that Ocean County families may feel a sense of overwhelming odds when facing a national fraternity, a large university, or a complex legal system. But we are here to level that playing field. Our headquarters may be in Houston, Texas, but our reach and expertise extend nationwide, making us an invaluable resource for hazing victims in Ocean County, New Jersey, and beyond.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice to fight for your child:

1. Aggressive, Data-Driven Hazing Litigation Specialists:

   • Leading the Fight Right Now: We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This ongoing fight proves our current, relevant expertise in hazing litigation nationwide. This isn’t just a practice area for us; it’s a mission.
   • Rhabdomyolysis Expertise: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making us uniquely qualified to understand the severe medical implications of such injuries and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
   • Strategic Use of Data: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations, their corporate structures, EINs, and incident histories throughout Texas and beyond. This intelligence network allows us to identify every potentially liable entity, from local chapters to national headquarters and their associated housing corporations, ensuring a comprehensive legal assault.

2. Unrivaled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:

   • Ralph Manginello: Before founding Attorney911, Ralph worked on the defense side, representing insurance companies. He learned their playbook firsthand – how they value claims, how they strategize denials, and how they try to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that invaluable insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
   • Lupe Peña: Lupe also served as an associate attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He handled cases across various practice areas for insurance companies and corporate defendants. His experience defending against products liability, personal injury, and construction claims gives him a profound understanding of how powerful defendants and their insurers operate. He knows their tactics,
     their vulnerabilities, and how to counter every move.
   • The Power of Two: You don’t just get one former insurance insider, you get two. This combined knowledge gives us an unparalleled advantage in anticipating the opposition’s maneuvers and building unassailable cases against well-funded defendants like national fraternities and universities. This means we’re always several steps ahead, leveraging their own strategies against them to benefit our clients in Ocean County.

3. Extensive Courtroom and High-Stakes Litigation Experience:

   • 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Advocacy: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of courtroom experience, having successfully litigated numerous complex personal injury and criminal defense cases. This means he’s not afraid to take cases to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered, a crucial advantage that insurance companies recognize.
   • Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Experience: Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation (a mass tort against a massive corporate defendant following a catastrophic incident that killed 15 workers and injured over 180) demonstrates his capacity to handle colossal, high-stakes cases against the largest corporations. Hazing cases against national fraternities and public universities require this same caliber of legal firepower.
   • Federal Court Authority: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, providing the authority to litigate hazing cases in federal jurisdiction. This is a strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations that operate across state lines, allowing us to pursue justice regardless of where their main headquarters may be.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York): Ralph’s admission to both the Texas and New York State Bar Associations provides a significant strategic advantage, particularly in cases against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have substantial operations in New York. This broadens our jurisdictional reach and enhances our ability to pursue complex, multi-state litigation.

4. Nationwide Reach with a Local Touch for Ocean County Families:

   • Distance is Not a Barrier: While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice for hazing victims extends to Ocean County and nationwide. We leverage video consultations, advanced communication technologies, and our willingness to travel to Ocean County for depositions, meetings, or trials, ensuring that you receive top-tier representation regardless of your location.
   • Remote Consultation: We make it easy for Ocean County families to connect with us from the comfort and privacy of their homes, understanding the emotional toll of these incidents.

5. Compassionate and Client-Centered Approach:

   • “They Treat You Like Family”: Our Google reviews (4.9 stars with over 250 reviews) consistently highlight a core aspect of our firm: we treat clients like family. “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” one client, Chad Harris, remarked. This empathy is vital when dealing with the sensitive and traumatic nature of hazing.
   • Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Ocean County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.

6. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Basis:

   • “You Don’t Pay Us Unless We Win”: We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident, coupled with potential legal fees, can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. Our fees come only after we secure a settlement or verdict for you. This aligns our interests perfectly with yours – we only get paid if you get paid. This policy makes aggressive, expert-level representation accessible to every family in Ocean County, regardless of their financial situation.

7. Ethical Aggression, Relentless Pursuit:

   • Ralph’s mantra, “I started Attorney911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust,” perfectly encapsulates our philosophy. Lupe’s commitment to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side” ensures relentless advocacy. This is the mentality required to confront institutions that would rather bury an incident than address it.

For families in Ocean County, Attorney911 isn’t just a law firm; we are a dedicated team of legal strategists, compassionate advocates, and former insiders who know how to navigate the complex world of hazing litigation. We are here to ensure that your child’s story is heard, that justice is served, and that those responsible are held fully accountable.

What to Do Right Now: Protecting Your Child and Your Case

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. While seeking legal counsel, especially for families in Ocean County who may be in shock or distress, can feel overwhelming, prompt action is essential for preserving evidence and building a strong case. Hazing incidents are often deliberately shrouded in secrecy, and institutions will act quickly to control the narrative. We know this playbook intimately.

Here’s an actionable guide for families in Ocean County whose child has been subjected to hazing, mirroring the crucial steps we advise all our clients:

1. Prioritize Medical Care Immediately:

   • Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, get medical care right away. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not manifest fully for hours or days. Psychological trauma, like severe anxiety or PTSD, also requires professional evaluation.
   • Document Everything (Medical): Ensure all medical professionals understand the injuries resulted from hazing. Get copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results (blood work, imaging), and prescriptions. This objective medical evidence is paramount. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.”

2. Preserve All Available Evidence (Immediately):

   • Digital Communications (CRITICAL!): Your child’s phone contains a treasure trove of evidence.
     • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the fraternity/sorority, the pledging process, or the hazing incident must be preserved.
     • Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of entire conversations, group chats, and posts. Back up digital data to multiple locations.
   • Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing activities exist, secure them immediately. Also, take high-quality pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear, and continue to document the healing process over time. If your child cannot do this, a trusted friend or family member should. We stress this constantly: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
   • Physical Evidence: Preserve any physical items related to the hazing – clothing, objects used, fraternity rules, schedules.
   • Documents: Keep all pledge manuals, schedules, rules, emails, and any documents provided by the organization or university.
   • Financial Records: Begin a detailed record of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if any), and academic expenses (tuition, fees) incurred as a result of the hazing.

3. DO NOT Engage with the Opposition Without Legal Counsel:

   • No Contact with Organizations: Your child or family should NOT communicate directly with the fraternity/sorority leadership, individual members, alumni, or university administration about the incident without our guidance. They will try to control the narrative, get statements, or pressure your child.
   • No Statements to Insurance Companies: Do not give any recorded or unrecorded statements to any insurance company (theirs or even yours) without speaking to us first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims, and anything your child says can be twisted and used against them. As we advise in our videos, “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident.”
   • Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their representatives. These might contain waivers or releases of liability.
   • Be Wary of “Support”: Institutions may offer “support” or “counseling” that is intended to gather information, not genuinely help your child’s legal case.

4. Stay Off Social Media (CRITICAL!):

   • No Posts About the Incident: Your child should not post anything about the hazing incident, their injuries, or their emotional state on any social media platform.
   • Assume Everything is Public: Assume anything posted will be discovered and used by the defense to undermine their credibility or claim their injuries are not as severe. This includes photos, videos, and comments. We specifically warn against this in our materials: “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”

5. Identify Potential Witnesses:

   • Collect Names and Contact Info: Write down the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have observed the hazing or its aftermath. Their testimony can be invaluable, especially in corroborating your child’s account.

6. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:

   • Time Is Critical: Hazing cases are complex, and evidence can disappear quickly. There are strict statutes of limitation (often two years in New Jersey from the date of injury), which means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. Any delay can jeopardize your child’s rights. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” is a video we highly recommend.
   • Free Consultation, No Obligation: Call us right away at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer a free, confidential consultation to assess your child’s situation. There is no obligation, and you will not be charged for this initial discussion.
   • Accessibility for Ocean County: Even if you are in Ocean County, we offer video consultations and will travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The Problem: Hazing in America and Its Deep Roots in Ocean County

Hazing is a dark secret woven into the fabric of many student organizations across America, a dangerous phenomenon that extends its reach into every community, including Ocean County. When we speak about hazing, it’s not a distant problem; it’s a terrifying reality for many families whose children attend universities and colleges, whether those institutions are located within New Jersey or thousands of miles away.

The crisis is stark:

• A Pervasive Threat: Hazing affects a significant portion of students in Greek organizations and other student groups. Studies show that a shocking 55% of students involved in fraternities and sororities experience hazing. This isn’t just a handful of bad actors; it’s a systemic problem embedded in the culture of many groups.
• Beyond Greek Life: It’s not confined to fraternities and sororities; 40% of student athletes report hazing, as do members of marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and various student organizations. If your child is involved in any intense group activity, they could be at risk.
• Annual Tragedies: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. This chilling statistic isn’t a fluke; it’s a pattern, confirming that the danger is chronic and deadly.
• Culture of Silence: Despite the trauma, a staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This silence is enforced by fear of retribution, shame, loyalty to the group, and the misguided belief that “it’s just part of the experience.” This culture of silence makes it incredibly difficult for institutions to acknowledge and address the problem until it’s too late.

The Institutional Failure: A Betrayal of Trust

The deepest betrayal lies with the institutions themselves—the national fraternities, the universities, and their leadership. They often know hazing happens. They have policies against it. Yet, they consistently fail to enforce those policies until tragedy strikes.

• Universities Know: Universities are often aware of the prevalence of hazing within their various student organizations. They have Greek Life offices, student conduct boards, and anti-hazing policies. Yet, they frequently fail to provide adequate oversight, intervene proactively, or hold responsible parties accountable, often prioritizing institutional reputation over student safety. Many universities where students from Ocean County attend, such as Rutgers University, Monmouth University, Stockton University, and Rowan University, have active Greek life and other student organizations. These institutions face the same challenges and responsibilities as the University of Houston.
• National Organizations Know: National fraternities and sororities possess even more extensive knowledge. They have legal teams, risk management departments, and are often aware of a history of hazing incidents across their numerous chapters nationwide. As documented in the KHOU 11 report on our Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi National was alleged to have “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.’” This is not ignorance; it is, at best, negligence, and at worst, deliberate indifference.
• The Cycle of “Shock” and “Suspension”: When a severe hazing incident or a death occurs, institutions frequently issue statements expressing “shock” or “deep disturbance,” then promptly “suspend” or “dissolve” the offending chapter. This often serves as a damage control measure to limit liability rather than a genuine commitment to eradicating the hazing culture. Pi Kappa Phi National’s closure of the UH chapter just days before our lawsuit was filed is a prime example of this calculated response.

Ocean County’s Connection to the National Hazing Crisis:

Students from Ocean County attend a diverse array of colleges and universities, ranging from local institutions like Georgian Court University or Ocean County College, to larger state universities in New Jersey, to prestigious institutions across the country. Every one of these students is potentially vulnerable to hazing.

• Local Institutions: While Ocean County College primarily focuses on community education, students often transfer to four-year institutions where hazing is common. Georgian Court University, for example, has active Greek life organizations. Families in Ocean County should be aware that their local graduates are not immune to these risks.
• Major New Jersey Universities: Many Ocean County residents send their children to Rutgers University (New Brunswick, Newark, Camden), Rowan University, Stockton University, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Montclair State University, and Monmouth University. All of these institutions have robust Greek life systems, sports teams, and other organizations where hazing can occur. National fraternities with a history of hazing deaths, such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and the very Pi Kappa Phi that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez, have chapters at these New Jersey universities.
• The Same Dangers Apply: The dangers faced by Leonel Bermudez in Houston are the same dangers faced by a student from Toms River pledging a fraternity at Rutgers, or a graduate from Brick attending a university out of state. The methods, the psychological coercion, and the physical risks are virtually identical across campuses and states.

It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”
IT IS:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Emotional abuse
• And often, it is a crime that leads to serious injury or death.

We believe that by shedding light on cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and by aggressively pursuing accountability, we can force systemic change that protects all students, including those cherished sons and daughters from Ocean County.

Contact Us: Your Advocates in Ocean County and Beyond

If your child has been the victim of hazing, the path forward might seem unclear, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether the incident occurred at a local college like Georgian Court University or in a distant state, Attorney911 is here to be your unwavering advocate.

We are actively fighting for hazing victims right now, as evidenced by our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We bring that same level of aggression, expertise, and dedication to every family we represent.

Ocean County Families – Call Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation.

Your first step towards justice is to speak with an attorney who understands the complexities of hazing litigation and is prepared to fight.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies, because we know these crises don’t keep business hours.
• You can also reach us directly via email at ralph@atty911.com.
• Learn more about our dedication to fighting for victims at attorney911.com.

We work on a Contingency Fee Basis: $0 Upfront, We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid.

We believe that financial concerns should never be a barrier to justice. With our contingency fee agreement, you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our legal fees are only collected if and when we successfully secure a settlement or verdict for you. This allows you to focus on your child’s recovery while we focus on securing justice and compensation.

Ocean County Families – We Serve You, No Matter the Distance.

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to represent hazing victims extends nationwide, including Ocean County. Here’s how we make our top-tier legal services accessible to you:

• Video Consultations: We offer secure and convenient video consultations, allowing you to speak directly with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home in Ocean County, New Jersey.
• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, enabling us to pursue cases involving national organizations across state lines. This includes many large fraternities and sororities.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage for cases against national organizations often headquartered or operating significantly in key states.
• Commitment to Travel: We are prepared to travel to Ocean County for critical depositions, client meetings, mediations, or trials as your case demands. Distance is not a barrier to achieving justice.

We Represent Victims of Hazing in ALL Organizations, Not Just Greek Life:

Hazing is unfortunately not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. If your child was harmed while attempting to join or maintain membership in any of the following, we can help:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Ocean County and across the country.
• Sports teams (college, high school, club sports).
• Marching bands and other performance groups.
• ROTC programs.
• Academic clubs, secret societies, and other student organizations.
• Military academies or units.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you were a pledge, a member, or a witness to the hazing that led to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, we know there are more of you. Leonel was not the only one abused. The lawsuit details that another pledge lost consciousness on October 15, and another was hog-tied. If you have been subjected to similar abuse, or if you have information that could help Leonel’s case, we urge you to come forward. Your courage can make a difference. As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us today. Let’s bring every responsible party to justice.

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

Your privacy and well-being are our top priorities. All communications are confidential, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Do not let fear, shame, or loyalty prevent you from seeking the justice your child deserves. The time to act is now.