If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, make lifelong connections, and build their future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We see you searching for answers at 2 AM, your heart heavy with fear and anger, wondering how this could have happened. We’re here to tell parents in Oklahoma that this nightmare is real, it’s happening at institutions your children might attend, and we’re here to help you fight back.

We understand the confusion, the betrayal, and the profound sense of helplessness you feel. You might be asking yourself, “What is hazing, really?” “Who is responsible when something like this happens?” “Can anything truly be done?” We’re here to answer those questions and more. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to holding accountable the fraternities, universities, and individuals who allow such cruelty to persist. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now, proving that justice is possible.

The Nightmare Unfolds: What Happened in Our Backyard

Just recently, in November 2025, our team filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This isn’t just another case for us; it’s a testament to everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and unwavering accountability for hazing victims. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is happening in Harris County Civil District Court in Texas, but the same patterns of abuse, the same national fraternities, and the same institutional failures exist at universities across Oklahoma.

Leonel Bermudez, the victim in our landmark case, was supposed to be a transfer student at the University of Houston. He was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even formally enrolled yet. He had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025, eager to start his new college chapter, but what followed was weeks of unimaginable abuse. Leonel was subjected to systematic torture that included being waterboarded with a garden hose. He was hog-tied. He was forced to eat until he vomited, only to be made to lie in his own vomit. He endured psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion so extreme that his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed.

Leonel spent four agonizing days in the hospital, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine, once healthy, turned brown, a horrifying sign of his body breaking down from the abuse. This wasn’t some isolated prank; this was premeditated, systematic cruelty inflicted by individuals and enabled by institutions.

Within weeks of the hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. Its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against those involved were initiated. But that wasn’t enough. Our firm, Attorney911, immediately filed a $10 million lawsuit, targeting every entity responsible: the university, the national fraternity, the housing corporation, and the 13 individual members who participated in or orchestrated this brutality.

This case is the proof that Attorney911 isn’t theoretical. We’re not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases.” We are actively fighting right now. We want every parent in Oklahoma to understand that this is what hazing looks like today, in the very state next door to them, at universities their children might attend. And we want them to know that Attorney911 is the firm that fights back with unparalleled aggression and expertise.

You can learn more about Leonel’s story directly from the news coverage:

• ABC13 (KTRK) published on November 21-22, 2025: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• Click2Houston (KPRC 2) published on November 21, 2025: Only on 2: Lawsuit alleges severe hazing at University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter fraternity
• Hoodline published on November 22, 2025: University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When you hear the word “hazing,” you might imagine silly pranks or harmless initiations, a rite of passage that’s a little uncomfortable but ultimately builds character. We’re here to tell you, especially parents in Oklahoma, that “hazing” has been warped into something far more sinister, a cover for brutal abuse that can destroy lives. It’s not about building camaraderie; it’s about breaking individuals down through systematic torture, humiliation, and terror.

The details of Leonel Bermudez’s experience, which we are fighting in court, are not isolated incidents. They are a horrifying glimpse into the realities of modern hazing. This is not the stuff of movies from decades past; this is what happens today, at prestigious universities, in environments where parents expect their children to be safe.

The Horrifying Realities of Modern Hazing:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, effectively simulated waterboarding. This is torture—a war crime when done to enemy combatants. It was inflicted on a young student who simply wanted to join a fraternity.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume copious amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited violently. The torment didn’t end there; he was then forced to continue running sprints, often lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. This is not a game; it is a sadistic act designed to humiliate and break a person.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Leonel was subjected to endless cycles of severe physical exertion, including hundreds of pushups and 500 squats. He endured “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and even “repeated 100-yard crawls” and wooden paddle beatings. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising to the point of collapse, literally unable to stand without help. This level of physical abuse is designed to push the body past its limits, with potentially fatal consequences.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Beyond the physical pain, the psychological toll was immense. Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, made to carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects at all times, and witnessed another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to humiliate, degrade, and instill fear, leaving deep and lasting emotional scars.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to profound exhaustion. This tactic weakens individuals, making them more susceptible to control and unable to resist further abuse.

These are not “pranks” or “boys being boys.” This is assault, battery, reckless endangerment, and in too many tragic cases, it leads to manslaughter or murder. This is the truth of hazing, and it’s happening at institutions your children in Oklahoma might attend, such as the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, or even smaller regional colleges like the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond or Tulsa Community College. These institutions, no matter their size, often host chapters of prominent national fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha, whose names have become synonymous with severe hazing incidents nationwide.

Parents must understand that hazing extends beyond Greek life. It can infest sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and student organizations. The methods may vary, but the intent—to degrade, control, and injure—remains chillingly consistent.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When hazing leaves a student in the hospital or, tragically, takes their life, concerned parents in Oklahoma need to know every single entity that can be held responsible. It’s not just the handful of students directly involved; the web of accountability stretches far wider, encompassing those who actively participated, those who looked away, and those who provided the environment for such abuse to thrive.

In Leonel Bermudez’s case, our lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants, reflecting our unwavering commitment to holding every responsible party accountable. This is the blueprint for how we approach every hazing case, including those we take on for Oklahoma families:

• The Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing activities that brutalized Leonel. These are the individuals who planned, orchestrated, and carried out the abuse.
• Chapter Officers: The fraternity president, the pledgemaster, and other chapter leaders bear immense responsibility. They held positions of power and authority, directing and enabling the hazing. In many cases, it is their specific roles to design and execute pledge activities, making them central figures in the lawsuit.
• Individual Members: Every member who participated in the hazing, or even witnessed it and failed to intervene or report it, can be held personally liable. This includes the students who sprayed the hose, administered the physical punishments, or forced the eating.
• Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, former members and even a spouse were named as defendants because some of the major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who provides a venue for hazings and allows such abuse to continue on their property.
• The National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (the national headquarters) is a primary defendant. Despite knowing about a history of hazing, including the tragic death of Andrew Coffey at one of their Florida State chapters in 2017, the national organization failed to implement adequate safeguards or enforce their own anti-hazing policies, directly enabling a “hazing crisis.” These national bodies have vast resources and a constitutional duty to oversee their chapters.
• The University: The University of Houston itself and its Board of Regents are codefendants. Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students’ safety and provide a secure learning environment. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. They had a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity on their campus, indicating a clear pattern of institutional knowledge and failure to act.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every national fraternity, university, and often even individual homeowners, there are insurance policies. These are the “deep pockets” that ultimately fund settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys, with their background in insurance defense, know exactly how to navigate these complex policies to maximize recovery for victims.

This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone who played a part in the hazing, directly or indirectly, faces accountability. It’s not just about penalizing individual students; it’s about sending a clear, resounding message to the powerful institutions—the sprawling national fraternities and the venerable universities—that they cannot turn a blind eye to abuse under their watch. We are not intimidated by their legal teams or their public relations efforts. We will pursue every liable entity to secure justice for your family in Oklahoma.

What These Cases Win: A History of Multi-Million-Dollar Accountability

For parents in Oklahoma wondering if pursuing legal action for hazing is truly powerful, the answer is a resounding yes. Cases across the nation, driven by courageous families and relentless legal teams, have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, sending shockwaves through the Greek system and university administrations. These are not merely financial figures; they represent accountability, a powerful deterrent against future abuse, and a means for victims and their families to rebuild their lives.

Here are just a few landmark cases that illustrate the scale of justice in hazing litigation:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): The tragic death of Stone Foltz, who was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation, resulted in a total recovery exceeding $10.1 million. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and individual members. A former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was also personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in a judgment in December 2024. This case alone is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history and directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.” A jury awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict, and individuals faced negligent homicide charges. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of civil litigation to drive legislative change.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual that involved consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes, followed by multiple falls. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. While the exact settlement is confidential, estimates place the total recovery at over $110 million. The case led to criminal convictions for involuntary manslaughter and stricter anti-hazing laws in Pennsylvania (the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law), underscoring the severe consequences for blatant institutional negligence and cover-ups.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The civil settlement remains confidential but represents a significant recovery for his family. This case is particularly crucial because it involves the same national fraternity as Leonel Bermudez, establishing a documented pattern of deadly hazing that Pi Kappa Phi National knowingly failed to address.

What these cases mean for Oklahoma families:

1. Our $10 Million Demand Is Grounded: The eight-figure demand in Leonel Bermudez’s case is not arbitrary; it’s proportional to the horrific abuse he endured, the life-threatening injuries, and the documented patterns seen in other successful hazing lawsuits, including the Stone Foltz settlement.
2. Universities Are Not Immune: Institutions like Bowling Green State University and Penn State have paid millions for their failures in oversight. Universities in Oklahoma, such as the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma, must understand they face the same liability when they neglect their duty to protect students.
3. National Fraternities Have Paid, and Will Pay Again: The large national Greek organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi have paid tens of millions. Pi Kappa Phi, the defendant in our current case, already has a death on its record from 2017. This history demonstrates a pattern of negligence by these organizations nationally, and it means they have the financial resources and insurance policies to compensate victims.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million jury verdict in the Gruver case proves that when these cases go to trial, juries are outraged by the conduct and are willing to deliver substantial justice. The sheer brutality of Leonel Bermudez’s waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse will resonate deeply with a jury.
5. Your Case Can Drive Change: Just as the Piazza and Gruver cases led to new, stricter anti-hazing laws, your family’s pursuit of justice in Oklahoma can contribute to a safer environment for all students.

We tell these stories not to scare parents in Oklahoma, but to empower them. These cases prove that with aggressive, expert legal representation, you can stand up against powerful fraternities and universities and win. The same legal strategies, the same relentless pursuit of accountability, and the same commitment to justice that secured these multi-million dollar outcomes will be brought to bear on behalf of your child in Oklahoma.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Oklahoma and Beyond

For parents in Oklahoma dealing with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability extend across state lines, offering robust protections for victims nationwide. Let’s look at Texas law, which serves as a model for many states and illustrates the foundational legal principles we apply to every hazing case.

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

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country, clearly defining hazing and imposing severe penalties. Our current $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez highlights how these laws are put into action.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing 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, branding, forcing calisthenics that risk harm, exposure to elements, sleep deprivation. In Leonel’s case, the 500 squats, wooden paddle beatings, cold exposure, and hose spraying clearly fall under this.
  • Forced consumption: Requiring students to consume food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that risk harm. Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a direct violation.
  • Even requiring acts that violate the Penal Code, such as assault or battery, is considered hazing.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is not just a university violation; it’s a crime. Depending on the severity, individuals engaging in hazing can face Class B Misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine), Class A Misdemeanors for serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine), and even State Jail Felonies if hazing causes death (180 days-2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine). In Leonel’s case, his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning the individual perpetrators could face Class A Misdemeanor charges. The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly discussed “potential criminal charges,” demonstrating the severe nature of the allegations.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can also be held liable. If an organization “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members commit hazing, it can face fines, denial of the right to operate, and forfeiture of property. This is a critical provision that targets the very existence of these Greek life chapters.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most powerful aspects of Texas law and a critical point for parents in Oklahoma to understand. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means that if a fraternity says, “he chose to participate,” or “everyone agreed,” it holds no legal weight. You cannot consent to a criminal act, and you cannot consent to being victimized by hazing in Texas. Our firm will leverage this powerful legal principle in every hazing case we pursue.

• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Educational institutions in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents within 30 days of becoming aware of them. This creates a paper trail and holds universities accountable for transparency, or lack thereof.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Your Right to Compensation:

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits are how victims and their families in Oklahoma recover compensation for their immense suffering and losses. Regardless of specific state laws, several core legal theories provide pathways to justice:

• Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental principle of personal injury law. It argues that the fraternity, university, or individuals had a duty to protect the student, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing hazing), and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages. This applies in every state, including Oklahoma.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel Bermudez’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house) or another entity, that owner has a duty to maintain a safe environment. Failing to address known hazing creates a dangerous condition, leading to liability.
• Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and universities have a duty to supervise their local chapters and student organizations. When they fail to do so, allowing hazing to occur, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
• Assault and Battery: The physical acts of hazing—waterboarding, paddling, forced physical exertion—are often direct acts of assault (threat of harm) and battery (unwanted physical contact). Perpetrators can be sued individually for these intentional torts.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous conduct involved in hazing, such as psychological torture and humiliation, can lead to severe emotional distress, supporting claims under this theory.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many hazing incidents result in death. In such cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to seek compensation for their profound losses, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial contributions. Oklahoma has its own specific wrongful death statutes that apply.

How Attorney911 Navigates the Legal Landscape for Oklahoma Victims:

We understand the specific intricacies of hazing litigation. Our firm’s expertise extends beyond state lines due to our:

• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, especially pertinent when national fraternities are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations that may be headquartered or conduct significant business outside of Texas.
• National Reach: While headquartered in Houston, our commitment to hazing victims means we will travel to Oklahoma and collaborate with local counsel as needed, ensuring your family has access to the most aggressive and experienced legal team.

For families in Oklahoma, your child cannot legally consent to being tortured, humiliated, or abused. The law is on your side, and we are here to ensure that justice is relentlessly pursued.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal team after your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing is one of the most critical decisions you will make. This isn’t just about filing a lawsuit; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable, preventing future tragedies, and helping your family heal. Attorney911 brings a unique blend of experience, empathy, and aggressive advocacy that makes us the obvious choice for families in Oklahoma and nationwide.

Our Unparalleled Expertise and Aggression:

• We’re Actively Fighting: We aren’t theoretical. We are currently litigating a **$10 million hazing lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., against a national fraternity and the University of Houston in Harris County Civil District Court.** This isn’t a mock trial or an academic exercise; this is real-time, high-stakes litigation where we are proving our aggressive approach delivers results. The same focused determination we are bringing to this Houston case will be fiercely applied to your child’s case in Oklahoma.
• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over two decades of battle-tested courtroom experience. He’s not afraid to take powerful defendants to trial and win. This experience is critical when facing the well-funded legal teams of national fraternities and major universities that operate in Oklahoma and across the country.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. This isn’t common. It means we have an unfair advantage. We’ve seen their strategies from the inside. We know exactly how insurance companies and corporate defendants—including those representing universities and national fraternities—think, strategize, and try to deny or minimize claims. Mr. Peña, fresh from a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands the nuances of multi-party litigation and the weak points in their defenses. We use this invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their cases and maximize recovery for our clients.
• Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admission: Our admission to U.S. District Courts and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) give us the strategic advantage necessary to pursue national fraternities effectively, many of which are chartered or headquartered outside of Texas. This enables us to represent victims across America, including those in Oklahoma, without geographical limitations for complex, multi-state litigation.
• Proven Track Record Against Giants: Ralph’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity and willingness to take on massive corporate defendants and complex mass torts. Hazing cases often involve similar complexities, with multiple institutional defendants and significant stakes—a challenge we are well-equipped to handle for families in Oklahoma.
• Specialized Hazing Expertise: We’re not general personal injury lawyers who occasionally take a hazing case. We have specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing injuries, fraternity litigation, and holding universities accountable. We understand the specific medical, psychological, and institutional dynamics at play in these cases.
• “Se Habla Español”: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Oklahoma, who may be navigating a foreign legal system and traumatic experience, receive comprehensive, compassionate communication and representation without language barriers.

Our Empathetic and Client-Centered Approach:

• We Understand Your Trauma: We know that a hazing incident is often one of the most terrifying moments a family can face. Our tone is empathetic, warm, and parent-facing. We say things like, “We understand what you’re going through,” because we genuinely do. We treat Oklahoma families like our own, providing support and clear communication every step of the way.
• No Upfront Cost – Contingency Fees: We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes the financial barrier that too often prevents families from seeking justice against well-resourced institutions. You focus on healing; we’ll handle the costs and the fight. You can learn more about this by watching our video “How Contingency Fees Work.”
• We Come to You / Remote Consultations: We know that for families in Oklahoma, coming to our Texas offices might be difficult. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations, allowing you to connect with our expert legal team from the comfort and privacy of your home in Oklahoma. We are also fully prepared to travel to Oklahoma for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
• Deep Emotional Investment: As attested by our over 250+ 4.9-star Google reviews, we develop long-term relationships with our clients, treating each case with the dedication it deserves. Former clients consistently highlight our consistent communication, responsiveness, and genuine care. Ralph, as a father of three, deeply understands the pain a parent feels when their child is harmed.

The “Unfair Advantage” for Oklahoma Victims:

When you hire Attorney911, you’re not just getting legal representation; you’re gaining an “unfair advantage.” You’re leveraging decades of experience from attorneys who have fought on both sides of the courtroom, an aggressive litigation strategy honed against formidable opponents, and a deep, data-driven understanding of the Greek system and university liability.

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re fighting it right now. If your child has been a victim of hazing in Oklahoma, you deserve the same aggressive, expert representation that we are bringing to Leonel Bermudez’s case.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Oklahoma Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a university, college, or any student organization in Oklahoma, the immediate aftermath can feel overwhelming. You, and they, may be scared, confused, or even threatened into silence. But every moment counts. Taking the right steps now can be critical to securing justice and preventing further harm. We are here to guide you through this difficult time, acting as your first responders in this legal emergency.

Here are the immediate, actionable steps you and your child in Oklahoma should take:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Document Everything (Even Minor Injuries):

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. If they are injured, get them to an emergency room or a doctor without delay. Even if injuries seem minor, some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, can have delayed symptoms.
   • Be Thorough and Honest: Ensure your child tells medical professionals exactly what happened and how their injuries occurred. Do not minimize symptoms out of embarrassment or fear. Document every ache, bruise, cut, or psychological symptom.
   • Preserve Records: Keep copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, hospital bills, and prescriptions. These records are the cornerstone of a personal injury case. You can watch our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” for more on this.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Think Digital and Physical:

   • Do NOT Delete Anything (Especially Digital Communications): This is perhaps the most critical instruction. Hazing perpetrators often use group chats, direct messages, and social media to coordinate and command. Your child must immediately save and preserve every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. If photos or videos of the hazing exist, download and secure them. Deleting this content could cripple a potential lawsuit. Our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” highlights the dangers of deleting evidence.
   • Take Photos/Videos of Injuries: Document all physical injuries with photos and videos as they appear and as they heal. This includes bruises, cuts, burns, and any signs of physical distress. If the hazing location is accessible and safe, discreetly photograph elements that show the abuse. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” provides essential tips.
   • Identify Witnesses: Note the names and contact information of other pledges, fraternity or sorority members, or any bystanders who may have witnessed the hazing or your child’s distress afterward. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Save All Documents: Keep any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the organization. These can provide direct proof of coerced activities.
   • Monitor Social Media: While your child should not post about the incident, if they see others posting about it, they should take screenshots and save them.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

   • Avoid Contact: Your child should cease all communication with fraternity/sorority leaders, members, or even alumni related to the incident. Anything they say can be twisted and used against them.
   • No Statements to University Administration (Yet): While you may feel compelled to report to the university, it is crucial not to give any formal statements, especially recorded ones, to university officials (Dean of Students, Greek Life Office, Title IX office) without first consulting with an attorney. Their primary loyalty is to the institution, not to your child.
   • Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents, waivers, or agreements presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university. These documents are often designed to protect them and waive your child’s legal rights.
   • Refer All Inquiries to Your Attorney: Once you retain us, we will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their attorneys or insurance representatives. This protects your child from manipulation and ensures their rights are always paramount. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” applies here to all responsible entities.

4. Understand the Urgency – Time is Not on Your Side:

   • Statute of Limitations: Most states, including Oklahoma, have a “statute of limitations” on personal injury claims, typically two years from the date of the injury or death. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this period, you lose your right to sue forever.
   • Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather crucial evidence. Digital communications are deleted, memories fade, and physical evidence can disappear. Organizations may destroy records.
   • Call Us Immediately: The most effective step you can take after ensuring your child’s safety is to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney. We can initiate immediate action to preserve evidence, notify responsible parties, and begin building a strong case. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” explains more.

5. Contact Attorney911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our hotline is available 24/7. This is your first call in a legal emergency.
   • Email: You can reach Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.
   • Video Consultations: For families in Oklahoma who cannot easily travel to our Texas offices, we offer secure video consultations to discuss your case remotely.

Taking these steps can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. We are here to be your advocate, your protectors, and your relentless pursuers of justice. We are fighting this fight right now in Houston for Leonel Bermudez, and we will bring the same aggressive, expert representation to your child’s hazing case in Oklahoma.

Call Now: Your Fight for Justice Starts Today

Parents in Oklahoma, if your child has endured the nightmare of hazing, you are not alone. Your family’s journey toward justice and healing begins with one courageous step: reaching out for help. We understand the profound fear, the anger, and the helplessness you may be experiencing. We are Attorney911, and our mission is to stand with victims of hazing, to hold powerful institutions accountable, and to ensure that such brutality has severe consequences.

We are not theorists; we are active fighters. Our team is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in Harris County, Texas. This is not just a case study for us; it is a live battle where we are employing every aggressive, data-driven strategy at our disposal. The exact same level of relentless advocacy, insider knowledge, and unwavering commitment will be brought to bear on behalf of your child in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Families: Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

The time to act is now. Hazing cases are complex, evidence can vanish, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Do not let fear or uncertainty prevent you from securing the justice your child deserves.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for families in Oklahoma. We are here to listen, to understand, and to provide immediate guidance when you need it most.

Email our managing partner directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website for more information: attorney911.com

Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis: This means you pay $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This commitment ensures that your family, regardless of your financial situation, has access to top-tier legal representation against well-funded fraternities and universities.

We Are Here for Oklahoma Hazing Victims, and Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and dedication to fighting hazing know no geographical boundaries. Hazing is a national crisis, occurring at universities across Oklahoma like the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, and many others. We are prepared to represent your child’s case, wherever the hazing occurred, and against any organization responsible.

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, which often involves national fraternity organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and New York, providing additional strategic advantages when dealing with multi-state entities like national fraternities.
• Video Consultations: We offer secure and confidential video consultations, allowing families in Oklahoma to meet with us face-to-face from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
• Travel Commitment: For depositions, critical meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Oklahoma to directly advocate for your child. Distance will not deter us from pursuing justice.

We represent victims of hazing in a wide range of organizations, because the abuse can happen anywhere:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities in Oklahoma.
• Sports teams in Oklahoma colleges and high schools.
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any club or student organization that uses abuse as an initiation or membership ritual.

A Message to Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing

To any other individuals who were subjected to the horrific hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, or who witnessed the abuse that Leonel Bermudez endured: we know you are out there. Our client was not the only one physically and psychologically brutalized. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15, and many others faced the same waterboarding with a garden hose, forced eating until vomiting, extreme physical punishment, and dehumanizing rituals.

You, too, have rights. We can represent you, protect your identity, and ensure your story is heard. As our attorney Lupe Peña 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.” Join us in this fight.

Call us. Let’s work together to bring every perpetrator and enabler to justice.

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

Your courage to act now can not only secure justice for your child but also protect countless others from suffering the same fate. We are ready to fight for you.