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, to explore new horizons, and to learn in a safe environment. Instead, they were tortured. They were hazed in ways that defy belief, ways that have left them physically and emotionally scarred. We understand the fear, the anger, and the profound sense of betrayal you must be feeling. We are here to help families in Pittsylvania County fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys” or simple tradition. As we’ve seen firsthand in our current $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university, hazing today is often systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that can lead to severe injury, life-altering trauma, and even death. If this nightmare has come to your doorstep in Pittsylvania County, our firm, Attorney911, stands ready to fight for your child’s justice and hold every responsible party accountable. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation to Pittsylvania County families that we provide to our clients in Houston and across the nation.

The Haunting Reality: Hazing in America

The image of college life is often painted with vibrant colors of learning, social connections, and personal growth. Yet, beneath this veneer, a darker reality persists, one that shatters lives and devastates families. Hazing, an illegal and dangerous practice, continues to plague college campuses and other student organizations across the United States. It’s a crisis that has touched every corner of the country, leaving a trail of broken bodies and shattered spirits.

Statistics paint a sobering picture:

More than half of students (55%) involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
Two out of every five student athletes (40%) report being hazed.
Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These are not mere accidents; they are tragic, preventable losses directly linked to institutional negligence and a culture that prioritizes secrecy over safety.
A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or a misguided sense of loyalty to their organization. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue unchecked.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. It infiltrates student athletes, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various other clubs and student organizations. The common thread is a perverse notion that abuse builds “brotherhood” or “character,” when in reality, it only inflicts trauma and fosters a culture of fear.

The most disturbing aspect of this crisis is the institutional failure it exposes. Universities and national organizations are often aware of hazing activities, yet they frequently fail to intervene effectively. They possess the power and the resources to stop it, but often choose not to—not until a severe injury demands attention or a life is tragically lost. Only then do they scramble to “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, offering hollow statements of being “shocked” by the very practices they tacitly allowed to flourish. This cycle of negligence and reactive measures must end, and our firm is dedicated to ensuring accountability for these systemic failures.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights for Leonel Bermudez in a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

Pittsylvania County families: The harrowing story of Leonel Bermudez in Houston is not an isolated incident. This is what hazing looks like today, and it’s happening at universities throughout Virginia and across the nation. We are actively fighting this battle in court right now, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to your family in Pittsylvania County.

On November 21, 2025, Attorney911 filed a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. This case stands as a stark warning to fraternities, universities, and national Greek organizations everywhere: we will tirelessly pursue justice for victims of hazing.

Media Coverage That Rocked Houston

Our fight for Leonel immediately captured the attention of major news outlets, validating the severity of these allegations and shining a spotlight on the pervasive issue of hazing. You can read the coverage yourself:

ABC13 Houston: Published November 21-22, 2025, detailing “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” Read the full report here.
KHOU 11: Their November 21, 2025 report, “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations,” was among the first to name our client and expose critical details. Find the article here.
Houston Chronicle: Summarized the lawsuit on November 22, 2025, with their report, “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.” Access the full story here.
Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, they provided a comprehensive overview: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” See their report.

Perhaps most telling is the defendant’s own communication:

Pi Kappa Phi National (DEFENDANT): On exactly the same day the lawsuit was filed, November 21, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi published a statement, “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston” on their website, acknowledging “violations” and stating they “look forward to returning to campus.” Read their full statement. This statement, issued just a week after they officially closed the chapter on November 14, reveals their immediate response to the imminent legal action.

The Defendants in Our $10 Million Fight

Our lawsuit aggressively targets every entity and individual responsible for Leonel’s suffering:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (Beta Nu Chapter at UH): The local chapter that directly orchestrated and executed the hazing.
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The powerful national organization with oversight responsibility for its 150+ chapters nationwide. This includes all chapters, potentially even those near institutions in Virginia.
Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity responsible for the property where some of the hazing took place.
University of Houston: The institution that owned the fraternity house and had the power and duty to prevent such abuse on its campus.
UH Board of Regents: The governing body overseeing the university, holding ultimate responsibility for campus policies and student safety.
Fraternity President and Pledgemaster: The chapter leaders who directed and facilitated the hazing activities.
13 Individual Fraternity Members: Both current members who participated and former members who even hosted hazing at their private residence – including the spouse of a former member for allowing hazing on their property.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a “Ghost Rush”

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing ordeal: weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days. His diagnosis: severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Critically, Leonel was a “ghost rush.” He wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. This detail underscores the fraternity’s profound recklessness: they inflicted grievous harm on someone who wasn’t even officially under the university’s immediate umbrella, extending the reach of their negligence. It also highlights how pervasive the hazing culture is; it reaches beyond the enrolled student body.

This case is a stark reminder to Pittsylvania County families:

Pi Kappa Phi, like many national fraternities, has over 150 chapters across America, meaning “traditions” like those that hospitalized Leonel could be active at universities near Pittsylvania County.
The same deeply entrenched hazing practices that caused Leonel’s injuries occur at Greek organizations throughout Virginia and beyond.
Universities across Virginia face the same liability failures and institutional complacency that allowed this to happen at UH.
If your child is being hazed in Pittsylvania County, we will fight for them with the same unwavering aggression and fierce determination we bring to Leonel Bermudez’s case.

As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13 about Leonel, the victim’s journey from the brutal hazing to the hospital was agonizing: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Peña, our co-counsel, emphasized a broader mission to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This sentiment drives us to ensure every Pittsylvania County family facing this horror finds the justice they deserve.

The Full Timeline of Abuse and Accountability

Our lawsuit meticulously details the horrific progression of events:

September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi, marking the beginning of his nightmare.
September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and physical and psychological torture unfold.
Throughout this period: Leonel and other pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews with members, and forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion. Non-compliance was met with threats of physical punishment or expulsion.
October 13, 2025: A chilling example of the fraternity’s cruelty: another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This illustrates the depravity of the hazing.
October 15, 2025: During a forced workout, a pledge tragically lost consciousness and collapsed. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This near-tragedy should have halted the abuse, but it only intensified.
November 3, 2025 (The Incident): Leonel was singled out for punishment after missing an event. He was subjected to brutal physical torture, including:
- Over 100 pushups and 500 squats.
- “High-volume suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls.
- Forced consumption of large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be made to run sprints while in distress and lie in his own vomit.
- Being sprayed with a garden hose while minimally clothed, a practice described by media as “simulated waterboarding.”
- Being struck with wooden paddles.
- Threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped exercising or failed to recite the fraternity creed.
November 3, 2025 (Aftermath): Leonel was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help and crawled home.
November 4-5, 2025: His condition rapidly worsened, becoming increasingly sore, unable to move.
November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a critical sign of rhabdomyolysis – severe muscle breakdown.
November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition resulting from his muscle tissue being pushed to catastrophic failure.
November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, an action they publicly announced. This occurred a full seven days before Attorney911 filed suit, indicating their awareness of the severity and impending legal consequences.
November 21, 2025: Our $10 million lawsuit was filed. Within hours, news reports from ABC13 and KHOU 11 broke, followed closely by the Houston Chronicle and Houston Public Media.

This comprehensive timeline, backed by media reports and our ongoing litigation, reveals a pattern of egregious abuse and institutional failure. It serves as a stark warning to Pittsylvania County families about the real dangers of hazing and the urgent need for aggressive legal action when it occurs.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond Fraternity Row Stereotypes

Pittsylvania County families often imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild discomfort. The reality, as tragically demonstrated in Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others nationwide, is far more sinister. It is not “tradition” or “bonding”; it is systematic abuse designed to break individuals down physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, the alleged hazing activities read like a manual for torture:

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning

Imagine being sprayed in the face with a garden hose while exercising, or having to choose between compliance and being waterboarded. This isn’t a game; it’s a form of torture. KHOU reported “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” and Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants; these fraternity members did it to a student seeking friendship.

Forced Eating Until Vomiting and Beyond

Leonel and others were forced to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited. But the abuse didn’t end there. After vomiting, they were immediately forced to resume grueling physical exercise, enduring further distress and even lying in their own vomit-soaked grass. This is not only dehumanizing but incredibly dangerous, pushing individuals to their absolute physical limits.

Extreme Physical Punishment and Torture

The lawsuit details a relentless regime of physical torment:

Over 100 pushups and 500 squats, performed continuously.
Intense running drills called “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills.
“Two-mile warmups” followed by “repeated 100-yard crawls.”
Being struck repeatedly with wooden paddles, a direct act of physical assault.
All these exercises were performed while reciting the fraternity creed, under the constant threat of immediate expulsion for non-compliance. Leonel was driven to a point of exhaustion where he “could not stand without help.”
We’ve documented an instance where another pledge lost consciousness during these forced workouts, yet the hazing continued unchecked.

Psychological Torture and Humiliation

Hazing isn’t just physical. It’s designed to strip away dignity:

Pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a constant reminder of their humiliation.
They were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather, exposing them physically and psychologically.
Another pledge was found hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, a depraved act of degradation.

Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion

Pledges were regularly forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and ensuring chronic exhaustion, further compromising their physical and mental state.

Servitude and Control

Hazing also involved an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews, giving the fraternity absolute control over every aspect of the pledges’ lives.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical toll of such abuse is devastating. Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis, a severe breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful proteins (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. This condition can lead to acute kidney failure as the kidneys struggle to filter the toxic waste. Leonel presented with the classic symptom of passing brown urine, indicating severe muscle damage. He spent four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment to prevent permanent kidney damage. His very high creatine kinase levels confirmed the extensive muscle breakdown.

Ralph Manginello, with his specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understands the long-term dangers. This isn’t a minor injury; it’s a life-altering event that can lead to chronic health issues, including permanent kidney damage, requiring lifelong monitoring or even dialysis.

This Is Not Just “Hazing”—It Is:

Assault and Battery: Direct physical attacks and unwanted contact.
Torture: Intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, for purposes of coercion.
Reckless Endangerment: Willfully disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk to human life.
False Imprisonment: Unlawfully restraining a person against their will.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Extreme and outrageous conduct causing severe emotional suffering.
And in the most tragic cases, Manslaughter or Murder.

This brutal reality extends far beyond the University of Houston. The same “traditions” and dangers are found at universities and colleges across Virginia, and indeed, around the country. Pittsylvania County parents must understand that the threat is real, and the consequences are devastating. Attorney911 is committed to exposing these realities and securing justice for every victim.

Who Is Responsible: Every Party That Knew or Should Have Known

When a child is brutally hazed, the instinct is to point fingers at the direct perpetrators. While individual members are absolutely liable, hazing is
never a solo act. It is a systemic problem enabled by layers of institutional failure, and our firm is committed to holding every single one of those layers accountable. In Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit, we are pursuing a comprehensive list of defendants, demonstrating our data-driven strategy to target every responsible party.

This is not about suing broke college kids in Pittsylvania County; it’s about holding powerful institutions and organizations with deep pockets accountable for their negligence and complicity.

The Local Chapter: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (UH)

Why they’re liable: The Beta Nu chapter directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. These were not spontaneous acts but planned “rituals.”
Specific Defendants: We have named the Fraternity President and the Pledgemaster for their direct supervision and direction of the hazing. Individual members who actively participated or stood by and allowed the abuse are also liable for assault, battery, and negligence.
Pittsylvania County Application: Any local chapter of a fraternity or sorority at a university near Pittsylvania County that engages in hazing is directly liable for the injuries inflicted upon pledges.

The National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters

Why they’re liable: National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi exert significant control over their local chapters and claim to have anti-hazing policies, risk management protocols, and educational programs. In Leonel’s case, the National Headquarters immediately suspended and ultimately dissolved the UH chapter after his hospitalization, a clear admission they knew the conduct was wrong. As KHOU 11 reported, the national organization is alleged to have “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
The Andrew Coffey Precedent: Pi Kappa Phi National knew their chapters engaged in deadly hazing because Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at Florida State in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference by the national organization, making them ripe for substantial punitive damages.
Pittsylvania County Application: A national Greek organization with a chapter anywhere near Pittsylvania County carries the same oversight duties and bears the same liability when its local chapters engage in hazing. These are multi-million dollar corporations with vast assets and substantial insurance policies; they are the “deep pockets” necessary for meaningful compensation.

The Housing Corporation: Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation

Why they’re liable: This entity owns or controls the property where hazing takes place. Premises liability dictates that property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment and prevent foreseeable harm. If hazing occurred on their property, they are directly liable for failing to prevent it.
Pittsylvania County Application: Many fraternity houses near Pittsylvania County are owned by separate housing corporations. These entities have legal and financial responsibility for the safety of their premises.

The University: University of Houston and UH Board of Regents

Why they’re liable: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and provide a safe educational environment. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing occurred. As KHOU 11 reported, it was a “University-owned fraternity house.” This is key: the university was the landlord, collecting rent while severe abuse took place on its property.
The Jared Munoz Precedent: The University of Houston knew about hazing risks on its campus because another student, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at a different UH fraternity in 2017. Despite this prior incident, the university failed to implement effective oversight for its Greek life organizations. Their failure to act proactively, knowing the risks, constitutes institutional negligence.
UH’s Own Admission: A UH spokesperson openly stated to Houston Public Media that the events “are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and spoke of “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission of their own standards being violated and that serious wrongdoing occurred.
Pittsylvania County Application: Virginia universities, whether public or private, have a similar duty of care to their students. If hazing occurs on university-owned or supervised property, or within organizations sanctioned by the university, the institution can and should be held liable. Universities near Pittsylvania County, such as [Name real nearby universities if they exist, or refer to Virginia State University System/private colleges], where fraternities and sororities operate, face the same legal exposure if they fail to prevent hazing.

Individual Perpetrators: Members, Former Members, and Their Spouses

Why they’re liable: Any individual who directly participated in, facilitated, or even allowed hazing to occur on their property can be held personally responsible. Our lawsuit explicitly names current and former members, including a former member and his spouse for hosting hazing activities at their private residence. The spouse’s inclusion highlights premises liability – allowing illegal activity and abuse to occur in one’s home.
The Stone Foltz Precedent: The recent $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, demonstrates that individual officers and members can face severe personal financial liability. This means their future earnings, assets, and reputations are on the line.
Pittsylvania County Application: This is a critical point for deterrence. Every individual involved in hazing activities near Pittsylvania County, from the freshman pledge to the alumni hosting events, faces potential personal liability.

Insurance Carriers

The Deep Pockets: Ultimately, the funds for multi-million dollar settlements often come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes even homeowners’ policies for individuals. Our firm’s strategic advantage stems from both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña’s backgrounds as former insurance defense attorneys. They know exactly how insurance companies think, how they value claims, and, most importantly, how to dismantle their defenses to maximize recovery for victims.
Pittsylvania County Application: We will aggressively pursue every available insurance policy to ensure Pittsylvania County families receive the full compensation they deserve.

Hazing is never an accident. It is a choice made by individuals and enabled by institutions. Attorney911 is committed to investigating every angle and holding every single culpable party accountable for their actions and inactions, sending a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Prevails

The fight against hazing is often difficult, confronting entrenched “traditions” and powerful institutions. But history, both recent and ongoing, proves that justice can and does prevail, often resulting in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an undeniable message of accountability. We want Pittsylvania County fraternities, universities, and national organizations to hear this message loud and clear: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. These same results are possible for Pittsylvania County victims.

These landmark cases demonstrate that families of hazing victims—whether resulting in injury or death—can achieve substantial compensation. The same legal strategies, aggressive litigation, and unwavering commitment apply directly to cases originating in Pittsylvania County.

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million

In 2021, Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event at Bowling Green State University. The outrage and subsequent legal actions resulted in:

$2.9 Million from Bowling Green State University, making it the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history.
$7.2 Million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals involved.
Just recently, in December 2024, a landmark $6.5 Million judgment was awarded against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, holding him personally liable for his role in Stone’s death.

Relevance to Pittsylvania County: This case undeniably demonstrates that a $10 million demand, like the one we’ve filed for Leonel Bermudez, is not only reasonable but supported by precedent. It shows that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar payouts, and crucially, that individuals like chapter presidents can be held personally accountable for millions.

Maxwell Gruver: Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died of acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event at LSU. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495.

A jury awarded the Gruver family a $6.1 Million verdict.
His death also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide for a fraternity member who received prison time.
Louisiana subsequently passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony offense.

Relevance to Pittsylvania County: The Gruver case underscores that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts as a powerful message against hazing. This verdict propelled legislative change, a testament to the fact that these legal battles can force meaningful reform.

Timothy Piazza: Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Estimated Recovery: Over $110 Million

Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance ritual at Penn State where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He suffered multiple falls, including down a flight of stairs, yet fraternity members tragically waited 12 hours to call 911. His death resulted from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding.

The ensuing civil settlements were confidential but are estimated to be over $110 Million.
18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing.
Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, one of the strictest in the nation.

Relevance to Pittsylvania County: This case, characterized by chilling security camera footage, demonstrates how strong evidence can lead to astronomical settlements and widespread institutional reform. It proves the immense financial and legal consequences institutions face when they fail to protect students.

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

The SAME Fraternity as Our Current Case

In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University, where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.

Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed.
A civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement.

Relevance to Pittsylvania County: This is our most critical precedent for Leonel Bermudez’s case. Andrew Coffey’s death means Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had actual knowledge of their chapters’ deadly hazing practices in 2017. The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized for kidney failure eight years later, in a Pi Kappa Phi chapter, proves a persistent pattern of negligence by the national organization and strengthens our pursuit of punitive damages. This shows a profound failure to learn from tragedy. This same national fraternity, with this documented history, maintains chapters near Pittsylvania County.

Other Significant Cases:

Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi, 2021): Another alcohol-related hazing death led to a $4+ million settlement in October 2024, showing recent substantial recoveries for families.
Multiple Lawsuits Against Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) case at the University of Alabama (2023) and a multi-million dollar settlement for chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021).
Kappa Sigma: Hit with a $12.6 million jury verdict in 2005 for the death of Chad Meredith.

These cases are not just headlines; they are human narratives of profound loss and fierce determination for justice. They prove that when hazing causes injury, trauma, or death, courts and juries hold perpetrators and institutions accountable for millions. For Pittsylvania County families, this means that the same legal firepower and strategies that secured these results are available to you. Attorney911 leverages these precedents to build the strongest possible case for your child.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Not a Defense

The insidious nature of hazing often relies on the perpetrators’ belief that victims “consented” to the abuse or could have simply “walked away.” In the state of Texas, the law emphatically rejects this notion. For Pittsylvania County families, understanding this fundamental legal principle is critical: Under Texas law, consent is NOT a defense. Your child cannot legally consent to being hazed.

While Attorney911 is primarily focused on seeking justice through civil litigation, the Texas anti-hazing statute provides a powerful framework that informs our strategy and validates the victim’s position. This framework explicitly outlines what constitutes hazing and, crucially, establishes that a victim’s “consent” to such activities offers no legal protection to the perpetrators.

Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

The Texas Education Code is clear and comprehensive when it comes to hazing. These laws define illegal hazing activities and prescribe penalties for those who engage in them, from individuals to entire organizations.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if that act:

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. (The wooden paddles and intense physical abuse in Leonel’s case unequivocally fall here.)
Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activity that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects health/safety. (Leonel’s forced early morning drives, stripping in cold weather, and the 500 squats that led to kidney failure are textbook examples.)
Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a direct violation.)
Induces or requires a student to violate the Penal Code. (Acts like assault and battery are criminal offenses.)
Coerces consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol.

Leonel Bermudez’s case satisfies multiple elements of this statutory definition. The waterboarding, the forced eating, the brutal calisthenics, and the physical punishments were not just “hazing”; they were violations of Texas law.

Criminal Penalties: Serious Consequences

Texas law doesn’t treat hazing lightly. Depending on the severity, individuals can face:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. (Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure absolutely qualify as “serious bodily injury,” placing the perpetrators in this category.)
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s reference to “potential criminal charges” upon investigation is a direct acknowledgment of these criminal prohibitions.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

The law extends beyond individuals. An organization can be held for condoning or encouraging hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni participate in it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and even forfeiture of property. This is why we have targeted both the local chapter and the national Pi Kappa Phi organization.

The Undeniable Truth: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is the cornerstone of anti-hazing legislation and a critical pillar in our legal strategy. The Texas Education Code explicitly states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is crucial for Pittsylvania County families. When fraternities or universities argue, “he agreed to participate,” “he knew what he was signing up for,” or “he could have left,” the law provides a clear and unambiguous rebuttal. The Texas Legislature understood the power dynamics, the immense social pressure, and the coercive environment of hazing rituals. True, free consent simply cannot exist in such a setting. You cannot consent to be criminally assaulted, terrorized, or to have your life endangered.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal prosecution aims to punish wrongdoing, civil lawsuits allow victims to recover for the devastating harm they have suffered. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, Pittsylvania County victims retain their right to pursue civil damages. Our firm leverages multiple civil liability theories, including:

Negligence: Holding universities, national organizations, and individuals liable for failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm.
Premises Liability: Attaching responsibility to property owners (like the University of Houston) for dangerous conditions (hazing) on their premises.
Negligent Supervision: Holding institutions and organizations accountable for failing to properly supervise their chapters or members.
Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who physically harmed the victim.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering.

These legal avenues are critical for ensuring accountability when institutions in Pittsylvania County fail to protect students. The protections written into Texas law echo similar statutes in many other states, and federal civil rights claims can provide additional avenues for justice, irrelevant of particular state laws. Attorney911 is prepared to utilize every aspect of these laws to protect your child and secure the compensation they deserve.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

When your family in Pittsylvania County faces the nightmare of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a champion. You need a legal team with the experience, the insight, and the unwavering commitment to fight for your child against powerful universities and national fraternities. Attorney911 is that champion. We don’t just talk about hazing; we are aggressively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now, and we bring that same relentless advocacy to every family we represent, including those in Pittsylvania County.

What sets Attorney911 apart? We are built for legal emergencies, and a hazing incident is precisely that: an urgent, devastating emergency requiring immediate, aggressive action.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantages

25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a battle-tested trial attorney with over two and a half decades of experience in courtrooms across Texas and in federal courts. This proven expertise is now available to Pittsylvania County families, ensuring your case is handled by a seasoned litigator who is not afraid to go to trial.
Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense lawyers. This means we have seen their playbook from the inside. We know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities strategize to deny or minimize claims. This insider knowledge is an unfair advantage for our clients, allowing us to anticipate their moves and dismantle their defenses effectively. Lupe Peña’s experience at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, provides unparalleled insight into how large corporate defendants operate in multi-practice litigation.
Federal Court Admissions: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and possess the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal court jurisdiction. This is critical for national hazing litigation against out-of-state fraternity headquarters or when federal civil rights claims are applicable to cases originating in Pittsylvania County.
Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds bar licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure is a strategic advantage, particularly in cases involving national fraternities whose operations span across state lines. It allows us greater flexibility and reach when pursuing justice against multi-state organizations for Pittsylvania County families.
Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph Manginello was involved in the mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion. This experience demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants—the same skills directly applicable to taking on national fraternities and universities in Pittsylvania County hazing cases.
Civil Rights Litigation Experience: Ralph has represented clients in federal civil rights cases, including First Amendment retaliation. This expertise is crucial when institutions in Pittsylvania County try to silence victims or retaliate against them for reporting hazing.
Journalism Background: Ralph’s Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin trained him to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories. Hazing cases often involve exposing hidden truths and presenting a clear narrative to a jury, skills honed through his journalism roots.
Hazing-Specific Expertise and Active Litigation: We are not theoretical. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, directly dealing with injuries like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This active involvement means we are at the forefront of hazing litigation, employing the most current strategies and understanding the evolving legal landscape for Pittsylvania County victims.
Deep Roots in Texas, National Reach: While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Pittsylvania County and across America. We offer remote consultations via video to make initial contact easy, and we are prepared to travel to Pittsylvania County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña who is fluent in Spanish, ensures comprehensive legal services for Spanish-speaking clients. This is especially important for Pittsylvania County’s diverse communities, ensuring no family faces language barriers in their pursuit of justice.

The Attorney911 Approach: First, Fast, Decisive

When a legal emergency like hazing strikes a family in Pittsylvania County, we move with purpose:

Immediate Action: We preserve critical evidence—texts, photos, medical records, witness statements—before it can be lost or destroyed.
Expert Network: We build our cases with expert witnesses, including medical professionals, Greek life culture specialists, and experts in institutional negligence.
Negotiate from Strength: Our reputation and active, high-stakes hazing litigation demonstrate that we mean business. We pursue maximum compensation, often making settlement the most viable path for defendants.
Unwavering Client Support: Our staff is kind, compassionate, and genuinely passionate about helping victims. We treat Pittsylvania County families like our own, ensuring you are supported through every step of this challenging journey. Our client testimonials consistently highlight our communication, responsiveness, and dedication.

Payment Flexibility: No Upfront Cost for Pittsylvania County Families

We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident can be overwhelming, with medical bills and lost school time. Cost should never prevent Pittsylvania County families from seeking justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

You pay us $0 upfront.
We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid yourself.
This aligns our interests perfectly with yours—we are fully invested in winning your case.

Our Core Philosophy and Commitment

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 to ensure victims of legal emergencies receive “immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.” Lupe Peña, with his insights from defending insurance companies, embodies the firm’s strategic edge: “With Mr. Peña you get an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side.”

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. When a university, a national fraternity, or an insurance company attempts to silence Pittsylvania County hazing victims, we take it to court. Our fight for Leonel Bermudez is proof of this commitment. Let us be your champions.

What to Do Right Now: Your Immediate Steps for Justice

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. Fear, confusion, and fear of retaliation can lead victims and their families in Pittsylvania County to delay action, but every moment counts. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. If your child has been hazed, here’s what you need to do right now:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Documentation

Seek immediate medical care: If your child has been physically injured, get them to the emergency room or a doctor as soon as possible. Even if injuries seem minor, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, seek professional medical or mental health help. Rhabdomyolysis, the condition Leonel Bermudez suffered, can have delayed symptoms. Medical documentation is paramount.
Be honest with medical providers: Tell them exactly what happened and that the injuries are hazing-related.
Keep ALL medical records: Collect hospital records, ER visit summaries, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), bills, and prescriptions.

2. Preserve Absolutely All Evidence

THIS IS CRITICAL. Fraternities, universities, and individuals will actively attempt to destroy or hide evidence. As Attorney Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

Photos and Videos: Take clear pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. Document the hazing location if possible (fraternity house, basement, park, etc.). If your child is incapacitated, have a trusted friend do this. If any photos or videos of the hazing exist, secure them immediately.
Communications: This is arguably the most vital evidence in hazing cases.
- Text Messages: Screenshot every single text message related to the hazing—from individuals, group chats, pledges, leaders.
- Social Media: Take screenshots of GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, or any relevant posts. Do not rely on ephemeral content; save it permanently.
- Emails: Preserve all email communications.
Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for other pledges, witnesses, or bystanders who may have information about the hazing.
Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written instructions given to your child by the fraternity or organization.
Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, any lost wages from missed work, or academic fees incurred due to the hazing incident.

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Deleting messages, posts, or media can be considered destruction of evidence and can severely damage your case.
DO NOT POST ABOUT THE INCIDENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Anything your child or family posts can and will be used against them by defense attorneys. Even innocent-looking photos can be twisted. Stay silent online.
DO NOT CONFRONT THE ORGANIZATION OR UNIVERSITY ALONE: Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials (including Greek Life or Title IX administration), or their lawyers without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions. Any statement given can be used against your child.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING: Never sign any document from the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without consulting an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights to future compensation.

3. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Time is Not on Your Side

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, is generally two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s two years from the date of death. Other states have similar, or sometimes shorter, deadlines.

DO NOT DELAY. This is not a suggestion; it is a critical warning.

Evidence disappears: Digital trails can be erased, and physical evidence can be cleaned up.
Witnesses forget: Memories fade, and individuals may become harder to locate.
Your rights expire: If you miss the legal deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation forever.

Leonel Bermudez’s family acted immediately: his hospitalization was November 6, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate action is crucial to preserving evidence and securing justice.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

This is the most important step for Pittsylvania County families. Attorney911 offers free, confidential consultations to hazing victims and their families.

We will evaluate your case: We’ll assess the details, identify potential defendants, and explain your legal options.
We protect your child: Once you retain us, all communications from the fraternity, university, or their lawyers must go through us. This shields your child from further intimidation and manipulation.
We will begin immediate investigation: We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants, demand key documents, and ensure no evidence is destroyed.
We remove the financial barrier: With our contingency fee model, there is $0 upfront cost to you. We only get paid if we win. You don’t pay us. They pay us.

Pittsylvania County families: hazing cases are complex, involving multiple defendants—individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities. You need an attorney with the specific experience, resources, and dedication to navigate this intricate legal landscape. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña have that experience, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to fighting for hazing victims.

Call to Action: Pittsylvania County Families, Your Fight Starts Now

🚨 Pittsylvania County Families: Has Your Child Been Hazed?

You and your child have powerful legal rights. We are fighting this exact fight right now in Houston, and we are ready to fight for your child in Pittsylvania County with the same aggression and commitment.

Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, brought just weeks after he was hospitalized for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure due to brutal hazing. We know how to build these cases from the ground up, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to WIN. Pittsylvania County families deserve, and will receive, the same caliber of aggressive, strategic representation.

Pittsylvania County Families — Call Us Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

We understand that reaching out can feel overwhelming, but your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. There is no obligation, only a chance to understand your rights and options.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Pittsylvania County hazing emergencies. When tragedy strikes in the middle of the night, we are here.

Our Commitment to Pittsylvania County Families:
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning $0 upfront for you. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to every family, regardless of financial means, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery.

What Pittsylvania County Hazing Victims and Families Should Do Right Now:

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: If your child has not yet received professional medical or psychological care for their injuries, do so immediately. Document everything.
PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Secure every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, photo, video, and document related to the hazing. Do not delete anything.
DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE WITHOUT US: Do not talk to the fraternity/sorority members, university officials, or their lawyers without consulting our firm first. Any statements you make can be used against you.
DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Refrain from posting about the incident on any social media platform, and instruct your child to do the same.
CALL US IMMEDIATELY: Time is critical. The statute of limitations (typically two years in most states) means your legal rights can expire. Evidence disappears rapidly, and memories fade. Act now.

We Serve Pittsylvania County Hazing Victims—And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national scourge. We are fully equipped to evaluate and represent your Pittsylvania County hazing case, no matter where you are located or where the incident occurred.

Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions across the country.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages in cases against national fraternities and sororities with headquarters or significant operations in various states.
Video Consultations: We can conduct initial consultations remotely via video conference, making it easy for Pittsylvania County families to connect with us without travel.
Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Pittsylvania County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever the demands of your case require our physical presence. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice for your child.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in Pittsylvania County. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities near Pittsylvania County.
Sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC programs across Virginia.
Any organization—military academies, clubs, or professional groups—that uses abusive initiations.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Our lawsuit details another pledge who collapsed and lost consciousness. Others suffered simulated waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, and brutal physical assaults. Leonel was not an isolated incident.

You have rights too. We can represent you.
As Lupe Peña so powerfully 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.” Your decision to come forward can not only secure your own justice but can also prevent future tragedies.

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, depends on holding these irresponsible organizations and institutions accountable. Let Attorney911 be your voice and your sword in this fight.